Beginner HORSE tournament

Hello all,
I'm looking to gauge interest in a possible beginners HORSE tournament. I would keep the buy-in low, say around $10 so that the chips aren't meaningless, but low enough so that we can get a full table and just have fun , learn some things and become more well rounded poker players.

Did you know that there is a $50,000 buy-in HORSE tournament at the WSOP? Have to start somewhere...

Full Tilt Poker seems to have daily $100 HORSE freeroll tournaments if you want to just get your feet wet first.

Most of the pros don't just specialize in Hold'em, but play a number of other game types. Playing other game types can even give you new perspectives on Hold'em that you may not have realized before.

For those that would like even more action while the game is going on, we can do some prop bets on the side.

I have hosted a number of low stakes games last year, so I have some experience in hosting, but this would be the first HORSE tourney that I have hosted. I have a nice table, chairs and new casino quality paulson chips and am also centrally located near 270 and High St.

I am thinking about hosting the game on Sun Jan. 20 at 7pm. Let me know who might be interested. It should be a fun game.

-Mike

I've only learned Hold'em, and played about two hours of Omaha so far, but I am very eager to start learning some other games. Count me in. :)

Not a bad idea. You may also want to consider hosting some of these online so that people can become familiar with the betting structures -- especially when it comes to stud games.

I am definitely interested. I'll keep an eye out on this thread for updates/info. Thanks.

A bit more info...

The tournament would alternate between Hold'em, Omaha Hi/Lo, Razz, Stud Hi and Stud Hi/Lo (I've been told Stud Hi/Lo also goes by the name Seven Card Stud Eight or better - that is where the E in HORSE comes from). A quick intro to each game type can be found here -> http://w.fulltiltpoker.com/pokerGame...JLQVNLUEpES1Q-

I would be alternating between games every 12 mins, which would allow some time on each game type per hour. The tournament would last about 3.5-3.75 hrs. Blinds would go up when switching back and forth between the games that use the community cards (Hold'em and Omaha Hi/Lo) and stud type games (Razz, Stud Hi, Stud Hi/Lo) which is how they do it at the WSOP. FT does a bunch of small jumps between every game type, which is fine online, but ends up with some odd levels like 60/120, 80/160, etc. that aren't very practical in a live game. So instead of making frequent tiny jumps, there would be longer, but slightly larger jumps using more familiar blind levels like 50/100 or 100/200.

For those that want to get their feet wet online first, the next $100 HORSE freeroll on Full Tilt is Thurs Jan 4 at 5:40EST. They also usually have a couple $5 tourneys a couple times a day. I do like Charlton's idea as well about doing another private tourney online, possibly for HORSE with low buyin as well. I just mainly want it to be a fun learning experience and would prefer live. But could definitely do both if there is enough interest.

-Mike

I am interested too!

Cool. Looks like the interest is growing. I will probably send out an evite around the end of this week. Due to a few different factors, I will be looking to limit the number of entries to this event to 8 other than myself. Note: The table max for razz, stud hi and stud h/l is 8 players max. So if all eight show up, I could deal and act as an alternate and wait until someone goes out. I'll probably need to be focused on keeping the game running smoothly at the beginning anyway.

Here is the structure that I would be looking to use:

Level..Game...........Mins....Lower/Upper limit
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1.......Holdem.........12.......25/50
2.......Omaha H/L....12.........."
3.......Razz.............12......50/100 (ante 5, bringin 15)
4.......Stud Hi.........12.........."
5.......Stud H/L.......12.........."

(chip-up 5's from play - 10min break)

6.......Holdem.........12.......100/200
7.......Omaha H/L....12..........."
8.......Razz.............12.......150/300 (ante 25, bringin 50)
9.......Stud Hi.........12..........."
10......Stud H/L.......12..........."

11......Holdem.........12.......200/400
12......Omaha H/L....12..........."
13......Razz.............12......300/600 (ante 50, bringin 100)
14......Stud Hi.........12..........."
15......Stud H/L.......12..........."

(chip-up 25's from play - 10min break)

16......Holdem.........10........400/800
17......Omaha H/L....10............"
18......Razz.............10........600/1200 (ante 100, bringin 200)
19......Stud Hi.........10.........800/1600 "
if need Stud H/L.......10........1000/2000 (ante 100, bringin 300)

If starting chips = 3500 then a starting field of 8 players should wind down to two players around lvl 18-19 and end shortly after.

Looks good. Any idea when you plan on having this event? And why not start with 5k in chips, btw?

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Originally Posted by charlton49

Looks good. Any idea when you plan on having this event? And why not start with 5k in chips, btw?

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I know everyone's concerned, but if the game starts before 6pm, unfortunately, count me out. Would love to play the next one, though!

Not to worry. The original date time that I proposed, Sun Jan 20 at 7pm, remains the planned time. As far as the starting chips... I thought about making it 5000, but since it is a Sun. evening, a number of people may have to get up early the next morning. So my goal is to not have it go past 11pm. So if I did change it to 5000 chips, I would have to remove two blind levels or shorten the levels a little which I think is a little less desirable. Since each game is the limit variety, all players should still get a good amount of play before anyone goes out.

-Mike

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Originally Posted by Blue_O_Rock

Not to worry. The original date time that I proposed, Sun Jan 20 at 7pm, remains the planned time. As far as the starting chips... I thought about making it 5000, but since it is a Sun. evening, a number of people may have to get up early the next morning. So my goal is to not have it go past 11pm. So if I did change it to 5000 chips, I would have to remove two blind levels or shorten the levels a little which I think is a little less desirable. Since each game is the limit variety, all players should still get a good amount of play before anyone goes out.

-Mike

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ahhh, sleep, what an interesting thing.

Mike,

I would like to give it a try but I won't be in town that weekend. I would be up for future games.

NOW RESERVING seats for a beginners H.O.R.S.E. tournament!
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Once again, This special event will take place Sun. Jan 20'th at 7pm and will rotate between Hold'em, Omaha H/L, Razz, Seven Card stud and Stud H/L and should finish by 11pm.
The event will be limited to a one full table of 8 (max for Seven card stud), so RSVP asap.
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EVEN IF YOU HAVE ALREADY EXPRESSED INTEREST earlier in this thread, please RSVP starting at this time. This will let me know that you are still interested and plan on coming. ONLY the first eight to register will be guarenteed seats.
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To RSVP, please write me at [email protected] and let me know if you have guests that are also interested. This type of event rarely comes about, so don't miss out!
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If for some unexpected reason I don't get enough people (min 7) and have to cancel, I'll let everyone know by the evening of Fri. Jan 18th.

-Mike

Roll call for this event... who's playing?

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Originally Posted by charlton49

Roll call for this event... who's playing?

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Well if you're playing I suppose I have to. I mean I do own you in HORSE! ;)

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Originally Posted by Matt Folk

Well if you're playing I suppose I have to. I mean I do own you in HORSE! ;)

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Fair enough. But if we move blinds up more than 1 time in 5.5 hours, I might have a better chance!

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Originally Posted by charlton49

Fair enough. But if we move blinds up more than 1 time in 5.5 hours, I might have a better chance!

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That's true. Escalating the blinds does increase the luck factor. Why do I feel like these posts are destined for the Neg EV forum?

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Originally Posted by Matt Folk

That's true. Escalating the blinds does increase the luck factor. Why do I feel like these posts are destined for the Neg EV forum?

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:( your words cut me deep like a knife.

Why do you always have to end the fun? Now I feel bad.

I'm in. :D

Cool, Scott I have you down for a seat.

I'll PM Kim to see if she is still interested (may not yet have seen I am gathering RSVP's at this point) , then we would just have three more seats to fill the table between now and this weekend.

If anyone else out there is reading this and considering signing up, now is your chance. Or if anyone that has already signed up knows of others that have dabbled in omaha and/or dealers choice which makes them a good potential candidate, be sure to let them know.

So, forgot to mention that I will require that the Packers game is on in a nearyby room. That is all.

I've got a 50" screen that can be viewed in a nearby room, but you would have to be on one side of the table to see it. Or I also have a smaller flat screen that I could set temporarily on a table next to the poker table. I'll probably do that.
Also, I will be ordering pizza from Cottage Inn (some of the best pizza in the area IMHO) about 20 mins before the first break for those interested.

Status update: Still looking for 2-3 more. If you are on the sidelines reading this thread, we need you! Even if you haven't played a couple of the game types, no big deal. This low stakes game should be a great place to learn. Just email me at [email protected] for a seat.

Ok, I've talked to a lady friend of mine into giving it a go. Although she has watched me play some H.O.R.S.E online, she hasn't played in any poker games yet, so be prepared for some really bad beats, lol.

We still need one more player to make my minimum goal of 7, or hopefully two more for a full 8. But we are running out of time. Email me at [email protected] if interested and for directions.

-Mike

Me and my sports addiction. I was really torn between signing up and watching the playoffs. I really like the idea of playing alternative games especially in a HORSE format, but the playoffs won out. My dad's a huge Packers fan which kind of makes me a bit of one as well (just a little bit). Anyway, I would be interested in the future. Reach me at [email protected] if you need a player as I do not check the forum as often as my email.

Anyone else? We are so close to rounding out the table. Since I'd really like to fill the last 1-2 spots, I am going to give away some free stuff! Instead of just paying two spots, I am going to give away a deck of plastic Royal playing cards to third place (only used a few times). I am also going to give away a sealed deck of Gemaco cards (coated paper) to one person that signs up between now and the game.

-Mike

About the structure: Time is probably not the best idea, because in a live setting, Hold'em is way faster than the other games.

I would suggest doing one round of each game, and to also go to the local casino and play a bit of stud so you know how to deal it. If I lived near you guys I would show you guys how.

Tips for adjusting:

Limit Hold'em is a highly aggressive game. The most agressive game there is, with only Stud hi/lo as a near second.

Stud hi/lo is agressive from 5th street on. The goal of the game is to scoop, so you must play this game very very tight. You should be playing the least amount of hands in this game.

Omaha: From observations here, I don't get the thinking that you guys like to peddle the nuts and play passive. This is how you beat this game. This is also a split pot game, so you have to play very tight, because the nuts do not come often.

Razz: 7 stud for low. It isn't exactly loose or aggressive. It is considered the most balanced game, ensuring a good player a high edge, while letting the fish win just enough to be satisfied.

Stud: Don't forget about the double bet. Usually, it would be one small bet on 4th street. If the board pairs, you have to option to use a big bet.

How to deal stud:

Start with the player on the button. The dealing of each street starts with the person at the button.

For betting, the best hand showing on each respective game bets first.

For the ante: If you want a wild party, use a 25% ante. If you want a tight game, use a 10% ante.

The Bring In is traditionally 1/2 a small bet. The Bring in is usually the worst card showing. (2 clubs in Stud and Stud Hi/LO, and A spades in Razz).

Betting:

On 3rd street, the players may either call the bring-in, or "complete the bet." Raising to a normal small bet. There after, all raises are the size of the small bet.

3,4th st, you bet the small bet, unless the high hand is paired.

5,6,7th st you bet the big bet.

Fun Fact: I suck at Hi/Lo games.

Thanks for the tips and suggestions.

I was thinking about what you said timed rounds vs. number of hands for the various game types. It does seem like it may work out better. Instead of playing say 6 hands on Stud H/L in the time it takes to play 9 hold'em hands, we could make each game type one revolution of the table. Since people are being eliminated, and you want the blind levels to last about the same length of time, would you then start going two times around the table when you got down to 4-5 players? or what about heads up?

I'll consider this further but will probably keep this current game time based and not change last minute. I realize most of the hands per hour difference is the time in dealing out the extra cards. But, if we get slowed down dividing a main/side pot with a high hand and tied low hands, we'll probably stop the clock momentarily the first couple times. That may help a little. Or I may up the level times for the stud type games by a couple mins.

-Mike

Hello, all. Just wanted to let everyone know the game is still on. Dana had indicated that she would be playing as well today and I have an old friend that wrote me last night who said he would be interested and should fill our last spot.

If everyone could be on time, I plan on starting as close to 7pm as possible, so please be considerate of others and shoot for being here around 6:50. If you think you may be a little late or must cancel for some reason, please call me at 614-390-1830.

BTW, I will have the Packers game up on my 50" TV nearby. I will be placing a pizza order around 7:40.

Good time tonight Mike. Thanks for the invitation, and I appreciate everyone's patience with me while I attempted to learn Razz, Omaha High/Low and Seven Card Stud Eight or Better. :D

Yes, thanks Mike! And Mattimus is king from what I hear (though, from what I observed, he's more just a jester in court).

Mattimus is king? King of the bluffos maybe........... 9 8 of clubs re-raises me. That one is in the elephant-like memory bank for a lifetime!!!

Thanks again Mike for being so hospitable even at 1 am with a cold!

And Stacy I don't even remember the hand you're talking about but if you say I did, well I'm not going to call you a liar. Just sounds really out of character. Case of the body snatchers I guess.

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Thanks again Mike for being so hospitable even at 1 am

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1:00 a.m. :confused:

Not sure what you're taking about, since I was home in bed before 10:00 p.m. :p

Favorite moment of the night:

Dana's face after Mattimus suggested a tell. CLASSIC!!! :D

Let's see.... what Matt said was "that's classic straight out of the book Pat Harrington tell".

I think that the shocked look on my face had less to do with my showing a tell than the shock I experienced at the thought of Matt reading a BOOK!!

J/K Matt! You were absolutely right and congratulations on your comeback! It was a great game and a fun night.

Thanks again to Mike A, Lily and Teddy for hosting.

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Originally Posted by ohpokergal

Let's see.... what Matt said was "that's classic straight out of the book Pat Harrington tell".

I think that the shocked look on my face had less to do with my showing a tell than the shock I experienced at the thought of Matt reading a BOOK!!

J/K Matt! You were absolutely right and congratulations on your comeback! It was a great game and a fun night.

Thanks again to Mike A, Lily and Teddy for hosting.

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Mike Caro. But you were close ;)

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Originally Posted by charlton49

Mike Caro. But you were close ;)

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Oh, and you're right... I thought the only books Mattimus opened involved crayons or scratch-n-sniff!

Well you can only read the back of the shampoo bottle so many times on the throne before it becomes dull.

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Originally Posted by ohpokergal

J/K Matt! You were absolutely right and congratulations on your comeback! It was a great game and a fun night.

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Thanks! And as I said last night, I thought you played extremely well and deserved to win.