Beginner Key Concepts in Short Deck Betting Patterns URL has been copied successfully! Adapting to wider pre-flop ranges and stronger draw chasing is crucial for success in Short Deck poker Short Deck poker, also known as Six Plus Hold’em, changes the dynamic of traditional Texas Hold’em by removing all cards ranked 2 through 5. That shift may sound small, but it alters the odds and flow of the game in ways that have a direct impact on betting patterns. To play Short Deck well, understanding these unique betting tendencies is key. One of the most important things to recognize is that hand values shift significantly. For example, a flush becomes harder to make in Short Deck than in standard Hold’em because there are fewer cards of each suit. As a result, some versions of the game rank a flush higher than a full house. This affects how players bet post-flop — many will chase flush draws more aggressively, while others may tighten up when the board shows connected suited cards. Another critical concept is the change in pre-flop hand strength. With fewer low cards in the deck, hands like suited connectors gain more value. Players tend to enter more pots with a wider range, which means you’re likely to see bigger pots earlier in the hand. The traditional tight-aggressive style used in regular Hold’em doesn’t always translate well here. Also worth noting is the importance of position. With more players seeing the flop, being in position gives you critical control of the pot. Players in later positions often raise lighter, knowing that they can outplay their opponents post-flop thanks to more information. Short Deck games often feature more frequent all-ins due to the increased hand equity pre-flop. This leads to a more volatile game, and players who understand this pace tend to bet more confidently with draws and semi-strong hands.