8-Game Mix: How to Play
Mixed poker games put your skills to the test across several poker variants, each with its own rules and strategy. 8-Game Mix combines eight popular games in one rotation, challenging you to adapt your approach as the game changes.
Unlike mixed games that use fixed-limit betting throughout, 8-Game Mix also includes No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha. You’ll need a broad understanding of poker, a flexible strategy and the ability to adjust to different betting structures.
Which Games Are Included in 8-Game Mix?
8-Game Mix rotates through eight poker variants in a set order:
- Limit 2-7 Triple Draw – Draw poker where the lowest hand wins under the deuce-to-seven ranking system.
- Limit Texas Hold’em – Each player receives two hole cards and combines them with five community cards to make the best five-card hand.
- Limit Omaha Hi/Lo (Eight-or-Better) – Players use exactly two hole cards and three community cards, with the pot potentially split between the best high hand and qualifying low hand.
- Razz – A stud game in which the lowest five-card hand wins.
- Limit Seven Card Stud – Players receive a combination of face-up and face-down cards and aim to make the best five-card hand.
- Limit Stud Hi/Lo (Eight-or-Better) – A stud variant where the pot can be split between the best high hand and a qualifying low hand.
- No-Limit Texas Hold’em – Hold’em with no fixed betting limit, allowing players to bet any amount up to their remaining chips.
- Pot-Limit Omaha – Omaha where the maximum bet is limited by the size of the pot.
Learn the rules of each game before playing:
How Does 8-Game Mix Work?
8-Game Mix is typically played with six players, with the game changing after every six hands in cash games or at each tournament level. The rotation follows the order listed above, starting with Limit 2-7 Triple Draw and moving through all eight variants before returning to the beginning.
The game currently being played is displayed at the table, helping you keep track of the rotation and prepare for the next variant.
The main challenge is adapting your strategy to each game’s rules, hand rankings and betting structure. Limit games use fixed betting increments, No-Limit Hold’em allows bets up to a player’s entire stack, and Pot-Limit Omaha caps bets at the current pot size.
How Is 8-Game Mix Different from H.O.R.S.E.?
Both 8-Game Mix and H.O.R.S.E. combine several poker variants, but they use different rotations.
H.O.R.S.E. features five games, all played with fixed-limit betting. 8-Game Mix expands the rotation to eight variants and adds 2-7 Triple Draw, No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit. This means you need to understand not only different poker formats, but also how to adjust your bet sizing and risk management as the betting structure changes.
Learn to Play 8-Game Mix for Free
If you’re new to mixed games, take time to learn each variant before entering an 8-Game Mix table. Understanding the rules and hand rankings will help you make better decisions when the rotation changes.
Visit the PokerStars on Betfair guide to poker games to explore the different variants and build your knowledge.
Explore More Poker Games at PokerStars on Betfair
Looking to try another format? Explore H.O.R.S.E., discover Texas Hold’em, or learn more about Pot-Limit Omaha.
You can also browse the available poker tournaments to discover more ways to play.
