H.O.R.S.E.

Introduction:   H.O.R.S.E. Poker is quickly becoming the darling of the online casino “in” crowd.  It was introduced to an international television audience in 2006 and is currently a featured game in the World Series of Poker.

History:  H.O.R.S.E. has only come into prominence within the past decade, but it is quickly becoming one of the online gambling community’s favourite Poker games.  The reason for its popularity is newness, coupled with the fact that it allows players to test their skills in as many as five variations of Poker within the framework of a single game.  If you were to peruse online casino Poker rooms, you would be surprised at how many seats are filled with players enjoying themselves in a game of H.O.R.S.E. Poker.

In 2006, H.O.R.S.E. hit the big stage for the first time when it was introduced as one of the events at the World Series of Poker Championships.  The event was No 21, and the prize for the H.O.R.S.E. Poker title was $50,000.  The Championship was won by Chip Reese and the exposure established H.O.R.S.E. as a legitimate Poker game.

Variants:   The game of H.O.R.S.E. combines five variations of Poker in one.  H.O.R.S.E. is, in fact, an acronym for the following games: Texas Holdem, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz; Seven Card Stud and Eight or Better Seven Card Stud. 

In H.O.R.S.E. the pot split is present in Omaha Hi-Lo, with the lowball aspects of Razz and Omaha Hi/Lo remaining significant parts of the game.  Wild Cards can be added as variants to the “stud” games, and a “kill game” can be called in Omaha Hi-Lo when a player wins both halves of the pot.  The “kill game” variant means that the stakes are doubled for the next game.

As with the other games, the betting parameters depend on the rules pertaining to play at a particular table.  These are established by the online casino.  The variants can be No Limit, Limit, or Pot Limit.  Be sure to check the rules governing the H.O.R.S.E. table prior to play.

Rules:  The rules of H.O.R.S.E. are such that one must be a versatile Poker player in order to succeed.  The game changes Poker variations at pre-determined intervals and it is a challenge for the Poker player to diversify his or her area of specialization.

During H.O.R.S.E. Poker play, everyone in the game has the opportunity to capitalize on their stronger games.  In this way, the playing field is level for all, and one expert in a particular game has no decisive advantage over another.

Betting:   Betting protocols are governed by the betting protocols specific to each of the five games.  In H.O.R.S.E. Poker, for example, players may begin by playing a pre-determined number of hands of Holdem according to Holdem rules and betting structures.  After the final Holdem hand, players switch to the rules and betting structures of Omaha Hi-Lo.  The game proceeds in this manner until its conclusion, with the final hand of Eight or Better Seven Card Stud.

In other venues, game parameters are pre-determined by the element of time.  For example, there may be a 30 minute limit on each of the Poker variations.  Still, the betting and game procedures are set.  Try your hand at H.O.R.S.E. Poker to see if you’re an all-around player or the game-specific type.