The majority of people who start playing poker begin with full table games. After all, there are more full table games offered by online rooms and live venues so it’s only natural that most people would get their start here.
However, some players come to learn that their game is better suited for shorthanded poker and so they start playing at the 6-max tables (6 players or less). And when you decide to make this switch, you had better be prepared to employ a different strategy.
The first thing you need to do in shorthanded games is be willing to open up your starting hand requirements. The reason for this is because the blinds come around a lot quicker in 6-max games so you can’t afford to sit back and wait for the good cards to come. If you’re used to only playing A-10 or better in middle position then you might have to include A-8 or better in order to be more aggressive.
Another important thing to do in shorthanded games is defend your blinds more often. For example, if you were in a full table game and got raised while holding K-J in the big blind then you might fold here. However, if you’re in a 6-max game then you’ve got to realize that others will try to steal blinds and be overly aggressive so calling could be a good option.
One other good tip to keep in mind when playing at 6-max tables is to play more aggressively in early position. Most people will fold anything that isn’t close to a premium hand here since there are usually 8 or 9 players at the table. However, shorthanded games feature fewer players on the felt so you have the freedom to play more aggressively from this spot.
