The Basketball Game of H-O-R-S-E

H-O-R-S-E, or more commonly known as horse, is a fun variation of basketball. At least two players must participate, but you can have as many more as you want. The only skill that is needed for horse is a good shooting ability. There is no defense that is played and there is no physical abilities that are mandatory. The object of the game is to force the other person to receive letters for missing shots. The first person spell out a word is eliminated. Even though the game is called horse, any word can be used, as another common variation is called 'pig'.

For example, let's say two people are playing a game of horse. Player One takes a shot from any spot they want. If they miss, then Player Two then gets to shoot the ball from any spot they wish. However, if Player One makes the shot, then Player Two is required to shoot it from the same spot in the same position in the same manner. If Player Two makes it, then the game continues from the beginning of the paragraph. If Player Two misses the shot, though, they are given a letter. In this case, because the game is horse, they will be given the letter 'H'. The game will then continue from the top of the paragraph. These two players will alternate shooting the ball in this manner. Once a player has received enough letters to spell out the word, they will lose.

Unlike in standard games, trick shots are allowed and actually common in this game. This is because of the high level of difficulty and low probability that another person has of repeating a trick shot.

There are some rules that can be changed or established. While there are really no set rules, there have been some variations. One rule that has been used is that once a shot has been made, a shot cannot be attempted from that same spot or manner for the rest of the game. This stops a player that has perfected one shot from easily winning. Another variation is that if Player One makes a shot and then Player Two makes that same shot, Player One must shoot the ball from the same spot instead of choosing another area. This will continue until one of the players misses. This rule forces Player One to possibility repeat a shot and will penalize them with a letter for missing. Another rule that has been set is that a player must re-make their shot if it decides the game. Also, a player is sometimes granted two chances or shots when they are down to their last letter. However, all these rules can be added, changed, or remade to acquaint your tastes.

Wikipedia, Variations of basketball