How to Play Razz Poker Like an Expert
Razz poker is a unique twist on seven-card stud, in which the aim is to create the lowest possible five-card hand. Straights and flushes don't count, and aces are always low.
This challenging variant has been a staple in mixed games and celebrated its first Poker World Series event in 1971. Though not as famous as Texas Hold'em, Razz attracts seasoned players who appreciate its strategic complexity.
This guide will explain the rules, key strategies, and how to master starting hand selection for success.
Razz Poker - 5 Key Takeaways:
- Lowest hand wins: The goal in Razz is to make the lowest possible five-card hand, with Aces always low and straights/flushes not counting.
- Best starting hands: Three unpaired low cards are ideal, with A-2-3 being the strongest.
- Fixed limit betting: Razz uses fixed-limit betting, with stakes increasing on later streets.
- Pay attention to exposed cards: Observing opponents' upcards is crucial for informed decision-making.
- Bring-in bet: The highest exposed card must make a forced bet to kickstart the action.
Razz Poker Rules
The game is typically played with two to eight players using a standard 52-card deck. The game follows a fixed-limit betting structure and consists of five betting rounds. Each player is dealt seven cards throughout the hand, to make the best five-card low hand. The key principle to remember is that the lowest hand wins the pot in Razz.
The game begins with each player posting an ante. The dealer then deals each player with two cards face down (hole cards) and one face up (door card). The player with the highest door card must make a forced bet called the "bring-in."
After this, the first betting round begins, moving clockwise around the table. Subsequent betting rounds occur as additional cards are dealt, alternating between face-up and face-down cards.
The final card is dealt face down, followed by the last betting round. If more than one player remains after the final betting round, a showdown occurs where the lowest five-card hand wins the pot.
Razz Poker: The Basic Betting Action
The betting action in the Razz poker game follows a structured sequence:
- Ante: Each player posts an ante before the cards are dealt.
- Third Street: Each player receives two face-down hole cards and one face-up door card. The player with the highest door card must make the bring-in bet or complete to a full bet.
- Fourth Street: Players receive a second face-up card. Betting begins with the lowest exposed hand.
- Fifth Street: A third face-up card is dealt. Betting limits double from this street onwards.
- Sixth Street: Players receive a fourth face-up card, followed by another round of betting.
- Seventh Street (River): The final card is dealt face-down. The last betting round occurs.
- Showdown: If more than one player remains, the lowest five-card hand wins the pot.
Betting Options
The betting action then follows a structured pattern across the five rounds. Players have several options when it's their turn to act:
Call: Match the current bet to stay in the hand.
Raise: Increase the current bet, forcing others to match or fold.
Fold: Surrender your cards and exit the hand, forfeiting any chance to win the pot.
Check: Pass the action to the next player without betting (only possible if no bet has been made in the current round).
The betting begins with the player holding the highest exposed card on third street and then moves clockwise in subsequent rounds. It's crucial to note that Razz is typically played as a fixed limit betting game, meaning bet sizes are predetermined based on the stakes.
Razz Poker Blinds and Antes
Unlike many poker variants, Razz doesn't use poker blinds. Instead, it relies on antes and a bring-in bet to generate action. Antes are small forced bets that players must post before the cards are dealt. They ensure there's always money in the pot to fight for, encouraging action and preventing overly tight play.
The bring-in bet is a unique feature of Razz and other stud games. After the initial deal, the player showing the highest door card must make a forced bet called the bring-in. This player can either post the bring-in amount (usually a fraction of the small bet) or complete a full small bet.
The bring-in serves two purposes: it starts the betting action for the hand and puts additional money in the pot.
Antes and the bring-in are crucial to Razz's gameplay. They create immediate stakes and prevent players from simply folding until they receive premium starting hands. They also add a layer of strategy, as players must factor in these forced bets when calculating pot odds and deciding whether to enter a hand.
Table Position in Razz Poker
Unlike community cards like Texas Hold'em, table position in Razz poker is not fixed throughout the hand. Instead, the position changes with each betting round based on the exposed cards. This dynamic aspect of Razz adds an extra layer to poker strategy.
On third street (the first betting round), the player with the highest door card acts first by making the bring-in bet. After that, the action proceeds clockwise. From fourth street onwards, the player with the lowest exposed hand acts first in each betting round. This means the best position (acting last) can change from street to street, depending on the cards dealt.
While poker position isn't as crucial in Razz as in flop games, it still plays a significant role. Acting last gives you more information about your opponents' hands and their betting patterns, allowing for more informed decisions.
Razz Poker Hand Rankings
In Razz poker, the hand rankings are inverted compared to traditional high poker games. The goal is to make the lowest possible five-card hand.
Remember, in Razz:
- Aces are always low
- Straights and flushes don't count against your hand
- Pairs are bad - the more pairs you have, the worse your hand
- The highest card in your five-card hand is the most important factor
- If two players have the same five-card low hand, they split the pot.
Winning a Hand in Razz Poker
In Razz poker, winning a hand can be achieved through several methods, each requiring a different approach and level of skill:
Making the Best Hand: The most straightforward way to win is by forming the lowest five-card hand at showdown. This involves carefully selecting starting hands and making strategic decisions throughout the betting rounds to improve your hand.
Forcing Opponents to Fold: You can pressure opponents into folding better hands through aggressive betting and bluffing. This strategy requires reading opponents' likely hands based on their exposed cards and betting patterns.
Uncontested Pot: If all other players fold before the showdown, you win the pot by default, regardless of your actual hand strength.
Razz Poker Starting Hands
The best starting hands in Razz are three unpaired cards, 8 or lower. The absolute best starting hand is A-2-3, known as "the golden three."
Other premium starting hands include A-2-4, A-2-5, and A-3-4. These hands give you a great chance of making a solid five-card low by the river.
Good Poker Hands
Good starting hands in Razz typically consist of three unpaired cards, 9 or lower.
Examples include 2-4-8, 3-5-7, and 4-6-8. These hands have the potential to improve to strong lows, but they're not as strong as the premium hands.
Speculative Poker Hands
Speculative hands in Razz might include two low cards and one medium card, like 2-5-T or 3-6-J.
These hands have potential but require improvement to become strong hands. They can be played in a late position or if the bring-in is cheap.
Bad Poker Hands
Bad starting hands in Razz include any hand with a pair, three high cards, or two high cards. For example, K-Q-7, 9-9-2, or J-T-3 are all hands you should typically fold, especially from an early position.
Razz Poker Starting Hands Cheat Sheet
Betting in Razz Poker
Betting in Razz poker is crucial for building the pot when you have a strong hand and for gathering information about your opponents' hands. Here are key points to consider:
Why Bet?
- Build the pot when you have the best hand
- Bluff or semi-bluff when you believe your opponents have weaker hands
- Gain information about your opponents' hands
When to Bet?
- You have a strong made hand or a strong draw
- Your opponents' exposed cards suggest they have weak hands
- You're in late position, and the action has been checked to you
How Much to Bet?
- In fixed limit Razz, bet sizes are predetermined
- On third and fourth streets, bets and raises are equal to the small bet
- On fifth street and beyond, bets and raises are equal to the big bet (usually double the small bet)
Remember, in Razz poker, it's often correct to bet your strong hands aggressively, as the exposed cards give your opponents a lot of information about your hand strength.
Razz Poker FAQ
Emily is our seasoned content writer. She writes easy to read and helpful game guides, so you can quickly understand the rules of each game and get some useful tips that can help boost your chances of winning.
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