HORSE is a mixed-game poker format that rotates through five different variants: Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Seven-Card Stud, and Seven-Card Stud Eight-or-Better. These events are a true test of all-around poker skill and are popular in both live tournaments and online series. To succeed in HORSE, players must go beyond mastering a single game—they must understand how to transition smoothly between formats, adjust strategies on the fly, and recognize edges across all variants.
Whether you’re preparing for your first HORSE event or looking to sharpen your competitive edge, this guide will help you build a solid foundation for success.
Know the Games Inside and Out
The first step to preparing for a HORSE event is ensuring you understand the rules, hand rankings, and betting structures of each game in the rotation:
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H: Texas Hold’em – familiar no-limit poker, typically played limit-style in HORSE.
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O: Omaha Hi-Lo – pot is split between the best high and qualifying low hand.
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R: Razz – the goal is to make the lowest possible hand.
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S: Seven-Card Stud – classic stud poker, with no community cards.
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E: Stud Eight-or-Better (Stud Hi-Lo) – pot split between best high and low hands (if the low qualifies).
Spend time studying each format. Even if you’re proficient in Hold’em or Omaha, weaknesses in Razz or Stud games can quickly drain your chip stack during a HORSE rotation.
Focus on Transitions and Mental Shifts
One of the most underrated challenges in HORSE is the mental shift between games. Going from a community-card format like Hold’em to an individual-card game like Razz requires a mindset adjustment. Hand values, drawing strategies, and betting lines vary significantly.
Practice switching formats by playing online HORSE sit-and-go games or small cash tables. Your ability to mentally reset and adapt will determine your long-term success.
Develop a Balanced Strategy Across Formats
Each game in HORSE rewards different skill sets. Tight-aggressive play may be effective in Hold’em but could backfire in Razz or Stud Eight-or-Better. Avoid using a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
Instead, build a flexible strategy:
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In Hold’em and Omaha, position and betting patterns are key.
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In Razz, early aggression can steal antes and force folds.
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In Stud games, tracking visible cards (“dead cards”) is critical.
Study hands in each format and review your play regularly. Understanding the nuance in each format will give you an edge when others are out of their comfort zone.
Manage Your Bankroll Wisely
HORSE events can be volatile because each rotation brings new risks and opportunities. While a strong round in Omaha might build your stack, a cold run in Razz could wipe it out.
Prepare for this by playing within your bankroll limits. Practice conservative play during weaker formats and apply more pressure in games where you’re confident. Bankroll discipline ensures you can survive the natural swings in a mixed-game format.
Sharpen Your Stud and Razz Skills
Many players entering HORSE are familiar with Hold’em and Omaha, but struggle with the Stud-based games. That’s your opportunity.
Spend extra time studying Stud, Stud Eight-or-Better, and Razz. Learn to read upcards, identify blockers, and make the most of limited betting streets. These formats are often where HORSE tournaments are won—or lost.
Practice with Real-Time Rotations
Simulation is one of the best ways to prepare for HORSE events. Join mixed-game tables online, use training apps, or organize home games that follow HORSE rotation rules.
Playing with live rotations allows you to build rhythm, manage transitions, and get comfortable under time pressure. The more natural the switching becomes, the stronger your tournament performance will be.
Keep Track of the Rotation Order
Staying mentally aware of where you are in the HORSE rotation gives you an edge. Misjudging the game in progress could lead to incorrect strategy decisions. Whether you’re folding hands that are premium in Stud or overvaluing them in Razz, knowing the current format prevents costly errors.
If possible, use a cheat sheet or internal rhythm to stay ahead of each switch. The pros always know what game is coming next—and prepare accordingly.
FAQ
What does HORSE stand for in poker?
HORSE is an acronym representing a mix of five different poker games: Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Seven-Card Stud, and Stud Eight-or-Better. The games rotate in order throughout the tournament.
How can I practice HORSE poker without a full table?
You can practice online at mixed-game tables, play sit-and-go tournaments, or organize home games with friends. Many poker platforms also offer HORSE training tools and play-money options to build experience.
Which game in HORSE is usually the toughest for beginners?
Razz and Stud Eight-or-Better tend to be the most difficult for newcomers because they involve unfamiliar hand rankings and require strong memory and observation skills. These formats reward study and experience more than raw aggression.