It seems that every online poker room nowadays is expected to have its own signature mixed poker game. Ol’ fashioned HORSE simply isn’t good enough anymore- players want as much craziness as possible. In keeping with the spirit of crazy poker games, Full Tilt Poker has introduced HEROS poker.

HEROS poker is simply a combination of five different types of poker:

1. Limit Texas Holdem

2. Seven Card Stud Eight or Better (Hi-Lo)

3. Razz

4. Omaha Eight or Better (Hi-Lo)

5. Seven Card Stud

In a round of HEROS, each game is played in sequence for a specified amount of time, or over a pre-determined amount of hands.

Successful HEROS poker players need to be able to play all five variants of the game, and also need to know the common structures in which a round of HERO might take place. They are as follows.

HEROS Poker Tournament Rules

A HEROS poker tournament always begins with Limit Holdem. A game change occurs with every blind level increase. The game changes always shift in sequence; first Holdem, then Stud 8, then Razz, then Omaha 8, then Stud, and so forth.

For example, if Razz is being played at the 15/30 level of a tournament, the game will switch to Omaha 8 at the 25/50 level.

HEROS Poker Cash Game Rules

In a HEROS cash game, as in every other form of HEROS, the game sequence must begin with Holdem. The game sequence then moves in progression to Stud 8, Razz, Omaha 8, and finally to Stud. The sequence repeats itself as necessary over the full length of the HEROS game.

Game changes in HEROS cash games can occur in one of two ways: a game switch after the passage of a set amount of time (“timed switch”), or a game switch triggered by playing a certain amount of hands (“numbered hand switch”).

1. Timed Switch HEROS

In a timed switch game, a time limit is set to determine how long each form of poker is to be played. For example, if there is a 15 minute timer, the game must change after every lapse of 15 minutes.

2. Numbered Hand Switch HEROS

In a numbered hand switch game, each variant of poker is played for a specified number of hands. For example, if a 15 hand limit were set, players would play 15 hands of Holdem, then 15 hands of Stud 8, etc.

On Full Tilt Poker, most cash games use the numbered hand switch structure of play. Each variant of poker is played for 10 hands, at which point the game switches in sequence.

Note that in some live home games, players choose to switch games with the rotation of the dealer button. This is an option when playing in a card room or with your friends, however it is not offered online.

Finding a HEROS Poker Game Online

At this time, the only place you’ll find HEROS poker tables is at Full Tilt Poker. The game is in its infancy, so tournaments aren’t available yet. There are, however, cash games spread out from low stakes all the way up to the nosebleeds.

If you’re just giving HEROS a first try, test out your skills at the $1/2 tables. Already an expert? Got some cash weighing down your pockets? Try your hand at the $2000/4000 HEROS tables. There are a number of levels in between these stakes that you can play as well.

HEROS action is generally more frequent at the high-stakes limits. Phil Ivey, Gus Hansen, Patrik Antonius, and David Oppenheim all have their own nosebleed-stakes tables, and they’re always sitting in waiting for a game.

You will find lower stakes HEROS action on Full Tilt, mostly during peak hours (USA). Your best bet is to check the games between 7PM and 1AM central time, and any time during the weekends.