Mixed games have been gaining in popularity over the past few years, especially since 2006 when the World Series of Poker instituted the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event. Since then, most major tournament series across the world have added some type of mixed game to their offerings. Mixed games are also highly popular online. The most popular of the mix is H.O.R.S.E. In this article, we will take a look at H.O.R.S.E. and other mixed game to get you familiar with what is out there in the mixed games world.

HORSE is a mixed game that is consisted of five variants of poker. The name is actually an acronym for the games played. All games in HORSE are played in a limit betting format. H stands for Holdem, O for Omaha 8 or Better, R for Razz, S for Stud, and E for Stud 8 or Better. For clarity, the E technically stands for Eight or Better.

Each game abides by its standard rules so if you are unfamiliar with any of the games, take a look at the poker rules section of this site for more information on that game. Depending on where you play, many games of HORSE are dealt eight handed and the game changes every eight hands. Some online sites rotate the game every 10 hands. Also, in some tournament offerings of the game, the game will change after a set amount of time as opposed to a set number of hands.

There are several variants of HORSE that are offered both online and in live poker. The most common is HOSE. HOSE is basically HORSE without Razz. Other variants are HOE, HO, HE, and even HOS. Some sites offer a pot-limit mixed game referred to as HA, which is pot-limit Holdem and pot-limit Omaha. Also of note is that one of the major online poker sites will actually spread a HEROS game. This game is HORSE, but setup in a way to keep you from having to play three straight stud variants in a row.

A couple of years ago, the standard mixed game got a bit of an overhaul. The World Series of Poker and a major online poker site introduced what is commonly referred to as 8-Game. This is HORSE with the addition of pot-limit Omaha, No-Limit Holdem, and 2 to 7 triple draw lowball. This game is wildly popular online. A variation of this game is 7-Game which has all the games listed with the exception of lowball.

In the last couple of years, mixed games has also evolved into mixed limits. For example, you will now find Mixed Holdem and Mixed Omaha on certain sites. Usually this is limit and pot-limit Omaha, and limit and no-limit Holdem. Even the WSOP has jumped aboard offering these types of events.

The “Big Game” in Bobby’s Room in Las Vegas has over a dozen different variants of poker and includes games that typically will be found only at high stakes or in home games. Since the highest limits of poker is basically a glorified mixed game, it makes sense that it would make its way down to lower limits.

If you are looking to play in mixed games, you really need to be adept in all of the version of poker being offered. Many people make the mistake of entering a mixed game being adept at one or two variations of poker and struggling otherwise. If you are a flop game expert, you will not fare well in HORSE. The best approach would be to learn each game individually before trying to tackle mixed games.

Mixed games offer great profit potential due to the fact that many people are not adept at all version of poker and try to avoid playing in certain rounds. Learn where you have the advantage over your players and exploit it. Learning to be adept in various variants of poker will just go to improve your profitability and leave the door open for you to be able to play in any game available. Good luck to you at the tables.