Short Deck Poker, also known as Six Plus Hold'em, is a popular variant of Texas Hold'em that has gained significant popularity, especially in high-stakes poker circles. The game is similar to traditional Texas Hold'em but with a few key differences that make it more action-packed and strategic. This article will walk you through the rules, hand rankings, and basic strategies to get you started with Short Deck Poker.

Understanding Short Deck Poker

What Makes Short Deck Different?

The most significant difference between Short Deck Poker and traditional Texas Hold'em is the deck. In Short Deck, the 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s are removed, leaving a 36-card deck instead of the standard 52-card deck. This change alters the dynamics of the game, making it more volatile and creating more opportunities for big hands.

The Rules of Short Deck Poker

1. 
   Hand Rankings:
   • In Short Deck, the hand rankings are slightly different from Texas Hold'em. The main difference is that a flush ranks higher than a full house due to the reduced number of cards in each suit.
   • The hand rankings from highest to lowest are as follows:
     • Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit.
     • Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
     • Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank.
     • Flush: Five cards of the same suit (higher than a full house in Short Deck).
     • Full House: Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
     • Straight: Five consecutive cards (in Short Deck, an Ace can be high or low, so A-6-7-8-9 is a valid straight).
     • Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
     • Two Pair: Two cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
     • One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
     • High Card: The highest card in your hand if no other hand rankings are achieved.
2. 
   Gameplay:
   • Blinds: The game starts with the posting of blinds, just like in Texas Hold'em.
   • Hole Cards: Each player is dealt two private cards, known as hole cards.
   • Betting Rounds: There are four betting rounds: pre-flop, flop, turn, and river.
   • Community Cards: Five community cards are dealt face up in the center of the table, which all players can use in combination with their hole cards to make the best five-card hand.
   • Showdown: After the final betting round, players reveal their hands, and the best five-card hand wins the pot.

Key Strategies for Short Deck Poker

1. Adjust Your Starting Hand Selection

Why It Matters: With fewer cards in the deck, the likelihood of being dealt strong hands increases, meaning you need to adjust your starting hand selection accordingly.
How to Do It:

• Play More Hands: In Short Deck, hands like A-Q and K-J are more powerful and can be played more aggressively.
• Consider Hand Strength: Be mindful that even seemingly strong hands like pocket pairs can be vulnerable due to the increased likelihood of opponents having strong hands as well.

2. Reevaluate Drawing Hands

Why It Matters: Drawing hands like straight and flush draws are more likely to hit in Short Deck due to the reduced number of cards.
How to Do It:

• Chase Draws More Frequently: Since the odds of completing a flush or straight are higher, it's often worth chasing these draws.
• Beware of Full Houses: Remember that flushes beat full houses, so be cautious when betting big with a full house on a flush-heavy board.

3. Pay Attention to Straights

Why It Matters: Straights are easier to make in Short Deck, but the different hand rankings mean you need to be careful.
How to Do It:

• Ace as Low or High: Remember that in Short Deck, an Ace can be the lowest card in a straight (e.g., A-6-7-8-9) or the highest (e.g., 10-J-Q-K-A).
• Avoid Being Overly Aggressive: While straights are strong, be aware of potential flushes and other strong hands.

4. Adjust to the Fast-Paced Nature

Why It Matters: Short Deck is a more action-packed game with frequent big hands, making it crucial to adapt your strategy to the fast-paced nature of the game.
How to Do It:

• Stay Aggressive: Don’t be afraid to put pressure on your opponents with strong hands or semi-bluffs.
• Manage Your Bankroll: The increased variance in Short Deck means that bankroll management is even more important to withstand downswings.

5. Understand Pot Odds and Equity

Why It Matters: With the altered deck, the equity of hands changes, so understanding pot odds becomes critical.
How to Do It:

• Calculate Equity: Always calculate your hand’s equity against your opponent’s likely range.
• Use Pot Odds: Make decisions based on whether the pot odds justify calling with your draw or hand.

Conclusion

Short Deck Poker is an exciting and dynamic variant that offers a fresh challenge for poker enthusiasts. By understanding the differences in hand rankings, adjusting your starting hand selection, and adopting a more aggressive strategy, you can increase your chances of success in this thrilling game. Remember, the key to mastering Short Deck Poker is to stay adaptable and always be aware of the unique aspects of the game.