Learn Texas Holdem

In 2006, the World Series of Poker instituted the $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event. This event, which has the highest buy-in and requires knowledge of every major type of poker game, was largely considered to be an answer to the complaints by pros that the main event is no longer a true test of poker skill.

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The H.O.R.S.E. event came to be known as "The Players' Championship," meaning it proved who the best player among the pros was. The recently passed away Chip Reese, who is thought by many to be one of the all time great all-around poker players, won the first players' championship. This victory seemed to validate the idea of the H.O.R.S.E. tournament as a true championship for poker professionals.

What is H.O.R.S.E.?

H.O.R.S.E. is an acronym for five different poker games, each played for one full round in rotation. The first game is hold'em, the limit variety. This is followed by Omaha hi/lo, a game similar to hold'em except that players receive four cards instead of two and must use exactly two of their hole cards with three on the board to make their best hand. In addition, Omaha hi/lo is a split game where the best hand splits the pot with the worst hand, providing that worst hand is no better than 8 high. After Omaha hi/lo comes Razz, which is seven-card stud low, meaning the worst five-card hand out of seven wins. After this is regular seven-card stud, and finally seven-card stud eight or better, a split game like Omaha hi/lo where the best hand splits the pot with the worst hand that is no better than 8 high.

Changes to the H.O.R.S.E. event in 2007

In 2006, the final table was played entirely using No-limit Hold'em. This adjustment was made because ESPN intended to televise the event, and no-limit hold'em is the most television-friendly type of poker. Poker players and diehard fans chafed at this move, feeling that it diluted the integrity of the event. In addition, many poker fans had been looking forward to the opportunity to see how the pros fared in games other than "the people's game," No-limit Hold'em. In 2007, this adjustment was done away with. Instead, ESPN broadcast the match over several episodes, allowing the event to build tension and interest among viewers so that the final table would be more engaging.

2007 H.O.R.S.E. Results

As expected, the final table featured a much larger selection of pros than the main event final table, including Kenny Tran, David Singer, Freddy Deeb, Amnon Filippi and Barry Greenstein. The eventual winner was Deeb, an established pro who was definitely worthy of the title of Player's Champion.

H.O.R.S.E. Returns in the 2008 WSOP

The $50,000 H.O.R.S.E. event will be number 40 on the 2008 WSOP schedule. The tournament will start June 22, and last for five days.