H.O.R.S.E. is a form of poker that has grown rapidly in popularity recently. H.O.R.S.E. combines five forms of poker - Limit Hold 'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Stud and Stud Hi-Lo. H.O.R.S.E. is an excellent test of poker skill, predominantly due to the fact that the player must learn to master the five different kinds of poker mentioned in order to be successful. Consequently, H.O.R.S.E. is also considered to be one of the most difficult forms of the game for this very reason. On the same grounds, it is also regarded as one of the most prestigious forms of the game. It is much harder to be lucky in this form of poker; therefore, learning a few rules and gaining valuable experience will help aspiring players.
As H.O.R.S.E. consists of such a wide assortment of games, perhaps the best way for new players to gain experience is to simply dive right into a low-limit game and play. Remember, though, when doing this, be sure to maintain your bankroll as without this, you will have no chips to play with! In order to do this without bankrupting yourself, bet and raise sensibly while remembering to play a limited range of premium starting hands. Do not over-extend yourself at this stage by attempting any fancy professional strategies as you could wind up in a bigger mess than you initially thought you would.
Also, as in any game requiring strategy and tactical awareness, take careful notes on every opponent seated at your table. Each player will most likely have a strong game and, very likely, a few weaker games when playing H.O.R.S.E. This is particularly true in the low to middle stakes H.O.R.S.E. games and a player skilled in note taking and observation can reap huge benefits when it comes to their bankroll.
In addition, take some time to master a game such as Seven Card, as this can be very profitable for when you start playing H.O.R.S.E. more seriously. It makes sense to give yourself an edge in the skills required for H.O.R.S.E. You may very well encounter some very skillful H.O.R.S.E. players, but, in general, many players playing H.O.R.S.E. at low limits are generally weak and will make mistakes. For example, they will bring in too many weak hands and will chase too many weak draws.
With that said, if you keep to the first rule and a lower-risk strategy rather than over-extending-either tactically or financially, you can punish such mistakes. If, however, you play in the same way, you risk either turning the game into a lottery, or surrendering the advantage to a player following these rules.
There is no magic formula that will turn you into an instant success at H.O.R.S.E., so do not go into every session expecting to win, and do not expect to profit instantly. This is one reason many players lose when they first starting playing and even after they are more experienced because they are overly confident and conceded.
Learn the basic rules, exercise initial caution and use your increasing experience to become a more skillful and successful player. Moreover, remember, when you are holding that killer hand, be like Nicholas Cage in Honeymoon in Vegas - ensure that the other players pay dearly to see your hand! It could mean the difference between winning a big pot and going home broke.
