How to Play HORSE

They say mixed poker games are a true test of a poker player’s skills since it tests their ability to play several poker variations at the same time. There’s even a $50k tournament every year where only the best players show up to played HORSE, arguably the most well-known (and played) mixed poker game.

HORSE is an acronym for:

• Holdem (limit)
• Omaha Hi/Lo (pot limit)
• Razz
• Stud (7-card hi)
• Eight or better stud (7-card hi/lo)

One game rotates to the next, depending on the format. In cash games one game will play for a full rotation around the table. In tournaments (and sit n go’s), one game will be played for a full blind level. Once the blinds go up, the next game in the rotation will start.

The difficulty comes from not only knowing how to play each game or strategies for each, but keeping track of each game (so you’re not accidently playing the wrong one), betting structures and switching gears on the fly.

HORSE Rules

Learning how to play mixed games isn’t that hard to do. If you already know how to play each game you’re almost there. If not, just click on the links above for the game you don’t know how to play.

Other than that, the only other real “rules” in HORSE or other mixed games is that many online poker sites don’t want players skipping rounds that they’re weaker in. If you sign-up to play a mixed game you’re expected to play all rounds equally (as possible).

Mixed Poker Variations

HORSE isn’t the only mixed game. In fact, you could technically create whatever mixed game variation you want, and many people do. However, there are mixed game variations that are more popular than others that poker sites actually offer. Here is a list of those games.

• HOSE – Same as HORSE minus Razz.
• HOE – Same as HORSE minus razz and 7-card stud.
• HO – Holdem and omaha. Holdem is either limit or no limit betting.
• OE – Omaha and stud hi/lo.
• HA – Pot limit holdem and omaha.
• Omaha – A rotation of fixed and pot limit omaha.
• Holdem – A rotation of fixed and no limit holdem.
• 8-Game – A mix of limit 2-7 triple draw, holdem, omaha hi/lo, razz, 7-card stud, 7-card stud hi/lo, no limit holdem and pot limit omaha.
• 10-Game – A mix of no limit holdem, razz, limit holdem, badugi, 7-card stud, no-limit 2-7 single draw, limit omaha hi/lo, pot limit omaha, limit 2-7 triple draw and stud hi/lo. The game is played with 6 players per table.
• Triple Stud – 7-card stud, razz and 7-card stud hi/lo.

The games you’ll find most online include HORSE, 8-game, HO and triple stud. They’re available in cash games, tournaments and sit n go’s, so give mixed games a shot and see what you think.