Poker Strategy Starting hand selection strategies in Six-Plus Hold’em Americas Cardroom January 31, 2024 Analyzing which hands hold more post-flop potential can make the difference in Six-Plus Hold’em Six-Plus Hold’em, also known as Short Deck Poker, has gained popularity for its fast-paced and action-packed nature. With a truncated deck (cards 2 through 5 removed), starting hand selection becomes a crucial aspect of the game. Effective strategies in this variant differ from traditional Texas Hold’em, demanding a nuanced approach to maximize success. In Six-Plus Hold’em, the reduced deck alters the hand rankings, creating a more volatile environment. As a result, players need to adjust their starting hand selection to adapt to the game’s unique dynamics. High cards and pairs become more valuable, and the traditional strength of certain hands is recalibrated. Players should prioritize hands with the potential to make strong post-flop holdings, as the increased likelihood of hitting draws makes aggressive play more rewarding. High card hands, such as high connectors and suited cards, gain prominence due to their increased chances of making strong flushes or straights. Premium pairs like AA, KK, and QQ retain their strength, but players should be cautious with middle pairs, as they become less reliable in the absence of lower cards in the deck. Positional awareness is crucial in Six-Plus Hold’em starting hand selection. Being in a later position allows players to observe their opponents’ actions and make more informed decisions. Players should be more conservative with their hand selection in early positions, focusing on premium holdings, while exploiting their positional advantage as the betting rounds progress. Adapting to the evolving dynamics of the game, understanding the impact of the truncated deck and leveraging positional advantages will enable players to make more informed decisions during the critical early stages of each hand.