Short Deck Poker, also known as Six Plus Hold'em, is a variation of Texas Hold'em that introduces a few key changes to the traditional format. By using a smaller deck and slightly different hand rankings, it offers a fresh experience for players familiar with standard poker.
If you're curious about how it works and what sets it apart, this guide will walk you through the basics in a clear and straightforward way—no complex jargon, just the essentials to get you started.
Read on to discover what makes Short Deck Poker unique and how to play it confidently.
What Is Short Deck Poker?
Short Deck Poker is a variation of Texas Hold’em with a few key differences that set it apart—most notably, the number of cards in the deck. While it follows a similar structure to traditional Hold’em, the gameplay and strategy are influenced by this smaller deck.
In Short Deck Poker, the 2s through 5s are removed, leaving a 36-card deck made up of cards from 6 to ace. This adjustment changes the odds of certain hands appearing and, as a result, also affects how hands are ranked.
The overall format remains familiar—players receive hole cards, and community cards are revealed in stages. But with fewer cards per suit, some hands become less common. For example, flushes are harder to make than in standard poker, so they rank higher than full houses in this version. On the other hand, straights tend to appear more frequently due to the concentrated range of cards.
These differences mean that players need to adjust their strategy when playing Short Deck Poker. Understanding how hand probabilities shift can make a real difference in how the game is approached.
As always, it's important to play responsibly, keeping enjoyment and awareness at the heart of the experience.
Rules Of Short Deck Poker
Short Deck Poker is played using a 36-card deck, with all cards from 2-5 removed. This smaller deck changes the dynamics of the game, but the overall goal remains similar: to form the best hand at the table—or to convince others you have it.
The gameplay closely follows the structure of Texas Hold’em. Each player is dealt two hole cards, followed by a round of betting. Then, five community cards are revealed in stages—the flop, turn, and river—with betting rounds in between. At the end of the hand, if more than one player remains, all cards are revealed, and the best hand wins the pot.
While the core structure is consistent, some rules may vary slightly between casinos and online platforms. It’s a good idea to check the specific rules wherever you’re playing. Most sites and venues offer guides either within the game, on their website, or via customer support.
As with any casino game, it’s important to approach Short Deck Poker with a focus on responsible gambling—understanding the rules is a great first step toward an enjoyable and mindful experience.
Hand Rankings In Short Deck Poker
Understanding hand rankings is crucial before playing Short Deck Poker. Here’s a list of the hand rankings from strongest to weakest in this version of the game. They differ slightly from the rankings in traditional poker, so learning them can be helpful.
Royal Flush
This is the top hand. It includes an ace, king, queen, jack, and ten, all in the same suit, like A-K-Q-J-10 of hearts.
Straight Flush
This hand consists of five consecutive cards of the same suit. An example is 9-8-7-6-5 of diamonds.
Four of a Kind
Also called quads, this hand has four cards of the same rank, such as four kings.
Flush
Five cards of the same suit, in any order. In Short Deck Poker, a flush is stronger than a full house.
Full House
This is made up of three cards of one rank and two of another, like A-A-A-Q-Q.
Straight
Five consecutive cards of any suit, like 7-8-9-10-J. Aces might be high or low, forming A-6-7-8-9 as the lowest or 10-J-Q-K-A as the highest straight.
Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same rank, such as three jacks.
Two Pairs
Two different pairs, for example, two kings and two tens.
One Pair
This hand has two cards of the same rank, like two queens.
High Card
If no other hand is achieved, the best card decides the hand's value. A hand with an ace is stronger than one with a king.
It’s important to note the following key differences:
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Flush Beats a Full House: In Short Deck Poker, flushes outrank full houses, which is different from traditional poker.
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Ace Usage: Aces might be used as high or low cards. A-6-7-8-9 can form the lowest straight, while 10-J-Q-K-A is the highest straight.
These distinctions help shape the game’s strategy, so having a good grasp of them is essential. As always, it is essential to keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
Is Short Deck Poker Easier To Play?
Whether Short Deck Poker is easier than traditional poker really depends on the individual player. Both versions come with their own set of challenges and strategies, and how “easy” one feels often comes down to personal preference and playing style.
As mentioned earlier, Short Deck Poker uses a smaller deck, removing the 2s through 5s. With fewer cards in play, some players find it simpler to follow the action and keep track of possible hands. The increased chances of hitting certain combinations, like straights, can also make the game feel more dynamic.
That said, the game introduces some important differences—like adjusted hand rankings and altered odds—that might take a bit of time to get used to, especially for those familiar with standard Texas Hold’em. Adapting to these changes requires a fresh approach and a willingness to learn.
In the end, it’s about what suits you best. Trying out Short Deck Poker can help you see how it compares and whether it complements your style of play.
As always, whether you're new to poker or exploring a new variation, it’s important to play responsibly and stay mindful of your limits.
*The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.