Advanced Common Player Types in Short Deck and How to Counteract Them Owen Gaines Owen Gaines is a professional poker player and author who has played an estimated ten million hands and written four poker strategy books. September 18, 2025 Understanding LAGs, tight players and calling stations equips you to adjust your strategy on the flyShort Deck poker, also known as Six Plus Hold’em, has become a popular high-stakes variant thanks to its fast pace and action-heavy nature. With fewer cards in the deck, the dynamics of the game shift, and so do the types of players you’ll encounter. Recognizing these player types and knowing how to counter them can make a big difference in your results. One of the most common player types is the loose-aggressive (LAG) player. They thrive on the volatility of Short Deck, often raising and reraising with a wide range. Against LAGs, patience is key. Let them do the betting and avoid bloating pots with marginal hands. When you do pick up a strong hand, don’t slow-play; value bet aggressively since they are likely to pay you off.On the opposite end are tight-conservative players, who wait for premium hands like pocket aces or suited broadways. Their predictability is exploitable. Apply consistent pressure with medium-to-strong holdings and force them into difficult decisions. Because antes are significant in Short Deck, overly cautious players bleed chips, so attacking their blinds and antes pays dividends.You’ll also find calling stations, players who can’t resist seeing turns and rivers. In this case, bluffs lose value. Instead, focus on betting your made hands confidently, especially when you hold straights or flushes, which are more common in Short Deck. Extracting maximum value from these players is straightforward—bet big and often when ahead.Finally, there are the balanced or GTO-oriented players, often the toughest opponents. They mix up their play, making them harder to read. The best approach is to avoid trying to out-level them in every spot. Instead, stay disciplined, use proper hand selection, and pick battles where you have position or stronger ranges.Short Deck rewards adaptability, and those who learn to exploit tendencies while protecting themselves from strong competition will find the edge needed to succeed consistently.