Shorthanded Hold'em Games

To play or not to play, that is the question. If a shorthanded game is lively with weak players, I am more than happy to dive in. If the game has all tough, aggressive players, the opposite is the case. What if the game is fivehanded, with two very good players and three weak calling stations? Deal me in. What if there is only one weak player and four tough pros? Well, how bad is that one player, and are any of the pros on tilt? The answers to these questions are not easy. If your idea of a good poker game and an even better time is to win money, go where the pickings are the easiest. Sometimes people have a different motive than money or social atmosphere. They want to test themselves against the best players. Oftentimes, the better players are the game starters in the casinos. They know that players will join in if they see the game is in progress, but might not be so quick to help start a brand-new game. Therefore, it is the job of the pros to help start games, even if they have to do battle with only each other in the beginning.



If you decide to sit down in a shorthanded game, what strategy should you use? Well, that of course depends on the other players. Against loose calling stations, do not try to bluff. Value-bet them with semistrong hands, because they will call with something even weaker. If a relatively weak player suddenly starts betting in an aggressive manner, you must decide if he has the goods or is possibly stuck and on tilt. Playing against the solid pros is a different story altogether. They will read you better than the weaker players at the table. You should be able to read them reasonably well, also. There will be a reason for their actions, so figure out what it is and play accordingly.



What about starting-hand requirements? Well in a shorthanded game, trouble hands like A-10 or K-J suddenly become raising hands. A hand like A-Q might be one with which you reraise. Remember, always play the players as well as the cards. Small and medium pairs also go up in value. You can often raise with them when in position, especially if you're the first player in the pot. You often have the best starting hand and good position if you get called.



Speaking of position, exactly how important is it in a shorthanded game? Well, if it's extremely important in a full ring game, it is even more important when shorthanded. You can steal a lot more pots because there are fewer hands out, and aggressive play is really rewarded. Playing position strongly is a must if you are going to be successful in shorthanded games.



What about the blinds? Well, it should be obvious that you are going to have to defend them more – but not necessarily with weak hands that are facing big raises. But, any reasonable hand is worth at least seeing the flop. Also, if you are going to call, you should at least think about putting in a reraise to steal the pot. Hands like A-5 should generally be played against a button raiser who steals a lot. In fact, at least half the time, I would reraise to slow down the raiser and resteal the pot. Remember, suited connectors go down in value in a shorthanded game, but pairs and any two cards 10 or higher are usually worth playing.



That also applies to any ace. Just remember that I said usually, not always. If a rock raises, be more cautious with these types of hands.



How do you know when you're facing someone you can or cannot beat? If you think you have the best hand but are not entirely sure, think more in terms of showing it down than value-betting, or checking and calling your opponent's bet. If you are pretty sure you have the best hand, your main concern is how to value-bet it and get the most profit you can. If you are playing shorthanded in a game where one of your opponents intimidates you, perhaps you should not be in that game in the first place. You simply cannot play scared.



How does your shorthanded game differ in tournaments compared to cash games? Well, in tournaments you eventually have to get down to you and one other player if you are going to win. Practicing your shorthanded play in cash games is a great way to improve your game and maximize your chances of winning a tournament. A major factor in tournaments is the relative chip counts. A lot of your strategy must take this into account. Again, you must play the player just as much as the cards.



I sometimes love shorthanded play with interesting, lively opponents who give a lot of action. If, on the other hand, I am facing a bunch of pros and tight rocks who have little to say, I want to leave. If that is the case in a tournament situation, where I can't leave, I just tough it out and play my best game at all times. That is all anybody can do.



If you continue playing your best game and don't get intimidated, I hope to see you in the winner's circle soon.



Tom McEvoy is a representative of PokerStars.com. He also is the voice of ProPlay, a new and innovative way to learn winning poker strategy. Find out more at www.ProPlayLive.com/tommcevoy.s.