PokerStars has launched 6+, which becomes the latest instalment in its series of new cash game variants.

RELEASE DATE

The new game is available now “to play 6-max at all stakes for real and play money on desktop and mobile”, and can be found by users under a new dedicated 6+ tab in the PokerStars lobby. The game has been rolled out on .DK, .EE, .NET, .COM, .EU, .UK and .SE.

THE PITCH

Introducing a new short deck Texas hold’em format, 6+ sees all numbered cards lower than a six removed from the deck and a new blind structure introduced.

Called the “Button Blind,” it sees the removal of the small and big blinds, with all players posting an ante and only the player on the button posting a blind.

The Stars Group also details that its PokerStars School is to provide players with a further strategic overview of 6+, including hand rankings and pre-and post-flop approaches for members.

Over the coming week players are to also be advised to watch out for PokerStars Ambassadors on Twitch, hosting special multi-camera streams which showcase 6+ games.

GAME DETAIL

Available in a six handed format, a narrower card range is combined with an “action oriented blind and ante structure,” which is designed to bring forward a shift in strategy that players will need to adapt in order to achieve success.

A flush now also beats a full house. Given that there are only nine ranks of cards, players will flop a set 17 per cent of the time, making a full house much more achievable. Flushes, however, will be more difficult to come by as there are only nine cards in each suit.

Aces can still be played high or low, but now the lowest straight possible is A-6-7-8-9.

WHAT THEY SAY

“6+ is an exciting poker variant that often produces big hands and a lot of action, so we’re excited to bring it to the tables”, explained Chris Straghalis, director of poker product at PokerStars.

“While the format has proven popular with high stakes players, the range of stakes available on PokerStars and similarities to hold’em mean that it should appeal to those who may want to try a new game, but don’t want something too different. We’re looking forward to seeing what people think.”