Short-handed poker (typically 6-max) is played with 6 or fewer players. It's more aggressive than full-ring and the most popular online format.
6-Max = Wider ranges, more aggression, more action
| Aspect |
Full Ring (9-max) |
Short-Handed (6-max) |
| Players |
9 |
6 |
| Hands played |
15-20% |
25-30% |
| Aggression |
Lower |
Higher |
| Blind stealing |
Less important |
Critical |
| Postflop play |
More multiway |
More heads-up |
| Position |
Notes |
| UTG |
First to act (like MP in full-ring) |
| MP |
Middle position |
| CO |
Cutoff - very strong |
| BTN |
Button - strongest |
| SB |
Small blind |
| BB |
Big blind |
| Position |
Opening % |
Example Hands |
| UTG |
18-22% |
22+, A9s+, KTs+, QJs, ATo+ |
| MP |
22-26% |
22+, A7s+, K9s+, QTs, ATo+ |
| CO |
28-32% |
22+, A2s+, K7s+, Q9s+, A8o+ |
| BTN |
45-55% |
Most pairs, most suited, many offsuit |
| SB |
35-45% |
Wide for stealing |
| Why |
Reason |
| Fewer players |
Less likely to run into strength |
| More blinds |
You pay them more often |
| More position |
You're on BTN more often |
| Action |
Importance |
| Stealing blinds |
Essential for win rate |
| 3-betting |
Must be active |
| C-betting |
High frequency |
| Defending blinds |
Can't fold too much |
| Mistake |
Problem |
| Playing full-ring ranges |
Bleeding blinds |
| Not 3-betting enough |
Missing value and bluffs |
| Folding blinds too much |
Giving up equity |
| Not adjusting to aggression |
Getting run over |
| Full-Ring Habit |
6-Max Adjustment |
| Fold weak Ax |
Open it from BTN/CO |
| Only 3-bet premiums |
Add 3-bet bluffs |
| Check flop often |
C-bet more |
| Give up weak pairs |
Fight for pots |
6-max requires wider ranges and more aggression than full-ring. Steal blinds actively, 3-bet more often, and defend your blinds. The player who wins the most small pots wins at 6-max.