6‑Max
6-max is a poker table format with no more than six seats.
The simple explanation
A 6-max table has room for up to six players. The name describes the size of the table, not a special kind of hand. If one of the six players leaves and five remain, the table is still 6-max. You can find the format in cash games and tournaments.
A closer look
Compared with a nine- or ten-seat full-ring table, the blinds reach each seat more often. There are also fewer players left to act in many positions, so opening and defending ranges need to reflect the seat, the opponents and the action. This does not mean that every hand should be played aggressively. Six is the seat limit, not a requirement that exactly six players be dealt in.
A practical example
A table has six seats. All six may play, but if one player leaves and five remain, it is still a 6-max table.
Full explanation
6-max is a poker table format with no more than six seats.
A 6-max table seats up to six players, rather than the nine or ten often found at a full-ring table. It can be used for cash games or tournaments. The label describes the table’s capacity, so a hand with five players at a six-seat table is still part of a 6-max game.
With fewer seats, the blinds return to each player more often. Position and hand selection still matter: the useful range depends on who is left to act, the opponents and the stacks. The format does not require everyone to play loosely or aggressively.
Alternative spelling: 6 max, 6max, six-max, six max
A six-seat table
No-limit Hold’em · Blinds 1/2 chips · No rake
This is a 6-max table: there are six seats, all occupied in this example. Player A has the button; B and C post the blinds. A player folding does not change the table’s six-seat format.
Read the example transcript
- Preflop · Pot: 3 chips
This is a 6-max table: there are six seats, all occupied in this example. Player A has the button; B and C post the blinds. A player folding does not change the table’s six-seat format.
- Player A BTN AAce of clubs (Ac)QQueen of diamonds (Qd) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
- Player B SB KKing of hearts (Kh)JJack of diamonds (Jd) · Stack 199 · In this round 1
- Player C BB 99 of clubs (9c)99 of hearts (9h) · Stack 198 · In this round 2
- Player D UTG 77 of hearts (7h)66 of hearts (6h) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
- Player E HJ 55 of clubs (5c)55 of diamonds (5d) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
- Player F CO 1010 of spades (Ts)88 of spades (8s) · Stack 200 · In this round 0
Cards are shown for learning; totals are displayed before pot collection.