A video decoder that decodes a current block of pixels by using multi-hypothesis combined prediction mode is provided. The video decoder generates a first prediction of the current block based on an inter prediction mode. The video decoder enables the combined prediction mode for the current block based on a block size of the current block determined according to a width and a height of the current block. The combined prediction mode is disabled when the width of or the height of the current block is greater than a threshold length. When the combined prediction mode is enabled, the video decoder generates a second prediction based on an intra prediction mode that is inferred to be a planar mode, and subsequently a combined prediction for the current block based on the first prediction and the second prediction. The video decoder reconstructs the current block by using the combined prediction.