full ring and shorthanded are both real poker

Full ring is more longball and relies on a solid preflop strategy and a knowledge of the importance of implied odds.

Shorthanded is more smallball and relies on a solid postflop strategy and an ability to read hands.

I think its a bad idea for new players to start out playing shorthanded poker. Its a better idea IMO to play full ring at first and adopt a supertight aggressive strategy, and then open up your game gradually and begin playing 6 max.