HOSE POKER
Sep 17, 2011 Learn Poker Poker Games
The Poker world has many variants of poker and from amongst them is H.O.S.E. Poker. So what is Hose Poker? Well, it is not simply one game but there are four famous poker variants clubbed into one and is referred to as mixed game. That is why it is more complex to develop a winning H.O.S.E. Poker strategy.
Following poker variants comprise of HOSE:
- H = Texas Holdem
- O= Omaha Hi-Lo (Eight or Better)
- S = Seven Card Stud
- E = Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo (Eight or Better)
It is obvious to be well aware of all the four variants of HOSE before you pick up on the game. Apart from learning each variant independently, there are strategies specific to HOSE and are to be used for the mix of this game. Let’s now look at these strategies:
Understanding the Rotation/ Sequence: Familiarisation of Hose Poker both in sequence and rotation is a must for the player. The sequence is in the acronym of the name itself- Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Seven card Stud and Seven card Stud Hi-Lo. So it is in this sequence that the game will be played. The moment the sequence is complete, Texas Hold’em will begin once more. This sequence of the game goes on till game is not completed.
H.O.S.E. Poker rotation variations can be handled in three ways:
- By Hand: is extremely fast paced. Each hand must be paid attention on closely and also close attention on current poker variation.
- By Blind Levels: Here the game changes with the increase of blind levels.
- By Time: This refers to changing of the game after preset time
You should be familiar with the kind of rotation being used in order to be clear about the game.
Playing Your Opponents: Pretty much like any other poker game, here too you need to understand the game of your opponent and his moves. You need to keep a close watch on your opponents, his moves, his behavioural pattern in the game, betting patterns and similar gaming traits that help in your game. You should be able to know the following details:
- Whether the player is playing a tight or loose game?
- Does the opponent only raise with a monster hand?
- Is he bluffing most of the time?
- Is the opponents move only with premium starting hands?
As a player if you are able to figure out these things, you should be able to draw off their chips into your stack.
Watching your own game: If you are keeping a close watch on your opponent’s game, they too are doing the same thing. Although most poker strategies teach us sticking to specific strategies and changing as per different situations; however in HOSE you will majorly come across very experienced players so your strategy should change and be different every time. The thing to do here is to ensure that you are not predictable and hence should change from a tight to a lose player, get aggressive on some situations and so on. Your opponent will never be able to judge your game.
