poker short handed

6 max games are a very interesting variant of no-limit poker. Because the field is reduced to 6 players or less, hand ranges can be much wider.  Some plays that were -EV (expected value) at a full ring table can often be profitable 6 handed.

For example, some players don’t like raising small pocket pairs from early position (like Daut) full ring. But when you’re playing 6 Max you can profitably raise any PP from any position.

What is it that makes 6 max games so different from full ring ?

*  As was previously stated, pocket pairs can be opened from any postion profitably 6 handed, including under the gun.

* 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.

* More pots are played heads-up and you see a lot more hands per hour. The aggressive and fast nature of 6 max games favors the stronger 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 you like pushing your preflop equities and value betting your strong hands more often. 6 max will give you a lot of these opportunities.

* 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 grinder? Your hourly at the 6 max tables will be higher because the volume of hands that you will see.  Do you like to multi-table?

* 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.

The best game for you will depend on your approach to poker. Do you like high variance situations to maximize your expectation and multi-table ?