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PokerKing Short Deck (6+) Poker

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 PokerKing, 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.

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At a glance

Game
Short Deck (6+ Hold'em)
Deck Size
36 cards (2-5 removed)
Stakes
micro, low, mid, high
Platform
Win, Mac
How it works

Step-by-step guide

Follow the process in order, then check the room's current lobby and cashier terms before committing funds.

  1. 1

    Find Short Deck games at PokerKing

    Log in to PokerKing and look for "Short Deck", "6+", or "6+ Hold'em" in the lobby filters.

  2. 2

    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).

  3. 3

    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.

  4. 4

    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.

Tips and 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.

Frequently asked questions

Does PokerKing offer Short Deck poker?
Check PokerKing's lobby for Short Deck (6+) tables. Availability may depend on player demand and peak hours.
What are the hand rankings in Short Deck?
In Short Deck: Royal Flush > Straight Flush > Four of a Kind > Flush > Full House > Three of a Kind > Straight > Two Pair > One Pair > High Card. Note that flushes beat full houses and trips beat straights.
Is Short Deck more luck-based than regular poker?
No, Short Deck has the same depth of strategy as regular poker, just with different dynamics. The equities run closer together (making it more action-heavy), but skilled players still have a significant edge over time.