Tempted by the Thrill of Short Deck Hold'em?**

In recent years, Short Deck Hold'em (also known as 6+ Hold'em) has been making waves in the poker community, and for good reason. This variant of Texas Hold'em is fast-paced, fun, and exciting, with a unique twist that sets it apart from traditional poker games.

What's so special about Short Deck Hold'em?

To start with, Short Deck Hold'em removes all cards 2-5 from the deck, leaving only 36 cards to play with. This reduced deck size changes the probability of certain hands and makes for a more thrilling game.

How does it work?

Each player is dealt two private cards (hole cards) face down, followed by three community cards being dealt face up on the table. Players then have the option to check, bet, or fold, with the goal of making the best five-card hand possible using any combination of their hole cards and the community cards.

Modified Hand Rankings

In Short Deck Hold'em, some hand rankings are modified to reflect the reduced deck size. For example:

• Flush ranks higher than Full House
• Straight can rank higher or lower depending on the specific rules being used
• Three of a Kind may rank higher or lower compared to a Straight

These modifications make for a more unpredictable game, as players need to adapt their strategies to take into account the changed probabilities.

Popularity and History

Short Deck Hold'em has gained popularity among high-stakes gamblers in Asia, particularly in Macau and Hong Kong. It was also promoted by poker legends Phil Ivey and Tom Dwan in an online video showcasing the variant.

Tournaments and Winners

In 2018, the Triton Poker tournament series hosted the first televised Short Deck Hold'em tournaments, with Phil Ivey taking home a prize of US$617,396 at one of these events.

Beginner's Tips

For those new to Short Deck Hold'em, here are some tips to get you started:

• Pay attention to the board: With fewer cards in the deck, the community cards can have a bigger impact on your hand.
• Be selective with starting hands: Due to the modified hand rankings, some starting hands may not be as strong as they would be in traditional Texas Hold'em.
• Focus on making the best possible hand: Short Deck Hold'em is all about adapting to changing circumstances and making the most of the cards you're dealt.

Short Deck Hold'em (6+ Hold'em) is a thrilling variant of poker that offers a unique experience for players. With its fast-paced action, modified hand rankings, and unpredictable nature, it's no wonder this game has gained popularity among poker enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Short Deck Hold'em is definitely worth giving a try!