Poker 6 handed

Shorthanded poker is a fascinating game. The major differences from full ring are that hand values change and their ranges are much wider than full ring. Some plays that were reckless at a full table can be profitable 6 handed.

Raising any pocket pair from any position is a profitable line in 6 max cash games. You don’t have to worry as much about the players behind you and it is much less likely that you will face a re-raise preflop.

So what are the main differences between 6 max and full ring from a strategic standpoint?

* As we said previously, you should open any Pocket pair from any position when playing 6 max cash games.

* Your made hands are much stronger in 6 max games. You still have to worry about pot control but you have more room for value betting as a rule.

* A majority of pots will be played heads up or 3 handed. Because the game is more fast paced there will be numerous  EV spots for the good player.

* You can make some aggressive three bets preflop such as squeeze plays. This is only because the late position openers’ ranges are much wider.

So you still can’t decide whether you prefer 6 max or ring games. Well ask yourself the following questions and add up how many times you answered YES

* Do like not to worry about short term swings as long as your expected value is higher ? Do you play to push your edges in as many situations as you can.

* Do you have a flamboyant aggressive style? Do you like getting paid off by marginal hands because of your image ? If so, 6 max games will be good to you.

* Are you a semi-pro looking to maximize your hourly earnings? Do you like to multi-table and increase your expected value by playing as many hands as possible ?

* Are you a player that uses online tells and reads in his decisions ? 6 max allows you to develop better reads because the field is so reduced.

There is no one game that is superior to the other. It all comes down to personal taste and how one approaches the game.