HORSE Poker: The Complete Mixed Game Guide
Master the prestigious five-game rotation that separates poker specialists from true poker masters
What Is HORSE Poker?
HORSE is the most prestigious mixed game format in poker, rotating through five distinct poker variants in sequence: Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Stud, and Eight-or-Better (Stud Hi-Lo). Unlike single-game formats where specialists can dominate, HORSE demands well-rounded excellence across dramatically different poker disciplines. A Hold'em expert who cannot play Razz will hemorrhage chips during that rotation—there is no hiding weaknesses in this format.
The format gained mainstream prominence when the World Series of Poker (WSOP) introduced HORSE events in the mid-2000s. The $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship, first held in 2006, became known as the "Players' Championship"—a title reserved for the event that poker professionals themselves consider the truest test of skill. Winners of this event, including Phil Ivey and Michael Mizrachi, are universally respected as complete players.
HORSE is played exclusively with fixed-limit betting, adding another layer of complexity. Without the ability to shove all-in and end hands quickly, every decision across all five games requires precise mathematical understanding. If you have strong foundations in Texas Hold'em and want to expand your poker repertoire to become a truly versatile player, mastering HORSE is the definitive challenge.
The Five Games of HORSE
Understanding each game's unique mechanics and optimal strategies is essential before sitting in a HORSE game. The rotation typically changes after a complete orbit around the table (one full dealer button rotation) or after a fixed time period in timed formats.
H – Limit Hold'em
The rotation begins with Texas Hold'em played in fixed-limit format rather than the no-limit version most players know from television. Each player receives two hole cards, and five community cards are dealt across the flop, turn, and river. The best five-card hand wins using standard poker hand rankings.
Limit Hold'em differs strategically from no-limit in crucial ways. Because bet sizes are fixed, you cannot protect hands by betting opponents off draws. Drawing hands gain value since they can't be priced out with oversized bets. Position remains important, but the gap between early and late position narrows compared to no-limit. The game rewards patience, hand reading, and extracting value from marginal edges—skills that translate well to the other HORSE games.
Starting hand selection tightens significantly in limit versus no-limit. Speculative hands like small suited connectors lose value because you can't win large implied odds pots when you hit. Premium pairs and high cards dominate, with suited broadway combinations and medium pairs remaining playable in position.
O – Omaha Hi-Lo (Omaha Eight-or-Better)
Omaha Hi-Lo, also called Omaha Eight-or-Better or Omaha 8, is a split-pot game based on Omaha Poker. Each player receives four hole cards and must use exactly two of them combined with exactly three of the five community cards. The pot splits between the best high hand and the best qualifying low hand.
A qualifying low hand must have five unpaired cards ranked eight or lower (aces count as low). If no player can make a qualifying low, the high hand scoops the entire pot. The best possible low is A-2-3-4-5 (called "the wheel"), which is also a straight for high—the ultimate scooping hand.
Strategy centers on playing hands that can scoop both halves. Strong starting hands contain A-2 (the nut low draw) along with high potential such as suited aces or broadway combinations. Hands like A-2-3-K double-suited are premium because they have nut low potential and can make strong high hands. Avoid hands that can only win one direction—getting quartered (splitting the low half with another player while someone else takes the high) is a common leak.
R – Razz (Seven-Card Stud Lowball)
Razz is Seven-Card Stud played for low only—the lowest five-card hand wins. This requires completely inverting your normal poker thinking. Pairs are bad. High cards are terrible. The nuts is A-2-3-4-5 (a "wheel" or "bicycle"), with A-2-3-4-6 (a "six-four low") as the second-best hand.
Straights and flushes don't count against your hand in Razz. Only unpaired low cards matter. A hand like 5-4-3-2-A of the same suit is simply a wheel, not a straight flush. Aces are always low, making any ace in your starting three cards valuable.
Starting hand requirements focus on three cards eight or lower with no pair. The best starts include A-2-3, A-2-4, A-3-4, and similar combinations. Pay close attention to opponents' door cards (their first face-up card)—if they're showing paint or high cards, they're struggling. Card memory becomes critical since you need to track which low cards have been folded to calculate your drawing odds accurately.
Razz is widely considered the most difficult game for HORSE newcomers because it requires completely reversing ingrained poker instincts. Many players who excel at high-only games find themselves lost in Razz until they internalize the inverted hand values.
S – Seven-Card Stud High
Seven-Card Stud is the classic poker game that dominated before Hold'em's rise. No community cards exist—each player receives seven cards (three face-down, four face-up) and makes their best five-card high hand. The best hand wins according to standard poker rankings.
Memory and observation define success in Stud. You must remember folded cards to calculate accurate drawing odds. If you're drawing to a flush and three of your suit have been folded, your odds have diminished significantly. The visible information from opponents' boards creates complex decisions about hand strength and likely holdings.
Position works differently than in Hold'em because it changes during the hand. The player with the highest showing board acts first (lowest board in Razz). This means the first player to act on fourth street might act last on fifth street if board dynamics change. Strong starting hands include high pairs, three-of-a-kind (rolled up trips), and three cards to a straight or flush.
E – Stud Eight-or-Better (Stud Hi-Lo)
Stud Eight-or-Better combines the mechanics of Seven-Card Stud with the split-pot format of Omaha Hi-Lo. The pot divides between the best high hand and the best qualifying low hand (five unpaired cards eight or lower). No community cards exist—each player uses their own seven cards.
This may be the most complex game in the rotation. You must simultaneously track your high hand potential, your low hand potential, opponents' boards for both directions, and folded cards affecting your draws. Mental exhaustion is common in extended Stud Eight-or-Better sessions.
Premium starting hands work in both directions. Three low cards with an ace (A-2-4, A-3-5) have nut low potential while often making straights for high. Avoid one-way hands—starting with three high cards might win the high half occasionally, but you're essentially playing for half the pot against opponents who can scoop.
How the Rotation Works
HORSE rotates through games in the order suggested by its acronym: Hold'em → Omaha Hi-Lo → Razz → Stud → Eight-or-Better → back to Hold'em. The exact rotation timing varies by format:
Cash Games
Most cash games rotate after a complete orbit—when the dealer button returns to the same player who had it when the game started. This typically means 6-10 hands per game depending on table size. Some games use timed rotations of 20-30 minutes per game instead.
Tournaments
WSOP and major tournament series typically rotate games every level (usually 60-90 minutes). The specific level durations are announced before the event. According to PokerNews tournament strategy guides, understanding how blind levels align with game rotations is crucial for pacing your stack management.
A button or placard typically indicates the current game. Some venues use different colored felts or electronic displays. In home games, the dealer simply announces "switching to Razz" when the rotation changes. Clear communication prevents confusion and accusations of angle-shooting during game transitions.
Fixed-Limit Betting Structure
All HORSE games use fixed-limit betting rather than no-limit or pot-limit structures. This fundamentally changes strategic considerations across every game in the rotation.
Small Bet and Big Bet
Fixed-limit games have two bet sizes: the small bet (used on early streets) and the big bet (used on later streets), typically in a 1:2 ratio. In a $10/$20 HORSE game:
- Hold'em/Omaha: Small bet ($10) for preflop and flop; big bet ($20) for turn and river
- Stud games: Small bet ($10) for third and fourth street; big bet ($20) for fifth, sixth, and seventh street
Betting Caps
Most HORSE games cap betting at one bet plus three raises per street (four total bets). This means maximum investment on any street is limited to four small bets or four big bets. When heads-up (only two players remaining), the cap typically lifts, allowing unlimited raises.
The limit structure rewards different skills than no-limit poker. You cannot blow opponents off hands with oversized bets. Every pot involves multiple betting decisions, and edges accumulate gradually over sessions rather than in massive individual pots. Use our pot odds calculator to understand how limit betting affects your calling and folding decisions.
HORSE Strategy Fundamentals
Success in HORSE requires mastery of each individual game plus the metacognitive skill of switching strategic gears between games. Research from poker strategy resources like Two Plus Two Publishing emphasizes that mixed game success comes from minimizing losses in weak games while maximizing wins in strong ones.
Game Selection Awareness
Identify which games in the rotation are your strongest and which represent leaks. Many Hold'em specialists are weak at Razz and the stud games. If you know Razz is your worst game, play ultra-tight during that rotation—minimize losses by playing only premium three-card lows and folding marginal situations.
Opponent Weakness Exploitation
Observe opponents during each rotation. Many players visibly tighten or loosen inappropriately during transitions. A player who dominates Hold'em but struggles in Omaha Hi-Lo presents a valuable target during the O rotation. Take notes on which games opponents fear and attack them when those games come around.
Mental Endurance
HORSE sessions are mentally exhausting. You're processing completely different rule sets and strategic frameworks every rotation. Fatigue leads to mistakes—particularly in the more cognitively demanding games like Stud Eight-or-Better. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and recognize when your decision quality is declining. Understanding expected value helps you make disciplined decisions even when tired.
Bankroll Considerations
HORSE has higher variance than single-game poker because you're playing some games where your edge is smaller (or negative if you're still learning). Standard recommendations suggest having 300-500 big bets for fixed-limit games, but HORSE players should lean toward the higher end due to the forced exposure to weaker games.
Quick Reference: The Five Games Compared
| Game | Hole Cards | Community Cards | Win Condition | Key Skill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hold'em | 2 | 5 | Best high hand | Position play, hand reading |
| Omaha Hi-Lo | 4 (use exactly 2) | 5 | Split: high + qualifying low | Scooping, avoiding quartering |
| Razz | 7 (3 down, 4 up) | 0 | Best low hand | Card memory, reversed thinking |
| Stud | 7 (3 down, 4 up) | 0 | Best high hand | Card memory, board reading |
| Eight-or-Better | 7 (3 down, 4 up) | 0 | Split: high + qualifying low | Multi-directional tracking |
Beyond HORSE: Extended Mixed Game Formats
HORSE spawned numerous extended mixed game formats that add additional games to the rotation:
8-Game Mix
Adds No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and 2-7 Triple Draw to the HORSE rotation. This format includes both limit and no-limit games, testing an even wider range of skills. The WSOP $50,000 Poker Players Championship uses 8-Game format rather than traditional HORSE.
10-Game Mix
Incorporates additional variants like Badugi, No-Limit 2-7 Single Draw, and A-5 Triple Draw. This format is primarily found in ultra-high-stakes mixed games and tests the absolute limits of poker versatility.
SHOE and Other Variants
SHOE (Stud Hi-Lo, Omaha Hi-Lo, Eight-or-Better) focuses on split-pot games. Other combinations exist for home games and private events. The principle remains constant: rotating through multiple games to reward well-rounded poker ability.
Where HORSE Is Played
Major Tournament Series: The WSOP schedules multiple HORSE and mixed game events annually, including the prestigious $50,000 Poker Players Championship. The World Poker Tour and other series also feature mixed game events. According to the Card Player tournament listings, mixed game fields tend to be smaller but feature higher-skilled player pools.
Las Vegas Cash Games: The Bellagio's Bobby's Room (now Legends Room) built its reputation on high-stakes mixed games. Other major poker rooms including Aria, Venetian, and Wynn spread HORSE and mixed games at various stakes. Mid-stakes HORSE games ($20/$40 to $75/$150) run regularly.
Online Poker: Several major platforms offer HORSE cash games and tournaments. Games run at various stakes, though traffic tends to be lower than Hold'em or Omaha. Look for scheduled mixed game tournaments during major online series.
Home Games: HORSE works well in home games with experienced players. The rotation keeps the game fresh across long sessions, and the limit structure prevents anyone from going broke too quickly. Dealer's choice rotations sometimes include HORSE as a single option rather than dealing each game separately.
Common Mistakes in HORSE
Failing to Adjust Between Games
The most common error is carrying strategy from one game into the next. Playing Omaha Hi-Lo with a Hold'em mentality (ignoring low possibilities, overvaluing one-way high hands) destroys your edge. Each rotation requires a complete mental reset.
Ignoring Card Memory in Stud Games
Players accustomed to Hold'em often neglect to track folded cards during stud rotations. This information is critical for calculating drawing odds. If you're drawing to a club flush and four clubs have been folded, your odds have dropped dramatically compared to a fresh deck.
Overplaying One-Way Hands in Split Games
In Omaha Hi-Lo and Eight-or-Better, playing hands that can only win one direction (high-only or low-only) is a major leak. You're essentially playing for half the pot while opponents with two-way hands can scoop. Premium hands work in both directions.
Tilting During Weak Games
Losing during your worst game in the rotation can trigger tilt that affects subsequent games. Recognize that variance is higher when you're playing games where you have less expertise. Accept that learning games cost money and focus on improvement rather than results.
Recommended Learning Path for HORSE
Approaching HORSE methodically accelerates your learning curve. Rather than trying to learn all five games simultaneously, build proficiency systematically:
Master Texas Hold'em Fundamentals
If you're reading this, you likely already play Hold'em. Transition to Limit Hold'em specifically—the fixed betting changes strategy significantly. Practice at low stakes online to internalize limit-specific concepts like thin value betting and correct drawing decisions.
Add Seven-Card Stud
Stud uses standard high hand rankings, so you're only learning new mechanics (no community cards, card memory). Start with Stud high before adding the complexity of split-pot variants.
Learn Razz
With Stud mechanics understood, Razz adds only the inverted hand rankings. Study low hand values until thinking "low" becomes automatic. Play micro-stakes Razz to build experience without significant financial risk.
Study Omaha Hi-Lo
If you know Omaha high, adding the low component is your only adjustment. Learn the split-pot dynamics, scooping concepts, and A-2-3-x starting hand requirements thoroughly.
Combine Everything in Stud Eight-or-Better
With all previous games understood, Stud Eight-or-Better combines Stud mechanics with split-pot logic. This is typically the last game players master because it requires synthesizing all previous knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does HORSE stand for in poker?
HORSE is an acronym for the five poker games played in rotation: H = Hold'em (limit Texas Hold'em), O = Omaha Hi-Lo (Omaha Eight-or-Better), R = Razz (seven-card stud lowball), S = Stud (seven-card stud high), E = Eight-or-Better (seven-card stud hi-lo split). Games rotate at fixed intervals.
Why is HORSE poker considered the true test of poker skill?
HORSE tests mastery across five different poker disciplines with different mechanics, hand rankings, and strategic frameworks. Players cannot hide weaknesses in a single game—the rotation exposes gaps in knowledge. Champions like Chip Reese and Phil Ivey earned their reputations partly through mixed game excellence.
Is HORSE poker played with no-limit or limit betting?
HORSE is traditionally played with fixed-limit betting across all five games. This is standard in WSOP events and most formats. The limit structure prevents any single hand from being decisive, requiring sustained excellence across thousands of decisions.
What is the hardest game in HORSE for beginners?
Razz and Stud Eight-or-Better are typically most challenging for HORSE newcomers. Razz requires completely inverted thinking about hand values, while Eight-or-Better demands tracking high and low possibilities simultaneously across seven cards with no community cards to share information.
How long does each game last in HORSE rotation?
In cash games, games typically rotate after a complete orbit (6-10 hands depending on table size). Tournament formats usually rotate every level (60-90 minutes). Some cash games use timed rotations of 20-30 minutes per game. The specific format should be clarified before play begins.
Can I play HORSE online?
Yes, several major online poker platforms offer HORSE cash games and tournaments. Traffic is lower than Hold'em, so games may only run at specific times. Check your preferred site's mixed game section or tournament schedule for HORSE offerings.
Play Responsibly
HORSE's complexity means learning curves are steep—expect losses while developing proficiency in unfamiliar games. The format also involves higher variance than single-game poker due to playing some games where your edge is minimal or negative. Proper bankroll management is essential: most experts recommend 300-500 big bets minimum for fixed-limit games, with HORSE players leaning toward the higher end.
Set session and loss limits before playing. If you find certain games in the rotation frustrating or tilting, take them as learning opportunities rather than reasons to chase losses. For gambling-related concerns, resources are available through the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700.