A new format, 6+, the latest instalment in PokerStars’ series of new cash game variants, rolled out yesterday, January 16.

“6+ is an exciting poker variant that often produces big hands and a lot of action, so we’re excited to bring it to the tables”, said Chris Straghalis, Director of Poker Product at PokerStars. “While the format has proven popular with high stakes players, the range of stakes available on PokerStars and similarities to hold’em mean that it should appeal to those who may want to try a new game but don’t want something too different. We’re looking forward to seeing what people think.”

The short deck hold’em format sees all numbered cards lower than a six removed from the deck and a new blind structure introduced, the “Button Blind”. Instead of small and big blinds, all players post an ante and only the player on the button posts a blind.

Available in a six-handed format, the narrower card range combined with an action-oriented blind and ante structure brings a shift in strategy that players will need to adapt to in order to play successfully.

A flush now also beats a full house. Given that there are only nine ranks of cards, players will flop a set 17% of the time, making a full house much more achievable. Flushes, however, will be more difficult to come by as there a...

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