Frequently, mixed poker games provide a refreshing change from the regular Hold’em or Omaha hands you are used to playing – a change is as good as a rest, and all that. Even if you are proficient in either (or both) of these games, the draw poker games may provide a bit of a challenge and so before you play, it is better to gain a little bit of knowledge and a few tips regarding the rules.
HORSE will be the most familiar mixed poker game to many people, being an acronym for Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Lo, Razz, Stud and Stud Hi/Lo (8′s or better), however, the following is a complete list of the games you would find in a typical 8Game mixed poker tournament, and the order in which they are played.
Limit 2-7 Triple Draw. The opening game often catches players unfamiliar with the rules, as try to make the best possible hand – rather than get the five lowest cards possible without completing a straight. Ace is high, so the best possible hand you can have is 23457 (unsuited!). Three changes of cards are allowed, each with a round of betting in between. Don’t get too carried away with the betting on this first round, as a bad hand or two could set you at a disadvantage for the rest of the game.
Limit Hold’em. Most players have a thorough understanding of Texas Hold’em and the frustrating thing about this round is that it is played flop limit. Ideally, you should play only your premium hands as you would in a regular game, but you are playing short-handed (only 6 to a table), so you can relax your opening hand selection a little
Omaha Hi/Lo. The key points to remember in this round is not to be drawn into a betting battle with a player chasing a low hand unless you have a solid number of outs on the top hand. Also, where the pot is being contested by three players, and one of the hands is tied, each of the two winners of the tied hand would actually “win” fewer chips than they put into the pot.
Razz. The secret to successfully negotiating the rounds of betting in draw games is to make careful note of what cards have been dealt and calculating how they affect both yours and other player’s chances of making the lowest hand. This time ace is low, and straights and flushes are ignored, so A2345 is the hand you are looking for.
Seven Card Stud. It is important that you stay alert to this game coming around, because occasionally players do not realise the change and still go searching for a low hand. As with Razz, watch the cards that are dealt through the betting rounds, to see how they will influence other players hand selections and betting tendencies.
Seven Card Hi/Lo. The last of the draw games regularly produces shared pots, but if you have a considerably good low hand you should try to push the betting as much as possible and hope that you catch a straight. Winning both Hi and Low hands at this point will set you up nicely for the next two rounds.
No Limit Hold’em. The best advice to give here is to watch your bets. All the games to date have been flop limit, and you may have been keeping the company of a poker “wolf” in sheep’s clothing. Position on the table is all important with your betting as is bet sizing. It is possible to have all your good work to date undone by a slow player so, again, watch your bets!
Pot Limit Omaha. This game has no low hand (unlike earlier) which catches a few players out. You should be aware of what makes a good Omaha hand and exploit any opportunities that come along. Betting aggressively from late position is normally fruitful, and if played well, you should have a good collection of chips to go back to the beginning – and do it all again!
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