Differences Between Short Deck Poker and Regular Poker

Short deck poker, also known as Six Plus Hold'em, introduces several key differences compared to regular poker. Here are the main distinctions to keep in mind:

Deck: Short deck poker is played with a 36-card deck, while regular poker typically uses a standard 52-card deck. In short deck poker, all the deuces through fives are removed, resulting in a smaller deck with higher-valued cards.

Hand Rankings: Due to the altered deck, hand rankings in short deck poker differ from regular poker. For example, in short deck poker, a flush beats a full house, and a straight ranks higher than a three-of-a-kind. It's important to familiarize yourself with the adjusted hand rankings specific to short deck poker.

Gameplay: Short deck poker follows similar gameplay to regular poker, with players making bets based on the strength of their hands. However, the smaller deck in short deck poker increases the likelihood of hitting strong hands, leading to more aggressive and action-packed gameplay.

Strategy: Short deck poker requires some strategic adjustments compared to regular poker. With the altered hand rankings and increased likelihood of strong hands, players need to adapt their strategies accordingly. For example, pairs and sets become more common, while flushes become more challenging to achieve.

Popularity: Short deck poker has gained significant popularity in recent years, attracting both experienced players looking for a fresh challenge and newcomers intrigued by its unique gameplay. The fast-paced nature and increased action make it an exciting variation of the game.