Multi game variations bring excitement to the poker world

It is no doubt that games like Texas Hold’em have just exploded in recent years. There is a wave of new young players and hold’em is about the hottest poker game out there. With all the popularity though, players can often grow sick and tired of certain games. After all, “grinding it out” can be just that sometimes and players often need a change of pace. This is where the new breed of mixed games like HORSE enter the mix. HORSE is an acronym representing the following poker games: 

* Hold’em

* Omaha high low

* Razz
* Seven card stud

* Eight or better seven card stud

When one sits down at a HORSE table they are really sitting down to play the five different games. Each game is played for one rotation of the button, starting with hold’em and each game is played in a limit format. For example, if you were to sit down at a $5/$10 HORSE table, each game would be of the $5/$10 limit format. The great thing about HORSE is that it gives players some variety in their day to day games. Rather than having to grind out a profit at one game day after day, with HORSE, good players can mix up their games and still make good money.

There are definitely some things you should keep in mind before you start playing HORSE. Because you are playing five different games, it is important that you are proficient in each one. The best HORSE players will find and expose your weaknesses if you are not good at a particular game, so make sure that you have a working knowledge of what you’re getting into or at least have a solid game plan for your weak spots. One general piece of advice is to make sure and study up on razz and seven card stud eight or better. These are probably the least popular of the games played in HORSE, so this can be an advantage and a disadvantage. The advantage is that with a little study and some experience you can really mop the floor with inexperienced players who basically have no idea how to play those games. On the other hand, you could be in trouble as well if you don’t have a very good grasp on the games and you run into some strong competition.

The bottom line is that you want to have a good foundation in all the games. While HORSE provides an excellent change of pace, you need to be prepared. You can’t just jump in because you are great at hold’em but are clueless at the other games. Take some time to study each game and learn about the nuances and characteristics of each game that you will be playing. By doing so, you will be able to expose weak players who have little experience with the less popular games and you will be able to hold your own when you run into truly skilled HORSE players.