Short Deck Poker: A New Twist on Classic Poker

Short Deck Poker, also known as Six Plus Hold’em, is a modern variation of Texas Hold’em that uses a smaller deck and creates fast, action-packed gameplay. The game removes the low cards (2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s), leaving 36 cards instead of 52. This small change transforms the strategy, odds, and pace of the game, making Short Deck a fresh and exciting twist on a classic poker favorite.

Popular in high-stakes games and Asian poker rooms, Short Deck has now spread to casinos, online tables, and major poker tournaments worldwide. Here’s a simple guide to understanding how it works and how to play it well.

What Makes Short Deck Poker Different?

Short Deck Poker uses the same basic rules as Texas Hold’em:

• Each player gets two hole cards

• Five community cards appear on the table

• The best five-card hand wins

But the shorter deck changes many things:

• You see more strong hands

• Players hit draws more often

• The game feels more aggressive and unpredictable

Because weaker cards are removed, the odds shift dramatically, and some hand rankings change depending on the house rules.

How the Short Deck Works

1. Deck Composition

Cards 2 through 5 are removed, leaving:

• 9–A in each suit

• Total of 36 cards

This boosts the chances of hitting:

• Straights

• Sets

• Full houses

2. Antes Instead of Blinds

Short Deck Poker usually uses antes from every player, plus a button ante.
This builds bigger pots right away and adds more action to each hand.

3. Hand Rankings (Important!)

Hand rankings change because of the new card distribution.

In most Short Deck games:

• A flush beats a full house

• Three of a kind beats a straight

Why?
Flushes become harder to make because of fewer cards in each suit, while straights appear more often.

Always check the house rules before playing because some games use traditional hand rankings.

Basic Rules of Play

1. Pre-Flop

Each player receives two hole cards, just like Texas Hold’em.

2. Betting Rounds

Betting happens:

• Pre-flop

• On the flop

• On the turn

• On the river

3. Making a Hand

Players use any combination of hole cards and community cards to form the best hand.
With more big hands appearing, reading opponents becomes more important.

Why Short Deck Poker Is So Popular

1. More Action

Players hit strong hands often.
This creates bigger pots and more excitement.

2. Simple but Deep

The rules are familiar, but the new card math adds deeper strategy.

3. Perfect for High-Stakes Games

Big draws and big bluffs create dramatic moments, making it a favorite among pros.

4. Entertaining to Watch

Short Deck is a hit in televised poker because the game moves quickly and produces strong hands.

Key Strategies for Short Deck Poker

1. Rethink Hand Strength

Hands that seem strong in Hold’em may not be strong enough in Short Deck.

For example:

• Top pair is often weak

• Straights happen regularly

• Strong draws are common

Aim for big hands and avoid small pots with marginal holdings.

2. Value Connected Hands More

Connected hands like:

• J-10

• Q-J

• K-Q
  are extremely valuable because straights form more easily.

Broadway cards become premium starting hands.

3. Suited Cards Still Matter

Flushes are harder to make, so suited hole cards hold extra value.
Drawing to a flush becomes more rewarding, especially when a flush beats a full house.

4. Do Not Overvalue Small Pocket Pairs

Pocket pairs like 6-6 or 7-7 lose value because:

• Sets are easier to hit

• Bigger sets beat smaller sets more often

• Opponents frequently hit straights or better

Medium and high pairs perform better in Short Deck.

5. Aggression Pays

Because players hit big hands often, passive play is punished.
Betting aggressively forces opponents to fold weaker draws or call with bad odds.

But always balance aggression with hand strength.

6. Learn the New Odds

Math changes in Short Deck:

• Straights are more common

• Flush draws hit less often

• Aces can still act as low cards for straights (A–6–7–8–9)

Understanding these odds helps you avoid paying too much for weak draws.

Conclusion

Short Deck Poker is a fun and modern version of Texas Hold’em that brings more action, stronger hands, and new strategic challenges. By removing low cards, the game becomes faster, more aggressive, and full of surprises. If you enjoy Hold’em but want something fresh and exciting, Short Deck Poker is the perfect choice.

Whether you play online, at home, or in a casino, mastering the updated hand rankings, understanding the new odds, and adjusting your strategy will help you succeed at this rapidly growing poker variant.