There are many poker variants, and the most well-rounded players know how to play many of them.
Here are the games 9️⃣ that are a part of the popular 8-Game Mix –
Players well-versed in several games garner a lot of respect among 9️⃣ poker professionals. So much so that the World Series of Poker (WSOP) plays 8-Game Mix for the prestigiousR$50,000 Poker Players 9️⃣ Championship.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about 8-Game Poker Mix.
How to Play 8-Game Mix Poker
8-Game Poker, which 9️⃣ is also known as 8-Game Mix and simply 8-Game, is a poker variant comprised of eight different poker disciplines –
2-7 9️⃣ Triple Draw Limit Hold'em Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better Razz Seven Card Stud Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better No-Limit Hold'em 9️⃣ Pot-Limit Omaha
The games are usually played in the order listed above. (T.H.O.R.S.E.H.A. is sometimes used as an acronym). On occasion, 9️⃣ the variations may be randomised to establish a new predetermined rotation.
In online events, the game tends to change after a 9️⃣ specific time interval. In live tournaments, the format usually changes after either an orbit or a particular number of hands.
To 9️⃣ play 8-Game Mix Poker, players must be familiar with three different types of poker –
Flop, Board, and Draw Games.
Flop Games: 9️⃣ No-Limit Hold’em, Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better are all flop games. They involve a flop, 9️⃣ turn and river. All these games utilise blinds.
No-Limit Hold’em, Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better are 9️⃣ all flop games. They involve a flop, turn and river. All these games utilise blinds. Board Games: Razz, Stud, and 9️⃣ Stud H-Lo 8 or Better are all board games. Each player has their own board in front of them as 9️⃣ opposed to shared community cards. All these games utilise antes and a bring-in.
Razz, Stud, and Stud H-Lo 8 or Better 9️⃣ are all board games. Each player has their own board in front of them as opposed to shared community cards. 9️⃣ All these games utilise antes and a bring-in. Draw Games: The only draw game in the mix is 2-7 Triple 9️⃣ Dra. Each player exchanges (AKA draw) cards after each betting round. Like the Hold’em and Omaha games, 2-7 Triple Draw 9️⃣ uses blinds.
Furthermore, players should already be familiar with split-pot games. Both Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better and Stud Hi-Lo 8 9️⃣ or Better will award both the high and low hands half of each pot.
8-Game Mix Poker Rules
The best way to 9️⃣ understand the rules for 8-Game Mix Poker is to appreciate the rules for each game. They are nuanced and varied.
So, 9️⃣ understanding each is crucial if you hope to play 8-Game Mix Poker successfully.
Click each of the games to learn more 9️⃣ about the rules for each:
8-Game Mix Poker Hand Rankings
Standard poker hand rankings apply to most games in 8-Game Mix Poker. 9️⃣ The exceptions are Razz and 2-7 Triple Draw, which we’ll get into more below.
For the other games, the high hands 9️⃣ are what you’ve no doubt become accustomed to making.
A Royal Flush is the best possible hand all the way down 9️⃣ to a high card.
Hi-Lo 8 or Better Hand Rankings – The two Hi-Lo games – Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better 9️⃣ and Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better – are split-pot games. The best high hand wins half the pot in these 9️⃣ variations, while the other half goes to the best low hand.
In both, there must be a qualifying low hand comprised 9️⃣ of five unpaired cards, eight or lower. Aces can count as a low card but also play as high if 9️⃣ needed.
Remember, it is possible for a player to win both the high and low hands, referred to as “scooping.”
For instance, 9️⃣ if they have a hand like, 8♣7♣3♣2♣A♣ then have a qualifying low as well as an ace-high flush. This player 9️⃣ could put them in contention to scoop the pot.
Finally, say in either game, there is no qualifying low hand (again, 9️⃣ five unpaired cards eight or lower). Then the best high hand wins the entire pot.
2-7 Triple Draw Hand Rankings – 9️⃣ Straights and flushes count against your low hand, and aces are always high. So, the best possible hand is 7-5-4-3-2, 9️⃣ hence the name of the game. The second-best hand is 7-6-4-3-2, the third-best 7-6-5-3-2, and so on. Razz Hand Rankings 9️⃣ – In Razz, straights and flushes do not count, and an ace is always the lowest card. So, the best 9️⃣ possible Razz hand is 5-4-3-2-A, also known as "the wheel.” The second-best hand in Razz is 6-4-3-2-A, the third-best 6-5-3-2-A, 9️⃣ and so on.
Strategy for 8-Game Mix Poker
There’s no single strategy for success at 8-Game Mix Poker. Remember, you have to 9️⃣ know strategies for eight different games!
Tip #1: Know the Rules – The best strategy is to make sure you’re confident 9️⃣ with the rules of each game. Then delve deeper by getting familiar with various strategies for each street.
– The best 9️⃣ strategy is to make sure you’re confident with the rules of each game. Then delve deeper by getting familiar with 9️⃣ various strategies for each street. Tip #2: Identify Your Strength & Weaknesses – Be sure to identify your strengths and 9️⃣ weaknesses in each game. Are you proficient in the flop games but not so much in the board games? If 9️⃣ so, maybe you loosen up when playing the former but tighten up during the latter.
– Be sure to identify your 9️⃣ strengths and weaknesses in each game. Are you proficient in the flop games but not so much in the board 9️⃣ games? If so, maybe you loosen up when playing the former but tighten up during the latter. Tip #3: Identify 9️⃣ Your Opponent’s Strength & Weaknesses – You should also focus on identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents. When 9️⃣ a player seems strong in one variant, you might want to avoid them. But, if you spot a failing in 9️⃣ another game, that may be your opportunity to attack.
– You should also focus on identifying the strengths and weaknesses of 9️⃣ your opponents. When a player seems strong in one variant, you might want to avoid them. But, if you spot 9️⃣ a failing in another game, that may be your opportunity to attack. Tip #4: Look for Low Cards in the 9️⃣ Draw Game – In 2-7 Triple Draw, your starting hand is super-critical. As a general rule, you should fold unless 9️⃣ you start with three unpaired cards, nine or lower.
– In 2-7 Triple Draw, your starting hand is super-critical. As a 9️⃣ general rule, you should fold unless you start with three unpaired cards, nine or lower. Tip #5: Remember What Game 9️⃣ You’re Playing – Finally, we can’t stress this enough. Always keep track of what game you’re playing. You’d be surprised 9️⃣ at how many players play a 7-Card Stud hand shooting for a high hand, not realising the game has switched 9️⃣ to Razz.
Strategy for 8-Game Mix Poker
8-Game Mix Poker - FAQ
What is 8-Game Mix Poker?
8-Game Poker, also known as 8-Game Mix 9️⃣ and simply 8-Game, is a poker variant with different poker disciplines. They include 2-7 Triple Draw, Limit Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo 9️⃣ 8 or Better, Razz, Seven Card Stud, Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better, No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha.
Where can I play 9️⃣ 8-Game Mix Poker?
Finding an 8-Game Mix game at your local casino might be challenging, especially at lower stakes.Instead, you’d probably 9️⃣ have better luck either online or at a larger tournament series.
What’s the difference between H.O.R.S.E. and 8-Game Mix Poker?
H.O.R.S.E. is 9️⃣ the acronym used for the mix of five poker games that include - Limit Hold’em (H), Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or 9️⃣ Better (O), Razz (R), Stud (S), and Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better (E). 8-Game Mix includes all those games but 9️⃣ with three others – No-Limit Hold’em (H), Pot-Limit Omaha (A), and 2-7 Triple Draw (T).
Do I have to play all 9️⃣ eight games?
Yes and no. You can always fold and not play the games you don’t like. But you can’t simply 9️⃣ sit out and avoid the blinds and antes. If you’re going to play 8-Game Mix, your best course of action 9️⃣ is to learn to all eight games.
What are the flop games in 8-Game Mix Poker?
No-Limit Hold’em, Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, 9️⃣ and Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better are all flop games as they involve a flop, turn and river.
What are the 9️⃣ board games in 8-Game Mix Poker?
Razz, Stud, and Stud H-Lo 8 or Better are all board games. Each player has 9️⃣ their own board in front of them as opposed to shared community cards.
What is the draw game in 8-Game Mix 9️⃣ Poker? The only draw game is 2-7 Triple Draw as players exchange cards after each betting round.
8-Game Mix Poker - 9️⃣ Summary
There’s nothing wrong with sticking to No-Limit Hold’em. It’s by far the most popular poker game in the world. Many 9️⃣ players stick to what they know and are good at playing.
But, if you’re interested in expanding your poker knowledge, learning 9️⃣ new games is the best way to do it.
There’s no better place to start than learning each variant played in 9️⃣ 8-Game Mix Poker.
Your skills and knowledge will increase.
Chances are you’ll have a lot of fun
And, if you play your cards 9️⃣ right and find success, you could even earn the respect of the best poker players in the world!
