HORSE Poker Rules

HORSE Poker is not just another poker variant, but a mixed game involving 5 popular poker variations. It takes a very experienced poker player to win a session of HORSE. You’ll not only need to know how each poker variant is played, but have developed a solid H.O.R.S.E poker strategy for each.

The name HORSE is actually an acronym that relays each of the poker variants involved in the mixed game, and the order in which they are played. H.O.R.S.E. Stands for:

H = Texas Hold’em
O = Omaha Hi-Lo
R = Razz
S = Seven Card Stud
E = Seven Card Stud Eight or Better (Hi-Lo)

H.O.R.S.E. Poker – Sequence of Games

The sequence of games follows the acronym, starting with Texas Hold’em, then Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, 7 Card Stud and 7 Card Stud Eight or Better (Hi-Lo). Once the last variant is played out, the cycle begins anew with Texas Hold’em. In a ring game, this will continue until there are no players left at the tables. In tournaments, the cycle repeats until a victor is crowned.

H.O.R.S.E. Poker – Rotation of Games

In order to play so many games in a single poker session, there must be a rule of rotation. There are three general rules of HORSE rotation that can be applied.

Rotation by Hands: This is the fastest paced way to play HORSE Poker. With each new hand dealt, the next poker variant on the list is played. You’ll need to have a good level of experience playing HORSE before playing rotation by hands for any substantial amount of money.

Rotation by Blinds: One of the most common ways to play HORSE is to rotate the game variants by blind levels. Each time a new blind level is reached, the next variant is dealt. This variant will continue in play until the following blind level.

Rotation by Time: Much like rotation by blinds, rotation by time means that poker variants will change at specific intervals. Rotation by time is usually every 10 to 15 minutes, though large multi-table tournaments may go as long as 1 hour between rotations.

H.O.R.S.E. Poker – Learning the Mixed Games

You’ll need to learn how to play all 5 poker variants in HORSE Poker in order to have any chance at winning such a game. We also highly recommend a solid poker strategy for each variant and some good practice at the regular game tables.

For this reason, we have developed an entire HORSE Poker guide that includes the rules of each game, good starting hands and 3-part strategy guides for each poker variant. You will find the links to these below. Thanks for reading and good luck!

H = Texas Hold em

Texas Hold’em Rules & Starting Hands

Texas Hold’em Beginner Strategy
Texas Hold’em Intermediate Strategy
Texas Hold’em Advanced Strategy

O = Omaha Hi-Lo

Omaha Hi-Lo Rules & Starting Hands

Omaha Hi-Lo Beginner Strategy
Omaha Hi-Lo Intermediate Strategy
Omaha Hi-Lo Advanced Strategy

R = Razz

Razz Rules & Starting Hands

Razz Beginner Strategy
Razz Intermediate Strategy
Razz Advanced Strategy

S = Seven Card Stud

7 Card Stud Rules & Starting Hands

7 Card Stud Beginner Strategy
7 Card Stud Intermediate Strategy
7 Card Stud Advanced Strategy