H.O.R.S.E. is a mixed game tournament with these games -
Hold-Em
Omaha Eight or Better Hi-Low
Razz (Seven Stud Lowball)
Seven Stud High
Eight or Better Seven Stud
If you're having trouble remembering how to play any of these games, read on. (This is the same primer from last year).
All games in H.O.R.S.E. are fixed limit. Yes, in the early days of Pepper Street, we did try a few wacky permutations, throwing in NLHE and PLO8, and even one time early on playing all five games No Limit - for the past couple of years we are back to traditional, and correct, H.O.R.S.E. play.
Fixed limit betting is just that - every bet amount or raise is a pre-set limit. All you have to do as a player is say one of six words, and you can never go wrong.
Fold.
Check.
Call.
Bet.
Raise.
Re-raise.
That's it. No amounts, no controlling the size of the pot.
Even if you're unsure of the bet amount - simply state call, bet, raise or re-raise. Someone at the table can then tell you how much to put in.
In every single incarnation of fixed limit betting in a tournament there is a FOUR BET CAP. Meaning a three raise maximum. (In cash games there is often no betting cap between players that are heads-up).
HOLD-EM
Exactly the same as the game we all know and love, except for bet sizing.
Remember: In Fixed Limit Hold-Em, the Small Blind and Big Blind are the same as in NLHE - but for pre-flop and the flop, the only amount you can call, bet, raise or re-raise is the exact amount of the Big Blind. On the turn and river, the only amount you can call, bet, raise or re-raise is EXACTLY 2 times the amount of the Big Blind.
In all fixed limit games -
The Big Blind or Completed Bet is often referred to as the Small Bet, and 2 times the Big Blind is known as the Big Bet.
In community card games, Pre-Flop and Flop you can only bet the Small Bet.
In stud games, on the first and second round of betting you can only bet the Small Bet.
In community card games, Turn and River you can only bet the Big Bet.
In stud games, on the third betting round and beyond you can only bet the Big Bet.
OMAHA 8 OR BETTER
Similar to Hold-Em, but players receive FOUR hole cards instead of two.
The other big difference - in Hold-Em you can use any combination of your cards and the board. In Omaha you MUST only use two cards from your hand and three cards on board. There are no other options. Read this paragraph over and over until it sinks in.
Finally, the 8 or Better version of the game throws in a high-low aspect of the game.
Let's take a moment to review how a low hand is determined.
A LOW HAND
Is the five lowest cards you can make.
If there is a pair in these five cards, it's a lousy low hand. Pairs count AGAINST a low hand.
Straights and flushes do NOT count against a low hand.
Therefore, the LOWEST POSSIBLE HAND YOU CAN HAVE - THE ABSOLUTE LOW NUTS - is A, 2, 3, 4, 5. - even if the hand is a straight flush.
The strength of a low hand is determined by it's highest card(s).
In determining a low hand, Aces are ALWAYS low.
EXAMPLE ONE:
Which hand is lower?
Hand 1 - A, 2, 3, 4, K
or
Hand 2 - 7, 9, 10, J, Q
Do you get why the Hand 1 is higher? Start with the two highest cards. Hand 1 is called a "King-Four" Hand 2 is called a "Queen-Jack" A king is higher than a queen.
EXAMPLE TWO:
Which hand is lower?
Hand 1 - 2, 3, 5, 5, 6
or
Hand 2 - K, Q, J, 9, 10
Do you understand that Hand 1 is automatically higher because it has a pair? Remember, pairs can render a low hand almost worthless.
EXAMPLE THREE:
Which hand is lower?
Hand 1 - A, 4, 5, 7, 8
or
Hand 2 - 2, 3, 5, 7, 8
Do you know why Hand 2 is lower? Remember, start with the highest cards and work your way down. Both hands are identical for the first three cards 8, 7, 5 - but then, the next card determines the low hand. Hand 1 has a 4, Hand 2 has a 3. The remaining cards don't matter - even though Hand 1 then has an Ace and Hand 2 has a 2 - a 4 is always higher than a 3. Hand 1 is called a "4 - Ace" Hand 2 is called a "3-2", 3 is lower than 4.
Back to OMAHA 8 OR BETTER
In Omaha 8 or Better, half the pot goes to the high hand and half the pot goes to the low hand.
BUT, and this is a big but, for a low hand to claim half the pot it must qualify.
A low hand only qualifies if it contains five unpaired cards, all of which are 8 or lower.
A, 2, 3, 4, 9 does NOT qualify for a low hand and thus would not be entitled to half the pot.
There are many hands (about 40%) in O8 where there is only a high hand winner, who takes the entire pot - this is called "scooping".
As I mentioned, though it bears repeating - all hands, high and low, must be determined by two cards in a players hand and three on the board. This is the ONLY option for determining a hand.
But a player may use two cards in his hand and three on board for determining his high hand and then one or two different cards in his hand and different cards on board as well to determine his low.
Cards always speak in Omaha. Just turn up your cards at showdown if you are unsure - it may take a moment, or two, or even three, to determine who has the best and worst hand - but we will always take our time to insure the correct winner. Even professional dealers sometimes encounter difficulties figuring out who has what, we shouldn't sweat if the wrong player is initially awarded the pot as long as the correct decision is eventually reached.
RAZZ
Seven card stud - low hand wins.
All stud games feature an ANTE. An ante is a small payment from every player before the cards are dealt.
In H.O.R.S.E. there is often a "button ante" for the first few rounds or so. A button ante is a single payment from the player on the button, instead of a group payment, before the cards are dealt.
Players are dealt two cards down and one card up.
The highest card showing, must "bring-in" the first bet. That is, he is forced to put in a specific amount that is known by all. Usually this amount is half or less of the Small Bet amount.
For purposes of the bring-in, Aces are always low. A king would be the highest rank. In the event of a tie in rank, suits are used to determine who brings it in. In order, the lowest to highest in suits are Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts, Spades.
A king of spades would always be the bring-in in Razz.
The bring-in is the only instance in all of poker where suits are pitted against each other. Identically ranked hands always tie and chop the pot, a winning hand is NEVER determined by a difference in suits, only in ranks.
The player posting the bring-in bet has the option before putting out the bet to "complete" his bring-in to the full Small Bet amount.
If the player chooses not to complete (very common in Razz, as a face card showing makes the hand unplayable in most situations) then the betting proceeds, with following players having only two options. They can either "call" or "complete". Once the bet is complete, players can "raise" as normal.
On all subsequent rounds of betting, the low hand showing begins the betting, and of course the player may check if he wishes.
If two hands or more hands are identical in rank on a round of betting after the first round, it is the first hand nearest to the dealer's left that starts the betting - suits are not used to determine action.
A players worst five cards at showdown determine the winner - in Razz there IS NO QUALIFIER for a low hand.
Yes, I have seen a pair of deuces lose to a pair of aces. Remember, in Razz, ACES are ALWAYS LOW.
SEVEN STUD HIGH
Antes, dealing and betting is the same as Razz, but it is the high hand that determines the winner at showdown.
Determining the bring-in and who bets first is reversed.
LOW card showing must bring-in. In determining this, Aces are always high. The two of clubs would be the lowest card and would always bring in the first bet. Remember, if ranks are identical, use the suit to determine bring in.
On all subsequent streets of betting, HIGH hand goes first.
EIGHT OR BETTER SEVEN STUD
Antes, dealing, bring-in and betting are identical to Seven Stud High.
The only difference in this game is that if a player has the best qualifying low hand, he wins half the pot.
Remember: for a low hand to qualify (unlike in Razz, where there is no qualifying requirement) a player must have 5 unpaired cards, all 8 or lower in rank.
If there is no eligible low hand at show down, the high hand scoops the pot.
Fixed limit betting is just that - every bet amount or raise is a pre-set limit. All you have to do as a player is say one of six words, and you can never go wrong.
Fold.
Check.
Call.
Bet.
Raise.
Re-raise.
That's it. No amounts, no controlling the size of the pot.
Even if you're unsure of the bet amount - simply state call, bet, raise or re-raise. Someone at the table can then tell you how much to put in.
In every single incarnation of fixed limit betting in a tournament there is a FOUR BET CAP. Meaning a three raise maximum. (In cash games there is often no betting cap between players that are heads-up).
HOLD-EM
Exactly the same as the game we all know and love, except for bet sizing.
Remember: In Fixed Limit Hold-Em, the Small Blind and Big Blind are the same as in NLHE - but for pre-flop and the flop, the only amount you can call, bet, raise or re-raise is the exact amount of the Big Blind. On the turn and river, the only amount you can call, bet, raise or re-raise is EXACTLY 2 times the amount of the Big Blind.
In all fixed limit games -
The Big Blind or Completed Bet is often referred to as the Small Bet, and 2 times the Big Blind is known as the Big Bet.
In community card games, Pre-Flop and Flop you can only bet the Small Bet.
In stud games, on the first and second round of betting you can only bet the Small Bet.
In community card games, Turn and River you can only bet the Big Bet.
In stud games, on the third betting round and beyond you can only bet the Big Bet.
OMAHA 8 OR BETTER
Similar to Hold-Em, but players receive FOUR hole cards instead of two.
The other big difference - in Hold-Em you can use any combination of your cards and the board. In Omaha you MUST only use two cards from your hand and three cards on board. There are no other options. Read this paragraph over and over until it sinks in.
Finally, the 8 or Better version of the game throws in a high-low aspect of the game.
Let's take a moment to review how a low hand is determined.
A LOW HAND
Is the five lowest cards you can make.
If there is a pair in these five cards, it's a lousy low hand. Pairs count AGAINST a low hand.
Straights and flushes do NOT count against a low hand.
Therefore, the LOWEST POSSIBLE HAND YOU CAN HAVE - THE ABSOLUTE LOW NUTS - is A, 2, 3, 4, 5. - even if the hand is a straight flush.
The strength of a low hand is determined by it's highest card(s).
In determining a low hand, Aces are ALWAYS low.
EXAMPLE ONE:
Which hand is lower?
Hand 1 - A, 2, 3, 4, K
or
Hand 2 - 7, 9, 10, J, Q
Do you get why the Hand 1 is higher? Start with the two highest cards. Hand 1 is called a "King-Four" Hand 2 is called a "Queen-Jack" A king is higher than a queen.
EXAMPLE TWO:
Which hand is lower?
Hand 1 - 2, 3, 5, 5, 6
or
Hand 2 - K, Q, J, 9, 10
Do you understand that Hand 1 is automatically higher because it has a pair? Remember, pairs can render a low hand almost worthless.
EXAMPLE THREE:
Which hand is lower?
Hand 1 - A, 4, 5, 7, 8
or
Hand 2 - 2, 3, 5, 7, 8
Do you know why Hand 2 is lower? Remember, start with the highest cards and work your way down. Both hands are identical for the first three cards 8, 7, 5 - but then, the next card determines the low hand. Hand 1 has a 4, Hand 2 has a 3. The remaining cards don't matter - even though Hand 1 then has an Ace and Hand 2 has a 2 - a 4 is always higher than a 3. Hand 1 is called a "4 - Ace" Hand 2 is called a "3-2", 3 is lower than 4.
Back to OMAHA 8 OR BETTER
In Omaha 8 or Better, half the pot goes to the high hand and half the pot goes to the low hand.
BUT, and this is a big but, for a low hand to claim half the pot it must qualify.
A low hand only qualifies if it contains five unpaired cards, all of which are 8 or lower.
A, 2, 3, 4, 9 does NOT qualify for a low hand and thus would not be entitled to half the pot.
There are many hands (about 40%) in O8 where there is only a high hand winner, who takes the entire pot - this is called "scooping".
As I mentioned, though it bears repeating - all hands, high and low, must be determined by two cards in a players hand and three on the board. This is the ONLY option for determining a hand.
But a player may use two cards in his hand and three on board for determining his high hand and then one or two different cards in his hand and different cards on board as well to determine his low.
Cards always speak in Omaha. Just turn up your cards at showdown if you are unsure - it may take a moment, or two, or even three, to determine who has the best and worst hand - but we will always take our time to insure the correct winner. Even professional dealers sometimes encounter difficulties figuring out who has what, we shouldn't sweat if the wrong player is initially awarded the pot as long as the correct decision is eventually reached.
RAZZ
Seven card stud - low hand wins.
All stud games feature an ANTE. An ante is a small payment from every player before the cards are dealt.
In H.O.R.S.E. there is often a "button ante" for the first few rounds or so. A button ante is a single payment from the player on the button, instead of a group payment, before the cards are dealt.
Players are dealt two cards down and one card up.
The highest card showing, must "bring-in" the first bet. That is, he is forced to put in a specific amount that is known by all. Usually this amount is half or less of the Small Bet amount.
For purposes of the bring-in, Aces are always low. A king would be the highest rank. In the event of a tie in rank, suits are used to determine who brings it in. In order, the lowest to highest in suits are Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts, Spades.
A king of spades would always be the bring-in in Razz.
The bring-in is the only instance in all of poker where suits are pitted against each other. Identically ranked hands always tie and chop the pot, a winning hand is NEVER determined by a difference in suits, only in ranks.
The player posting the bring-in bet has the option before putting out the bet to "complete" his bring-in to the full Small Bet amount.
If the player chooses not to complete (very common in Razz, as a face card showing makes the hand unplayable in most situations) then the betting proceeds, with following players having only two options. They can either "call" or "complete". Once the bet is complete, players can "raise" as normal.
On all subsequent rounds of betting, the low hand showing begins the betting, and of course the player may check if he wishes.
If two hands or more hands are identical in rank on a round of betting after the first round, it is the first hand nearest to the dealer's left that starts the betting - suits are not used to determine action.
A players worst five cards at showdown determine the winner - in Razz there IS NO QUALIFIER for a low hand.
Yes, I have seen a pair of deuces lose to a pair of aces. Remember, in Razz, ACES are ALWAYS LOW.
SEVEN STUD HIGH
Antes, dealing and betting is the same as Razz, but it is the high hand that determines the winner at showdown.
Determining the bring-in and who bets first is reversed.
LOW card showing must bring-in. In determining this, Aces are always high. The two of clubs would be the lowest card and would always bring in the first bet. Remember, if ranks are identical, use the suit to determine bring in.
On all subsequent streets of betting, HIGH hand goes first.
EIGHT OR BETTER SEVEN STUD
Antes, dealing, bring-in and betting are identical to Seven Stud High.
The only difference in this game is that if a player has the best qualifying low hand, he wins half the pot.
Remember: for a low hand to qualify (unlike in Razz, where there is no qualifying requirement) a player must have 5 unpaired cards, all 8 or lower in rank.
If there is no eligible low hand at show down, the high hand scoops the pot.
