Is Short Deck Poker Better?

Since the release of Tom Dwan’s High Stakes Short Deck Poker on TV, the game has been increasing in popularity. Many top pros have been trying it out and enjoying the new challenge it presents.

So, is short deck poker really better? Let’s take a look at some of the key differences between short deck and regular poker to find out.

The first difference is in the deck itself. A regular poker deck contains 52 cards, but a short deck only has 36. This means that there are less cards of each rank, making it more likely that players will make strong hands.

For example, with a regular deck there are only four aces, but with a short deck there are only three. This makes it more likely that players will make hands like quads or full houses.

Another key difference is how flushes work. In regular poker, a flush is when you have five cards of the same suit. However, in short deck poker a flush is when you have six cards of the same suit.

PRO TIP:When considering whether short deck poker is better for you, think about how the odds of each hand change due to the reduced number of cards. With fewer cards, each hand is more likely to be a winner, meaning the game can be a lot more dynamic and exciting. However, with less cards, there is also an increased risk that big hands will dominate the game, so it’s important to understand how to adjust your strategy accordingly.

This makes flushes much more common, and also means that they are often higher-ranking than they would be in regular poker. For example, in regular poker an ace-high flush would beat a king-high flush. But in short deck poker, a king-high flush would actually beat an ace-high flush!.

Lastly, the biggest difference between short deck and regular poker is the betting structure. In regular poker, the blinds typically stay the same for the entire game.

But in short deck poker, the blinds double after every hand! This means that games can get very expensive very quickly, and that players need to be careful not to get too far behind.

So, is short deck poker really better? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want more action and bigger pots, then short deck poker is definitely for you.

But if you prefer a slower pace and smaller stakes, then regular poker might be a better option.