Mixed Games in Poker – What They Are and How They Work 

Mixed games have been all the rage in poker in recent years, and for good reason, too. But what does a mixed game actually look like and where is it played? Can anyone join or is it reserved for the pros only?

We’re answering all of that and more, so keep on reading.

What Are Mixed Games in Poker?

For a long time, Texas Hold’Em has been consistently the most popular poker variant played worldwideTexas Hold’Em has been consistently the most popular poker variant played around the world. And while it’s still holding that top spot tightly, people are starting to look for other ways to play and win money in poker. Cue mixed games.

Combining several poker variations into one game, mixed games are a great place to sharpen your skills and win big. During a mixed game, players will have to play multiple games, switching from one to the next after the cards have been dealt.

You might find yourself only having to play two variants, but you also might have to play ten.

The speed at which players rotate from one game to the next will depend on whether it’s a cash game or tournament, and what the house rules are.

The Benefits of Playing Mixed Games

By taking part in mixed games, you’ll be able to play with a truly diverse group of players. These games tend to attract high/low players who tend to play draw games somewhat erratically. 

Not only that, but you’ll also see draw game specialists, as well as Hold’Em players and wealthier recreational players. So there’s always something to learn from everyone, whether how or not to play the game.

Another benefit to look forward to is that the biggest games at casinos tend to be mixed. It’s not unusual to see a $400/$800 limit mix, even though a no-limit game at the next table is $20/$40, for example.

Many players are drawn to mixed games because there’s a bigger percentage of hands played. These games often have a limit of six to eight players because fewer players can be dealt in stud and draw variants.

But perhaps, most importantly, mixed games are still somewhat of a mystery. Many players don’t have a surefire way to win, which allows them to experiment and optimize their strategy. All that is to say that participating in these games can make you become a better poker player overall.

What Mixed Games to Learn First?

Well, it kind of goes without saying, but the first game to learn has to be Texas Hold’Em. In fact, you should already be pretty good at this staple variant before you consider joining a mixed poker game.

Next up comes Omaha, which is similar to Hold’Em, with a few key differences. With Omaha, you have to accommodate the fact that you’re playing with four cards instead of two. In Omaha, the relative hand values go down, which means you need a good starting strategy.

Once you have a handle on Hold’Em and Omaha, you should look into games that are in the HORSE rotation. These include Hold’Em, Omaha Hi/Lo, Razz, Stud, and Eight-or-better.

Here, pay particular attention to Stud High/Low split games, since they’re almost always part of a mixed game.

After that, you can look into the one-winner limit draw games like Badugi, Ace to Five Triple Draw, and Deuce to Seven Triple Draw. 

Not only are these games popular variants in their own right, but they’re also prerequisites for learning Badacey and Badeucey. The former is a combination of Ace to Five and Badugi, while the latter is a split pot game in which the object is to make the best Badugi and Deuce to Seven hands.

Top Tips for Playing Mixed Games

Different poker games will require different skills, but when it comes to mixed games, you’ll need a particular skill set. You can’t approach it the way you would a regular Texas Hold’Em or Omaha game. 

So the first top tip is that you should never go into a mixed game without having the rules of every poker variant you’ll be playing down pat. That includes knowing the rules, hand rankings, basic strategy, and how that game is different from others.

Of course, it’s unrealistic to think that you can master every poker variant, especially if you haven’t been playing that long. There’ll always be a game or two that draws you in more than the rest and that you prefer playing. 

With that said, consider playing the games you know best aggressively. You can take advantage of the fact that it might be your opponent’s weakest one.

Then, when the variants you’re not so confident with come along, try playing more conservatively. Focus on breaking even or staying afloat rather than taking home the pot.

Speaking of games you’re not that confident in, keep in mind that your opponents probably have them too. While the game is unfolding, make sure to pay attention to see where your opponents aren’t really shining.

This last tip might sound like a no-brainer, but you should always keep track of the game you’re playing. In a high-pressure mixed game, it’s easy to lose track of what you’re currently playing and what your objective is. Not knowing when to make the highest five-card hand and when to make the lowest one can be a pretty costly mistake.

To Sum Up: Mixed Games in Poker

Now that you have a good understanding of what mixed games are, you might finally be ready to join in the excitement. As some of the biggest names in poker, like Daniel Negreanu, we also believe they’re the future of the game.

If you want to join in on the fun and thrill of a mixed game, you can check out CoinPoker promotions and tournaments. We host games, perfect for any skill level and with the chance of winning some really good prizes.

But if you feel like your poker skills aren’t up to par quite yet, start mastering one game at a time. Download CoinPoker and start getting ready for the future of poker, today!