Dear Powers That Be,
When the World Series of Poker Online schedule was released this year, I couldnt help but notice that there was only one, single, mixed-game event. One solitary, lonely, Omaha eight-or-better event that was originally, incorrectly listed as its degenerate cousin with a gambling addiction, pot-limit Omaha.
The schedule didnt even have a stud eight-or-better event, and I know you have the software capacity to run it. I live in New Jersey and have seen your Stud tab. There have even been rumors of the occasional stud cash game running on the site. To say I was disappointed about the lack of mixed games is an understatement.
I implore you to reconsider your sentiments towards mix games. Now, I understand that mix games may not have the allure and big prizes as no-limit holdem. I even understand that the clientele may not be desirable. I know the mix game community has its fair share of complainers, but I promise you they mean well. Since you already muted the chat, you wont have to hear them complain anyway.
The whole point of this open letter is to lay out why I think it is a mistake not to give poker players the opportunity to compete in other disciplines outside of big bet games.
But seriously, are you f#%ing kidding me? Only one mix game? Surely you can do better than this, and heres why you should.
Learning More Games Opens Up More Opportunities
At the beginning of my career, my goal was to be able to play whatever the best game in the room was. That meant any game, whether it be $50-$100 no-limit holdem or $400-$800 stud. At the time, I only knew how to play limit holdem. Thats only 20 percent of H.O.R.S.E., let alone any game in the room. I knew I had a long way to go. but I was determined.
Fast forward five years. I learned eight more games and was on my way to being able to accomplish this goal. I was always playing in the best game on the right side of Borgatas poker room, but that side of the room was dedicated to the limit games. I still was unable to play any game.
I started coming in on my days off to play $2-$5 no-limit holdem. I needed experience to learn the game that would one day allow me to play with one of the biggest celebrities on the planet. Fast forward another few years and now its 2018. I was playing on the right side of the room when I heard that Kevin Hart was on his way to play no-limit holdem. I quit my game of $80-$160 OE to secure a seat at $10-$25.
I had to wait. And wait some more. But sure enough, in walked Kevin Hart, along with four security guards. This was it, the moment I had been waiting for. I could without a doubt say that I was playing in the best game in the room.
The game escalated quickly. It started out with blinds of $10-$25, but it wasnt long before half the table had blinds out and we were playing $10-$25-$50-$100.
I wish I could tell you I crushed this session or even that I booked a win, sadly I cannot. While being able to play the best game in the room is making the most positive expected value decisions for your bankroll, it doesnt guarantee youll come out a winner
Mix Games Are Good For Development
I could very easily make the argument that mix games prepare players for the future of poker. Every year a new game comes out that threatens the stronghold no-limit holdem has on poker.
If there is even the slightest chance that players will like the new game, you learn it. I know its tough to remember because the internet wasnt really around back then, but there was a time when limit holdem was the most popular game in poker rooms. Before that, it was stud. You cannot stop poker evolution, you can only grow with it.
Right now, the game of choice is clearly no-limit holdem. Its been like that for nearly two decades. Thanks Moneymaker. Maybe try winning a limit tournament next time. However, there is no reason to believe no-limit holdem will reign supreme forever. At some point, you either learn the new game or watch the game pass you by. Youll still have solitaire though if nobody wants to play no-limit with you.
Each new game expands a players perspective on poker. Even after 15 years of playing professionally, I still find spots Ive never seen. I truly believe that learning these games has allowed me to develop my overall poker strategy into a profitable creative one.
Learning on the fly and being prepared to take on new challenges is a life skill that not many poker games offer.
Mix Games Develop Reliable Poker Instincts
Mix game players are forced to evolve with the game. We are constantly challenged to not only learn new games but learn them faster than everyone else. Kids these days are spoiled by solvers and charts. In some of the newer, more complex games, equities are almost impossible to calculate. I can find a basic no-limit holdem odds calculator with a simple google search. I dare you to find one for badeucy.
As games become more complex games as specialists evolve, players must trust their natural poker instincts. With no answer in the back of the book, poker becomes a battleground for heuristic math and poker intuition.
Playing one game becomes monotonous and players become complacent. No one wants to be that person who used to be good but got passed over by the game. If you play mixed games, fear not this fate.
Mix Games Develop Self Awareness
All players that excel in poker, will do so in at least one variant. The specialists, however, learn that one game and stick with it. They become the best player in the game and they grind out a solid win rate.
Few will ever know how it feels to be out-classed. They study all the different spots in one game and they make sure that their game is solid. They will be very hard to exploit in their game of choice.
Mixed games, on the other hand, can and will humble almost any player. No mix is created equally. If you get a seat at a table that is playing a mix of games, instead of just one, you will sometimes find yourself in a mix that is not your best but is still favorable.
Three other players will have more experience and more volume in 70 percent of the games. The two fun players bring the game to an acceptable level of profitability to play, but still, you will find yourself in gross spots versus the professionals. It is a feeling of humility that is arguably necessary for a player to truly reach their potential.
Mix Games Build Character
Live mix games players are forced to overcome obstacles other players will never face. There is no ladder to move up and hone your skills while building a bankroll. If you want to play bigger, you must either take shots at bigger games or build a bridge between stakes.
To build a bridge between stakes means you must bring players together and form a new limit. Building a bridge between stakes requires networking and hard work. It requires focus and determination. Mix games teach you at an early age that a good personality and some polite manners will get you into the games you want to be in.
There are no micro-stakes for mix games. To be perfectly honest there arent even mid-stakes for mix games. It takes a certain amount of fortitude, character, and just enough gamble to get to the top with that landscape. The players that are able to get to the top had to take huge risks along the way and certainly deserve to be there.
Promoting mix games online can provide another avenue to players who are interested in learning mix games. Online poker allows players to play more hands per hour, thus allowing them to gain experience faster than in a live environment. No-limit holdem has already shown that this path of volume leads to the breeding of new legends every day.
WSOP, please. I fear for the future of poker players. Please consider shifting a minimum amount of focus to mix games. I promise it will be good for both your bottom line and the poker world.
Every renowned poker room has a big limit mixed game. If you are trying to become the premier online poker site that boasts WSOP bracelets and prestige, wouldnt you want to follow the same business model?
Lastly and certainly not least, mix game players have a vicious reputation for being degenerates. No one peels cards harder than a 2-7 triple draw player holding 2-3-4-5 and peeling a three spotter (6-7-8) on the third draw. If you run more online events, we might go off in your casino. Think about it.
Sincerely,
Melissa Burrrrrberry Burr
Melissa Burr is a seasoned high-stakes mix game professional. In her spare time she enjoys the occasional 30-minute craps roll, sports betting, and short reasonable walks on the beach. Find more adventures on her twitter @burrrrrberry.
See the article here:
- Most Poker Rooms Remain Closed As Gambling Markets And Casinos Reopen In The United States - CardPlayer.com [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2020]
- New poker rules in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic - Tampa Bay Times [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2020]
- Genting Ceases All Live Poker Activity in the United Kingdom - PokerNews.com [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2020]
- Ike Haxton Raises Concerns About the Health of Live Poker Players - HighstakesDB [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2020]
- King's Casino reopening poker room soon with plenty on the schedule - World Casino Directory [Last Updated On: June 17th, 2020] [Originally Added On: June 17th, 2020]
- Advt: 5 reasons why everyone is hooked to online poker! Have you joined the party yet? - Times of India [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Orange City OKs more poker players, and Greyhound racing in Daytona is over - The West Volusia Beacon [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- How Coronavirus changed the perception of Poker - CalvinAyre.com [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Natural8 2020 WSOP Online Hand of the Week: A Wholesome Hand for Ryan Depaulo - PokerNews.com [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- How Has Poker Changed Over Many Years? - Loop21 [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Trump's approach to politics bears the hallmarks of a bad poker player, author says - CBC.ca [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Today's lottery news: the Poker Lotto numbers and results for Monday July 20, 2020 are here... - Born2Invest [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- The Deck Is Not Rigged: Poker and the Limits of AI - Undark Magazine [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Key Points To Consider When Choosing Online Poker Tables - Top10PokerWebsites [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- NJ Special Legislation and the Impact on Online Casino Players in NY - Blog - The Island Now [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- The Phil Ivey Of Poker - HBCU Buzz [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Venetian poker room going to 8-handed tables - Las Vegas Review-Journal [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- Chasing Poker Greatness: #68 Andrew Brokos: Co-Host ThinkingPoker Podcast & Author of Play Optimal Poker - Pokerfuse [Last Updated On: July 21st, 2020] [Originally Added On: July 21st, 2020]
- FULL-HOUSE VS QUADS in the WSOP Main Event! Could Selbst have gotten away? - PokerNews.com [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2020]
- Error in partypoker US Online Network PKO Series Finale Results in Nearly $50K Overlay - PokerNews.com [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2020]
- Facebook develops AI algorithm that learns to play poker on the fly - VentureBeat [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2020]
- Why Negreanu thinks Ivey is the best poker player in the world - Comcast SportsNet Chicago [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2020]
- What Site Offers the Best Online Poker Bonus in 2020? - PokerNews.com [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2020]
- Man, 60, in custody in connection to death of professional poker player Susie Zhao - Detroit Free Press [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2020]
- 60-year-old man arrested in connection with Oakland Co. professional poker player's death - WXYZ [Last Updated On: August 3rd, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 3rd, 2020]
- VIEW: Poker has a lot to offer to the Robinhood generation - CNBCTV18 [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- Key Elements to Consider When Searching for the Best Poker Game Software Development Company - Communal News [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- LOCK, STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS To A BIG HAND FOR THE LITTLE LADY : Best Poker Movies To Perfect Your Game Plan - The Fan Carpet [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- Casino Games: Online Poker | What Happened To Full Tilt Poker? - GamingTodaySlotsToday [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- Who Are the All-Time Leaders in Poker in North America? - Poker News Daily [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- UPDATE: One Arrested After Poker Game Argument Leads to Machete Attack in Lexington Park | Southern Maryland News Net - Southern Maryland News Net [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- Caribbean Sports - Best Caribbean Poker Tips & Tricks To Win - Caribbean and Latin America Daily News - News Americas [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- Author and former professional poker player Annie Duke on how conspiracy theories gain ground - TechCrunch [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- Poker Market Size and Growth By Leading Vendors, By Types and Application, By End Users and Forecast to 2020-2027 - Scientect [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- When Will Live Poker Rooms Reopen in Pennsylvania? - Play Pennsylvania [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- 5 of the best gambling apps to play real money poker games - European Gaming Industry News [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- Poker - Wikipedia [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2020]
- Andre Akkari Brings eSports and Poker Together as Industry Revels in Good News - HighstakesDB [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- Five True-Life Poker Stories Primed To Be Hollywood Blockbusters - PocketFives [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- Christopher Nunnally Wins Pearl River Poker Open $600 Main Event ($57835) - PokerNews.com [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- What Losing 40 Tournaments In A Row Should Tell You About Your Poker Game - Poker News - CardPlayer.com [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- Phil Ivey's Most Memorable Hand that Changed the Course of Poker History - HighstakesDB [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- Legendary poker player goes all in on Bitcoin, liquidates Ether and Monero - Crypto News Flash [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- Poker Club: All Bluff And Bluster | Screen Rant - Screen Rant [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- What Does Another WSOP Main Event Mean for Poker? - PokerNews.com [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- 2020 PokerNews Holiday Gift #4: SimplePoker.com GTO Poker Solvers and Tools - PokerNews.com [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- Why Casino Royale Director Sweated the Poker Scenes Over Any James Bond Action - MovieWeb [Last Updated On: November 29th, 2020] [Originally Added On: November 29th, 2020]
- What Kinds Of Basics Beginners Should Know In Live Poker Gambling? - - VENTS Magazine [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- Poker Legend Maria Ho Details Her Experience on 'The Amazing Race' and 'American Idol' (Exclusive) - PopCulture.com [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- Great minds: 10 players who excel at both chess and poker - chess24 [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- Head of Marketing- Poker Powher - PEAK6 - Built In Chicago [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- 'Twas The Night Before Christmas - Poker Edition - PocketFives [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- Maria Ho Reflects on Hall of Fame Poker Career, Teases Her Future Plans (Exclusive) - PopCulture.com [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- Bitcoin And Crypto Trading Tips From Poker World Champion Annie Duke - Forbes [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- Chemistry Lessons: Building the Perfect High Stakes Poker Cast - PocketFives [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- Poker Stories of the year: Negreanu and Polk's high stakes feud - CalvinAyre.com [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- 2021 Poker Predictions: Will COVID-19 Force a WSOP Cancellation? - CardsChat.com [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- Huck Seed inducted to Poker Hall of Fame - CalvinAyre.com [Last Updated On: January 7th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 7th, 2021]
- Conor Beresford Wins 2020 Online Poker Player of the Year - PocketFives [Last Updated On: January 7th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 7th, 2021]
- WPT Readies for Live Poker in Las Vegas and Florida - LegalUSPokerSites.com [Last Updated On: January 7th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 7th, 2021]
- Run It Once Poker in 2020: Innovation, Promotions and Growth - Pokerfuse [Last Updated On: January 7th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 7th, 2021]
- Jail for woman who attacked neighbour with poker in Cork town - EchoLive.ie [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Poker Coming Back to Detroit This Week - USGamblingSites.com [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- This woman used her Psychology Ph.D. to become a poker star - Yahoo News [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Looking Ahead To The World Series Of Poker Finale - LA Canyon News [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Sheldon Adelson Died and the Poker Community has Mixed Feelings - CardsChat.com [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Poker Is on the Cards for Detroit This Friday - GamblingNews.com [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- FIVE THINGS: The Poker Hall of Fame Deserves a Next Level Upgrade - PocketFives [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Tony G Resigns from Parliament; Will He Head Back to Poker? - PokerNews.com [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- High Stakes Poker S8, E5: You Won't Believe the Pot Tom Dwan Won - PokerNews.com [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- 5 key concepts in poker and chess | chess24.com - chess24 [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Several States Begin To Lift Casino Closures And Ease Restrictions - CardPlayer.com [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- Jack Hardcastle Wins the WPT Montreal Main Event at partypoker ($447859) - PokerNews.com [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- Los Angeles Poker Rooms Given Green Light to Reopen this Week - CardsChat.com [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- Partypoker US Network Posts Big Online Poker Revenue Gains in New Jersey During the Final Quarter of 2020 - Pokerfuse [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- 888 Executive: US Online Poker to Benefit from Latest Wire Act Ruling - Casino.Org News [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- The FIVES Poker Podcast: WPT in the Headlines, Polk Tilts Negreanu - PocketFives [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- Justice Kagan: Poker Shark - Above the Law [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- Is online poker in the cards for North Dakota? - The Dickinson Press [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- Online poker in the cards for North Dakota? - INFORUM [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]