Mixed game poker refers to a collection of poker variants played in rotation during a single session or tournament. These games combine different poker formats, allowing players to showcase their versatility and expertise.

While No-Limit Texas Hold’em may be the most widely known variant out there, it’s becoming harder to find soft competition in this format and make money. As a result, players often turn to mixed games.

Poker mixed games are a great alternative, since many opponents tend to lack the skill and experience required to win the games at hand. For those looking to branch out from the classics, exploring new and lesser-known poker variants can be a great way to uncover hidden strategic opportunities.

What Are Mixed Games and What Is the Appeal?

When you think of poker, you probably think of No-Limit Hold’em. The reality is that players have grown tired of this classic version and have cited reasons like excessive tanking, new crowds of aggressive players, and solver-based strategies as having spoiled the game.

The same cannot be said for mixed games, where the action is fast, and players are usually inexperienced. This makes it an attractive option if you’re looking for easier wins. Many also find these games more engaging due to their constant shifts in format.

Some common mixed games include the following:

• HORSE: Hold’em, Omaha, Razz, Seven-Card Stud, and 8-or-Better
• Eight-game poker: Includes 2-7 Triple Draw, Pot-Limit Omaha, and more
• Dealer’s Choice: The dealer selects which variant is played in each round

These formats also feature prominently in high-stakes environments and types of poker tournaments other than Texas Hold’em and Omaha.

Types of Mixed Games and How To Play Them

Although most people are familiar with the classic version of poker that typically involves five cards, there are many variants, each with its own unique set of rules and strategies.

Take a quick dive into the most popular mixed games, particularly the HORSE variety, along with some practical guidance from this mixed games poker strategy guide.

1. No-Limit Hold’em

No-Limit Hold ’em (NLHE) is often referred to as the “Cadillac of poker” because it’s one of the most renowned casino games in the world. It’s also featured in the eight-game mix, a staple in tournaments and cash games.

In mixed formats, it’s important to evaluate your edge. If you’re more proficient in other variants, adopting a “small ball” strategy or folding marginal hands in NLHE can help you preserve chips for your strongest games. To further adapt, reviewing different Texas Hold’em poker game variations is helpful.

2. Omaha

Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or better (O8b) is one of the most common components in mixed game rotations. Players are dealt four hole cards and must use exactly two in combination with three of the five community cards.

This variant prioritizes low-oriented hands that can scoop both halves of the pot, making hand selection critical. O8b often rewards precision, patience, and deep understanding of equity dynamics. It’s particularly attractive to seasoned players, but beginners can still find it accessible with focused study.

3. Razz

Razz is a Stud-based lowball game in which the lowest five-card hand wins. Because aces are low and straights and flushes don’t count against you, the best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5.

The game tests your ability to track visible cards and read opponent tendencies. Players should favor starting hands with unpaired low cards and adjust aggression based on visible high cards in other players’ hands. As part of the mixed rotation, it’s also discussed in many popular mixed poker formats. You can learn how to master mixed games in poker with our guide.

4. Seven-Card Stud

This American classic rewards players who can maintain strong memory and read board textures. Players are dealt seven cards, three of which are hidden, and must make the best five-card hand.

There are no community cards, so observation and recall are key tools. For a primer, consult BetMGM’s Seven-Card Stud guide for new players. Stud is a central piece of many popular stud poker variants and often appears in mixed tournaments.

5. Stud Eight-or-Better

Also known as Stud Hi-Lo, this split-pot game divides the pot between the best high and low hands, with the low hand qualifying only if it is 8-high or better.

This variant creates diverse opportunities for scooping or quartering opponents. Aces are powerful here, usable in both high and low hands. The format emphasizes balance and awareness of split equity—a skill that helps players transition into more complex formats like Dealer’s Choice.

Play Mixed Poker Games Online with BetMGM

If you’re looking to level up your game beyond No-Limit Hold’em, mixed games offer one of the most engaging and rewarding paths forward. Whether you’re drawn to the strategic depth of Stud or the scoop-and-split dynamics of Omaha Hi-Lo, BetMGM offers a variety of rotating formats to challenge and develop your skill set.

Join today to play online poker and start exploring different formats in real-time. As a new player, you can also claim a generous poker welcome offer to kickstart your experience across BetMGM’s full suite of poker games.