Shorthanded

The term shorthanded in poker is used to describe any game that’s not a full ring (i.e., that has fewer than nine players at the table). However, it is primarily used for games with six players or fewer.

Shorthanded poker is usually more action-packed as players get to play wider ranges and get involved with more pots. The format is found in cash games and tournaments alike.

Sometimes, full-ring tournaments will also have a shorthanded phase, usually just before the final table. For example, when there are 12 players left in the tournament, players will be seated at two shorthanded tables containing six players each and play down until the final nine, at which point the tournament will get back to the full ring action.

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