Short handed play is typically defined as a table with six or fewer players. You will encounter these situations in both cash games as well as poker tournaments. A full table is considered to be nine or ten players.

Playing at a short handed table affects your hand ranges considerably. At a full table you are likely to fold hands like [K][Q]-[K][2], [A][T]-[A][2] and small pocket pairs in early position. This is not the case at a short handed table. You need to open up your range of hands when playing short handed. By doing so you give yourself additional opportunities to steal blinds as well as take advantage of weak players. Conversely you need to be capable of releasing your hand when you are faced with strong re-raises from your opponents.

Poker is a predatory game by its nature. Good players take advantage of the weak. It’s a fairly simple concept. When your table is short this becomes even more evident. You must be able to identify weak and /or timid players and play aggressively at them. Remember, the blinds and antes don’t stop just because you are short handed. If you have a large stack you need to put it to good use and hammer the blinds of weaker players. You do not need a hand to raise in this game. What you do need is knowledge of your opponents and their tendencies. This will allow you to play optimally when short handed. 

Position is huge deal and plays a big part in how hands are played and their outcome. When you are short handed position is still a factor to consider. However, when there are six or fewer players there are only two positions and those are Early Position and Late position. Middle Position is no longer an option. Having said that I believe hands like [A][X],[K][X] and small pocket pair are considerably stronger in these scenarios and are playable from any position when short handed. I would also be inclined to bring it in for a raise with these hands from any position as well. In an online tournament situation the worst you can do is take down the blinds which is better than folding without the attempt.

As in any online tournament or cash game your stack size plays a large role in how aggressive you can be at the table. Usually, tables do not get short in poker tournaments until you are near the final table. However, you can find short handed cash games fairly easily. Some players prefer to play in short handed games and feel they have a considerable edge. Either way you must adjust your game accordingly and find a way to remain effective. Be smart about your play and pay attention to the aggression level of your table. You don’t want to be careless but you also don’t want to be passive either. Keep the players on there toes and do not become predictable. Don’t be afraid to re-raise if you feel you’re being picked on either. Patience at a short table cost’s you money so be aware of this factor and take your fair share of pots when the opportunity presents itself.