H.O.R.S.E Poker Rules

H.O.R.S.E Poker is one of the most difficult types of poker games to master as it includes several kinds of poker. Since the game includes so many different versions of poker there are many important tips to gather.

While beginners can certainly try this game they might not enjoy it as much as someone that will understand all the parts and see how they connect. H.O.R.S.E is played in the big tournament and draws special attention as the players that reach the final table usually display very fine and interesting poker play. In fact, just watching the recording of these events could be a starter for someone looking into this very special type of poker game.

HORSE poker has also gotten a lot of publicity because it was added to the 2006 WSOP as a $50,000 buy-in event - the largest buy-in event at the WSOP. 

HORSE is one of many popular mixed game variants. Online poker rooms offers both "HORSE" and "HOSE", which is just HORSE without the Razz (seven card stud low) round.

In a H.O.R.S.E poker game or tournament event, the kind of poker played in each round varies -- in this case, the five games are:

H: Hold'em
O: Omaha
R: Razz (seven card stud low)
S: Seven-card Stud
E: Eight or better (Seven card stud high/low)

If you are playing a H.O.R.S.E rotation game, the game would change every time the dealer button made a full round. In tournaments, the game changes at the end of each round, or after a set and predetermined amount of time.

All the component games in HORSE poker are played fixed limit - there are no pot-limit or no-limit games. The limits (such as $5-10) are kept throughout the game rotation, and you play $5-10 fixed limit hold'em, $5-10 fixed limit Omaha high-low, etc.

How to Play HORSE Poker

The way H.O.R.S.E is played depends on where it is being offered. There has to be some kind of rotation between the games and this can be done either according to the clock or according to the dealer button and when this has made a complete spin around the table. When the game is dependent on the dealer button it will usually be called an H.O.R.S.E rotation game. A beginner will have to learn the game play of each of the five versions before jumping into this game as there isn’t much time to delve into it between the games once the tournament is on.

Who Plays H.O.R.S.E Poker?

People who play H.O.R.S.E tend to be experienced poker players who find it fascinating to combine the different games and try to merge them. Each game has its own strategy and still a skilled player can figure out an overall approach when rotating between the different variants of poker. A beginner player who enjoys all of the different styles included in this game might find H.O.R.S.E a good way to practice them all in a challenging way.

Making Money on H.O.R.S.E Poker

If you are looking for the big buck and you aren’t already the star in at least two or three of the H.O.R.S.E games you should probably focus on something else or just one of the games. Don’t expect this game to offer prize pots in the million-size. Winning H.O.R.S.E is more about the honor than the money and this is important to remember when you decide to try it out.

World Series of Poker

As said, In the World Series of Poker H.O.R.S.E has been a $50,000 event since 2006. The final of this tournament is followed by many since it is considered to present the finest poker players and hence deliver great poker play. What makes this event so exciting is the combination of skill and high cash which ensures that only a few especially selected players can be in it. ESPN reports from the final table and it is a good idea to watch it in order to learn more both about the game as a whole and its separate parts

Where to Play H.O.R.S.E Poker

Not every online casino and poker room offers H.O.R.S.E Poker and not every player dream of participating in the World Series of Poker H.O.R.S.E final. To get an easy overview of where this special poker game can be found it is advisable to join an online poker forum. Not only will this produce the necessary information for where to play but also great advice on how to play. When players speak directly to each other they can share their personal experiences and updates on where the best bonuses and promotions are currently offered.