Introduction to Six Handed Max Games
The 6 player maximum No Limit Texas Hold’em game has started to become more and more popular at all the major online poker rooms on the internet over the last couple of years. There are two reasons why these games are becoming so popular all over the online poker rooms.
The first reason is that the pace of the game is a lot faster and players get to see many more hands. Next, the game tends play a lot looser due to the fact that there are only 6 players total. However, this does not mean that one should not use any sort of strategy at the tables. If you play like a maniac, you will just win up losing your money quicker than you would at a full table. You still need to apply selective aggression to these games such as in a ring game, but with some modifications.
First, you need to open up your hand ranges when you play in a six handed game. Waiting on premium hands only is not as optimal in this type of game. You will need to open your range up to include, suited aces, suited big cards, coordinated big cards, small pairs, and even suited connectors.
Another concept that is a bit of a holdover from Limit Holdem is the concept of calling down hands that you normally would not call down with. For example, in a Limit game, it is not uncommon to see someone call down a bet holding middle or even bottom pair. You will need to selectively apply this concept in a six handed game. Unlike a full ring game, the odds that your middle or bottom pair has been outflopped are greatly diminished. Most players miss the flop and as a result you need to on occasion make some somewhat uncomfortable calls.
The style that you are going to apply to a 6 handed online game is very important. Starting out, you may want to play these types of games in the raise or fold philosophy. This means that when you have a strong hand or a hand that you want to play, raise. Thin out the field to give yourself the best chance to win. Calling with certain hands, such as suited connectors, and trying to outplay someone on a flop is a skill for a more advanced player.
Once you are in a pot, you need to continue to be into the pot unless you have a reason to slow down. For example, if you raise with A-K and the board comes small cards, bet if it is checked to you. Many times, you will take down the pot. If you get called, then you may need to slow down. If you get raised, then it is time to get out of the hand. Another example would be if you raised with pocket 10’s and the flop fell J-4-2. If you are checked to, bet into the pot.
If someone calls your bet on the flop, how you proceed on the turn is determined partial by your holding and partially by your opponent. If you flopped a strong hand or have an over pair, you may want to continue betting. If you flopped a monster, you may want to slow play. If you missed the flop and did a continuation bet, you may want to slow down or even fold if you are bet into. Granted, you have to take your opponent into consideration too. If your opponent is one that likes to call on the flop to try and steal the pot on the turn, that will affect your decision making process. If he is an uber-rock or a solid player, that will help you to make your decision. Don’t rely solely on your holding to make your choices.
When playing a 6 handed max game, remember that you need to loosen up a bit in order to have the best chance to survive. This is especially true in tournaments. In tournaments, the blinds and antes will come around fast, and unlike a cash game, this can take a huge chunk out of your stack. Even in cash games, you are in the blind 2 out of every 6 hands. While the blinds are not huge usually in comparison to your stack, just waiting for big hands can take a bite out of your chips. Also, remember to continue to use selective aggression when you are in a pot. Last, don’t be afraid to call down with an inferior holding if you think that it is a winner. Good luck to you at the tables.
