Today there are three main Hold ‘Em games for online players to choose from. The majority of players pick just one and stick to it while others like to have a solid skill set in each game. 6-Max and Full Ring games are the top choices, though HU has gained in popularity over the past few years. In order of aggression, from lowest to highest, the games rank as follow: Full Ring, 6-Max, HU.
It is probably quite obvious to you why the aggression levels increase as the amount of players decrease. Fewer players to knock out means aggression can go uncontested and is therefore less risky. The fewer players, the wider the edge that players have as well. Solid HU players often enjoy win rates that far exceed what 6-Max players earn at those same stakes. This, of course, assumes skill levels to be equal The variance involved in each game is often a driving factor in a player’s decision of which game to play. HU players, no matter how good, will undoubtedly endure ridiculous swings. 20 buy-in downswings are not that unordinary for HU players. 6-Max and Full Ring players are by no means free of variance, both will have their fair share, but in relation to HU players the frequency is rather low.
Heads Up
Heads Up play is probably the most profitable game of the three, but with that comes a need for an extremely strong skill set. So many players are set on becoming the next Phil Ivey that they will work tirelessly on their HU game. Edges are often huge, and leaks can be hard to find. The bankroll requirements are much larger than those for 6-Max or Full Ring games. Depending on the stakes you play, HU bankrolls should be at least 40 buy ins. Another factor to consider is the availability of games as you move up in stakes. If you look on Full Tilt you will usually find plenty of .50/1 HU games running, but very few 10/20 games running. You will notice that 10/20 HU tables have lots of players sitting out just waiting for one fish to sit where at 50NL and 100NL many players are open to playing anyone.
6-Max
6-Max is extremely popular in online poker today. Full Ring used to be the king, and may still be for the time being, but 6-Max is catching up. Players appreciate the aggressive nature of the game, but also like that they won’t have to face such fierce and relentless opponents as they would in HU games. 6-Max games allow you to pick your spots more easily than HU. The bankroll requirements for most 6-Max games hover around 20-25 buy ins, a large drop off from HU games.
Full Ring
Full Ring games are the setting for classic poker games. Most movies and televised tournaments are played in Full Ring format. The tightest of players can often find a slight edge in these games where they would get crushed in 6-Max or HU games. The increased player pool also allows for a greater ratio of fish to solid regulars. Bankroll management should still be adhered to in a way similar to 6-Max games, 20-25 buy ins is standard.