[redsamurai]

I've started to play more and more 6 handed tables lately and have been putting a lot of thought into this question and experimenting with playing style. My conclusions are fairly counter-intuitive so let me go one by one through your points and hopefully the board can jump in on the debate (I've been know to be wrong on occasion.

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1-Loosen on initial hands requirements as one is either closer to the button or on the blinds more often.

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This is generally true but not to the extent that many people do. Playing short handed big cards go up in value and drawing hands usually go down in value. Hands like KTo and A9o are more playable than the smaller suited semi-connectors like 86s.
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2-Raise more often with above average and medium hands.


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Before the flop I like to be a little more passive than in a full ring game. If I have something like KJs and I am raising I'm likely to scare off lesser hands that I'm a favorite over. After the flop players are often too aggressive with 2nd pair and top pair weak kicker. You want these players around on the flop to pay you off when you hit.
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3-Play more aggressively after the flop, in other words, bet and raise more on weaker holdings, and only slow down, when the opponent shows us the error by playing back at us.

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While this seems reasonable, it is off of this type of opponent that I am going to make the most money. Be very aware that this is the type of play that will lead you into big traps. Be smart and use position when doing this. From EP don't be afraid to check call with mediocre holdings as many players are too aggressive. Unless I'm strong I don't mind checking down a hand from LP. This is especially true of drawing hands. Take the free card when it is offered if it could help your hand. Since calling requirements are lowered 6 handed it becomes less profitable to semi-bluff.
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4-In general, use more semi-bluffs, raise-bluffs, CK-raise-bluffs and steal more pots.


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I disagree. As mentioned above semi-bluffing tends to go down in value because you are more likely to be called by a hand like 2nd or bottom pair. The same logic goes for raise-bluffs and CR-bluffs. Also, because players are more aggressive with worse hands playing short handed, they will play back at you more. I will bluff occasionally but it will usually be at scary flops such as 3 suited, a pair on the flop, or a single high card with 2 rags rainbow and it will be at only one or two player who I have a read on.

I think that playing short handed you need to be very wary of falling into the Fancy Play Syndrome trap. Money can change hands fast and you get paid for making better decisions more consistently than your opponents. Playing shorthanded you are required to make these decisions more often. Play better cards than them, stick around when they improve, and win on the river. If you can do that 6 handed games can be very profitable.

Comments/Criticisms on this line of thinking are appreciated.