Beginner Strategies,
Short Tables
September 22 2008
The online poker boom has made short-handed tables very popular, especially with novice poker players. These players think it will be easier to win money against fewer players, and that by playing more hands they have more opportunities to win big pots. These are the same players that do not adjust their game at all when switching table sizes and ultimately end up paying the price.
The first big adjustment you must make to your game when switching to short-handed tables is to be more aggressive. This is the key to winning at a short-handed table. You must become less selective when choosing which starting hands to play, and you must be ready to raise a lot more pre-flop. Limping in pre-flop at a short-handed table is hardly ever a good idea.
With your opponents also upping their aggression, you must also be prepared to defend your blinds because players will be coming after them. You can’t be afraid of pre-flop raises, because at a short-handed table you’re going to see plenty of them.
Short-handed tables can also be a breeding ground for bullies who like to push around the table with big bets at all times. Not only must you be able to play aggressively at a short-handed table, but you must also be able to deal with extreme aggression from your opponents.
Being able to make quick decisions (because action moves around the table faster) and get a good read on your opponent are skills that will greatly increase your chances of winning at a short-handed table.
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