01-26-05, LearnTexasHoldem:
Playing At Six Handed Tables
I play 2/4$ split limit, online, sixseated table most of the time and i wonder if you have any advise how to play these tables.
I think I am what you call a weak tight player. I am often a little scared of what the other guys (or girls have). Do you have any advise of how to be tight aggressiv instead?
Thanks
Best Regards
Dan
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Let me list a couple points about the speed of the game at a six handed table compared to a full table:
1. You'll notice more people raising with weaker hands. People are less likely to just limp in. The game preflop and post flop will be more aggressive.
2. The reason for this aggressiveness is two fold; first, the fewer players who get dealt cards, the cumulative hand strength decreases (what wins the pot will be relatively lower than a full table); secondly, the rake begins to rear its ugly head more so than in a full table. If you play a 2/3 blind structure (like $15/30) you really have to play fast to keep up, otherwise the blinds will just eat you up; because of this you need to defend your blind money more and call more preflop.
I suggest you read the article on here about how to play shorthanded poker; that will help out some. The goal when you play at any table is to get value for your good hands. How tricky and loose you play is determined by your opponents. If they are willing to let you sit there all day for a good hand and then pay you off, there is no reason to risk anything with tricky moves. The problem with this style in short handed poker is that you aren't going to be given enough opportunities to make up for all the hands they steal and raise you off of.
The first tip I can give is to loosen up your game some. I can't tell you specifically how loose you should play because that will be relative to the other players in the pot. The approach you take will be one where you compare what you assume the other players are raising with your hand. If the guy relentlessly raises your blind from the button and you get a playable hand, make him pay. You can't take a passive role in these games.
The next tip is to try and be the bettor in hands and not the caller. Even if you have a hand like middle pair, if you decide to play the hand, play it aggressively. Most pots you will find yourself in are going to be either heads up or threeway. You can't win if you just let them bet and force you to catch a hand. You can still take your tight style but add some more betting and raising to it (especially with position). I know it will feel uncomfortable betting and raising without a great hand.
One thing I find with main newer players at limit holdem is that when they are unsure with their hand after betting the flop, they check the turn (a big no no). Playing shorthanded takes some balls and grit but if you can do well at it, it will sharpen up your regular game tremendously. Finally, when you play at a six person table, try to be an aggressive player who can also release a hand.
You want to be the guy that is pushing people around and forcing them to play back at you. You don't want to take the approach that "I'm going to wait here for AA and then really nail this SOB." What you do is push, push, push with your hands but if someone comes back at you, you have no problem in letting a hand go. What do I mean by, "let a hand go?" I mean that if you bet and get raised on the turn, you fold. You don't pay off every hand even if you have something decent.
In six person tables you play many more hands per hour than in full tables and those bets add up quickly. Take a second on hands that you get raised on and consider really what the person might raise you with and if you have enough outs to call. I'm running out of time right now but that should be enough to help out some.
Remember also that there is nothing wrong with experimenting. It is trial by fire when you play cards but it is the only way to prevent getting stuck in a rut playing the same way for ages.
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