HOSE is a mixed poker game format that rotates between four popular variants: Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Seven Card Stud, and Seven Card Stud Eight-or-Better (Stud 8). This game format is ideal for seasoned players who enjoy strategic variety and want to sharpen their skills across different disciplines.

Understanding the specific rules of each game in the HOSE rotation is critical, as the betting structures, hand rankings, and split-pot mechanics can vary significantly. Below is a clear breakdown of the core rules you need to know for each segment of HOSE.

Texas Hold’em Rules

Texas Hold’em is the most recognized variant in the HOSE rotation. The game uses community cards and consists of four betting rounds: pre-flop, flop, turn, and river.

• Each player is dealt two private cards (hole cards).

• Five community cards are shared among all players.

• Players must make the best five-card hand using any combination of hole and community cards.

• The best high hand wins the pot — there are no split pots.

Omaha Hi-Lo Rules

Omaha Hi-Lo, also known as Omaha 8-or-Better, is a split-pot game with a twist.

• Players receive four hole cards and must use exactly two of them.

• They combine their hole cards with three of the five community cards to make a hand.

• The pot is split between the best high hand and the best low hand (if a low hand qualifies).

• A low hand must consist of five different cards ranked 8 or lower, with no pairs.

Seven Card Stud Rules

Unlike Hold’em and Omaha, Seven Card Stud does not use community cards.

• Each player receives seven individual cards throughout the hand (some face up, some face down).

• The goal is to make the best five-card high hand from those seven.

• There are no blinds — instead, each hand begins with an ante and a bring-in.

• Betting rounds occur after third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh streets.

Stud 8 (Seven Card Stud Eight-or-Better) Rules

Stud 8 is very similar to Seven Card Stud but incorporates a split-pot format.

• The best high hand and the best qualifying low hand split the pot.

• To qualify, a low hand must be eight-high or lower with no pairs.

• Players use any five of their seven cards to form their high and/or low hands.

• One player can scoop both the high and low pot if they hold the best of both.

HOSE Game Rotation Structure

In HOSE, games rotate in a fixed order: Hold’em → Omaha Hi-Lo → Seven Card Stud → Stud 8. Each game is usually played for a set number of hands or time period before switching to the next.

• The structure is typically limit betting, though some home games may adjust this.

• Strategic adaptation is crucial as players move from community card to stud formats and from high-only to split-pot games.

Why Mastering HOSE Matters

HOSE rewards versatility and in-depth knowledge across several poker variants. Players who thrive in HOSE are usually well-rounded and adaptable. Each round requires different reading abilities, math skills, and risk management, making HOSE a true test of a player’s all-around poker IQ.

FAQ

1. Do the betting limits change in each HOSE game?
No, the betting limits generally remain the same across all HOSE games, especially in limit formats. However, the nature of the bets and how they’re structured can differ depending on the variant.

2. What happens if there’s a tie in a split-pot game like Omaha Hi-Lo or Stud 8?
If both the high and low hands tie (e.g., two players tie for the low), the corresponding half of the pot is divided equally among the tying players.

3. How do I track which game is currently being played in HOSE?
Most live and online HOSE tables include a rotation indicator. It’s important to pay close attention to the dealer’s announcements or the interface so you’re always aware of which variant is in play.