H.O.R.S.E Poker Strategy - Strategy for H.O.R.S.E Poker

Learning strategy for H.O.R.S.E poker means that a player has to learn strategy for 5 different forms of poker.

H.O.R.S.E is an acronym that stands for a combination of different kinds of poker games. These games are H-“Limit Holdem”, O-“Omaha Hi/Low”, R-“Razz”, S-“Seven Card Stud” and E-“7 Card Stud Eight or better”. These five popular poker games are played one after the other in a cycle to provide hours of entertainment. HORSE poker is one of the most popular mixed poker games among professionals.

Developing a strategy for HORSE poker involves combining a set of strategies for each kind of poker that is being played. It also involves the ability to successfully adapt to the changes in the game-play. Since the game is very fast, and the stakes are raised very often HORSE poker is unlike any other form of poker. The first step towards playing HORSE poker successfully is to familiarize oneself with the rules and strategies of the individual games of poker. That alone can make the difference between a successful player and one who is just average.

For beginners, it is probably best to stick to an individual style of poker, rather than venturing into the harrowing arena of mixed poker, and HORSE poker could prove a big challenge for most beginners. Switching gears between games and changing constantly from no-limit to limit poker can prove to be a challenge that most beginners will find virtually impossible to overcome. In addition, dealing with the nuances of rarely played games like Razz and 7 Card Stud Eights or better can also prove to be very difficult. It is critical to combine strategies of each of the five games before you can master HORSE poker.

H: Limit Hold’em Strategy: Since Texas Hold’em is one of the most popular forms of poker, many players will find this round relatively simple. The only thing to consider is that since it is a limit game, it is necessary to understand the role of draws, bluffs and pots. In Horse Poker, bluffing is not vital, draws are fairly common and the pots are much smaller than in a regular No-limit game. It also means that the speed of the game is much higher.

O: Omaha Hi/Low Split Strategy: This game is similar to the Hold’em game, except that you will have to play two cards. In HORSE poker, it helps to employ two separate cards for both the high and the low, because invariably the best high hand tends to split the best low hand.

R: Razz Strategy: Razz is a 7-card stuff game that is played for the best low hand. This round of the game requires the most caution and discretion because usually 5 low cards are necessary to qualify. Many people don’t understand the nuances of Razz, so developing a strong Razz strategy can go a long way towards being successful at HORSE.

S: 7-Card Stud Strategy: A strategy for this game incorporates elements of a strategy to tackle any high-card Stud game. In order to do this, it is important to watch the betting actions of players carefully as well as keeping an eye on the exposed cards.

E: 7 Card Stud Eights or Better: This game is another uncommon poker style, and mastering this style of play could give you a much required edge. The game-play is centered on playing for the low hand. Winning the entire pot is a possibility with this form of the game with some sensible moves.