Mixed poker games refer 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, learning mixed poker game strategies can be a great way to uncover hidden strategic opportunities.

What Are Mixed Games and What Is the Appeal?

Why are players increasingly looking for types of poker other than Texas Hold’em? Reasons cited include excessive tanking (taking a long time to make a decision), new crowds of aggressive players, and solver-based strategies as having spoiled the game. As a result, many find that it’s no longer one of the best types of poker for beginners.

The same can’t be said for mixed poker game variants, where the action is fast, and players are usually less experienced. Many also find these games more engaging due to their constant shifts in format.

Some common mixed poker game rotation formats include:

• 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 popular poker variants, each with its own unique set of rules and strategies. To get the full benefits of mixed poker games, it’s worth learning them all.

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 the most popular of all Texas Hold’em poker game variations, and it’s also featured in the eight-game mix, a staple in tournaments and cash games.

It’s easy to learn how to play No Limit Texas Hold’em, but in mixed formats, it’s important to evaluate your edge. If you’re more proficient in other variants, adopting a small ball poker strategy or folding marginal hands in NLHE can help you preserve chips for your strongest games.

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. Omaha poker strategies typically reward precision, patience, and a 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 poker 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. It’s also a fun type of poker you can play with friends. 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

It’s essential to learn how to play 7-Card Stud if you want to get into mixed games. This all-American classic rewards players who can maintain strong memory and read board textures. Over an entire game, 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.

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 made up of cards that are eight or lower, minus any pairs. Straights and flushes are allowed in low-value hands.

This type of stud poker 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 poker mixed games formats like Dealer’s Choice.

6. H.O.R.S.E

What is HORSE poker? It’s a popular question these days, but the fact is that you won’t find HORSE poker rules explained on the internet because it’s not a type of poker. Instead, it’s a poker game rotation format that includes the following variants: Limit Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Lo, Razz, Seven-Card Stud, and Seven-Card Stud Hi/Lo. There’s no single best strategy for HORSE poker – instead, you have to learn the best strategies for all of these games. This challenge is exactly what makes HORSE poker tournaments so rewarding.

Play Mixed Poker Games Online with BetMGM

If you’re looking to learn how to play the different types of poker 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 featuring lesser-known poker variants to challenge and develop your skill set.

Play Poker Online at BetMGM

Looking to play poker with real money in a broad range of variants and formats? BetMGM offers the full spectrum, from straight-up No Limit Texas Hold’em to stud and Omaha games. Enjoy cash games and compete in tournaments with buy-ins to suit your pocket. First time at BetMGM? Get started with an online poker welcome bonus.