Short Deck (6+ Hold'em)
Short Deck Hold'em, often called 6+ Hold'em on GGPoker, is a thrilling variation of Texas Hold'em that uses a stripped-down 36-card deck — all cards ranked two through five are removed. This single change reshapes the entire game, creating a faster-paced experience where strong hands appear more frequently and traditional hand rankings shift in surprising ways. Canadian players exploring GGPoker's game library will find Short Deck to be a refreshing challenge that rewards strategic thinking and adaptability.
The most important rule adjustment to understand before sitting down is the hand ranking change: a flush beats a full house in Short Deck, because flushes are actually harder to make with fewer cards of each suit available. Straights become much more common, and the ace can be used as a five in the sequence A-6-7-8-9. GGPoker also uses an ante-based structure rather than blinds, with the player on the button posting an extra ante, which keeps the action moving and encourages more players to enter pots.
Here are a few practical tips for Canadian players getting started with Short Deck on GGPoker:
- Re-evaluate your starting hand selection — high pocket pairs and suited connectors gain significant value in this format.
- Remember the adjusted hand rankings before every session; mistaking a flush for a losing hand can be a costly error.
- Be cautious with sets — while still strong, they lose to flushes, so adjust your bet sizing accordingly.
- Take advantage of GGPoker's available play-money tables to practise Short Deck strategy without financial risk before moving to real-money games.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cards are removed in Short Deck Hold'em on GGPoker?
In Short Deck Hold'em on GGPoker, all cards ranked two, three, four, and five are removed from the standard deck, leaving a 36-card deck. This significantly increases the frequency of strong hands and changes overall game dynamics.
Are hand rankings different in GGPoker's Short Deck format?
Yes, hand rankings differ from standard Texas Hold'em. Most notably, a flush outranks a full house in Short Deck because flushes are statistically harder to achieve with the reduced deck. Canadian players should memorise this adjustment before playing for real money.
Can Canadian players try Short Deck for free on GGPoker?
GGPoker typically offers play-money tables where players can practise various game formats, including Short Deck, without wagering real funds. This is a helpful way for Canadian players to get comfortable with the unique rules and hand rankings before joining real-money games.