Short Deck Poker Rules

Introduction

Have you ever played a poker game without 2s, 3s, 4s, or even 5s? Sounds weird. Well, it’s true. There is a variation called Short Deck Poker, where you remove all the above numbers and play only with 36 cards.

Read further to learn about this exciting variation of Texas Holdem. Learn its rules, hand rankings, and gameplay.

Objective

This blog will help you understand short deck poker, its meaning, and gameplay.

What is short deck poker?

Also known as Six Plus Holdem, Short Deck Poker is another variation of classic Texas Holdem. All the cards ranked 2 to 5 are removed, reducing the deck to 36 cards.

The fewer cards make several differences in the gameplay and strategies compared to Texas Holdem.

Short Deck Poker Hand Rankings & Rules

The hand ranking differs from the traditional Texas Holdem because the number of cards is less. Here is a comparison between both the hand rankings:

• The game is played between 2 to 10 players.
• You remove all the 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s from the deck, making it a deck of 36 cards.
• Ace is used as a substitute for five—for example, 9-8-7-6-A.

How do you play short-deck poker?

• The game begins with the player sitting to the left of the dealer putting a small blind and the player sitting next to the small blind putting a big blind.
• Each player gets two hole cards.
• In a pre-flop round, after getting two hole cards, you can either fold, call, or raise based on the big blind.
• Another betting round starts after the three community cards are dealt in a Flop.
• In a Turn-betting round, another community card is dealt, and in a final round called a River, the final community is dealt.
• Finally, in a showdown, the player with the best hand wins.

Short-Deck Poker Strategy

Here are some strategies to help you win short-deck poker:

• Since hand ranking differs from the traditional Texas Holdem, learn the hand ranking first. A flush can beat a Full house in Short-deck poker.
• Hands like A-K, A-Q, and A-J can help you win the round. 
• If you have high cards, don’t keep yourself from playing aggressively. The position also plays a crucial role. Play aggressively only if you are in a late position.
• Straights and Flushes are standard in the game; hence, pay close attention to the board and your opponent’s moves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Flush beat a Full House in Short Deck?

Yes, a Flush beat a Full House in Short Deck Poker.

What beats what in short deck poker?

A flush beats a full house, and a straight beats three of a kind.

What cards are removed in a short deck?

All the 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s cards are removed.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned about short-deck poker, gather all your friends and family and enjoy a game or two.

If you’re playing for the first time, keep in mind that the deck is new; only practice can help you master the game.