HORSE POKER RULES
"Balance in all games, the key to victory is."
Master the complete rules of HORSE poker - the ultimate mixed game that combines five distinct poker variants into one challenging and rewarding format.
HORSE is a mixed poker game that rotates between five different poker variants in a specific order. Each letter in "HORSE" represents a different game:
Texas Hold'em
Community card poker
Omaha Hi/Lo
Split pot game
Razz
Lowball stud
Seven Card Stud
Classic stud poker
Eight or Better
Stud Hi/Lo split
The games rotate in this exact order, testing players' versatility across different poker disciplines. HORSE is typically played in fixed-limit format and is featured in prestigious tournaments like the WSOP $50,000 Poker Players Championship.
Cash Games
Games typically rotate every 8 hands or one full orbit around the table. Some venues use time-based rotation (e.g., every 10 minutes).
Tournaments
Games usually rotate every level (e.g., every 15-20 minutes) or after a predetermined number of hands.
Online Play
Most online platforms rotate every 6-8 hands, with clear indicators showing the current game and upcoming rotation.
Fixed-Limit Format
HORSE is traditionally played in fixed-limit format. For example, in a $2/$4 game, bets are $2 on early streets and $4 on later streets.
Betting Rounds
Each game has its own betting structure, but all follow fixed-limit rules with predetermined bet sizes and raise limits.
Ante & Blinds
Hold'em and Omaha use blinds, while Stud games (Razz, Stud, Stud Hi/Lo) use antes and bring-ins.
Table Configuration
- •Typically 6-8 players maximum
- •Standard 52-card deck for all games
- •Dealer button used for Hold'em and Omaha
- •Seat positions matter for all games
Universal Rules
- •Fixed-limit betting structure throughout
- •Standard poker hand rankings (except Razz)
- •Players must stay for full rotation
- •Same stakes apply to all five games
The games rotate in this exact order: Hold'em → Omaha Hi/Lo → Razz → Seven Card Stud → Eight or Better → (repeat)
Skill Development
- • Tests versatility across multiple poker disciplines
- • Develops well-rounded poker skills
- • Improves adaptability and game-switching ability
- • Enhances understanding of different betting structures
Strategic Advantages
- • Exploit opponents' weaknesses in unfamiliar games
- • Reduce variance through game diversification
- • Access to prestigious high-stakes tournaments
- • Respected format among poker professionals
Ready to Master HORSE?
Now that you understand the rules, it's time to put your knowledge into practice. Join Phenom Poker, the community-owned platform where HORSE games run regularly.
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