Poker Strategy Starting hand selection in Six-Plus Hold’em Americas Cardroom January 18, 2024 Short Deck Poker adds another level of challenge to Texas Hold’em games Six-Plus Hold’em, also known as Short Deck Poker, has gained popularity in recent years for its fast-paced and action-packed gameplay. The game is played with a reduced deck, with all cards below 6 removed, resulting in a deck of 36 cards. This alteration significantly impacts starting hand selection, making it a crucial aspect of a player’s strategy. In Six-Plus Hold’em, players often find themselves with stronger starting hands compared to traditional Texas Hold’em due to the reduced deck. The absence of low cards increases the relative strength of hands, leading to more frequent confrontations and larger pots. As a result, players need to adjust their starting hand criteria to capitalize on these changes. High cards become even more valuable in Six-Plus Hold’em, with premium hands like pocket aces, kings, queens, and jacks gaining extra importance. These hands are more likely to withstand the increased aggression and competition, offering a better chance of success. Additionally, connectors and suited cards become more playable, as they have a higher likelihood of forming strong combinations with fewer cards in the deck. Players should be cautious with traditionally strong hands in regular Hold’em, such as Ace-King, as they are relatively weaker in Six-Plus Hold’em. The removal of lower cards decreases the chances of making straights, making Ace-King less powerful than in the full deck version. Position also plays a crucial role in starting hand selection. Early position players should focus on playing premium hands that can withstand potential aggression from later positions. Conversely, players in late position can widen their range to include more speculative hands, taking advantage of the information gained from earlier actions.