What Is Razz Poker

Razz Poker Rules

Like every poker variant, Razz comes with its own set of rules that govern how the game is played. At its core, Razz is based on Seven Card Stud, but with one crucial difference: the lowest five-card hand wins. Understanding how the structure works, how poker cards are ranked, and what happens at showdown will give you the confidence to sit at a Razz table without hesitation.

Game Structure – Based on Seven Card Stud

The Razz poker game follows the same dealing structure as Seven Card Stud. Each player receives seven cards across multiple rounds: some face down (hidden) and others face up (visible to everyone). However, unlike in Hold'em or Omaha, there are no community cards. Every player works solely with the seven cards they're dealt.

Card Rankings in Razz (Lowest Hand Wins)

The key difference from most poker formats is that the lowest unpaired hand takes the pot. Aces are always low, and straights and flushes don't count against you. So while in Texas Hold'em a straight like 5-6-7-8-9 is usually powerful, in Razz it simply counts as 9-high.

Blinds, Antes, and Betting Rounds

Instead of blinds, Razz uses antes. At the start of each hand, every player posts an ante to build the pot. The player with the highest upcard after the initial deal is required to post the "bring-in," a forced bet that kickstarts the action. Betting then continues around the table. The game uses fixed-limit betting, meaning bet sizes are structured and increase in later rounds.

Razz Poker Hand Rankings

Razz poker hand rankings can feel counterintuitive at first. While most players are used to chasing flushes, straights, or sets, here the goal is completely reversed. Knowing what counts as strong or weak is critical to your success.

What Qualifies as the Best Razz Hand (A-2-3-4-5)

The ultimate and best hand in Razz poker is the wheel: A-2-3-4-5. This unbeatable combination guarantees you'll take down the pot. Any hand close to this configuration is considered premium.

Straights and Flushes Don't Count Against You

In Razz, suits and sequences don't carry any extra weight. A hand like 2♣-3♣-4♣-5♣-7♣ is just a 7-high hand, not a flush. This makes it easier to evaluate your hand strength without worrying about traditional poker combinations.

Pairs Hurt Your Hand Strength

Pairs, however, are your enemy. A hand like 2-3-4-5-5 counts as a pair of fives, which is significantly worse than 2-3-4-6-7. The presence of pairs elevates your hand's effective rank, making it weaker than it may first appear.

Common Misconceptions About Hand Value

One of the biggest misconceptions is overvaluing hands with a single high card. For instance, K-2-3-4-5 is much worse than 9-8-7-6-5, because the king dictates the overall value. Players transitioning from high-hand games often struggle here, making mistakes you can exploit.

How to Play Razz Poker - Step by Step

Learning how to play Razz may seem intimidating, but once you understand the flow, it becomes logical and even enjoyable. The game progresses across multiple betting rounds, with cards revealed gradually and plenty of room for strategic decisions.

The Deal – Two Down Cards and One Up Card

Each player is dealt two hole cards face down (private) and one upcard face up (public). The highest upcard posts the bring-in bet, and the first betting round begins.

Third Street Through Seventh Street

Let's now take a look at the game flow, which is much slower than in its analogues, but definitely not less exciting. Different stages of the game are called streets:

Third Street: Action begins with the bring-in. Players can fold, call, or raise. Fourth Street: A second upcard is dealt. The lowest showing hand now acts first, reversing the order. Fifth and Sixth Streets: Players receive two more upcards, and structured betting continues. Seventh Street: Each remaining player gets one final down card. This is the last chance to build the lowest five-card hand.

To understand and get into the game completely, we recommend going through all the stages a couple of times before trying to end the game earlier.

Betting Rounds and Player Options

On each street, players can fold to preserve their chips, call to stay in, or raise to apply pressure. Because Razz is usually played in fixed-limit format, bet sizes are capped, but steady pressure can still force weaker hands to fold.

Determining the Winner at Showdown

At showdown, Razz poker hands are compared. The lowest unpaired hand wins. Ties are possible, though rare, and the pot is split accordingly.

Razz Poker Strategy

Razz poker strategy is where the game truly shines. The visibility of upcards, the slow build of the hand, and the unique hand rankings create plenty of opportunities to outplay opponents.

Starting Hand Selection

Strong starting hands are critical. Premium beginnings include three unpaired low cards (7 or lower). A-2-3, A-2-4, or 2-3-5 are excellent starts. Folding weak or paired hands early saves chips for better spots.

Reading Opponents' Up Cards

One of the biggest advantages in Razz is that you can see part of your opponents' hands. If you're holding A-2-4 and notice that other players already have a 2 and a 4 showing, your outs are reduced, making your hand less promising.

Position and Aggression in Razz

Position isn't as pronounced as in Hold'em but still matters. Acting later gives you more information on who's strong or weak. Well-timed aggression, especially when you show a better board, can force folds even if your hidden cards are mediocre.

Adjusting Play Based on Visible Cards

Flexibility is key. Sometimes, you'll need to shift gears depending on the visible cards. If your hand looks stronger face-up than your opponent's, bluffing becomes an option. Conversely, if your board looks terrible, tightening up is usually best.

Pros and Cons of Razz Poker

Like any poker variant, Razz comes with unique benefits and drawbacks. Knowing these can help you decide if it's the right game for you.

Pros

• Unique lowball variation – Perfect for players seeking a change of pace.
• Rewards patient and observant players – Success comes to those who pay close attention.
• Less popular, so weaker opponents online – Many players misunderstand hand rankings, offering profitable spots.

Cons

• Can be confusing for beginners – The reversed hand logic takes time to master.
• Slower pace than Texas Hold'em – Multiple streets stretch out each hand.
• Smaller player pools compared to major variants – Especially in Razz poker online, tables aren't as plentiful.

Razz vs Other Poker Variants

Razz doesn't exist in a vacuum—it's often compared to more familiar formats. Understanding the differences helps highlight why Razz feels so unique.

Razz vs Seven Card Stud

Both games share the same dealing structure, but in Stud the highest hand wins. In Razz, the lowest hand does. This single rule reversal changes strategy completely.

Razz vs Texas Hold'em

Hold'em relies on community cards and fast-paced action. Razz is slower, with more individual decision-making and card tracking. Players who enjoy analysis and observation often prefer Razz.

Razz vs Omaha Hi-Lo

Omaha Hi-Lo splits the pot between the best high and low hands. Razz focuses solely on the low, meaning there's only one winner at showdown. This makes pots more straightforward but still competitive.

Tips for Playing Razz Poker Online

Playing live and playing online feel different, especially in niche variants. Here are a few tips to give yourself an edge when you try Razz on the internet.

Use Tracking Software to Study Opponents

When playing online Razz poker, data is valuable. Software tools can reveal who folds too often, who chases weak draws, and who plays too many hands. Exploiting these habits boosts your profitability.

Practice in Free Play Mode First

Before jumping into real-money games, try practice tables. Free play poker allows you to get comfortable with the betting structure and Razz poker hand rankings without financial pressure.

Focus on Patience and Hand Discipline

Above all, patience is essential. Don't chase mediocre holdings, and don't let frustration push you into poor decisions. Consistency and discipline are what separate winning players from the rest.