While many poker fans may have never played short deck before, it’s become one of the most popular online poker variants in recent years. With major players like Pokerstars and the World Series of Poker introducing the game to their offerings, it’s clear that it’s here to stay. However, while this variation might look and feel very similar to Texas Hold’em, it has its own unique set of rules and betting structure.

To get started, all the players and a dealer congregate in front of a table and then each player is dealt two cards face down. From here, they can either choose to fold, call or raise. The action begins when the first player to the left of the dealer places a bet. A bet can either match the amount of the previous bet or exceed it. Once the action is complete, the dealer will reveal the rest of the cards and the preflop betting begins.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when playing short deck is that hand equities run much closer than in regular Hold’em. This means that hands like pocket queens or jacks will not be as strong. Instead, suited and connected hands will be much more valuable. A flush will also be more powerful in this format because of the reduced number of straights.

Another thing to keep in mind when playing short deck is the fact that it’s not as easy to hit a flush or three-of-a-kind as in standard Hold’em. This is because the chances to hit a set are lower due to the removal of cards from the deck. As a result, players will have to play more hands in order to hit these types of hands.

On the flip side, this means that straight draws are much more powerful in Short Deck and can be quite valuable when played aggressively. A good way to estimate your odds is by multiplying the number of outs by 6 on the flop and 3 on the river. This will give you a pretty accurate idea of how likely it is that you’ll improve your hand on later streets.

The final point to keep in mind when playing Short Deck is the fact that it’s a lot easier for your opponents to overtake you on later streets. This is because single-pair hands rarely win pots in this format. As a result, you’ll need to make sure that you’re playing your strongest hands.

With these tips in mind, you should have no trouble learning the basics of short deck poker and becoming a successful player. Just remember to be patient and take your time when deciding how much to bet. As always, it’s crucial to read up on the rules and strategy before making any major decisions. With a bit of practice, you’ll be a pro in no time! Good luck!