The use of a short-deck also changes some of the traditional hand rankings because flushes are now mathematically more difficult to make than full houses and trips are made less frequently than straights. When you are new to the game it is helpful to constantly remind yourself that aces are fives. Be very mindful of this aspect at all times as not to misread your hand and/or potentially not fully consider a powerful holding that your opponent may have. Equities run much closer in the game and an ante only structure that frequently accompanies the game provides the impetus for a ton of action.Īnother very unique aspect of this game is that the aces are also considered low. Jack-six off suit is the Seven-deuce off suit of Short Deck and has few exciting possibilities however, the odds are greater that you will get dealt hands with potential. This effectively ends the all too often stretches of always looking at complete duds like nine-deuce off suit and the like. Short Deck Hold’em is simply No Limit Hold’em played with a thirty-six card deck where the twos, threes, fours, and fives have been eliminated.

Hand ranges for short deck no limit