Q&A #68: Adjusting From Full-Ring to 6-Max Limit Hold’em

Don't miss one article! Subscribe to the Full Feed RSS or get NPA in your inbox.

This is the first question taken from the new Message Board. I’m excited about all the action there so far. Keep the great questions coming!

From a theoretical standpoint, there’s not a whole lot different about playing 6-max limit hold’em versus full-ring. It’s mathematically almost identical to playing full-ring where the first four players fold. But there’s a big psychological difference that makes you think differently, makes your opponents play differently, and forces you to makes some serious adjustments if you want to succeed.

Today’s question comes from mojo.

How in the world is it possible that I can beat $10/$20 longhand but get my a$$ handed to me $2/$4 6max? I am trying desperately to make the change but I am missing something.

Thoughts-
1. I am playing [Ed: I think he means folding.] about 70% from the BB and 85% from the SB. I am trying to get it to 50% and 75%. Could this blind tightness turn me from winner to loser?
2. I often sit in games where there is little reduction in the number of players from flop to river. The combined outs against me, and my inability to thin the field severly reduces the profitability of my TP hands. What should I be thinking about in these situations?
3. There is never a checked round. All bets and most raises are devoid of information.
4. There are a lot of bluffs. I folded 2nd pair the other day on the turn to a bet and a raise only to find *both* players betting air.
5. The inmates seem to be running the prison. I was sitting in a 6max game the other day where the players were betting and raising with abandon. Later, I was seated in a prime $5/$10 game, and 2 of the 6max players happened to wander in. They played like lost little puppies in the full ring game. The difference in their play due to the collective pressure of the better players in the full-ring game was palpable. When they entered a pot, their 6max style quickly failed. Equally, when I enter a 6max game, my style fails. Do I need to check any intellect at the door and show down any good ace HU and 2nd pair or better multi way, damn the action?

I hope you can help me here, b/c 6max is really taking a toll on my and my roll. TIA!

Well, I can’t solve your problems entirely, but I think I can point you in the right direction.

 Print :: Trackback :: Respond ::