It takes a lot of skill to master the art of playing short handed tournaments. Short handed tournaments are when there are 6 players instead of 10 (the traditional number of players). Newer players to this type of game can confuse people and can be difficult to know exactly what to do at what time. Unfortunatey it is hard to know where to find the right strategy for these games. You’re in luck though because we have a few good tips that could make playing a bit easier for you.

1. Play With Speed

Most players are used to playing it nice and slow when there are 10 players in the game. However, things are different in short handed tournament and the time for that is over. It is time to play fast and loose. This is important and necessary because the blinds come quickly – which means that everyone will be betting the high blinds quite often. There is no need and no time for players to be patient.

2. Variety Is Expected

In short handed games you will be receiving a variety of cards that you wouldn’t usually see in a larger game. You won’t have as much time or many odds at getting the cards that you need or even starting out with them. The odds that your opponents or you are dealt good hands are much lower. This allows you to play and win with some lower hands that would usually get you knocked out of a bigger game.

3. Begin With A Passive Attitude

One of the best things that you get to do in a short hand game is to really study your opponents. The games are quicker – which means that you will be able to see how they play each hand and you will be able to make strategies against them early on in the game. In order to do this you need to play passively to begin with instead of jumping into the aggressive mode. It takes about twenty minutes to get all the information you need from them. Once this is done and you know exactly what you can do to win then it is time put your real game face on and to play in the aggressive mode you have been waiting for.

Keep in mind that they will be trying to study you at the same time. Switch things up a little each hand if possible and try to make sure that you are hiding this strategy from them. If you notice that they are trying to use your moves and strategies against you than try to block them and keep them from doing this as best you can.

4. Keep Your Eye On The Prize