How to Play HORSE Poker – An Ultimate Guide

Looking for new challenges in poker? Learn how to play HORSE Poker – a unique and entertaining form of poker played in casinos, at online poker sites, and even at the World Series of Poker. In this guide, we will explain all the rules of HORSE Poker with examples and winning strategies.

HORSE is a popular form of poker played for high stakes. It is not such much a poker variation in itself, but rather a mix of different poker forms. HORSE is an acronym that describes five games included in this multi-game form of poker:

• H – Texas Hold’Em
• O – Omaha
• R – Razz
• S – Seven Card Stud
• E – Stud Hi/Lo (Eight or Better)

HORSE Poker was first introduced at the 2002 World Series of Poker. It reached its peak in 2007 when David “Chip” Reese won more than $1.7 million in a $50,000 buy-in tournament. HORSE was a part of the world’s most prestigious poker tournament until 2010. Then, it was replaced by The Poker Player’s Championship which is still one of the most prestigious events at WSOP. Meanwhile, HORSE keeps on growing in popularity at online gambling sites in Canada. Learn how to play HORSE Poker if you want to play it like a pro.

How to Play HORSE Poker

Like most poker games, HORSE is played with a deck of 52 cards. Ace is the highest card, while two is the lowest card. The game involves up to eight players.

The game aims to collect the best hands possible in all games HORSE consists of and win their corresponding pots. To play HORSE Poker, you must know the rules of all poker variations it includes. HORSE begins with Texas Hold’Em, the first game on the list. Then, it proceeds to Omaha, Razz, and Seven Card Stud. When Stud Hi/Lo, the final part of HORSE, is over, the game returns to Hold’Em and so on. 

Before the game starts, players are informed about the variant of poker in play. In land-based casinos, the dealer announces this information. However, at online casinos, it’s you who should keep an eye on the digital table. Also, note that all games in HORSE are played with a fixed limit in real casinos and gambling sites like 888.

HORSE Poker Winning Tips

How to play HORSE Poker and win? Well, the most obvious yet useful strategy would be to learn all poker variations by heart. You should learn the rules of Hold’Em, Omaha, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Stud Hi/Lo. If you are not sure about your skills, read our guides on how to play different variants of online poker games.

Understanding the order in which games are played in HORSE is also important. By learning it, you will never be confused about the rules that apply in this or that poker game. It will also help to tell the difference between such similar games as Hold’Em and Omaha, as well as avoid troubles with the ranking of hands in Razz. Last but not least. Pay attention to your opponents’ reactions during each game. Some players may be skilled in Omaha but less confident in Razz and so on. Knowing their weaknesses might help to build better hands or even bluff.

Other HORSE Poker Variations 

HORSE Poker is the most popular mix of different poker variations. Besides it, players can find several other mixed-game variations at online poker sites in Canada.

• HOSE Poker is played without Razz in the game mix. It means that players participate in four games instead of five: Hold’Em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and Stud Hi/Lo.
• HORSE Poker doesn’t exclude but includes an extra game to the list. Before playing Hold’Em, players take part in one of two poker games: Chowaha or Crazy Pineapple.
• THORSENA is the rarest mixed-game poker variation. It includes eight games: limit 2-7 Triple Draw, Limit Hold ’em, Limit Omaha Hi-Lo, Limit Razz, limit Seven-card Stud, limit Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo, no-limit Texas hold ’em, and pot-limit Omaha.

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