Razz Poker Guide
What Is Razz?
Razz is a form of Seven Card Stud where the lowest hand wins. The best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5, called the wheel. Straights and flushes do not count against you, and Aces always play low.
Razz is included in Mixed Game rotations like HORSE and is popular among players who enjoy a different strategic challenge from traditional high-hand poker games.
Razz Hand Rankings
In Razz, the hand ranking is inverted from standard poker. The best hand is 5-4-3-2-A, followed by 6-4-3-2-A, then 6-5-3-2-A, and so on. Pairs, trips, and quads are bad because they indicate higher values.
When comparing low hands, start from the highest card and work down. A hand with 8-5-4-3-2 beats 8-6-4-3-2 because the 5 is lower than the 6 in the second position.
Starting Hand Selection in Razz
Premium Starting Hands in Razz are three cards to a wheel (A-2-3, A-2-4, A-2-5, etc.) with no pairs. Three cards eight or lower are playable. Pay close attention to the up-cards of other players.
If the low cards you need are visible in opponents hands, your drawing prospects are diminished. Conversely, if the board shows many high cards, your low draws are more likely to complete.
Razz Strategy Fundamentals
Aggression is important in Razz, particularly when your up-cards look strong (low). Opponents cannot see your hole cards, so representing a strong low hand with intimidating up-cards creates pressure. Stealing antes with aggressive play when you show low cards is profitable because opponents with high up-cards are unlikely to contest.
Position, determined by up-cards, rotates each street.
Common Razz Mistakes
The biggest mistake in Razz is chasing draws with too many high cards. Starting with A-2 and then catching three cards above 8 should prompt a fold, not continued investment. Another common error is overvaluing made eights and nines when opponents likely have better lows.
Also avoid playing too many starting hands with pairs, even small pairs, as they are significant disadvantages in a low-hand game.
