Horse Basketball Rules

Horse is good to play when there aren't enough for a full game.

The game of horse is a popular pastime on the basketball court, especially if there aren’t enough players for an actual game. This game can be played by players of any skill level and is most easily explained using the two-player version. Keep in mind that any number of players can play, but the rotation works a bit differently.

Shooting Rotation

The game begins with the first player taking a shot from anywhere on the court he chooses. Many games begin with a free throw serving as the traditional first shot. However, there is no set rule that determines where the first shot is taken from.

If the first player misses the initial shot, the shot goes to the second player, who may also choose anywhere on the court to shoot from. However, if the first player makes the initial shot, the ball goes to the second player, who must attempt the same shot the first player has just made. If the second player misses the shot, he gets an “H.” The shot would then go back to the first player to try another shot from anywhere he chooses.

If the second player makes the shot following the made shot by the first player, then the ball goes back to the first player, who must make the same shot again. This continues until someone misses the shot and obtains a letter.

Object

The object of horse is to avoid spelling out "horse.” Each time a player misses a required shot, he picks up another letter. It begins with “H” and is followed by the rest of the letters. When a player misses a shot and is given the “E” to complete the word, then the only required action to win the game is for the player who made the shot originally to make the same shot again to end the game. This is an optional rule and some games are considered over as soon as the “E” is given.

Optional Rule Variations

There are several common rules adaptations in horse. Which rules are used, if any, depends entirely on the whim of the players involved.

"No repeats" is a rule variation that prevents a shooter from taking the same shot from the same spot or in the same style as a previous successful attempt. This adds variety to the game and makes everyone stay creative.

Tipping is a variation in which the next shooter can stand beside the current shooter while he is attempting a required shot. The next shooter takes off toward the rim when the shot leaves the shooter’s hands and tries to tip in the shot into the basket if the shot is missed. If the ball is tipped in, the shooter gets a letter.

References

• Getting Outside: Horse or H-O-R-S-E Basketball
• Games For All Reasons: How to play basketball games such as Horse, PIG, Around the World & 21