I think you can learn either in 6-max or full games. As for adjusting your starting hands from GSIH for shorthanded games, I don’t think you’ll have to. Only major change you might have to make is to play slightly looser from the big blind. I’m not saying the GSIH recommendations are perfect in shorthanded games… or in full games for that matter. But they should be good enough to get you started on the right track. Then move on to SSHE and its recommendations.

The per-hand rake is lower in shorthanded games, but you’re right, you do play more hands (and win more pots) in shorthanded games. So the question is, how much does your edge deteriorate on a per-hand basis in shorthanded play versus the discount you get on per-hand rake?

It’s perhaps not fair to assume that the lower rake will benefit you. It really depends on how bad your opponents are.

I’ve played limit hold’em for a few years but have recently decided I want to really learn how to play beyond a beginner level (or just not be a fish) – I have enough $ at Poker Stars to learn on the .05/.10 stakes level. Do you recommend learning in the 6-max games or should I stick to full games while I work on the concepts in your book? Also, if training in the short handed games is a good idea, should I play more than the starting hands you recomend in Getting Started in Hold’Em (or maybe raise with hands that are usually calls in MP in a full game)?

At the beginning of the article, you mention that short-handed hold’em has a lower per hand rake. Shorthanded pots are usually smaller than their counterparts in full-ring games but short-handed players are involved in more hands(because there is no early position). How do short-handed players benefit from a reduced rake? Thank you.