What Is Short Deck Poker?

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Short Deck Poker is a variation of Texas Hold’em where all 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s are removed from the deck, leaving just 36 cards. This modification creates a faster game with higher-value hands appearing more frequently. Here are the basic rules:

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1. 1. Each player is dealt 2 hole cards.
2. 2. The dealer reveals 3 community cards (the flop), followed by the turn and river.
3. 3. Betting rounds occur after the flop, turn, and river.
4. 4. Unlike traditional Hold’em, Short Deck often uses an ante format where all players contribute to the pot, and the player on the button posts a blind.

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The result is a game that combines familiarity with exciting twists, attracting both casual players and seasoned pros.

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Hand Rankings in Short Deck Poker

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With a smaller deck, the probabilities of certain hands change, which affects their rankings. The key difference is that a flush ranks higher than a full house because hitting a flush is much harder with fewer cards.

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Here are the hand rankings in Short Deck Poker, from weakest to strongest:

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1. 1. High Card: The highest card in the player’s hand.
2. 2. One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
3. 3. Two Pair: Two sets of cards with the same rank.
4. 4. Three-of-a-Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
5. 5. Straight: Five consecutive cards of any suit.
6. 6. Full House: A combination of Three-of-a-Kind and a Pair.
7. 7. Flush: Five cards of the same suit.
8. 8. Four-of-a-Kind: Four cards of the same rank.
9. 9. Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
10. 10. Royal Flush: A 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, all in the same suit.

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Note: House rules may vary, so always check hand rankings before playing.

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Short Deck Poker Strategy: Key Tips

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While Short Deck Poker shares similarities with Texas Hold’em, the mathematical odds and gameplay strategy are quite different. Here are some essential tips:

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1. Focus on Straights

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With fewer cards in the deck, straights occur more frequently than in regular Hold’em. Therefore, chasing straight draws is often a profitable strategy.

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2. Adjust to Flush Odds

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Since flushes are harder to hit, they are more valuable. If you have suited cards, consider playing more aggressively to capitalize on their strength.

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3. Avoid Relying on Pocket Pairs

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In Short Deck, pocket pairs are less dominant post-flop. Instead of relying on high pairs, look for connected hands like 8-9 or J-Q, which offer better opportunities for straights.

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4. Use the Rule of 3 and 6

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To estimate your odds, multiply your outs by 3 after the turn or by 6 on the flop. This helps you calculate your approximate chances of hitting a winning hand.

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For example: If you have 4 outs, your chance to hit on the turn is roughly 12%, while on the flop, your chance to hit by the river is about 24%.

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5. Play Aggressively

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Short Deck Poker rewards aggressive play, especially when chasing draws. With higher odds of hitting strong hands, playing passively can cost you opportunities to build the pot.

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Conclusion

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Short Deck Poker offers an exciting twist on Texas Hold’em, combining familiar mechanics with new strategic challenges. Its fast pace and frequent high-value hands make it a thrilling choice for poker players looking for something fresh. By understanding the unique hand rankings and adjusting your strategy, you can master this popular variant and elevate your poker game.