HORSE Poker

There are different variants of poker currently being played worldwide. While HORSE poker is not necessarily a poker variant, it is popularly played at high-stake tables in casinos and online poker platforms. HORSE poker involves mixed games of poker, making it quite popular amongst poker players as it gives a fair chance to all the players on the table.

HORSE poker is one of the best games to test the skills and ability of a poker player as the diverse variants not only break the monotony of a single game but also enable players to perform better in the game they specialize in. So, what is HORSE poker, and how is the game played? Find out all about the HORSE poker gameplay, rules, and strategy below. To begin with, you must have a good knowledge of how to play poker. 

What is HORSE Poker?

HORSE poker, or HORSE, is a mixed poker game played with a specific rotation of five poker variants. HORSE is an acronym used for a poker game that comprises five different poker games:

H - Hold'em

O - Omaha Hi/Lo

R - Razz

S - Seven-Card Stud

E - Eight or Better (Stud Hi/Lo)

As Texas Hold'em poker games are quite challenging for many poker players, poker variations have become popular amongst the players. HORSE involves the most popular mixed poker games, which puts the skills of players to the test as it reduces the edge that a single-game specialist may have over other players. The poker variants in HORSE are usually played in a fixed-limit betting structure, and the game switches after each player has played a turn.

HORSE Poker Game Hand Rankings

The hand rankings in the HORSE poker game online depend on the variant being played. For instance, when playing Hold'em and Omaha limit games, the highest-ranking hand is the Royal Flush - five cards of the same suit ranked ace through 10. The second-best hand is the Straight Flush, followed by Four of a Kind.

In the Seven Card Stud poker game, Royal Flush is the best hand. Even in the Stud Hi/Lo (Eight or Better) and Omaha Hi/Lo online poker games, Royal Flush is the best hand for the Hi portion.

The highest-ranking hand in Razz poker is a Wheel Straight that includes five cards, ranked ace through 5. The Wheel Straight hand is also the best hand for the Lo portion in Stud Hi/Lo and Omaha Hi/Lo games.

How to play HORSE Poker Online?

As evident by the name, HORSE poker is played across five poker disciplines following the order of Hold'em, Omaha, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Stud Hi/Lo. Each game is played for one orbit around the table and ends when each player has played their turn. After the last game of Stud Hi/Lo ends, the game rotation returns to Hold'em. When you play HORSE poker online, the current game is listed at the top of the table border. In live online poker HORSE, the dealer notifies the players of the variant and also places a card of the current game on the table.

All the mixed games in HORSE are played with a fixed-limit betting structure; therefore, there are no pot-limit or no-limit betting structures in this game. A HORSE poker tournament usually runs for 8 hands.

Furthermore, there are two types of games in HORSE - Flop and Board. Flop games include Hold'em and Omaha Hi/Lo, which involve hole cards and the flop, turn, and river betting rounds. Boards games include Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Stud Hi/Lo, where some cards are dealt face-up and are exposed to all the players. The table positions also vary across the variants; the button in an important position in Hold'em and Omaha Hi/Lo, and the positions change in every street for the board games.

To play HORSE poker, you must know the rules and gameplay of each variant. Here's how you play each variant when you play HORSE poker game.

How to play Hold'em in HORSE Poker?

Texas Hold'em poker is the most popular poker variant in the world. In this variant, each player is dealt two hole cards and five community cards. The players must make the best five-card hand out of the seven cards to win the game. For this, the players can either use both, one, or no hole cards in combination with the community cards.

The bluffing opportunities are a lot less in Hold'em limit games; therefore, you should focus on securing value where possible, especially in multiway pots where the novices may call on the river with a weak hand.

How to play Omaha in HORSE Poker?

Omaha poker or Pot-Limit Omaha is the second-most popular poker variant in the world. In this variant, each player is dealt four cards and is required to make the best five-card hand using two hole cards and three out of five community cards.

While playing Omaha in HORSE, you must look to secure value and compete for halves of the pot - Hi or Lo. Avoid overvaluing weaker hands, such as two pairs or a straight draw on a flush draw board. Play strong ranges and play against the weaker opponents on the table.

How to play Razz in HORSE Poker?

Razz is one of the oldest poker variants, developed in the 20th century during the advent of the 52-card deck. Razz is also the lowball variant of Seven- Card Stud. In this variant, the players are dealt four up cards (visible to all the players on the table) and three down cards (visible only to the individual player). Three cards are dealt at the beginning of the game, and one additional card is dealt during each betting round.

In Razz, the lowest-ranking hand always wins. So, instead of Royal Flush being the best hand, the best hand in Razz is a wheel straight A-2-3-4-5. Starting hands are extremely important in this game. Focus on the low cards, especially during the fourth, fifth, and sixth street betting rounds.

How to play Stud in HORSE Poker?

Seven Card Stud poker is the same as Razz poker with a difference in the hand ranking. A high-hand ranking applies in Stud poker. The players are dealt two down cards and one up card in the first betting round (Third Street).

How to play Eight or Better in HORSE Poker?

Eight or Better also has the same rules as the Seven-Card Stud poker game. However, in this game, the pot is split between the highest-ranking and lowest-ranking hands at the showdown. The low hand must qualify the eight or better rule; otherwise, the best-high hand wins the entire pot.

The best strategy followed by experienced players in this game is to try and win both pots simultaneously rather than going only for the low or high pot.

Comparison of Games in HORSE

Here's a comparison between the gameplay and rules of each poker variant in HORSE:

Horse Poker Strategy

Know the rules of all poker variants in HORSE

Many players playing HORSE pokers are mostly good at single games. Therefore, knowing the rules of all poker variants in HORSE will give you the upper hand in the game. Also, if you are well-versed with the best starting hands for each of the mixed game variants, you will have the edge over your opponents.

Play big pots in games of your specialisation

If you think you specialise in one or two of the HORSE poker games, you can try paying the big pots in your best games. It may not be possible for you to be good at all the games but it is considered poor poker etiquette to not play or sit out in those variants. You must know where you have an edge and where your opponents have the edge over you before playing the big pots.

Focus on the Up Cards in Stud

For the Stud poker variant, remembering the up cards you have or haven't seen will give you an edge. Stud is a showdown game, and very few hands can be won on big bluffs on the turn and river betting rounds. But, if you remember the up cards, it will be easier to determine your hand's chances at showdown.

Abide by the Poker Fundamentals

When you play poker, there are some basic poker rules and fundamentals that you should stick to. Even if you don't have a good Razz poker strategy, sticking to the fundamentals of poker will help you in the game. For instance, choose to play in position over being out of position, avoid bluffing unreasonably, and stick to strong starting hands rather than playing every hand under the sun.