What is short deck poker?
Short deck poker is a popular variation of Texas Hold’em, often played by the highest rollers in the game. It’s an exciting version of the game that uses a 36-card deck instead of the standard 52 cards. It has gained popularity in recent years as it is a relatively easy and more enjoyable game to play.
The Card Deck and Hand Rankings
The card deck used in Short Deck is different to the traditional one, so players will have to learn new hand rankings. Despite this, the rules of Short Deck are similar to those of traditional Hold’em.
It’s also important to know the odds of winning in this game. While they may be slightly different than those of classic Texas Hold’em, they are still quite relevant and should form a part of any player’s strategy.
1. The Odds of Making Certain Starting Hands
When playing poker, it is vital to understand the odds. This will help you make the most of your chances to win and keep you from losing money.
If you are unfamiliar with the concept of odds, it is recommended that you learn how to calculate them before you start playing at any online casino or in a live game. There are two main ways to do this – an easy way, and a more complicated way.
2. The Odds of Making a Flush Draw in Short Deck
In a game of Short Deck, hitting a flush is much more difficult than it would be in Hold’em because there are only nine cards from each suit. The odds of this happening are much higher than they would be in Hold’em, so it is important to have a good understanding of the odds in order to maximize your chances to hit that flush.
3. Pocket Problems
In Short Deck, big pocket pairs like AA, KK, QQ, and JJ are not as powerful as they would be in regular Texas Hold’em. They are worth playing in a pot, but don’t be afraid to get rid of them when the flop or board texture is weaker.
4. Suited Connecting Hands are Much More Powerful
In a short deck poker game, suited connecting hands like KQ, AK, and JT can be incredibly valuable starting hands, as they give you a shot at making a straight or flush. They are not as strong in a normal game of Hold’em, so you will need to take the time to learn how to use them effectively.
5. It’s Not a Fair Game for Top Pairs
In Short Deck poker, it is harder to get top pair hands. They will lose a lot of equity to open-end straight draws, which is much stronger in this game than they would be in Hold’em.
6. The Game is a Good Place for Beginners
While the short deck version of poker is not as popular as classic Texas Hold’em, it is an interesting game that can be fun to play. The fact that it is a chance-based game and there is no limit to the amount of cash you can win makes it an appealing option for beginners.