8 Game Poker is a mixed game format that’s become a hit with poker pros. It’s like a poker buffet, serving up eight different poker variants in one sitting.
You’ll play everything from 2-7 Triple Draw to No-Limit Hold’em, with the game-changing every six hands.
It’s a real test of all-around poker skills! Unlike its cousin H.O.R.S.E., 8-Game throws in some no-limit and pot-limit action to spice things up.
The World Series of Poker even has a $50,000 Poker Players Championship that uses this format. Talk about high stakes!
Playing 8-Game is like being a poker decathlete. You’ve gotta be good at flop games, board games, and draw games to come out on top. It’s not just about hole cards and community cards anymore!
So if you’re looking to level up your poker game, 8-Game might be your ticket. Just be ready to switch gears faster than a NASCAR pit crew!
The Eight Games in Rotation in 8 Game Poker
Let’s take a closer look at the eight games that make up the 8-Game Mix. This poker cocktail is a real test of skill, mixing up different styles and rules to keep players on their toes.
1. 2-7 Triple Draw (Limit)
First up, we’ve got 2-7 Triple Draw. It’s the odd duck in this bunch, being the only draw game. Here’s the scoop:
You’re aiming for the lowest hand possible
Aces are high, and straights and flushes count against you
The best hand is 7-5-4-3-2
You get three chances to swap out cards
It’s like playing poker backward! You might hear old-timers call this game “Kansas City Lowball”.
2. Limit Hold’em
Next, we’ve got good ol’ Limit Hold’em. It’s like regular Texas Hold’em, but with a twist:
There’s a cap on how much you can bet each round
You get two hole cards and use the five community cards
The best hand wins
It’s a bit like playing Hold’em with training wheels. You can’t go all-in, so it’s less scary for newbies.
3. Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better (Limit)
Now we’re cooking with gas! Omaha Hi-Lo is like playing two games at once:
You get four hole cards
The pot is split between the highest and lowest hands
For the low hand, all cards must be 8 or lower
You must use two cards from your hand and three from the board
It’s like juggling while riding a unicycle – tricky, but fun once you get the hang of it!
4. Razz
Razz is like the evil twin of Seven Card Stud. Here’s the deal:
You’re aiming for the lowest hand possible
Aces are low
Straights and flushes don’t count
The best hand is A-2-3-4-5 (called “the wheel”)
It’s like a race to the bottom, where being bad is good!
5. Seven Card Stud
Now we’re going old school with Seven Card Stud:
You get seven cards total
Three down, four up
Make the best five-card hand
No community cards here, folks!
It’s like playing poker with X-ray vision – you can see some of your opponent’s cards!
6. Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better (Limit)
This game is Seven Card Stud’s fancy cousin:
Same rules as regular Stud, but…
The pot is split between high and low hands
For the low hand, all cards must be 8 or lower
It’s like playing chess and checkers on the same board!
7. No-Limit Hold’em
Now we’re in the big leagues with No-Limit Hold’em:
Two hole cards, five community cards
You can bet all your chips at any time
It’s the game you see on TV
This is where legends are made and fortunes are lost. It’s like poker without a safety net!
8. Pot-Limit Omaha
Last but not least, we’ve got Pot-Limit Omaha:
You get four hole cards
You must use two cards from your hand and three from the board
The max bet is the size of the pot
It’s like Hold’em on steroids – more cards, more action, more fun!So there you have it, folks – the 8-Game Mix in all its glory.
It’s like a poker buffet, with a little something for everyone. Whether you’re a draw game guru or a stud specialist, this mix will keep you on your toes.
Game Structure and Rotation
Now let’s take a closer look at the game structure and rotation of 8 Game Poker. In this mixed game format, players will be able to choose from a wide variety of flavors to keep themselves entertained.
Six-Player Format
8-Game Poker is typically played with six players at the table. This setup is perfect for keeping the action moving and gives everyone a chance to mix it up. It’s like having a poker party with just the right number of guests!
Game Changes
Here’s where it gets interesting:
In cash games, the game changes every six hands
In tournaments, it switches with each level
This constant rotation keeps players on their toes. One minute you’re playing Limit Hold’em, the next you’re tackling Razz. It’s like being a poker chameleon, always adapting to your environment!
Display and Hand Count
To help players keep track, the table displays:
The current game being played
A hand count showing how many hands are left before the switch
For example, you might see “Omaha Hi-Lo (4/6)” at the top of the screen. This means you’re playing Omaha Hi-Lo with two hands left before the next game.
Why This Structure Works
This setup is great because:
It tests all-around poker skills
It keeps the game fresh and exciting
It levels the playing field between specialists and generalists
So, if you’re looking to spice up your poker game, 8-Game might be just the ticket. Just remember, you’ll need to be as flexible as a yoga instructor to keep up with all the changes!
How to Play 8 Game Poker?
Alright, let’s break down how to play 8-Game Poker step by step.
- Game Rotation: The games rotate in this order: 2-7 Triple Draw, Limit Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Seven Card Stud, Stud Hi-Lo, No-Limit Hold’em, and Pot-Limit Omaha.
- Switching Games: In cash games, you’ll switch every six hands. In tournaments, it’s every level.
- Starting the Game: Let’s say we’re kicking off with 2-7 Triple Draw. Each player gets five cards face down.
- Betting Rounds: There are four betting rounds in each game. In limit games, bets are fixed. In no-limit, you can bet your whole stack!
- Drawing Rounds: In 2-7 Triple Draw, you get three chances to swap cards. Aim for the lowest hand possible!
- Showdown: After the last betting round, players show their hands. The best hand wins the pot.
- Next Game: After six hands, we switch to Limit Hold’em. You’ll get two hole cards and use five community cards.
- Flop Games: In Hold’em and Omaha variants, there’s a flop, turn, and river.
- Board Games: In Razz and Stud variants, players have their own board of face-up cards.
- Split Pot Games: In Omaha Hi-Lo and Stud Hi-Lo, the pot is split between the best high hand and the best low hand.
- Adjusting Blinds: When switching between limit and no-limit games, the blinds and antes adjust to keep stakes consistent.
- Keeping Track: The current game and hand count are displayed at the top of the screen.
Remember, each game has its own quirks. In Razz, you’re aiming for the lowest hand. In Pot-Limit Omaha, you’ve got four hole cards to work with.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to the game changes! Don’t get caught playing No-Limit Hold’em style in a Limit Stud round.
Types of Games in 8-Game
Let’s break down the types of games in 8-Game Poker. It’s like a poker buffet with three main dishes: flop games, board games, and a draw game. Each one brings something special to the table.
1. Flop Games
Flop games are the crowd-pleasers in 8-Game. They include:
- Limit Hold’em
- No-Limit Hold’em
- Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better
- Pot-Limit Omaha
In these games, you get hole cards and share community cards. The action revolves around the flop, turn, and river. It’s like building a house – you start with a foundation (your hole cards) and add to it as more cards come out.
For example, in No-Limit Hold’em, you might start with A♠K♥. If the flop comes A♣7♦2♠, you’ve hit the top pair! Now you’ve got to play it smart to win the pot.
2. Board Games
Next up, we’ve got the board games:
- Seven Card Stud
- Razz
- Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better
These games are like playing with your cards face-up (well, some of them). Each player gets their own board of cards.
It’s like a poker version of show-and-tell! In Seven Card Stud, you might start with A♠K♥7♦ showing. Your opponents can see part of your hand, so you’ve got to be extra crafty.
3. Draw Game
Last but not least, we’ve got the lone draw game:
- 2-7 Triple Draw
This game is the odd duck in the bunch. You’re trying to make the lowest hand possible, and you get three chances to swap out cards.
It’s like playing poker in Bizarro World! In 2-7 Triple Draw, the best hand is 7-5-4-3-2. If you start with 7♠5♣4♦3♠K♥, you’d want to ditch that pesky king and hope for a deuce.
Rules and Hand Rankings in 8 Game Poker
Let’s dive into the rules and hand rankings for 8-Game Poker. It’s like a poker buffet, with different flavors for every taste!
Standard Poker Hand Rankings
For most games in the mix, we use the standard poker hand rankings. Here’s the lowdown, from best to worst:
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card
A Royal Flush is the king of hands – it’s like hitting the jackpot! For example, A♠K♠Q♠J♠10♠ is unbeatable.
Special Rankings for Razz and 2-7 Triple Draw
Now, here’s where it gets tricky. In Razz and 2-7 Triple Draw, we flip the script:
In Razz, the lowest hand wins. A♣2♣3♣4♣5♦ is the best possible hand.
In 2-7 Triple Draw, you’re aiming for the lowest hand without pairs or straights. 7♠5♣4♦3♠2♥ is the nuts here.
It’s like playing poker in Bizarro World!
Split Pot Rules for Hi-Lo Games
For Hi-Lo games like Omaha Hi-Lo, we split the pot between the best high hand and the best low hand. Here’s the scoop:
- The high hand follows standard rankings.
- The low hand must have five cards 8 or lower to qualify.
- The best low hand is A-2-3-4-5, also known as “the wheel”.
For example, if you have A♠2♠3♥4♥7♣, you could win both high and low! That’s called “scooping” the pot, and it’s like hitting a home run in poker.
Strategy Tips for 8-Game
Let’s talk about some strategy tips for 8-Game Poker.
1. Mastering All Eight Games
First things first, you’ve got to be a jack-of-all-trades in 8-Game. Here’s why:
Each game comes around every 48 hands
You can’t just wait for your favorite game
Being weak in one game can sink your whole session
Michael Mizrachi, who’s won the $50,000 Poker Players Championship three times, is a master of all eight games. That’s why he’s called “The Grinder” – he grinds out profits in every variant.
2. Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses
It’s like being a poker superhero – you’ve got to know your powers and your kryptonite:
- Keep track of your results in each game
- Play more hands in your strong games
- Tighten up in your weaker games
For example, if you’re a No-Limit Hold’em wizard but struggle with Razz, you might play more aggressively when it’s NLHE time, but fold more often during Razz rounds.
3. Game-Specific Strategies
Now, let’s break down some quick tips for each game:
2-7 Triple Draw: Aim for the lowest hand possible. 7-5-4-3-2 is the nuts!
Limit Hold’em: Position is key. Play more hands when you’re on the button.
Omaha Hi-Lo: Look for hands that can win both high and low. A-2-3-4 suited is gold!
Razz: Remember, aces are low. A-2-3-4-5 is the best hand.
Seven Card Stud: Pay attention to your opponents’ up cards. They tell a story!
Stud Hi-Lo: Like Omaha Hi-Lo, aim for scooping both high and low pots.
No-Limit Hold’em: Don’t go crazy! Stack preservation is crucial in mixed games.
Pot-Limit Omaha: Be careful with marginal hands. Nut hands rule in PLO.
4. Adjusting Your Play
Being flexible is key in 8-Game. It’s like being a poker chameleon:
Change gears between limit and no-limit games
Adjust to your opponents’ skill levels in each game
Be aware of your table image as it changes throughout the rotation
5. Bankroll Management
In 8-Game, your bankroll needs to be rock solid. Here’s why:
Variance is higher due to the mix of games
You might run bad in your weaker games
Pros recommend a bankroll of 100 buy-ins for 8-Game
That means if you’re playing $1/$2, you should have $20,000 set aside. Yikes!
6. Practice Makes Perfect
You can’t become an 8-Game master overnight. It’s like learning to juggle while riding a unicycle:
Start with play money games on PokerStars
Move up to micro-stakes when you’re comfortable
Study each game individually
Watch training videos from pros like Daniel Negreanu
7. The Mental Game
8-Game is a mental marathon. Here are some tips to stay sharp:
Take breaks between rotations
Stay focused on the current game, not the last one
Don’t tilt if you lose in your best game
Celebrate small wins in your weaker games
Notable 8-Game Tournaments
The WSOP Poker Players Championship is the crown jewel of 8-Game tournaments. This high-roller event kicked off in 2006 as a $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. competition, but it got a makeover in 2010 when it switched to the 8-Game format. Talk about a poker buffet!
The tournament has seen some tweaks over the years, like in 2015 when they threw in badugi and 2-7 No-Limit Single Draw for a 10-game mix.
But mostly, it’s stuck to the classic 8-Game lineup. Now, let’s talk big bucks and big names. Michael Mizrachi is the king of this event, snagging the title three times (2010, 2012, and 2018) and pocketing over $4 million in total.
Not too shabby! Other poker hotshots like Brian Rast and Daniel Cates have also claimed the throne twice each. The prize pools are no joke either. In 2011, Rast took home a cool $1,720,328 for his win.
But it’s not just about the cash – winners also get their names etched on the Chip Reese Memorial Trophy, named after the 2006 champ who sadly passed away in 2007.
This tournament is like the poker world’s Olympics, drawing the best all-around players who can handle anything from No-Limit Hold’em to Razz. It’s a true test of poker skill, and winning it is like getting a PhD in card playing!
Playing 8-Game Online
If you’re itching to try 8-Game Poker online, you’re in luck! PokerStars is the big cheese when it comes to offering this mixed game format. They’ve got cash games and tournaments running around the clock, so you can get your fix anytime.
For beginners, it’s smart to start with play money games on PokerStars. They hand you free chips when you sign up, so you can dip your toes in without risking real cash.
It’s like a poker sandbox where you can build your skills! Once you’ve got the hang of it, you might want to check out their micro-stakes games.
These are real money games, but with tiny buy-ins – perfect for newbies who want to test the waters. If you’re looking to practice for free, PokerStars has your back.
They offer freeroll tournaments where you can win real money without paying a dime to enter. Talk about a sweet deal! And don’t forget about their play money tournaments – they’re a great way to get a feel for the tournament structure without any risk.
Remember, 8-Game is like a poker buffet – you’ve got to taste all the dishes to really enjoy it. So take your time, learn each game, and before you know it, you’ll be mixing it up with the best of them.
Who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next Michael Mizrachi, crushing the $50,000 Poker Players Championship at the World Series of Poker!
Conclusion
Learning 8 Game Poker is like becoming a poker Swiss Army knife – you’ll be ready for anything! It sharpens your skills across different formats, making you a more well-rounded player.
Plus, it keeps the game fresh and exciting, so you’ll never get bored. As for the future, mixed game formats are gaining steam.
More players are realizing that being a one-trick pony in No-Limit Hold’em isn’t enough anymore. Big tournaments like the WSOP Poker Players Championship are putting mixed games in the spotlight.
So, if you want to stay ahead of the curve and challenge yourself, 8-Game is the way to go. Who knows? You might just become the next mixed game master!a
