Poker Lesson 27: Playing a Shorthanded Game

At most poker tables' restraint is the word of the day. Playing in a shorthanded game, though, gives a player the chance to explore their more aggressive side. In short, these games should be played as if you were a crabby wolverine with a migraine.

Bet early, bet often. Even when you're beat you have to keep betting. Bet the good hands, bet the bad hands. Most hands will start off by someone raising and followed by a call or a raise from other players. From there the person with the last raise pre-flop has the initiative and they will keep betting until someone takes the initiative away from them. Don't even try to think of slow playing in a shorthanded game, it will not work. You won't get enough cards to compete with them blinding you to death. You will need to get in the mud and mix it up with the other players.

This is no longer a game of numbers and math, it is a game of person against person. If you check, they will bet. Odds are less of an issue; you're only goal is victory over the person you are in the pot with. A hand that is not worth a call in a longhanded game is one that is definitely worth a bet in shorthanded play. Try to always be the bettor or raiser. Pay attention to the type of person you are playing against and try to get a handle on what sort of cards the raise with and how they play their hands after the flop, on the turn and river. Ask yourself the following questions. Will they raise from late position every time and bet religiously unless you re-raise? Will they check raise on a bluff? Will they raise or re-raise with no pair on the flop or draw? Answering these questions accurately will help you save a few bets.