Playing Shorthanded Cash Games
Shorthanded cash games are the most popular form of non-tournament poker on the internet. The majority of ring games at internet poker sites now include six players rather than the once-standard nine or ten players. These poker tables are so popular now because they give players a greater opportunity to see hands and generate action. Full ring games play a lot tighter because each player knows there are at least eight other hands out there competing for the same pot.
The strategy for shorthanded cash games actually isn’t much (if any) different than for full ring games. I see a lot of bad advice out there about shorthanded cash games. The thing people are getting wrong is that they place too much emphasis on the number of people at the table. In reality, poker strategy should revolve around each opponent at the table, not around the number of opponents at the table.
Having said that, you still play differently in shorthanded cash games than in full ring games. This is because you play in each position more often and face off against each, specific opponent more often in shorthanded games. You get into more situations per hour in which you can make adjustments that are based on your previous interactions with each opponent.
Bad Advice to Avoid
1. The “Play More Hands” Myth
Almost every strategy article I’ve ever read has said that you need to play more hands in shorthanded cash games. This strategy advice is pretty bad because it’s completely outdated and it doesn’t even explain itself. These strategy articles seem to say that you should just “play more hands” for the hell of it.
The truth of the matter is that you will play more hands per hour but you can still play the same percentage of hands in shorthanded cash games and be just fine. An average percentage of hands played in shorthanded cash games is right around 22% plus the hands you’re forced to play in the blinds.
Position is just as important in shorthanded cash games as it is in full ring games. The only difference is that you play in each position more often in shorthanded games because there are fewer players at the table. As the dealer’s button moves around the table, you will get a chance to play from each position multiple times per hour. Just because it’s shorthanded, it doesn’t mean you can play junky hands from early position.
2. The Hand Values Myth
Another bad piece of advice I see all the time is that in shorthanded no-limit cash games, you need to “adjust your hand values.” These articles say that you should automatically increase the values of your hands since the game is shorthanded and there is less competition for the pot. In theory, this idea makes sense but in practice, it’s worthless.
The thing to keep in mind about shorthanded cash games is that your opponents aren’t going to suddenly start calling you with trashy hands just because it’s shorthanded. You make money and win big pots in shorthanded games in the same manner as in full ring games: when you have a strong hand and an opponent has a strong but second best hand.
The same concept applies in reverse. Just because it’s a shorthanded cash game, it doesn’t mean you should start blindly calling down big bets with top pair top kicker. Every situation in shorthanded cash games needs to be addressed in its own, unique manner. Winning in shorthanded cash games requires you to study your opponents, analyze the situation, consider the table’s recent history, etc.
Final Word
Winning poker strategy is all about adjusting your play to the players at the table. If you have a table full of loose players, you’ll need to play with a completely different style than if you have a table full of rocks. Do not base your strategy or any of your decisions on the number of players at the table. Instead, base your strategy on your position, the playing styles of your opponents and the strength of your hand.