Short Deck Hold 'Em

I've heard tell of this game, popular at higher stakes in Asia.

I found a good video of it, where the announcers discuss the rules and strat as top level pros battle rich businessmen.



It's very interesting. I think it's a great home game candidate and could be a wonder for casino poker, if it is able to gain traction.

The great thing about it is that correct strategy appears to be to limp in with tons of hands and try to hit big. This is exactly how most recreational players WANT to play. The better players have a smaller edge and the variance is high.

Watching these high stakes pros play reminds me a lot of playing 4/8 limit 15 years ago. Back when casual players could spew it up and sometimes win, and when there were a lot more of them and the games were better.

That does look really interesting. It was especially neat that A6789 was a straight. I'm assuming the 2-5 are what's removed. It doesn't go any further around the corner, does it?

That would also mess up the flush, with only 9 cards in each suit. Do they still play the standard hand ranks? I'm guessing they do.

Quote: beachbumbabs

...That would also mess up the flush, with only 9 cards in each suit. Do they still play the standard hand ranks? I'm guessing they do.

One of the commentators at 2:21 says that a flush beats a full house.

Quote: ChesterDog

One of the commentators at 2:21 says that a flush beats a full house.

Thanks. Missed that, but wasn't in a position to hear well. That's exactly what I thought must be the case, but hadn't tried the math.