The compressive deformation behavior of a rolled AZ80 magnesium alloy was experimentally studied with testing specimens taken from a thick plate at five different material orientations with respect to the normal direction (ND): 0 degrees (ND), 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees (RD). The experimental results reveal a strong anisotropy in the mechanical properties of the textured material. The macrotexture of specimens interrupted at different strains was examined by X-ray diffractometer. The correlation between the initial texture, the mechanical anisotropy, and the activation of different deformation modes was analyzed. The initial crystal orientation has a decisive effect on the operation of twinning and slip modes. The strength of initial texture also plays an important role in the evolution of microstructure.