How to Play H.O.R.S.E. Poker

H.O.R.S.E. Poker is a kind of round robin of poker games. The name is an acronym for the five games played: Hold'em, Omaha hi-lo, Razz, Seven-card stud high, and Eight-high seven-card stud hi-lo.

At a table or online you play each game once in each round. The dealer's button stays in place throughout the round. After a round the next player becomes the dealer.

H.O.R.S.E. Poker is more widely played online because land-based casinos found that their dealers may be excellent at one poker game but quite poor at another. Online, this problem is eliminated by software.

The game is never played at no-limit. Nevertheless, it is often a game for seasoned poker players. Even if you have some expertise at one or more of the games, you can lose a lot of money playing the games you know less well. A low-stakes game, online or in a casino, is a good way to gain needed experience at poker varieties that you are not skilled at. Online you can also play for free.

H.O.R.S.E. Poker was relatively unknown to the general public until it was made part of the World Series of Poker as a $50,000 buy-in game in 2006. Since then, its popularity has grown.

• Each house will have its own rules regarding the rotation of games. Every game is played the same number of times. Each player is the small blind or the big blind the same number of times.
  
  
• The standard rules of each version of poker played apply. There are no exceptions.
  
  
• Basic strategy for each game is the same as if you were playing that game only.

There are only two simple tips:

• Never get into a H.O.R.S.E. Poker game with players who are far more experienced at these specific games than you are.
  
  
• Study. If H.O.R.S.E. Poker appeals to you, and it appeals to a growing number of players, you will need to read a lot about each variety and practice, practice, practice!