Please Explain 'Mixing it Up'

[thomastem]

"Mixing it up" is an adjustment to your normal play because your opponents have made your typical solid play less profitable than the adjustment.

This can be because your current opponents are stronger or weaker than you typically play and the adjustment is specific to the table you are playing.

For example you are playing at a NL table which is unusually tight and the blinds are being stold at a higher rate. You are finding that your premium hands are getting no calls just stealing the blinds. "To mix it up" it is now more profitable to start opening with a raise with more hands. The added steals make more hands profitable.

Let's say at the same table a few of these added hands have been shown down and more of your opening raises are being called. It now becomes more profitable to go back to your tighter solid play and let them pay off your premium hands.

"Mixing it up" or "Changing gears" is just poker slang for strategy adjustment. Above is a simple common example but the more experience you gain the more adjustments for situations you will be able to play for increased profit.

Hope this helps.