Tournament Poker HORSE Strategy

When the pros saw the amateurs flooding into the WSOP and WPT tournaments, they were simply aghast. They knew they had to do something to keep those internet chumps and geeks out. Otherwise they wouldn't be professionals for good reason anymore. So the pros came up with a brilliant idea: introduce a game so difficult no one would want to play it and attach a buy in that no one but the filthy rich can afford.

In short: H.O.R.S.E.

HORSE is a tough game to play. Unless you are an experienced poker player, you had better not get into a HORSE tournament.

H - Holdem, Texas O - Omaha R - Razz S - 7 Card Stud E - 8 or Better

HORSE features Holdem, Omaha, Razz, Seven Card Stud and Eight or Better in that order. At set intervals as determined by tourney rules, the game type changes. The change may come when the button moves, when the blinds are raised, or at any other turning point the rules specify.

To play HORSE strategy, you must first practice the different games in ring games. Preferably with real money, not play money so the game is realistic. This is going to take a lot of time but HORSE is not meant for amateurs.

Now in HORSE, you want to capitalize on others' weaknesses and maximize profits on your strengths. Play most aggressively in your favorite game(s) and tight when playing other games. That is the time to build your stack. Later you can save your chips and play tight.

If you know that some player(s) at the table dislike a certain game, that is to your advantage. Play them aggressively. On the other hand, if you know they are strong in that game, you have to lie low.

Pay special attention to the players who seem strong in particular games. For example, if someone thrives on Razz, then pound them in the other games and try to bully them out before Razz comes along again, or at least deplete their stack so much that they won't be able to play their game then.

As the blinds are raised, you can afford to fold less and less. Thus you will have to play even when it is not your favorite game's turn. You have no other recourse but to play the games as best you can. In the end, the most well-rounded poker player wins HORSE.