Basic HORSE strategy for new players

Players that are new to the game of HORSE may be intimidated by the pace of the game, with the constant changes of format. However, there’s no need to shy away from this game, as it’s a great way to change gears if you become bored at the standard Hold’em tables. So take a look at these basic concepts before putting any real money on the table.

HORSE is a mixed game, meaning that with each full rotation of the button the game type changes. In this article we will discuss the high level concept of the game and rather than dive into strategy for each individual round, talk more about the subtle changes and observations that you should make when trying this game. HORSE is an acronym for the following games:

H – Hold’em
O – Omaha Hi-Lo
R – Razz
S – Stud
E – Stud Eight or Better

If you’re brand new to the game of HORSE you will want to have at least two of these games under your belt. Hold’em is known and played by almost every poker player on the planet and the next game that most progress to is Omaha. If you played the old Seven Card Stud game at home with dad, you’re already ahead of the curve. Don’t let Razz and Stud Eight or Better intimidate you though, you can dive into HORSE at this point and use the following strategy to still do well with the game.

Observation

The simple act of observation will help you tremendously at this game. There will be players with inherent weaknesses (you’re probably no different at this point) so watch them closely to learn the games that they’re weakest with. The note taking function at most sites is very valuable at this time because you can quickly note which games the players “perk up” and play and which games they may seem more timid at. Here’s an example:

A player is very aggressive during Hold’em rounds but rarely plays any hand in Stud unless he has a Jack or better showing as his door card. A player like this is very much readable so if you raise and he comes over the top with only a 3 showing on fifth street, you can be rest assured that he likely has a set or better. Most players that are still learning a game like Stud aren’t going to bluff, especially in HORSE when then know they can save their bankroll for the next round.

Tight play

First of all, do NOT choose to sit out a round in HORSE just because you’re not familiar with it. This is poor form and considered poor sportsmanship by most players. In addition, it may get you automatically booted from many online tables because the software doesn’t allow players to do this. That’s not to say you can’t take a break but repeatedly sitting out sessions of RAZZ sends a clear message to the table that you just don’t want to play this game.

A better strategy is to play very tight during rounds where you’re not familiar with the game. Find a solid article on the best starting hands for a particular game and only play those. In games like Stud where you have a mandatory bring-in bet with the low card, simply make the bet and fold if someone completes you don’t feel that you have a good hand. Tight is right when it comes to any game in HORSE that you don’t feel 100% about playing.

In summary, these are two simple steps you can take to at least get some live exposure to HORSE. You will likely make many mistakes learning this game but that’s no different than the same mistakes you probably made learning Hold’em. The reality is that HORSE is the most difficult game in all of poker to master and most pros agree on this. However, you can’t learn if you don’t play so take this simple advice to the table next time. Take your time and who knows, you may well wind up at the $50K HORSE event at next years WSOP!