Pokerstars Short Deck
The short deck Hold’em revolution has taken another step forward thanks to PokerStars and its Spin & Go tournaments.
PokerStars is continuing its short deck Hold’em push by introducing a new series of Spin & Go tournaments. (Image: PokerStars)
Following a software update on July 25, the all-action version of Hold’em is now available as a three-handed showdown.
As it’s a PokerStars update, the tables themselves will be known as 6+ Spin & Go tournaments. However, the rules are the same as any short deck Hold’em games available at other online poker sites.
From Macau to PokerStars
See full list on paulphuapoker.com. The Rules of Short-Deck Poker The variant featured in Triton Poker Series events is called Short-Deck, Ante-Only. There is no small or big blind, and instead everyone has to post an ante that increases each level in the same way blinds do in a standard game of No-Limit Hold’em. The player on the button posts a double ante.
Initially devised and played in Macau’s exclusive high stakes games, the short deck format has swept the internet over the last 12 months.
The Winning Poker Network (WPN) got the ball rolling in September 2018 with its own take on the game. PokerStars followed suit in January 2019 before Partypoker launched what it describes as the only variant that stays true to the games in Macau.
Pokerstars Short Deck Options
While each operator has its own twist on short deck Hold’em, the variant has clearly struck a chord. As well as cash games and tournaments making a mark online, the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOP) hosted it for the first time in 2018.
Although the $28,500 tournament only attracted nine entries, it signaled the start of a new trend. With the Triton Poker Series and other organizations now offering short deck Hold’em as a standard, more players are trying their hand at something new.
For PokerStars, the variant’s popularity is reason enough to launch a new series of Spin & Go tournaments. Available at stakes ranging from $1 to $100, the games are available across the operator’s international and European networks.
At this stage, there’s no indication of whether 6+ Hold’em Spin & Go tournaments will go live in the US. However, the innovation is clearly one PokerStars is investing heavily in.
Short Deck Hold’em Update Bucks Trend
For regulars, the update will be a welcome break from the norm. Over the last three years, PokerStars has gradually be shifting its focus towards casual players.
Thanks to reduced buy-ins, a revamped loyalty scheme and video-game inspired offerings such as Power Up, entertainment has become the order of the day.
6+ Hold’em is by no means boring. However, it originated from the high stakes community and, to this day, it remains a favorite of the game’s elite.
Because the dynamics are designed to generate more action, the impact of any decision is a lot greater. With that being true, it can be argued short deck Hold’em is more suited to skilled players.
Therefore, many will see 6+ Hold’em Spin & Go tournaments as something that will give regulars and not newbies some added value for a change.
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A game where flushes beat full houses, you flop more sets, and no more pocket deuces. 6+ Hold'em launches today.
It's the newest poker variant to appear on PokerStars, and the most talked about game in the poker world.
We call it 6+ Hold'em.
That's our version of short deck hold'em. Below you'll find details of how to play, and where to play it.
Pokerstars Short Deck Plans
6+ will appeal to regular players, as well as high rollers, and anyone who follows the game (and wants to see what all the fuss is about).
'6+ is an exciting poker variant that often produces big hands and a lot of action', said Chris Straghalis, Director of Poker Product at PokerStars.
'While the format has proven popular with high stakes players, the range of stakes available on PokerStars and similarities to hold'em mean that it should appeal to those who may want to try a new game but don't want something too different. We're looking forward to seeing what people think.'
What makes 6+ Hold'em different?
The first thing to note is that all cards lower than a six are removed from the deck.
The game is also played with what's known as a 'Button Blind'. While all players post an ante, only one blind is posted, and that's by the player on the button.
6+ Hold'em is played six-handed and uses a Button Blind - a unique feature to PokerStars
This is the same format used in the high stakes short deck games. PokerStars is the only place that uses that format online.
Differences in 6+ Hold'em play
With fewer cards in the deck that obviously means a few difference to regular hold'em.
For instance, with only nine cards for each suit, a flush in 6+ Hold'em beats a full house.
You'll also notice you flop sets a lot more - 17% of the time to be exact (as opposed to 11.8% in regular hold'em).
You'll also make more full houses.
That'll seem great to start with, but you'll quickly discover that 6+ Hold'em hands get big fast.
And what about straights?
Aces can be played high or low, which makes the lowest possible straight: A-6-7-8-9.
Learn 6+ Hold'em strategies
You might already be thinking that 6+ require some shifts in strategy. That's why PokerStars School has a variety of articles that'll help you get started.
That includes hand rankings, pre and post-flop play, and other 6+ hold'em tips. And if you're not already a member of PokerStars School, you can sign up for free.
In 6+Hold'em flushes beat full houses, and the lowest straight is A-6-7-8-9
Meanwhile there are plenty of ways to play and improve.
6+ Hold'em is available on PokerStars at all stakes, for real and play money, and you can play it on desktop or mobile.
Watch and learn from the pros
Over the next couple of weeks, you can also watch PokerStars Ambassadors hosting special multi-camera streams on Twitch. They'll be showcasing 6+ Hold'em games, and detailing their own progress.
In the meantime, get started now by checking out the 6+ tab in the PokerStars lobby.
Games are available now. Try it, and let us know what you think.