The game is a fast, fun variation of the world-recognised Texas Hold'em format. Short Deck Hold'em originated in Asia a few years back and is gaining increased recognition in Europe. Due to some recent star-studded High Roller events, the game is attracting growing interest in the USA and is now being played in Las Vegas. It's played just like normal Texas hold'em, except it's played with a short deck—all the cards deuce through five are removed from the deck. Aces play as the low end of a nine-high straight.
6+ Hold'em is a popular 'short deck' poker format that plays much like Texas Hold'em, but with a few exciting differences:
- All cards lower than a six are removed from the deck
- Everyone posts an ante and only the button posts a blind - known as the 'button blind'
- A flush beats a full-house and Ace, 6, 7, 8, 9 is classified as a straight
Available exclusively at PokerStars 6+ Hold'em is your chance to play an action-packed variant loved by high-stakes players around the world.
The Rules of 6+ Hold'em
All 6+ Hold'em games use a 36-card deck (with all cards lower than a 6 removed), which is shuffled before every hand is dealt. Games also use a 'button blind' structure: every player posts an ante, and the player seated at the button position is the only one who posts a blind – meaning there is only one blind per hand, rather than traditional small/big blind format.
The action starts with the player seated to the left of the button. Each hand then plays out according to Texas Hold'em rules, with pre-flop, flop, turn and river betting rounds.
If you've played Texas Hold'em games before, the rules of 6+ Hold'em are easy to follow.
If you've played Texas Hold'em games before, the rules of 6+ Hold'em are easy to follow.
But don't forget: contrary to regular Texas Hold'em games, in 6+ Hold'em a flush beats a full-house. A five-card hand consisting of Ace, 6, 7, 8, 9 (any suit) is also deemed a straight. All other hand rankings remain the same.
Learn How to Play 6+ Hold'em for Free
If you want to learn how to play 6+ Hold'em, then download the PokerStars software and join any of the free poker games where you can play online against other players. Unlike our real money poker games, since there is nothing at stake, you can be comfortable learning the ropes of the game and all the rules of 6+ Hold'em. We hope to see you in our poker room, and good luck at the tables!
Online Texas Holdem
As well as 6+ Hold'em, we also offer many other poker variants. See our Poker Games page to learn more.
If you have any questions, please contact Support.
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How To Play Short Deck Texas Holdem
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