Short Deck Hold'em (6+)
Also known as: 6+ Hold'em, Short Deck, Triton Hold'em, Six Plus Hold'em
A Hold'em variant played with a 36-card deck (all 2s through 5s removed). The stripped deck changes hand frequencies and rankings — flushes beat full houses, and three-of-a-kind beats a straight in most rule sets. Aces can still make a low straight (A-6-7-8-9).
Quick Rules
- Played with a 36-card deck: 6s through Aces only (2-5 removed).
- Each player is dealt 2 hole cards. 5 community cards dealt as in Hold'em.
- Modified hand rankings: flush beats full house, three-of-a-kind beats straight.
- Aces play high and low (A-6-7-8-9 is the lowest straight).
- Often played with an ante from every player rather than traditional blinds.
Strategy Notes
Pairs and sets are more common due to the reduced deck. Straight draws are easier to hit. Suited hands increase in value since flushes are harder to make. Overpairs are less safe than in standard Hold'em.
Home Game Tips
Remove all 2s through 5s from a standard deck. Print or display the modified hand rankings for reference. Players from Hold'em backgrounds will instinctively overvalue full houses at first.
Use NLH game type. Note the different hand rankings and deck composition.
Create a Short Deck Hold'em (6+) Tournament