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Shorthanded Hold’em
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Shorthanded Hold’em is very different than playing a full ring game. It is a game that is popular among the pros, because you get a lot of action and can play more hands per hour. Usually poker games consisting six players or less are considered short handed. The key to become a successful shorthanded player is aggression.
The average hand will be a lot worse in a shorthanded game than at a full table. Therefore you have to play more hands and play them more aggressive. If you sit around waiting for premium hands you will be blinded to death.
The important of aggression cannot be stressed enough; you want to take the initiative from the start and try to isolate one single opponent. When you take the initiative you will force your opponents to hit the flop. When you are holding two cards, as in Texas Hold’em, your hand will only improve to a pair or better in 1/3 of the times. Therefore you can often get your opponents to fold if you stay aggressive. Another reason to be aggressive is to win the blinds uncontested. In a shorthanded game the blinds go around really quick and it is important that you fight for them.
The starting hands you should play in a shorthanded game differ from the ones you should play in a regular ring game. High cards increase in value and medium suited connectors decreases. Draws are worth less, because you will not get paid as much when they hit, and a lot of times the pot will be won with hands like ace high.
To become a successful shorthanded player you have to stay aggressive, but remember that shorthanded play requires a lot more skill than full ring games. Before you take the leap to play shorthanded you should practice and learn to beat a regular game.
• The importance of position
• Texas hold'em starting hands
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