Routines help the player to connect techniques. Sometimes performing a skill in a different context helps the player to understand it. You get a rich movement vocabulary when you learn a routine, and can pick out the techniques to practise separately. A routine is also a good way to show other people about MaGui bagua, as it can make a beautiful performance.
Our system has three routines from Ma Gui through Liu Wanchuan. There was apparently another routine, but it is lost.