Short Deck (6+ Hold'em)

How to play — step by step

1. Every player antes; the button posts a double ante (no blinds in most formats).
2. Each player is dealt 2 hole cards.
3. Betting works like NLHE. Flop, turn, river with betting rounds.
4. Hand rankings: Flush > Full House. Aces still play low for A-6-7-8-9 straight.

Stakes & formats

• Stakes: $0.25/$0.50 — $25/$50
• Formats: 6-max, ante-only structures

Example hand

6-max, $1 ante short deck

• Preflop: Hero calls BTN ante with 9♠8♠ against 5 antes. Hero raises to 4× when action folds around, blinds fold, one caller. Pot: 12 antes.
• Flop (T♠ 7♥ 6♦): Open-ended + backdoor flush. Hero pots, opp calls.
• Turn (T♠ 7♥ 6♦ J♣): Hero makes the nut straight. Value bet.

Result: Hero collects a big pot with a straight that hits often in short deck.

Quick strategy

• Straights are more common — reduce their standalone value.
• Sets and flushes dominate the top of your range.
• Play more speculative hands from position; equities run close.

Frequently asked questions

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