Introduction to Short Deck

Short Deck poker is played with a 36-card deck, removing all 2s through 5s. This fundamental change creates more action and requires significant strategy adjustments from regular Hold’em.

Key Rule Differences

• Aces can be high and low (A-6-7-8-9)
• Flushes beat full houses
• Three of a kind beats straights
• Hand rankings are adjusted due to altered probabilities

Starting Hand Selection

Premium Hands (Always Play)

• AA, KK, QQ
• AK suited
• JJ, TT
• AK offsuit
• AQ suited

Strong Hands (Usually Play)

• 99, 88, 77
• AQ offsuit
• AJ suited
• KQ suited
• KJ suited

Playable Hands (Position Dependent)

• 66
• AT suited/offsuit
• KT suited
• QJ suited
• JT suited

Preflop Strategy

Position Play

1. Early Position
   • Play only premium hands
   • Consider limping more than in regular Hold’em
   • Avoid marginal hands
2. Middle Position
   • Widen range slightly
   • Can play more suited connectors
   • Look for opportunities to isolate limpers
3. Late Position
   • Most aggressive position
   • Can play wide range of suited connectors
   • Take advantage of limped pots

Sizing Guidelines

• Open raises: 2.5-3x the big blind
• 3-bets: 2.5-3x the original raise
• 4-bets: 2.2-2.5x the 3-bet

Post-flop Strategy

Flop Play

1. Connected Board Textures
   • Bet smaller on draw-heavy boards
   • Consider multiple street betting plans
   • Be cautious with single pair hands
2. Disconnected Boards
   • Bet larger to protect equity
   • Can be more aggressive with top pair
   • Look for opportunities to bluff

Turn Play

1. When You Have Initiative
   • Continue betting with strong hands
   • Consider pot control with marginal hands
   • Look for opportunities to bluff catch
2. When Facing Aggression
   • Be more willing to call with draws
   • Consider stack sizes for future decisions
   • Pay attention to opponent tendencies

River Play

1. Value Betting
   • Size up with strong hands
   • Consider opponent’s range
   • Be aware of improved draws
2. Bluffing
   • Choose spots where opponent’s range is capped
   • Consider blocker effects
   • Pay attention to bet sizing tells

Mathematical Adjustments

Equity Calculations

• Draws are more valuable
• Straights are more common
• Sets are relatively stronger
• Flushes are harder to make

Pot Odds

1. Drawing to Straights
   • Higher probability than regular Hold’em
   • More likely to be profitable calls
   • Consider implied odds
2. Flush Draws
   • Lower probability than regular Hold’em
   • Need better pot odds to call
   • Strong when made due to hand ranking

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overvaluing Small Pairs
   • Less likely to improve
   • Vulnerable to overcards
   • Consider position carefully
2. Undervaluing Suited Hands
   • Flushes beat full houses
   • Strong drawing potential
   • Good multiway potential
3. Playing Too Tight
   • Game is more action-oriented
   • More opportunities for draws
   • Higher implied odds
4. Incorrect Hand Reading
   • Different hand rankings
   • Changed probabilities
   • New drawing possibilities

Tournament vs. Cash Game Strategy

Tournament Adjustments

1. Early Stages
   • Play tighter than cash games
   • Build stack gradually
   • Avoid marginal spots
2. Middle Stages
   • Look for spots to accumulate
   • Pressure medium stacks
   • Consider ICM implications
3. Late Stages
   • Adjust to prize structure
   • Consider stack sizes carefully
   • Be aware of bubble dynamics

Cash Game Strategy

1. Deep Stack Play
   • More room for creativity
   • Can play more speculative hands
   • Focus on maximizing value
2. Short Stack Play
   • Tighter preflop ranges
   • More straightforward decisions
   • Look for spots to get it in good

Bankroll Management

1. Cash Games
   • Higher variance than regular Hold’em
   • Need larger bankroll
   • Suggested: 40-50 buy-ins
2. Tournaments
   • Even higher variance
   • Consider larger buffer
   • Suggested: 100+ buy-ins

Advanced Concepts

Range Construction

1. Preflop Ranges
   • More condensed than regular Hold’em
   • Focus on high cards
   • Consider blockers
2. Post-flop Ranges
   • More draws possible
   • Different value hierarchy
   • Consider removal effects

Exploitative Adjustments

1. Against Tight Players
   • Increase bluff frequency
   • Take advantage of folds
   • Press small edges
2. Against Loose Players
   • Value bet thinner
   • Reduce bluff frequency
   • Exploit calling stations

Conclusion

Success in Short Deck requires understanding the fundamental differences from regular Hold’em and adjusting strategy accordingly. Focus on:

• Adapted hand rankings
• Modified probabilities
• Aggressive play in position
• Strong draw consideration
• Proper bankroll management

Remember that the game is more volatile and action-oriented than regular Hold’em. Maintain discipline and be prepared for larger swings.