Short Deck Poker Rules, also known as 6+ Hold’em, is a variation of traditional Texas Hold’em where the deck is reduced to 36 cards by removing all cards 2 through 5. The game is played with the same rules as Texas Hold’em with a few exceptions and modifications. Here are the rules for Short Deck Poker:
- Deck: Short Deck Poker is played with a deck of 36 cards, consisting of all cards from 6 to Ace in each suit.
- Hand Rankings: The hand rankings in Short Deck Poker are slightly adjusted due to the reduced deck. The hand rankings from highest to lowest are as follows:
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card
- Flush Beats Full House: In Short Deck Poker, a Flush beats a Full House due to the increased likelihood of hitting a Full House with a reduced deck.
- Ante: Short Deck Poker typically uses an ante system rather than blinds. Each player antes before the hand begins.
- Button: The dealer button rotates clockwise around the table after each hand.
- Betting Rounds: Short Deck Poker follows the same betting rounds as traditional Texas Hold’em: pre-flop, flop, turn, and river.
- Starting Hands: Due to the reduced deck, starting hand requirements change. For example, hands like suited connectors and low pocket pairs become stronger, while high cards decrease in value.
- Straights: Aces can be used to make both low and high straights, so the hand A-6-7-8-9 is a valid straight.
- Flushes: Flushes are harder to hit in Short Deck Poker since the deck has fewer cards. Therefore, a Flush beats a Full House.
- Special Hands: Some variations of Short Deck Poker include special hands such as a Three of a Kind beating a Straight, or a Flush beating a Full House. Make sure to clarify any house rules before playing.
These are the basic rules for Short Deck Poker. As with any poker game, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and nuances of the game before playing.