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What Changes to My Game do I Need to Make to Play 6-Max?

by admin on June 21, 2009

in Making a Living Playing Poker, Rakeback Articles

There are many different type of poker games and a lot of variations of each game. Not only are there a lot of different types and games, but there are also different formats. You can play cash games, tournaments, heads up matches, short handed games, multi-table games and so on. Each different poker game must be played with a different strategy, because they all have different outcomes in being a winner. One type of game that can be played in both a cash game style and tournament style is a 6-max game. If you are trying to make a living playing poker, playing 6-max is an option you should consider because many more hands are dealt per hour and most players are able to earn more rakeback.

If you are going to play in 6-max poker games, there are some changes that should be made to your game.

Less Players = Less Cards

Playing poker in a 6-max game means that you are missing 3-4 players that would be there in a full table game. That means that there are a lot less cards out of the deck. That also means that your hand selection should be much wider, and you can put more value on a wider variety of hands. For example, in a full table game you would probably fold Ace Jack in early position. If you face a raise or two, you might even fold Ace Queen. In a 6-max game, you would probably raise with Ace Jack in early position. The reason is because with less players it is less likely that someone is holding a better hand.

Aggressive Play

Most 6-max players tend to be aggressive. A lot more hands are played and you must be able to battle with your opponents. It is not easy to sit there and just simply wait for winning hands. With only 5 opponents, you cannot blend in as much as you could in a full table game. Not only that, but if you just sit around waiting for a hand while everyone else is battling it out, you are going to fall behind. Chances are, nobody is going to pay you off that way.

There is room to be very aggressive in a 6-max game. Raising and re-raising your opponents should happen quite often. If you think you have the best hand you have to keep on pushing your opponent. The more aggressive you are, the better your chances of winning will be. Of course, you must be a smart aggressive player not a crazy one. You still have to be able to fold when you know you are beat and you are not getting your opponent off his or her hand.

For the most part, there is not a huge difference between a full table and a 6-max table. The most important thing is to remember to put a higher value on a wider variety of hands. Also keep in mind that your opponents are going to be very aggressive. Once you get in there and try it out, you will quickly learn the differences with experience.

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