If you’re reading this article, it’s likely because you want to say fold’em to hold’em and have decided it’s time to embrace the wonderful world of Mixed Games. In poker Mixed Games is just a fancy term that means multiple poker formats are played, usually in a set rotation, with each game change coming after a pre-determined number of hands or time.

But, before you dive head first into the 8-Game streets on PokerStars here are a few handy tips to ensure you’re not drawing dead.

1) Read The Rules

Boring! Yes yes, rules are boring, but mixed games are varied and it’s vital you have a grasp of the basics of each game before you try and play them. For instance, in Razz an ace is a low (good) card with the nuts being A-2-3-4-5, aka the wheel. But in a game such as 2-7 Triple Draw, an ace is a high (bad) card and the nuts – or number 1 as aficionados call it – is 2-3-4-5-7.

Or, did you know that in a split pot game like Omaha Hi-Lo that statistically, by the river, there will be a low possibility 60% of the time.

Luckily PokerStars Learn can help you out here, they have guides to all the games. Just head to the games section on the website and you’ll find primers for over 20 poker variants.

2) Start with Play Money or at the Micros

Ok, so you’ve read the rules and you’re ready to hit the tables. Before you hop into the same stakes you play hold’em at, press the pause button. You will be a losing player, so it’s a case of deciding how expensive you want the lessons to be. Starting at Play Money is the cheapest option, but I understand the gripe that Play Money often doesn’t reflect how the games play when actual money is on the line.

So, if Play Money is out, then head to the micro stakes tables. Yes, the lessons will cost you a few dollars, but the money invested will buy vital experience, that in the long run will help turn you from a newcomer into someone who can hold their own.

3) Start with one game or learn them all?

This really is personal preference, but decide if you want to start off by learning just one poker variant or if you want to play 8-Game, which consists of Limit 2-7 Triple Draw, Limit Hold’em, Limit Omaha Eight or Better (Hi/Lo), Razz, Limit Seven Card Stud, Limit Stud Eight or Better (Hi/Lo), No Limit Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha.

If you’ve only ever played No Limit Hold’em, and it’s just the one game that you want to learn then there are a couple of good jumping on points. The first would be Pot-Limit Omaha. This will still leave you in familiar territory, with hole-cards and five community cards, but with some big differences such as having to use both hole cards to make your best five card hand. Or, if you fancy learning about bring-ins, then Razz would be a good place to start. It’s regarded as the least complex and simplest form of Stud Poker to learn.

4) Learn from the experts

Think back to when you started playing No-Limit Hold’em, how did you learn? Now, my guess would be by playing, but also by watching it on TV or learning from those more experienced than you, be that via reading or watching.

Guess what? You can do that with Mixed Games too. PokerStars very own GJ Reggie often streams Mixed Games content on her Twitch Channel or you can watch the reruns on demand. Whilst over on the Main PokerStars Twitch Channel you’ll be able to find replays of big WCOOP and SCOOP Mixed Games events where you can see all the cards face-up.

5) Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

No one wants to look stupid at the poker table, but when learning new games you shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions, and there are no stupid questions.

There are multiple poker forums and places to ask these questions, but one of the best safe spaces to do this is the PokerStars Discord channel. There you’ll find a group of like minded people who are all trying to improve their poker game. There are multiple channels and communities within the Discord Server and joining a community is one of the best ways to get better at poker.