Six Plus Hold’em

1. Introduction

Six Plus Hold’em, also known as Short Deck Poker, is one of the fastest-growing poker variants in the world. Originally popular in high-stakes games in Asia, especially in places like Macau, it has now become a favorite among online and live poker players.

What makes this game exciting is its smaller deck, bigger hands, and faster action. Compared to traditional Texas Hold’em, Six Plus Hold’em creates more aggressive gameplay and frequent strong hands, making it highly engaging for both beginners and experienced players.

If you already know the basics of poker, this format will feel familiar—but with some important twists that change how the game is played and won.

2. What is Six Plus Hold’em?

Six Plus Hold’em is a modified version of Texas Hold’em played using a shortened deck of 36 cards instead of the standard 52 cards.

Key Characteristics:

• Cards 2, 3, 4, and 5 are removed
• Only cards from 6 up to Ace remain
• Each player is dealt 2 hole cards
• The game uses community cards
• Features adjusted hand rankings

In simple terms, it’s regular Hold’em—but with fewer cards and more action.

Why Is It Called Six Plus Hold’em?

The name comes from the structure of the deck:

• The lowest card is a 6
• All cards are “six and above,” hence the term “Six Plus”

How the Short Deck Works

To create the deck:

• Remove all 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s (16 cards total)
• This leaves:
  • 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A

What About Aces?

• Aces still act as high cards
• They can also act as low cards in straights

Example:

• The lowest straight becomes A-6-7-8-9
• Here, Ace effectively replaces the missing 5

What Makes Six Plus Hold’em Different?

• Smaller deck = higher probability of strong hands
• More frequent:
  • Straights
  • Trips
  • Full houses
• Faster and more aggressive gameplay
• Strategy differs from standard Hold’em

3. Basic Rules of Six Plus Hold’em

Before jumping into gameplay, it’s important to understand how the game is set up and played.

Step 1: The Deck Setup

• Use a 36-card deck
• Remove all cards ranked 2 through 5

Step 2: The Deal

• Each player receives 2 hole cards face down

Step 3: Objective

• Build the best 5-card poker hand
• Combine:
  • Your hole cards
  • Community cards on the table

Step 4: Betting Format

• Usually played as:
  • No-Limit, or
  • Ante-based structure (instead of blinds in some games)

Step 5: Winning the Hand

• Players reveal hands at showdown
• Best hand wins the pot

Important Rule

• You can use any combination of hole cards and board cards (like Texas Hold’em)

4. Poker Hand Rankings

One of the biggest differences in Six Plus Hold’em is the adjusted hand rankings.

Standard Short Deck Rankings (Best to Worst):

1. Royal Flush
2. Straight Flush
3. Four of a Kind
4. Flush (beats Full House)
5. Full House
6. Straight
7. Three of a Kind
8. Two Pair
9. One Pair
10. High Card

Why Are Rankings Different?

Because the deck is smaller:

• There are fewer cards of each suit
• Flushes become harder to make
• Therefore, a flush is ranked higher than a full house

Key Insight

• Straights and trips are more common
• One pair is much weaker compared to regular Hold’em

5. Gameplay Structure

Six Plus Hold’em follows a very similar structure to Texas Hold’em, with four main betting rounds.

Pre-Flop

• Each player gets 2 cards
• First round of betting begins

Flop

• Dealer places 3 community cards
• Second round of betting

Turn

• Fourth community card is revealed
• Another betting round

River

• Fifth community card is dealt
• Final betting round

Showdown

• Remaining players reveal hands
• Best 5-card hand wins

Alternative Variation (Popular in Some Games)

In some Six Plus Hold’em games:

• Instead of dealing a fifth community card (river),
• Players receive a third hole card

Rules in this variation:

• Players must use:
  • Exactly 2 of their 3 hole cards
  • 3 community cards

This style is similar to Omaha and increases the chances of stronger hands.

6. Tips for Beginners

Six Plus Hold’em requires a slightly different mindset compared to regular poker.

1. Adjust Hand Values

• One pair is weak
• Two pair is common
• Aim for stronger hands like:
  • Straights
  • Flushes
  • Full houses

2. Play More Aggressively

• Strong hands appear more often
• Passive play can cost value

3. Focus on Connected Cards

• Straights are easier to make
• Hands like 9-10-J-Q are very powerful

4. Respect Flush Strength

• Flushes are rare and very strong
• Don’t underestimate them

5. Understand Drawing Odds

• Fewer cards in the deck means:
  • Higher chances of completing draws
• Example:
  • Straight draws hit more often than in regular Hold’em

6. Be Aware of Increased Variance

• Bigger hands = bigger pots
• Manage your bankroll carefully

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Playing Like Regular Hold’em

• Strategies are different
• Old habits can lead to losses

2. Overvaluing Top Pair

• Top pair is not strong enough most of the time

3. Ignoring Hand Ranking Changes

• Many beginners forget:
  • Flush beats full house

4. Playing Too Passively

• This game rewards aggressive play

5. Misjudging Odds

• The short deck changes probabilities
• Learn how often hands improve

6. Not Adapting to Variations

• Some tables use different dealing formats
• Always understand the rules before playing

8. Conclusion

Six Plus Hold’em (Short Deck Poker) is a thrilling and fast-paced variation of traditional Texas Hold’em that brings more action, bigger hands, and exciting strategic changes.

With a smaller deck and adjusted hand rankings, players must rethink their approach and adapt quickly to the new dynamics of the game.

For beginners, the key to success is:

• Understanding the new hand values
• Playing strong and aggressive hands
• Avoiding common mistakes
• Practicing regularly

As more players search for “Six Plus Hold’em rules” and “Short Deck Poker strategy,” learning this game can give you a real advantage in modern poker environments.

Start simple, stay focused, and enjoy the unique challenge that Six Plus Hold’em brings to the table.

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