In poker, everything matters. As a good player, you need to make some big decisions, practice strategies, control emotions, and think about position.

But, sometimes, before you even start playing, there’s one important decision to make: do you prefer a full ring table, or a shorthanded one?

Both of these formats are available online, and even though the rules are the same, the way you play these games feels completely different.

Table size can affect everything – from how often you post blinds, to how aggressive you need to be. To help you choose games that suit your experience and personality, it’s important to understand these differences.

In this guide, we’ll break down full ring and shorthanded poker in an online environment, and help you decide where you truly belong.

What Is Full Ring Poker?

Full ring poker is a standard, traditional table format typically found in live casinos. It involves nine or ten players, who sit at a single table. However, this type of poker is very popular in online poker tournaments and many cash games.

In full ring poker, the action develops more slowly, as more players are involved in each hand. Before the game starts, it’s best to get involved only when you’re holding a strong starting hand.

The online full ring games usually attract players who love classical poker and who foster structure, patience, and a conservative approach.

For example, it is a favourite format among rookies, as they face less pressure to play marginal hands and have a chance to wait for premium opportunities.

What Is Shorthanded Poker?

Shorthanded poker typically involves six players, but some online platforms offer five-handed tables. When compared to full ring formats, it is faster, more aggressive, and more dynamic, as fewer players are involved.

In shorthanded poker, hands are played more frequently, the blinds hit you faster, and players can’t afford to sit and wait for premium hands. That’s the reason why they need to open up their ranges and play with more aggression.

In the online environment, shorthanded tables are a favourite among experienced players, as they often seek action and higher win rates.

Lewis Humphries, a sports betting expert, notes that most modern online poker sites offer a range of table sizes and tournament structures.

However, he points out that some other factors – such as player traffic, rakeback, tournament availability, software, and game selection affect overall playing experience even more than table sizes.

For him, choosing a suitable and reliable platform is the most important aspect of a good online poker experience (source: https://readwrite.com/gambling/poker/singapore/).

Blinds: The Biggest Difference

We can confidently say that the main difference between full ring and shorthanded poker is in how often you pay blinds.

In online poker, you will play more hands per hour than in a live casino, which makes blind pressure even more important.

For example, at a full ring table, you’ll post the small blind and big blind less frequently, because more players are sharing the cost. It will reduce how much you are forced to invest without seeing the cards.

On the other hand, in shorthanded games, blinds hit faster, making you pay more per hand to stay in the game. During online sessions, it adds up quickly, and players must actively fight for pots instead of passively waiting to remain profitable.

Does Aggression Matter?

Aggression is very important for online sessions, especially for short-handed poker.

As it has fewer players, it’s not possible to fold too often in shorthanded games. Players need to raise more frequently, steal blinds more often, and apply pressure across multiple stages.

In shorthanded online poker, it doesn’t work to play passively, as the blinds will drain your stack. As a result, shorthanded tables feature more three-bets, continuation bets, and bluffs.

On the contrary, full ring poker allows a calm and slow pace of the game. While aggression still matters, it’s more selective. You don’t have to play every hand, and it’s better to fold the weak ones and wait for a really good chance.

That’s especially important when you’re one of the first to act.

Ranges and Positions In Online Games

Table size also affects which hands you should play online.

For example, in full ring poker, it’s more likely that you’ll have premium hands. That means you should play fewer hands before the flop, especially when you’re in an early position.

When there are eight or nine players still to act, weak aces and borderline hands aren’t worth much. That’s why being patient and choosing your hands carefully is so important.

On the other hand, in shorthanded poker, there are fewer opponents, which means wider ranges.

For instance, hands like ace-ten, king-queen, and suited broadways cards are good enough to open with, and even small pocket pairs become more useful because you can win pots before the flop or later in the hand.

Position matters a lot online, where everything moves fast, and mistakes get punished quickly. 

While late position is an advantage in both formats, in shorthanded games it’s even better, since it lets good players stay in control, put pressure on others, and pick up pots more often.

What Types Of Players May I Encounter?

Shorthanded games are for players who love action. These are usually aggressive regulars, loose players, and anyone comfortable with swings.

Tables like this usually have more experienced and skilled players.

Full ring tables, on the other hand, attract beginners and casual players. Most of them use basic strategies and only play big pots when they have strong hands.

If you are new to online poker, full ring games are a safer starting point. They give you more time to think and don’t punish mistakes so harshly.

But if you’re confident in your skills and enjoy fast-paced action, shorthanded is a more exciting and usually more profitable option.

Skilled players can take advantage of weaker opponents and beginners, since there are fewer players and more hands are played.

Summing Up: The Best Online Poker Game For You

Although these games follow the same basic rules, in an online environment, they turn into completely different games. The number of players at the table changes the pace, the strategies, and the types of hands that are profitable.

If you understand these differences, you will make smarter choices before you even post a blind. Full ring tables are slow and more forgiving, perfect for beginners. Shorthanded games are faster and more aggressive, ideal for confident players.

Your success comes from selecting the format that suits your needs and experience the most.