The Clash of Two Poker Giants
In the world of poker, two formats often spark debate among players, Short Deck Hold’em and No-Limit Texas Hold’em (NLHE). While NLHE has long been the king of both live and online poker rooms, Short Deck has been gaining traction in high-stakes circles for its faster pace and action-heavy gameplay.
Understanding the differences between these two games isn’t just about curiosity, it’s about strategy and profitability. Whether you’re a casual player looking for something fresh or a seasoned grinder seeking higher returns, the choice between these formats could impact your bankroll more than you think.
So here’s the question: Could the less common variant actually make you more money?
Understanding the Basics of Each Game
What is Short Deck Hold’em?
Short Deck Hold’em, also known as Six Plus Hold’em, is a poker variant that uses a modified deck by removing all cards ranked 2 through 5. This means the game is played with a 36-card deck instead of the standard 52 cards.
Key differences from NLHE:
- Hand rankings change: Because the odds shift, a flush often beats a full house in Short Deck Hold’em (in some rule sets).
- More action: With fewer low cards, players see stronger hands more often, leading to bigger pots and more aggressive play.
- Pre-flop odds are closer: The gap between premium and marginal hands is smaller, so starting hand selection becomes more dynamic.
Typical betting structure: Short Deck Hold’em is usually played with no-limit betting, similar to NLHE, but antes replace the small and big blinds in many versions, encouraging more action from the start.
What is Traditional No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE)?
Traditional No-Limit Texas Hold’em is the most popular form of poker worldwide, played with a full 52-card deck.
Core rules and strategies:
- Players aim to make the best five-card poker hand using their two hole cards and five community cards.
- Strategic depth comes from position play, bet sizing, bluffing, and reading opponents.
- Because the blinds force action, hand selection and positional awareness are critical.
Tournament and cash game popularity: NLHE dominates both live and online poker scenes, from small-stakes home games to prestigious events like the World Series of Poker. If you’re looking to join an online poker community, check out how to find top poker clubs in ClubGG or browse our full poker club list. Its balance of skill, psychology, and chance makes it appealing to beginners and pros alike.
Gameplay Differences That Affect Profitability
Hand Ranges & Starting Hands
In Short Deck Hold’em, the removal of cards 2 through 5 significantly shifts hand ranges. Premium hands like pocket aces, kings, and ace-king occur more frequently, but so do strong drawing hands. This means marginal hands that might be folded in Traditional No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE), like suited connectors, often gain more value in Short Deck due to increased chances of making straights and flushes.
In NLHE, a tighter range tends to be more profitable because low cards are still in play, making high cards stronger overall. Short Deck’s altered probabilities demand players adjust preflop strategies to capture these new equity opportunities.
Variance & Volatility
Short Deck naturally comes with higher variance. The increased frequency of strong hands and draws means more big pots and more frequent swings, both up and down. This can be profitable for skilled players who thrive in aggressive environments, but it also increases bankroll risk.
NLHE, by contrast, offers more stable long-term expected value (EV) because hand strengths are more predictable, and there are fewer all-in confrontations in standard games compared to Short Deck.
Player Skill Gap
Since Short Deck is relatively new compared to NLHE, knowledge gaps among players can be substantial. Those who invest time in studying its unique probabilities, betting patterns, and optimal strategies can exploit less experienced opponents for significant profit.
In NLHE, the player pool is larger and far more saturated with seasoned players. While profitable opportunities still exist, competition is generally tougher, meaning small edges must be maximized over many hands.
Which Game Offers Better Profit Potential?
Short Deck Profit Factors
Short Deck Hold’em can be a goldmine for skilled players if you can handle the swings. The player pool is generally smaller compared to NLHE, but in certain stakes, opponents tend to be less experienced. This can open up opportunities for sharp players to gain a significant edge.
However, the game comes with higher variance due to fewer cards in the deck, which increases the frequency of big hands clashing. This can lead to larger bankroll fluctuations, but also the potential for bigger payouts if you play a strong, disciplined strategy. Another advantage is that Short Deck is still relatively underexplored, meaning there’s less available study material, giving well-prepared players the chance to outthink the competition.
NLHE Profit Factors
No-Limit Hold’em remains the most popular poker variant worldwide, offering the biggest player pools and more consistent action across all stakes. This makes it easier to find a profitable game at any time, whether you’re playing live or online.
The variance in NLHE is generally lower compared to Short Deck, which can make it easier to manage your bankroll. That said, the sheer popularity of the game means higher-stakes tables often attract tougher, more skilled opponents. To maximize profit potential here, you’ll need to refine your skills, adapt to evolving strategies, and find games where your edge is strongest.
Bankroll Management for Both Games
Adjusting bankroll for Short Deck’s swings
Short Deck Hold’em is known for its fast-paced action and higher variance. Because there are fewer cards in the deck (removing 2s–5s), players hit stronger hands more often, which leads to bigger pots and more frequent all-ins. To survive these swings, you’ll need a deeper bankroll, ideally at least 50–60 buy-ins for the stakes you’re playing.
NLHE’s more stable bankroll needs
Traditional No-Limit Hold’em has a slower pace and slightly less volatility. While big swings still happen, they’re generally more predictable. A bankroll of 30–40 buy-ins is usually sufficient, provided you play within your limits and avoid tilt.
Suggested buy-in multiples for safety
If you’re serious about long-term profitability, consider this simple rule:
- Short Deck: 50+ buy-ins
- NLHE: 30–40 buy-ins
This cushion protects you during losing streaks and lets you capitalize on profitable spots without fear of going broke.
Common Mistakes Players Make in Each Variant
Overvaluing certain hands in Short Deck
Because of the altered hand rankings (like a flush beating a full house in some formats), many new players misjudge hand strength. For example, pocket aces can be more vulnerable than you think when everyone is hitting straights and flushes more often.
Underestimating variance
Both formats can have brutal downswings, but Short Deck’s variance is especially punishing. Players who underestimate this may move up stakes too quickly, risking their bankroll and confidence.
Playing too passively in NLHE
In traditional NLHE, a tight-aggressive strategy usually wins, but going too passive, especially in position, means missing out on value bets and fold equity. Many players fail to adjust when facing weaker opponents, letting potential profits slip away.
Final Verdict – Which Should You Play?
Both Short Deck Hold’em and Traditional No-Limit Hold’em (NLHE) offer unique challenges and opportunities.
Short Deck Hold’em – Pros:
- Action-packed with bigger pots.
- More bluffing opportunities.
- Easier to hit big hands due to fewer cards.
Short Deck Hold’em – Cons:
- Higher variance (swings can be brutal).
- Requires a big bankroll to handle downswings.
- Strategy is still evolving, so fewer established resources.
NLHE – Pros:
- Most popular poker format worldwide.
- Tons of free learning materials.
- More predictable variance.
NLHE – Cons:
- More competitive with tougher opponents.
- Smaller average pots compared to Short Deck.
Advice for Beginners: If you’re just starting out, NLHE is the safer bet. The rules are easier to grasp, there’s a huge community, and you can practice at lower stakes.
Advice for Experienced Players: If you have a solid poker foundation, a good bankroll, and enjoy high-risk, high-reward games, Short Deck might give you an edge while the format is still less explored.
Recommendation:
- Low Risk Tolerance: Play NLHE.
- High Risk Tolerance & Experience: Try Short Deck.
FAQs – Short Deck vs NLHE
Q: Which is harder to learn – Short Deck or NLHE?
A: NLHE is easier for beginners, while Short Deck has different hand rankings and odds that require adjustment.
Q: Is Short Deck Hold’em more profitable for beginners?
A: Not usually. The high variance can quickly deplete a small bankroll. Beginners are better off starting with NLHE.
Q: Can you play Short Deck online?
A: Yes, many major poker sites now offer Short Deck tables, especially in high-stakes cash games.
Q: What bankroll do I need for Short Deck?
A: Ideally 50–100 buy-ins due to high variance. For NLHE, 20–40 buy-ins may be sufficient for most stakes.
Q: Is NLHE still the most profitable poker variant?
A: For most players, yes, due to its popularity, lower variance, and availability at all stake levels.
