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How to Play HORSE Poker | Poker Rules for HORSE
Mastering multiple poker variants is a sizable challenge, and that's exactly what HORSE poker offers. This game is a true test of a player's versatility and skill, combining five different poker variants into one exciting format.
HORSE poker is highly regarded in the poker community. It’s a staple in many high-stakes cash games and even a recurring feature in the World Series of Poker schedule.
In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials of HORSE poker. You’ll learn about the game’s rotation mechanics, fixed-limit betting structure, and individual game rules. Plus, we’ll share strategy tips and where to play online. If you’re ready to truly elevate your poker know-how, keep reading.
What is HORSE Poker?
HORSE poker is a mixed-game format that rotates through five distinct poker variants. The name “HORSE” stands for:
- Hold’em
- Omaha Hi-Lo
- Razz
- Seven-Card Stud
- Eight-or-Better Seven-Card Stud.
Games are most commonly played six or eight-handed (though anything from 2–9 players is possible), making the format suitable for both home games and larger tournaments.
Game Rotation Mechanics
The rotation in HORSE poker is what makes it unique. In cash games, the dealer button typically changes the format after a set number of hands, commonly eight hands per variant in online rooms, while in tournaments, the switch usually occurs after each blind/limit level.
The fixed sequence is: Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Seven-Card Stud, and Seven-Card Stud Eight-or-Better. Players need to be aware of the transition guidelines between games, as the rules and strategies change with each new variant.
This rotation keeps the action dynamic and ensures that players must be well-versed in all five types of poker.
| Game Name | Basic Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hold’em | Classic poker with community cards | Two hole cards, five community cards, best five-card hand wins |
| Omaha Hi-Lo | Split pot with high and qualifying low | Four hole cards; must use exactly two; low hand ≤ 8 qualifies |
| Razz | Lowball game where lowest hand wins | Seven cards dealt; A-5 straight is the nuts; no flush/straight penalties |
| Seven-Card Stud | No community cards; individual up/down cards | Seven cards per player; best five-card high hand wins |
| Stud Eight-or-Better (“E”) | Hi-Lo split with qualifying low | Stud structure; pot split between best high and low (≤ 8) hands |
Fixed-Limit Betting Structure
In HORSE poker, every variant is played using fixed-limit betting. Each game has “small-bet” and “big-bet” rounds. This structure requires players to be strategic about when to bet aggressively and when to conserve chips.
For instance, in Limit Hold’em, the pre-flop and flop use the small bet (e.g., $2 in a $2/$4 game), while the turn and river use the big bet (e.g., $4). Omaha Hi-Lo follows the same structure.
The stud games have fixed increments based on the street. Third and fourth street = small bet; fifth, sixth, and seventh street = big bet.
| Round / Street | Bet Size Category | $2/$4 Example |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Flop / 3rd & 4th St. | Small Bet | $2 |
| Flop (Hold’em/Omaha) | Small Bet | $2 |
| Turn / 5th–7th St. | Big Bet | $4 |
| River (Hold’em/Omaha) | Big Bet | $4 |
Common Betting Rules
In HORSE poker, each round allows for a maximum of four bets, including raises. Players can raise up to three times after the initial bet. In stud variants, the player with the lowest up-card in Razz or the highest in Stud/Stud8 posts a mandatory bring-in, usually half of the small bet.
Individual Game Breakdowns
Here is a breakdown of each of the individual poker games that make up HORSE and their respective rules and game structure:
Hold’em (H)
Hold’em is the most well-known poker variant. Each player is dealt two private cards, and five community cards are placed on the table in three stages: flop (three cards), turn (one), and river (one). Players make the best five-card hand from any combination of their two hole cards and the five community cards. Betting occurs over four rounds: pre-flop, flop, turn, and river.
Omaha Hi-Lo (O)
Omaha Hi-Lo (also written Omaha Eight-or-Better) deals each player four hole cards. Players must use exactly two of these and exactly three of the five community cards. The pot is split between the highest hand and the lowest qualifying hand (five different cards ranked eight or lower, with A-2-3-4-5 being the wheel). On boards where no qualifying low is possible, the entire pot is awarded to the best high hand.
Razz (R)
Razz is a lowball stud game where the lowest five-card hand wins. Straights and flushes are ignored, and aces are always low, making A-2-3-4-5 the best possible (“the wheel”). Each player receives seven cards—three down, four up—and there are five betting rounds (with a bring-in on third street).
Seven-Card Stud (S)
In Seven-Card Stud, there are no community cards. Each player receives seven cards: two down, four up, and one down on seventh street. The objective is to make the best five-card high hand. Because a large portion of the table’s cards are visible, careful observation and card memory are critical.
Seven-Card Stud Eight-or-Better (E)
Often shortened to Stud Eight-or-Better or Stud Hi-Lo, this split-pot game follows the same deal and betting structure as regular Stud but awards half the pot to the best low hand that qualifies (five different cards eight or lower). If no low qualifies, the best high hand scoops the entire pot.
General HORSE Strategy
Mastering HORSE poker requires a blend of strategic thinking and adaptability. Here are some general strategies to enhance your gameplay:
- Bankroll management: Stick to stakes where 300+ big bets represent a comfortable session roll.
- Game selection: Look for tables where opponents are weaker in at least one variant.
- Position importance: Position remains powerful in Hold’em and Omaha; in the stud games, acting last on later streets offers valuable information.
- Adaptation between variants: Adjust hand-selection and aggression level at each game switch.
- Observation: Track opponents’ weaknesses because many solid Hold’em players struggle in Razz or Stud8.
Game-Specific Tips
| Game Variant | Key Skills | Common Mistakes | Pro Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hold’em | Hand reading, pot-odds calculation | Overplaying marginal hands | Open fewer hands out of position |
| Omaha Hi-Lo | Split-pot judgment | Ignoring low-draw possibilities | Aim for “nut-nut” hands (A-2 with suited Broadway) |
| Razz | Board awareness | Continuing with bad up-cards | Fold early when catching paint or paired boards |
| Seven-Card Stud | Card memory, patience | Calling down with mediocre pair | Track folded outs based on visible cards |
| Eight-or-Better Stud | Hi-Lo balance | Playing non-nut lows | Target three-way pots with strong two-way hands |
Start Playing HORSE Poker
HORSE poker is a thrilling blend of five poker variants, each with its own unique challenges and strategies. By mastering the rotation mechanics, fixed-limit betting, and individual game rules, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a formidable HORSE player.
Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to practice. Start by playing individual variants online to get a feel for the game dynamics and improve your skills. Remember, the key to success in HORSE is adaptability and a keen understanding of each variant.
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