Texas Hold ’em is the most popular poker variation worldwide, followed by Omaha, 7-card stud, and Razz. You can also play mixed poker games, which rotate between multiple poker variants. These games offer a variety of playing styles and are similar to an array of poker. Exploring various games can be a thrilling experience as they provide a range of flavors, from sweet and easy, to challenging or even a giant brain twister.
Unlike the somewhat repetitive nature of poker, mixed games introduce a new world of exciting experiences that are enjoyable to explore. However, it can be overwhelming at first due to their unique formats. That’s why we have designed a guide to assist you in getting started with mixed games.
What Are Mixed Poker Games?
Mixed poker games involve multiple variations of poker combined into one game, sometimes up to ten. The games rotate from one type to the next, such as moving from Hold’ em to Omaha. The rotation speed differs based on the house rules and whether playing cash games or tournaments.
Two common ways to rotate games in a tournament are using levels/blinds or the number of hands played. With levels/blinds, a new game is played every 3-60 minutes when the blinds increase. With several hands, a new game is played after a predetermined amount of hands, such as every nine hands in a full-ring cash game.
Strategies to Consider
To avoid drawing the short stick during a good poker game, you must learn the basic strategies of each game you play. Even if you can only become an expert at some games, knowing these basics will prevent your opponents from taking advantage of gaps in your knowledge.
For example, in 2-7 Triple Draw, it’s advisable to avoid playing hands that don’t include a 2, and in high-low games, aiming for a low hand can be more beneficial since it can potentially win in two ways.
Knowing even the most basic strategies can give you a significant advantage over someone who knows nothing about the game in every game. Learning these winning strategies for any game you plan on playing is relatively easy.
Even for the most obscure matches, there are strategy books available. You can search for relevant articles or chapters within books if they are not available. Additionally, there are numerous instructional videos and strategy articles for most games, including poker and poker cards.
Finding a game that includes all the specific games you are looking for may be challenging. Suppose you discover a $10/$20 B.O.T.E. game that offers Omaha, triple draw, and stud hi/lo, but you have no prior knowledge of badugi. In this scenario, you might take a break when the game changes to badugi by pretending to go to the restroom.
Skipping one round in a mixed game is generally not recommended. If you join a mixed game, make sure you are willing to play all the games involved. However, from an ethical perspective, missing one orbit of a game is not a serious offense. Consider how frequently players step away from the table during a regular Hold’ em or Omaha cash game. If the game changes only when the dealer pushes or every two orbits in mixed games, it’s challenging to skip an entire game. It’s unfair to your opponents, and it’s hard to justify being away from the table for a long time.
Furthermore, it can be advantageous to try playing a game you are less familiar with or not as good at. While reading books or watching online training videos can help enhance your skills, the key to becoming proficient is through practice. The most effective way to improve is by gaining experience playing the game.
Instead of trying to become an expert in every poker variation, focus on a few games that you enjoy and are good at. Play those games more aggressively and take advantage of your opponents’ weaker skills in those games. Remember, it’s impossible to master every variation, so focus on what you do best.
If you need to be more skilled in certain games, it’s better to play cautiously and aim to lose money in cash games, at least not getting eliminated in tournaments. However, it would be best if you eventually worked on improving your skills in those weak games. Otherwise, you will always be a target whenever those games are played.
To improve your game, observe your opponents to identify their weaknesses. Please note which games they make the most mistakes playing or play fewer hands. This information can guide you to play more aggressively or steal their blinds and antes. Remember, every game is a chance to learn, and winning isn’t always necessary to benefit from a mixed poker game.
What are the recommended things to take notes on during gameplay? Take note of your opponents’ most substantial and weakest games and any opportunity you can use to your advantage in the future. Write down your best and worst games in that rotation. If you encounter hands you need clarification on, jot them down so you can discuss them with your peers or in a strategy forum later. Also, note the poker hands you want to review using tools such as a hand replayer and odds calculator.
Focus on taking high-quality notes to improve your performance and avoid losing money in mixed poker games. These notes can help you identify your weakest areas, which you can then work on strengthening. This tip applies to all types of poker games, not just mixed formats.
Final Thoughts
Mixed games are an enjoyable way to challenge your skill and luck in poker. Whether you’re an experienced pro or new to the game, it pays to practice these strategies and learn to adapt to each game type. Playing mixed games requires knowledge of different formats, but with some experience, you can soon become a master at this enjoyable variation.
Knowing when to play sure hands and when to take risks is critical. Ultimately, understanding the differences between the various types of card games available within the mixed game will significantly improve your odds of success and greatly improve your poker strategy. So be sure to put in the time, practice, and refine your skillset, and good luck!