Short handed vs full table

[Boolean]

Is variance higher when you're playing short-handed poker? Also, can you average a higher BB/100 when you're playing short-handed than at a full table? I've seen a lot of posters swear by 6max. What are the pros and cons on such a switch?

I'm working my way up the limits, starting at .05/.1 and I've found I like playing short-handed a lot better than at a full table. The pace is quicker, and I can get more accurate reads as well since most are playing more pots. I'd like to know because I want to know what sort of bankroll I should be looking at to play the 6max tables at the higher limits.

Thanks,
-Boolean

[SoftcoreRevolt]

The variance is much higher short handed, but the rewards can be greater. You'll make more from rakeback and be playing against people who don't know how to play short handed.

[Boolean]

What sort of results can a good short-handed player expect? Since I've been playing short-handed instead of full-table, my profits have skyrocketed. I play on PokerStars at .05/.1 and on one table alone I banked 60BBs in about 100 hands just by reading my opponents and being aggressive. Can the lows be just as low? I mean, the swings must be incredible when you're running bad.

[bottomset]

the swings are worse

I mainly play SH since it keeps me interested longer, and you get to play a better variety of hands in more situations, which is a plus

[Boolean]

What kind of bankroll do you recommend for say, 6-max play or shorter?

[aK13]

[ QUOTE ]
What kind of bankroll do you recommend for say, 6-max play or shorter?

[/ QUOTE ]

The problem with SH is that 100BB swings can happen within a thousand hands, and 200BB swings happen often enough.

I would recommend about a 500 BB roll to start if you plan to 4 table.

[Boolean]

Thanks, that really helps. I like playing short-handed because as bottomset says, it keeps my interest longer. I tend to get unfocused if I play a full ring, and while I can multitable, I think my reads really suffer. I just wanted to know what I'll be up against if that does happen.

[bottomset]

[ QUOTE ]
plan to 4 table.

[/ QUOTE ]

uh thats a really bad idea, play no more than 2tables when starting out, and no more than 3 till you have a lot of experience

[MrEngenic]

Shorthanded is more fun, you become a better pokerplayer, you gain more from rakeback, you can take advantage of maniacs and lags better and a higher winrate is sustainable. The only thing that's bad is the high variance and that you can't play as many tables.
But since the play is faster you play more hands on the tables you play...

[Deamon2]

the only reason you get more rakeback is becasue you're paying more rake, so that's not really a +

shorthanded is uberfun, that's reason enough to play it

the players tend to be worse as well (it's shorthanded so I can call down with queen-high! sort of deal)