Short-Handed and Full Tables in No Limit Texas Holdem

Poker Players and Tables

A poker table can be either short-handed or full. Short-handed means there are 6 or fewer players playing at the table. A full table has 7-10 players. There are advantages and disadvantages to short-handed tables, but whether or are not you like to play it, you should learn how to. This is because full tables can quickly become short-handed as players fold.

What's hot and what's not about short-handed tables?

Advantages of Short-Handed Play in Poker

- Play runs faster as there are fewer players to make decisions. It is really annoying when others take a long time to decide, especially in online poker.

- With fewer players at the table, it is easier to keep track of poker tells. You don't have a lot people or chip stacks to watch. This is especially true online where you see different players everyday, play is so fast and… it's hard to tell um, a mikey23203 from a mulah779.

- It is possible to play more hands since the chances of good hands being dealt are reduced.

- There is more action for you.

- Your chances of winning are higher with fewer opponents to contend with.

Disadvantages of Short-Handed Play

- You have to post the blinds more often.

- You have to play looser and more aggressively. Especially hard if you are a tight and/or passive type.

- You have to be more experienced to make more money from short-handed no limit

More about Short-Handed Tables in Poker

- As always, you play tightest when you are UTG and loosest when on the button. But tight in short-handed play can be looser than in full tables. For example, when UTG you can play 8 pairs or better, suited Ace and face card, king and queen suited, and ace with a king or queen off-suit.

- Be an aggressive bettor. Raise preflop if you have a jack pair or better. If you are raised to, re-raise with it.

- Preflop hands can be looser as you are bound to play more often. Postflop plays much like a full table, but keep in mind your opponents play looser too. Watch for bluffs.

- Passive players whether loose or aggressive suffer the most in short-handed tables. Learn to take more risks.

- Bluffing and being able to read others is a key.

- Play is volatile in short-handed games. You could easily have the most chips for a few hands, only to lose the lead in one hand.

Conclusion

Aggressive players will be more at home in short-handed tables since they like a lot of action. Passive poker players, whether loose or tight, will be less comfortable. You can stick to full tables but even those do get short-handed. So learn to play this game and adjust your style.