Introduction
If you’re serious about crushing short-handed poker games, understanding position and hand selection is essential. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is a poker 6 player chart—a visual guide that helps you make mathematically sound decisions in 6-max (six-player) poker tables. Whether you’re playing online or live, this chart simplifies preflop play and maximizes your potential profit.
What Is It?
A 6-player poker chart (also known as a 6-max starting hand chart) is a strategic reference that shows which hands to play from each position at a six-handed table. Unlike full-ring games, 6-max poker requires a more aggressive and positionally aware approach.
These charts typically include:
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Open-raising ranges
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3-betting ranges
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Calling hands
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Positional adjustments
Positions in 6-Max Poker
Before diving into any chart, it’s important to understand the table setup:
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UTG (Under the Gun) – First to act
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HJ (Hijack) – One seat to the right of the cutoff
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CO (Cutoff) – Right before the dealer
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BTN (Button) – Dealer position
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SB (Small Blind)
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BB (Big Blind)
With fewer players, each seat becomes more strategic and demands a tighter range.
Why Use a Poker 6 Player Chart?
Implementing a structured hand chart helps:
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Eliminate guesswork in preflop decisions
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Avoid playing too many weak hands
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Improve long-term profitability
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Build discipline and consistency
It’s especially useful for online players and tournament grinders who rely on tight decision-making under pressure.
Sample Starting Hand Ranges (Open-Raise Only)
Here’s a simplified chart outlining which hands to open by position:
| Position | Hands to Open (Example) |
|---|---|
| UTG | AA–88, AKs–ATs, AKo–AQo, KQs |
| HJ | AA–77, AKs–A9s, AKo–AJo, KQs, QJs |
| CO | AA–66, suited aces down to A8s, all broadway |
| BTN | Any pair, suited connectors 65s+, most suited aces |
| SB | Any pair, A2s+, suited connectors 54s+, K9s+, Q9s+ |
| BB | Defend widely based on opponent’s raise size and tendencies |
Note: These ranges are flexible and should be adjusted based on stack depth and player tendencies.
How to Maximize Its Use
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Keep the chart handy when reviewing your sessions
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Use it as a baseline before adjusting to table dynamics
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Combine it with software tools like solvers or HUDs
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Update it regularly based on new strategies and meta shifts
Final Thoughts
Using a poker 6 player chart as part of your game plan can dramatically boost your win rate in short-handed games. It helps standardize your approach, improve discipline, and give you an edge against players relying solely on instinct. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate player looking to improve, a well-structured chart is a must-have.