How to Play Big Bet Mix Poker

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What is the Big Bet Mix

Big Bet Mix is a poker format that usually features several "big bet" disciplines of poker played on rotation. Big bet means that these games are played either no-limit or pot-limit.

Here we go over the poker rules for the Big Bet Mix.

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What Events are in the Big Bet Mix?

Although there is no set Big Bet Mix, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Big Bet Mix comprises of the following seven disciplines:

The Poker Masters Big Bet Mix is comprised of just three disciplines: No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha and No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw


Related: Julien Martini Secures 2019 Poker Masters $10,000 Big Bet Mix Title


Other big bet games that might be included in other mixes include Pot Limit Badugi and Pineapple Hold'em, to name but a few.

How to Play the Big Bet Mix

As with other Mixed Games like H.O.R.S.E. and 8-Game, it is important that players have a well-rounded knowledge of all games in the mix.

It is especially important that you pay attention to what game you are playing, although that is often made easier by the number of cards you are receiving, with two for Hold'em, four for Omaha and five for 2-7 Draw, 5 Card Draw or 5 Card Omaha.

As with other Mixed Games, it's also important to gauge your opponents' strengths and weaknesses. Try and isolate players in games they are weaker in and avoid players who seem to be particularly dominant in one game or even several.


Related: Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi's Mixed Game Tips


Big Bet Mix at the WSOP

The origins of the Big Bet Mix come from cash games, especially high stakes ones, where players wanted to enjoy this certain mix of games.

Eventually, in 2017, Big Bet Mix was included at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) for the first time with a $2,500 buy-in event.

Since then the tournament has grown year on year from 179 players in 2017, to 218 players in 2019.

YearEntriesPrizepoolWinnerPayout
2017179$443,250Jens Lakemeier$112,232
2018205$461,250Scott Bohlman$122,138
2019218$490,500Loren Klein$127,808

The mix has also been part of the schedule at both the Lone Star Poker Series and Poker Masters.