Intermediate Avoiding Common Mistakes in Short Deck Hold’em David Parker URL has been copied successfully! Adjust hand values, and understand equity shifts to sidestep common traps Short Deck Hold’em, also known as Six-Plus Hold’em, looks similar to traditional Texas Hold’em but plays very differently. With all cards below six removed, hand values shift, and equities run closer. Many players lose money simply by applying a full-deck strategy to a short-deck game. One common mistake is overvaluing pocket pairs before the flop. In Six-Plus, straights and flushes appear more frequently. Small and medium pairs shrink in strength, especially in multi-way pots. Hand rankings can also vary depending on house rules. In many formats, a flush beats a full house. Failing to confirm the ranking structure before playing can lead to costly misunderstandings. Players often underestimate how often big hands collide. With fewer cards in the deck, premium holdings appear more frequently. Top pair is rarely strong enough to stack off comfortably without additional equity. Another mistake is ignoring redraw potential. Because equities run closer, having backup outs is critical. A straight with a flush draw carries far more value than a bare made hand. Aggression remains important, but blind aggression can backfire. Since opponents connect with boards more often, careless continuation bets lose effectiveness. Thoughtful bet sizing and board awareness matter even more than in regular Hold’em. Preflop ranges should tighten in early position and widen selectively in late position. High-card combinations gain strength, while speculative low connectors lose much of their appeal. Adapting ranges to the altered deck is essential. Bankroll swings can be intense due to frequent all-in situations. Emotional control becomes a competitive advantage. Players who stay patient during variance-heavy stretches avoid chasing losses.