How to Play on X8 Club – Short Deck Poker Guide

Are you ready to elevate your poker game with Short Deck Poker at X8 Club? As one of the fastest-growing poker variants, Short Deck Poker—also known as Six Plus Hold’em—has become a staple offering at top-tier online poker platforms like X8 Club. This exciting version of Texas Hold’em takes the familiar format you know and adds a thrilling twist by reducing the deck size, ramping up the action, and changing hand probabilities in significant ways.

If you’re already a seasoned Texas Hold’em player, you may assume you’ve got this variant figured out. But don’t be fooled—Short Deck Hold’em requires a different mindset and strategy. In this comprehensive guide brought to you by X8 Club, we’ll explain how to play Short Deck Poker, explore its key differences from regular Hold’em, and offer insider strategies to boost your success at the tables.

What is Short Deck Poker?

Short Deck Poker, often referred to as Six Plus Hold’em, is a modern poker variation that first gained popularity in high-stakes games in Macau around 2017. The game gets its name from the modified deck used: all 2s, 3s, 4s, and 5s are removed, leaving only 36 cards in play instead of the usual 52.

This reduced deck drastically changes gameplay dynamics. There are more playable hands, faster decision-making, and plenty of action-packed moments. As a result, X8 Club Short Deck Poker is perfect for players looking for a fresh challenge and higher volatility.

With fewer low cards, weaker hands are less common, meaning you’ll see players entering more pots pre-flop. That translates into more fun, bluffing opportunities, and aggressive plays—a perfect fit for the competitive tables on X8 Club.

Short Deck Hold’em vs. No-Limit Hold’em: Key Differences

At a glance, Short Deck Hold’em on X8 Club resembles traditional No-Limit Texas Hold’em. The hand structure, betting rounds, and objective (making the best five-card hand) remain the same. However, some essential differences change how the game is played:

1. Smaller Deck Size

With all 2s through 5s removed, only cards from 6 to Ace are in play. That affects probabilities across the board. You’ll find yourself hitting stronger hands more frequently, but so will your opponents. Adjust accordingly.

2. Adjusted Hand Rankings

Because of the altered probabilities, the hand rankings in Short Deck are slightly different. For example, a Flush beats a Full House in some variants. That’s because it’s statistically harder to make a Flush with fewer cards of each suit in the deck.

On X8 Club, be sure to check the hand ranking rules at your table before you play—some tables may follow traditional Hold’em rankings, while others use Short Deck-specific rankings.

3. The Lowest Straight is 9 to A

One of the quirkiest changes involves how Aces function. As in standard Hold’em, Aces are both high and low. However, since cards 2 to 5 are missing, the lowest straight in Short Deck becomes A-6-7-8-9. It might feel odd at first, but it’s something you’ll quickly get used to when playing on X8 Club.

How to Play Short Deck Poker at X8 Club

Now that you understand what makes Short Deck unique, let’s walk through a typical game on X8 Club.

Set up and Card Distribution

• The game uses a 36-card deck (6 through Ace).
• Each player receives two hole cards face-down.
• Just like regular Hold’em, there are five community cards revealed in three stages: the Flop (3 cards), the Turn (1 card), and the River (1 card).
• Your goal is to make the best five-card hand using your two hole cards and the five community cards.

Betting Rounds

X8 Club Short Deck Poker follows the same four betting rounds as Texas Hold’em:

1. Pre-Flop – After receiving hole cards
2. Flop – After the first three community cards are dealt
3. Turn – After the fourth card
4. River – After the fifth and final community card

Blind Structures

Short Deck Poker often uses a Button Ante system instead of the traditional Small and Big Blinds. Here’s how it works on most X8 Club tables:

• Every player posts an ante to build the pot.
• The player on the Dealer Button posts an additional blind ante.
• This structure creates more action and larger pots right from the start.

However, some tables on X8 Club may also offer the standard Small/Big Blind system. Always check the table rules before you join.

Short Deck Poker Hand Rankings (X8 Club Rules)

Here’s a quick overview of hand rankings you’ll typically see at X8 Club Short Deck Poker tables:

1. Royal Flush
2. Straight Flush
3. Four of a Kind
4. Flush (Ranks higher than Full House in many Short Deck variants)
5. Full House
6. Straight
7. Three of a Kind
8. Two Pair
9. One Pair
10. High Card

Remember, Flush beats Full House in most Short Deck games because it’s much harder to complete one with fewer suited cards in the deck. Always double-check the rankings used in your selected X8 Club room.

Winning Tips: Short Deck Poker Strategy on X8 Club

Playing Short Deck successfully on X8 Club involves more than just knowing the rules. Here are some tried-and-true tips to improve your game:

1. Upgrade Your Starting Hands

Hands like suited connectors and mid-pairs go up in value since they hit straights and sets more often. On X8 Club, don’t be afraid to get aggressive with hands you might fold in standard Hold’em.

2. Expect More Action

Since equities run closer together, you’ll often find yourself in coin-flip situations. Learn to embrace the variance and use it to your advantage—especially in tournament formats offered on X8 Club.

3. Adjust Your Bluffing Frequency

With more people seeing the flop, post-flop skills become crucial. Players are more likely to have a strong hand, so well-timed bluffs and semi-bluffs are key on the road to consistent wins.

4. Master Position Play

Just like in Texas Hold’em, position is powerful. Playing more hands from late position allows you to control the pace and exploit weak opponents—especially effective at X8 Club’s fast-paced Short Deck tables.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a high-octane, skill-heavy poker variant, X8 Club Short Deck Poker is the perfect game for you. With fewer cards, adjusted hand rankings, and nonstop action, this version of poker rewards boldness, creativity, and adaptability.

X8 Club offers a seamless, secure, and competitive environment where you can enjoy Short Deck Poker against players from around the world. Whether you’re grinding tournaments or playing cash games, this fast-paced format will keep your adrenaline pumping.

So why wait? Sign up at X8 Club today, hit the tables, and start mastering the art of Short Deck Poker!