What is Short Deck Poker?
Short Deck Poker is a variation of Texas Hold’em that uses 36 cards instead of the standard 52. All 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s are removed from the deck, leaving cards from 6 through Ace.
While the betting rounds and community card dealing are similar to Texas Hold’em, the reduced deck size changes the probabilities, which impacts hand strength. Short deck vs Texas Hold’em differences include more frequent straights and harder-to-hit flushes.
The game is usually played with an ante structure rather than traditional blinds, which increases the frequency of hands played. Side-by-side visual of standard 52-card deck vs 36-card Short Deck (2–5 removed).
Basic Rules of Short Deck Hold’em
Game Format
- 36-card deck (cards 6 through Ace only)
- Each player is dealt two hole cards
- Five community cards are dealt (flop, turn, river)
- Players form the best five-card hand from their hole cards and the board
- Uses an ante structure instead of blinds
- Often played no-limit
Game Flow Overview
1.All players post an ante (button may post a double ante)
2.Each player is dealt two hole cards
3.First betting round begins with the player left of the button
4.Flop: three community cards are dealt
5.Second betting round
6.Turn card dealt
7.Third betting round
8.River card dealt
9.Final betting round
10.Showdown: best hand wins
Hand Rankings in Short Deck Poker
The altered deck size shifts the probability of certain hands, changing the rankings used in most Short Deck games.
Common Hand Ranking Variant
1.Royal Flush
2.Straight Flush
3.Four of a Kind
4.Full House
5.Three of a Kind (ranks above Flush and Straight)
6.Flush
7.Straight
8.Two Pair
9.One Pair
10.High Card
Note: Some games still rank Flush above Three of a Kind, so confirm the rules before playing.
Example Adjusted Rankings
- A♠A♥A♦9♣3♠ beats K♠Q♠10♠9♠8♠under the common Short Deck ranking system.
Straight Possibilities in Short Deck
- Lowest straight: A-6-7-8-9
- Highest straight: 10-J-Q-K-A
- Only five unique straight combinations are possible, compared to ten in Texas Hold’em.
Betting and Ante Structure
Antes Instead of Blinds
- All players post an ante before cards are dealt
- In some games, the dealer/button posts a larger ante
- First betting round starts with the player to the left of the button
Betting Rounds
1.Pre-flop
2.Post-flop
3.Turn
4.River
Common Formats
- No-limit (most common)
- Occasionally pot-limit or with capped betting structures
Table showing ante-based betting flow, with first-to-act post-deal highlighted.
Key Differences Between Short Deck and Hold’em
Deck Size
- Short Deck: 36 cards (6–A)
- Texas Hold’em: 52 cards (2–A)
Hand Strength Shifts
- Straights are easier to make
- Flushes are harder to make
- Trips often rank higher than flushes
Action Level
- More playable starting hands
- Higher volatility
- Larger pot potential
Where to Play Short Deck Poker Online
Real Money Poker Sites
Play Money and Apps
- PokerStars Play – Occasionally features novelty 6+ tables
- Replay Poker – Hosts Short Deck events periodically
- Donkhouse – Custom home game format on mobile
FAQ: Short Deck Poker Rules
How many cards are used in Short Deck?
How many cards are used in Short Deck?
Do I still get two hole cards?
Yes, each player receives two private hole cards.
What beats what in Short Deck?
In the common variant, Three of a Kind beats a Flush. Always check the specific game rules.
Are there blinds in Short Deck?
No. The game uses antes instead of blinds, and the dealer/button may post a larger ante.
What’s the lowest straight?
A-6-7-8-9.