Poker is a popular card game around the world, and with the constant evolution of the sport, new terminologies and variations have emerged. Among these variations, one of the most frequently mentioned is "short-handed." The term "short-handed" refers to a method of playing poker, particularly in ice hockey and similar sports, where one less player is involved in the game or match. However, in the realm of poker, "short-handed" has taken on a unique meaning: to play the game against fewer opponents in a heads-up or small-scale poker tournament. In simple terms, short-handed poker means playing poker with fewer opponents than the number of total players. For example, a typical poker game may have 8 players, but the game could be short-handed if it was just a 6-player showdown. Short-handed play has gained more traction and popularity with the rise of online poker platforms, allowing users to play against fewer players, making it relatively easier to compete for smaller-sized pots but with a greater chance of success. Short-handed poker is a challenge in and of itself, as the gameplay strategy and tactics for such games differ significantly from full table or multi-handed poker matches. In short-handed games, the dynamics of the game change, and players need to adapt. These changes involve several factors, such as adjusting the players' roles, hand selection, managing the stack size wisely, altering the betting and raising patterns, and redefining the concept of "position," among others. The "position" in poker indicates the player's relative placement at the table compared to the dealer. It plays a vital role in poker as it influences the players' betting decisions, such as when they decide to open the game or when they call, raise, or fold. In short-handed games, the position becomes less important; the main focus shifts to adjusting the players' strategies and managing their stacks optimally. Hand selection, another key component of poker, is also crucial in short-handed games. In a typical multi-handed tournament, players usually play a variety of hands. However, with fewer players involved, players will likely have to fold many hands they would've played in a full table game, including those with only a marginal edge. It becomes necessary to concentrate on strong starting hands and avoid weak hands in short-handed games. In summary, the gambling term "short-handed" refers to poker games played against fewer opponents, usually in a heads-up tournament or during a smaller-scale poker tournament. Short-handed games require players to adapt their gameplay strategies and manage resources effectively to survive and win against fewer opponents. For players who are looking to improve their poker skills, understanding the nuances of short-handed play will undoubtedly help them enhance their performance and maximize potential wins.