Mixed Games: HORSE and 8-Game

Several games played in turn at the same table. When the round is up the game changes, and everyone plays the next one.

a card face down
a card face down
a card face down

Your cards: Depends on the game
Shared cards: Depends on the game
Betting: Each game keeps its own
Who wins: Each game keeps its own
In the mix: HORSE, 8-Game

How the switch works

A mixed game is a list of poker games played in order. In a cash game the game usually changes after a set number of hands, often one full lap of the button. In a tournament it usually changes with every blind level.

Every game keeps its own rules. The Hold’em and Omaha games use the button and blinds; the Stud games use antes and the bring-in. When the game changes, so do the cards, the betting and which hand wins.

H.O.R.S.E.

Five games, all fixed limit. Each letter is one game.

The 8-Game Mix

HORSE plus three more games. This mix uses all three ways to bet: fixed limit, pot limit and no limit.

Bigger mixes

Some tables add more games, like Badugi and No Limit 2-7 Single Draw. In a dealer’s choice game, each player picks the game when it is their turn to deal.

Words you will hear

Orbit: One full lap of the button around the table.
Scoop: Winning both halves of a split pot.
Hi-lo, or eight or better: A game where the pot is split between the best high hand and the best low hand of 8 or under.
Lowball: A game where only the lowest hand wins, like Razz or 2-7.