I personally prefer 9-max, because I think, it tends to be a little bit softer with most of the regs being of the tight and predictable type, which is fairly easy to play against. But on small sites with few tables running I will mix it up and play both formats.
I play everything (or have played everything, to be precise).
However, the reason I prefer full ring (9 or 10-handed) is that people often have no clue about playing postflop in multiway pots.
Most of the charts, GTO-lesson, and RTA stuff mostly help with preflop play and HU play postflop.
Live Poker is also mostly not short-handed poker.
However, the reason I prefer full ring (9 or 10-handed) is that people often have no clue about playing postflop in multiway pots.
Most of the charts, GTO-lesson, and RTA stuff mostly help with preflop play and HU play postflop.
Live Poker is also mostly not short-handed poker.
I noticed I was losing more often in full ring because I played too many hands like I was still in 6-max mode. Switched gears and tightened up, and it really helped. Coosing casinos like https://aonemalaysia.com/ gave me solid ideas on adjusting ranges depending on the format, which made a difference.
Yeah, for sure, 6-MAX tables are way more aggressive since, naturally, there are fewer players to get action from. And as a result, we also end up paying more blinds, which basically forces us to widen our range—otherwise, the game just isn't profitable, eh?LiviuRo123 said:
Now, which one I prefer depends on a few things. Generally, I'm a bigger fan of Full Ring because, like already mentioned, the tables are easier and more predictable. On top of that, we pay fewer blinds and get to see more hands. With three extra positions, we can just play the absolute top of our range from those spots and still be profitable, especially at the low and mid stakes.
I prefer playing 6-max.
In 6-max there’s less chance of coolers and bad beats — the “dark side” of poker that we can’t control, only accept. There’s also more action, which means less tilt from boredom or waiting for a good spot to enter a hand. You can open wider from UTG and from almost any position.
It’s also easier to analyze your opponents. With fewer players, you get more hands against the same people and can figure out their tendencies faster and build better counter-strategies.
Another thing I like is that 6-max keeps your mind active — you make more decisions per hour, which helps you improve your game faster than in full ring.
In 6-max there’s less chance of coolers and bad beats — the “dark side” of poker that we can’t control, only accept. There’s also more action, which means less tilt from boredom or waiting for a good spot to enter a hand. You can open wider from UTG and from almost any position.
It’s also easier to analyze your opponents. With fewer players, you get more hands against the same people and can figure out their tendencies faster and build better counter-strategies.
Another thing I like is that 6-max keeps your mind active — you make more decisions per hour, which helps you improve your game faster than in full ring.
I usually prefer 6-max.
Why:
the game is faster and more aggressive, with more hands per hour
there are more decision-making spots (3-bets, steals, blind defense)
it’s easier to find opponents’ weaknesses
skills improve faster because you’re more often in tough postflop situations
But there is also a downside:
higher variance
more pressure and more difficult decisions
fewer “easy folds” compared to full ring
I would choose full ring (9-max) if:
I want a more relaxed game
I’m just starting and want fewer complex spots
I play for stability rather than fast skill development
In short:
for faster progress — usually 6-max
for a calmer and more straightforward game — full ring
Personally, I usually choose 6-max because it improves my understanding of postflop play and aggression much faster.
Why:
the game is faster and more aggressive, with more hands per hour
there are more decision-making spots (3-bets, steals, blind defense)
it’s easier to find opponents’ weaknesses
skills improve faster because you’re more often in tough postflop situations
But there is also a downside:
higher variance
more pressure and more difficult decisions
fewer “easy folds” compared to full ring
I would choose full ring (9-max) if:
I want a more relaxed game
I’m just starting and want fewer complex spots
I play for stability rather than fast skill development
In short:
for faster progress — usually 6-max
for a calmer and more straightforward game — full ring
Personally, I usually choose 6-max because it improves my understanding of postflop play and aggression much faster.