Mixed-game players have a new destination on the calendar. Allen Kessler's Chainsaw Mixed Series of Poker (CMSOP) is making its first-ever stop at the Borgata in Atlantic City, running November 4 to November 14, 2026, as part of the Borgata Fall Poker Open. The series features 11 events, mostly at $600, topped by two $1,100 championships: a H.O.R.S.E. event with a $25,000 guarantee and a T.O.R.S.E. event with a $35,000 guarantee. For anyone who prefers Omaha, Stud and Triple Draw to a standard hold'em grind, it is a full week of dedicated action.
Series Overview
- Dates: November 4-14, 2026
- Venue: Borgata, Atlantic City
- Host festival: Borgata Fall Poker Open, which carries more than $4 million in guarantees
- Buy-ins: most events $600; two championships at $1,100
- Games: Omaha, Stud, Triple Draw and mixed formats
According to PokerNews, Kessler's series has a reputation for drawing top mixed-game specialists. Past series have attracted WSOP Player of the Year Josh Arieh, WSOP Player of the Year Jeff Madsen and former GPI Mid-Major Player of the Year Nick Pupillo. Kessler himself won one of his own events earlier in 2026 at a festival at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
The Full Schedule
| Date | Time | Buy-in | Event | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 4 | 12:15 PM | $600 | Omaha H/L (8 or Better) | none listed |
| Nov 5 | 12:15 PM | $1,100 | H.O.R.S.E. Championship, Day 1 | $25,000 |
| Nov 6 | 12:00 PM | H.O.R.S.E. Championship, Day 2 | $25,000 | |
| Nov 6 | 12:15 PM | $600 | Stud H/L (8 or Better) | none listed |
| Nov 7 | 12:15 PM | $600 | T.O.R.S.E. | none listed |
| Nov 8 | 12:15 PM | $600 | Pot Limit Big O | none listed |
| Nov 9 | 12:15 PM | $600 | O.E. | none listed |
| Nov 10 | 12:15 PM | $600 | T.O.E. | none listed |
| Nov 11 | 12:15 PM | $600 | H.O.R.S.E. | none listed |
| Nov 12 | 12:15 PM | $1,100 | T.O.R.S.E. Championship, Day 1 | $35,000 |
| Nov 13 | 12:00 PM | T.O.R.S.E. Championship, Day 2 | $35,000 | |
| Nov 13 | 12:15 PM | $600 | Chainsaw's 8-Game Mix | none listed |
| Nov 14 | 12:15 PM | $600 | Triple-Triple Draw (Ace-to-Five, Deuce-to-Seven, Badugi) | none listed |
The H.O.R.S.E. Championship starts November 5 and plays to a winner the following day. The series closes on November 14 with the Triple-Triple Draw. Events count toward a Player of the Series leaderboard, with custom trophies on offer.
Decoding the Alphabet Soup
Mixed games come with their own shorthand. For readers who are new to them:
- H.O.R.S.E. rotates between Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Stud and Stud Hi-Lo
- T.O.R.S.E. is a related rotation that swaps Hold'em for Triple Draw
- O.E. and T.O.E. are shorter mixes; check the Borgata rules sheet for the exact games in each rotation
- Pot Limit Big O is five-card pot-limit Omaha Hi-Lo
- Triple-Triple Draw here refers to three lowball draw variants: Ace-to-Five, Deuce-to-Seven and Badugi
Because rotations differ from event to event, check the Borgata's rules sheet for each tournament before you register.
Why Mixed Games Reward Preparation
Mixed-game tournaments are a different test from no-limit hold'em. Because the game changes every few levels, a player needs a working knowledge of every variant in the rotation. A specialist in one game can be exposed in another, and one weak game can cost a player chips every orbit it comes around.
Breadth beats depth in the early levels. You rarely need to be the best player at the table in each variant; you need to avoid costly mistakes in your weakest games. If you are weak at Razz or Stud, the best strategy is usually to play fewer hands and avoid large pots until you are comfortable.
Structure favors patience. Fixed-limit games reward consistent, disciplined play. Many of the biggest edges come from understanding starting-hand selection and playing position well. Our poker strategy hub explains the broad principles, and the poker glossary will help you decode unfamiliar terms.
Hi-Lo games require different thinking. In split-pot games, the ability to scoop (win both halves) is more valuable than winning half. That changes how you value hands, especially in Omaha, where "nut" hands matter far more than in Hold'em.
Reading opponents is still critical. In smaller mixed-game fields, you will see the same opponents again and again. Paying attention to how they play each variant helps you adapt. Our guide to poker tells offers a framework.
Why This Matters for the Mixed-Game Community
Mixed games have enjoyed a resurgence, and organizers have responded with dedicated series. The Borgata's decision to host a full Chainsaw series, with 11 events over 11 days, indicates that there is a market for these tournaments on the East Coast. The two championships add prestige, though the guarantees are modest compared with Hold'em events. That is typical: mixed-game fields are smaller, but the players tend to be more experienced, which can make them tougher.
For a recreational player, the $600 buy-ins are a way to try a format you may not have played much. You will be in a room full of people who truly enjoy the games, and the learning curve can be steep but enjoyable.
Practical Tips for Entering
- Study the rotation. Know the order of games and the limits structure so you are not surprised by the change in action.
- Know the rules of each variant. Mistakes like misreading a low hand or misdeclaring in a split-pot game can be costly. Ask the dealer to clarify before you act.
- Manage your bankroll. Mixed-game tournaments have high variance even for specialists. Our bankroll management guide covers sensible limits.
- Plan your schedule. The championships are two-day events, with Day 2 on November 6 and November 13. Make sure you can stay for the full duration.
- Consider the broader festival. The Fall Poker Open includes plenty of Hold'em events if you want to mix formats; see our Borgata Fall Poker Open guide for details.
The Bottom Line
The Chainsaw Mixed Series' Borgata debut is a welcome addition to the November calendar. For specialists, it offers a rare run of events across Omaha, Stud and Triple Draw with two guaranteed championships. For curious hold'em players, it is a chance to learn something new in a supportive environment. Either way, the series highlights the continued appeal of poker's older and more varied games, and it complements the broader trend of players exploring Omaha variants online and live. If you want to ease into the format, start with our Hold'em vs Omaha comparison.
Details are based on PokerNews reporting published October 28, 2026. Confirm schedules and rules with the Borgata before you travel.