HORSE poker isn't just a singular variant; it's an array of different poker games played consecutively at the same table.
The term HORSE is actually an acronym representing various poker game types included in the format -
H = Hold’em
O = Omaha
R = Razz
S = Stud
E = Eight or Better (Stud Hi/Lo Split)
In HORSE, all poker variations typically utilize a fixed-limit betting framework, with the game type changing after each full rotation of play.
For a comprehensive understanding of each game type, it’s advisable to refer to the detailed rules available on the 888poker website.
Let's take a brief look at each variant to get started with our exploration.
Table of Contents
[H]ORSE Format: Hold’em
Hold’em is recognized as the most popular form of poker worldwide. Each player receives a pair of cards and combines them with community cards to form a five-card hand.
When forming their hand, players can choose to use none, one, or both of their hole cards.
Blinds + Button Format [ x]
Regular high hand ranking system [x ]
Community Cards [x ]
H[O]RSE Format: Omaha
Omaha ranks as the second most favored format in contemporary poker. Here, players receive four cards and use them alongside community cards to build a five-card hand.
Players are required to incorporate exactly two of their hole cards while creating their hand.
Blinds + Button Format [ x]
Regular high hand ranking system [x ]
Community Cards [x ]
HO[R]SE Format: Razz
Razz is the lowball This version of Seven Card Stud consists of dealing players a mix of cards: (4 face-up cards and 3 face-down cards, to be precise). The face-up cards are visible to everyone at the table, while the face-down cards are concealed, similar to hole cards in Hold’em. upcard and downcards Players start with three cards and receive an additional card during each betting round.
In the lowball format, the objective is to have the lowest hand win. The best hand in Razz is A,2,3,4,5, commonly referred to as the “
”. It's important to note that in this format, straights and flushes do not detract from winning hands, unlike in other lowball variants like 2-7 Triple Draw. nut low Unlike traditional poker games, stud variants operate without standard blinds or a button. Instead, they use a mix of antes and compulsory bets called bring-ins during the initial betting round.
The structure of stud games is very similar to Razz, except for the common
Blinds + Button Format [ ]
antes + bring-ins
Regular high hand ranking system [ ]
lowball format
Community Cards [ ]
personal cards only
HOR[S]E Format: Stud
The arrangement of players' hands in stud variants is organized as follows. high hand rankings now apply.
In the first betting phase, referred to as Third Street, players receive two downcards plus one upcard.
d = downcard
u = Upcard
(dd)uuuu(d)
This variant follows nearly the same rules as Seven Card Stud, but at the showdown, it splits the pot, granting half to the highest hand and the other half to the lowest hand.
Blinds + Button Format [ ]
antes + bring-ins
Regular high hand ranking system [x ]
Community Cards [ ]
personal cards only
HORS[E] Format: Stud Hi/Lo Split
For a low hand to qualify , it must be eight-high or better (which is why the 'E' in HORSE stands for eight or better). If no qualifying low hand exists, the entire pot goes to the best high hand.
Skilled split-pot players understand that the goal should be to aim to capture both pots simultaneously (often known as scooping), rather than focusing purely on either the high or the low pot.
Many poker enthusiasts prefer to focus on mastering a single variant, which often gives them an edge over players who lack specialization when they compete in that specific format. HORSE is often viewed as an outstanding measure of a player’s overall poker skills, as it requires players to contend across ALL types of games, including those they're not as proficient in.
Blinds + Button Format [ ]
antes + bring-ins
Regular high hand ranking system [ ]
Yes and no. Split pot system.
Community Cards [ ]
personal cards only
Why Is HORSE Rated So Highly?
Another appealing aspect of HORSE is that it alleviates the monotony of sticking to one game. The shift in format every orbit keeps the gameplay engaging and lively.
For those in search of a poker challenge that truly tests their understanding of various formats, HORSE is certainly a great option. Regular HORSE tournaments are held at the
, offering a chance for some to earn a bracelet in a less competitive environment.
All formats within HORSE are typically fixed limit, resulting in lower variance. Although fixed limit games are becoming less common today, players transitioning from no-limit or pot-limit backgrounds may find the action less thrilling. World Series of Poker Of course, betting structures can be easily modified to suit different preferences.
Tweaking the Betting Structures
Here’s a potential lineup that could work well -
Stud remains predominantly played in a fixed limit format, even in modern times, whereas Hold’em is most commonly found in a no-limit setup and Omaha with a pot-limit structure.
Chad Holloway, the winner of a WSOP bracelet in 2013, has previously served as the managing editor and live reporter for PokerNews.
- No Limit Holdem
- Pot Limit Omaha
- Fixed Limit Razz
- Fixed Limit Stud
- Fixed Limit Stud Hi/Lo
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Comparison of Games in HORSE
