HORSE has started to see exceptional growth over the past few years and is quickly becoming a poker game that everyone is looking to start playing. Initially HORSE was seen as a game that was meant for professional poker players looking to play a more advanced poker game. HORSE is five poker games played at the same time with pre-determined rules set in place so that you know when to switch the game. The five poker games that you need to learn how to play in order to play HORSE are as followed.

* H – Limit Holdem

* O – Limit Omaha Hi/Lo

* R – Razz

* S – Limit Seven Card Stud

* E – Limit Stud Hi/Lo

Generally the game switches games every time the dealer button goes around the table once and then once it gets to Limit Stud it goes back to Limit Holdem and you complete the cycle again. If you’re playing a HORSE poker tournament then the rules for when the games switch might differ slightly so make sure you read the tournament rules before joining.

There are no other set rules or strategies for HORSE except that you should be well versed in all five of the poker games you need to play. A simple strategy a lot of players use when playing HORSE is to only play strong hands in games they are not good at yet and make as many chips in the games that they are strong in. This will definitely work in the beginning, but over time you should feel comfortable playing in all five of the poker games and if you’re not then you need to work on your weaker games.

The best HORSE players are those players who can play consistently throughout all five poker games and make the least amount of mistakes. You need to be able to switch games quickly and adapt your strategy according to the game you’re playing. If you can’t do this then you won’t be able to keep up with the competition and you might see yourself and your bankroll in trouble.

If you’re new to playing HORSE, I suggest playing play money ring games, so you can get a feel for the game and the speed of the game. Once you feel comfortable playing the game you can start playing lower limit ring table games and move up as you feel needed. Remember though when you raise the stakes the competition will become tougher. If you find you are losing, move back down one level for awhile and try moving up again at a later time.

You can find Real and Play Money games at PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker.