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krazyjohnny · Pair Joined: 20 Oct 2006 Posts: 35

ok,, every poker book I have ever read defines a shorthanded game as a game with less than five players. I've not yet found a single source of information about 6 handed games,, (unless i just haven't picked up the right book), which is odd because all online sites that i know of offer 6 hand max tables.

So, I've been basically playing as I would if early position just doesn't exist. If i'm UTG,, i usually open raise with hands that i would normally play in middle pos. ,, is this correct, or am playing way too loose??

Also,, what about hands like suited connectors,, i figure they will go down in value,, because the chance for multiway pots is decreased, should I avoid playing them,, or should i be raising with them to try to steal the blinds more often??

also,, what about hands like Ace-junk?? since it is more unlikley another player has an ace, should i be more agressive with that hand too??

ridic x · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 9:41 pm Post subject:

Honestly I dunno if you can put a solid set of starting hands in for SH. Everyone's game differs quite a bit in these types of situations and you usually have to adjust to the table rather than play with a set amount of starting hands.

As for the ace-rag, if it's suited I raise it no matter what position but I cannot call a raise with it. If it's not suited I'd say you can raise if you are on the button but any other position I usually don't raise ace rag with anything less than A8 and even then it's usually one off the button.... If you are just starting out in SH I'd suggest only raising suited A2 up to A5 b/c those hands can make TP, a flush, and a str8. Rasing without those connections usually takes some skill to play post flop and later in the hand so you don't want to get into those situations if you are just starting out.

Basically in SH you want to play in position and isolate people as much as possible, if you find yourself cold calling bets PF more than an average of 3 times an hour you are bleeding money. You either want to be raising or folding.

Once you become comfortable with playing SH you can change your game up a bit in order to gain more value out of your hands but I wouldn't get too creative until you have found a comfort level and are used to playing post flop, on turn, and on the river.

What limits are you talking?

krazyjohnny · Pair Joined: 20 Oct 2006 Posts: 35

oh,, i'm talking .50/1 or .25/.50 limits.
SH limit holdem had really not been my best game,, and I really haven't moved up any. just trying to pinpoint the problem. thx.

ridic x · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:06 pm Post subject:

Yeah basically there's no formula that will have you winning more than average. You can play a typical tight style and you will make money but it's possible to simply kill these games at this level.....

Do you have the proper roll for playing? I usually like 300-400 BBs. If you have the proper roll bascially play shorthanded, you'll lose at first but experiance will be your biggest asset. You obviously don't have much SH experience to start out but keep slugging away, try some different things than you would at full table and you should be able to figure out what works and what doesn't. Post some HH's in here and we'll give you feed back.

relaxedriley · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:47 pm Post subject:

Edit: Cleared due to double postin. How do you delete these double posts?

relaxedriley · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:48 pm Post subject:

I gotta disagree with ridic about one thing. In NL holdem I do prefer a wheelcard with the ace, but in Fixed limit you would be surprised how many times that a8/a7 outkicks your opponents a4 in shorthanded games. It is very rare that you will complete your straight with the ace wheel card and in limit holdem it is tough to get paid when you do. So ill take the mid ace over the ace wheel but I wont take too much heat with either of them especially out of position.

ridic x · Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:55 pm Post subject:

griffinlord · Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 2:55 pm Post subject:

SH is a more aggressive game than full table.

Using a starting hands chart and acting as if the first three spots have folded is a reasonable first approximation. But there really isn't a lot out there about SH play so you'll have to improvise a bit more.

You are right that mid-suited connectors go down in value and high cards go up. You'll still lose to folks playing 7-4s and catching a runner-runner flush, try not to let it tilt you.

I think post-flop play is even more important SH than full table. Bottom pair, Ace high, and mid-pocket pairs win a lot more often at SH than full table. Figuring out when your pocket 8s are good and when you should fold them is the difference between winning and losing at SH.

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