Short Deck poker (also known as 6+ Hold'em) removes all cards below 6, creating a 36-card deck that dramatically changes hand rankings and strategy. At Natural8, Short Deck offers a fresh, action-packed alternative to traditional poker.
With a flush beating a full house and three-of-a-kind beating a straight in most variants, Short Deck requires you to rethink everything you know about poker hand values. The smaller deck also means more action-heavy games with bigger pots.
Key Information
Step-by-Step Guide
Find Short Deck games at Natural8
Log in to Natural8 and look for "Short Deck", "6+", or "6+ Hold'em" in the lobby filters.
Learn the hand rankings
In Short Deck, hand rankings are modified: flush beats full house, and three-of-a-kind beats straight. Aces can still be used as low for a straight (A-6-7-8-9).
Understand the ante structure
Many Short Deck games use an ante-only format instead of traditional blinds. Every player posts an ante, with the button posting a double ante.
Adjust your strategy
With fewer cards in the deck, pairs and sets happen more frequently. Adjust your hand values accordingly — premium hands in Hold'em may be less dominant in Short Deck.
Natural8
60% rakeback · 5 cryptos accepted
Tips & Best Practices
- ✓Pocket aces are less dominant in Short Deck than in regular Hold'em — be prepared to fold strong hands more often.
- ✓Connected hands (like 8-9 suited) go up in value because straights are easier to make.
- ✓Since flushes are harder to make in Short Deck, they rank higher than full houses.
- ✓The ante structure encourages more action — adjust by playing wider ranges, especially in position.