SBOTOP: Razz Poker as The Lowball Game With High-Level Strategy

In the bustling world of poker, where games like Texas Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha dominate, Razz Poker remains a curious anomaly. It flips the script on traditional poker values by rewarding the worst hand possible. But don’t let that fool you—Razz is not a game for gamblers flying by the seat of their pants. It’s a slow burn, a mind game, and a strategic grind that many pros secretly admire and some even master.

What Exactly is Razz Poker?

Razz is a lowball variant of Seven Card Stud, meaning players are dealt seven cards over the course of the hand, but unlike in Stud, the goal is to make the lowest five-card hand.

Here’s the kicker:

• Strаіghtѕ аnd fluѕhеѕ dо not count аgаіnѕt you.

• Pairs are bad.

• Aces are low—so the best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5, affectionately called the wheel.

It’s counterintuitive at first. A hand that would be a disaster in Hold’em is pure gold in Razz.

A Brief History of Razz Poker

Razz has been around for nearly as long as Stud itself. The game gained popularity in underground poker scenes in the early 20th century and made its way into the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in the 1970s. In fact, it was one of the earliest variants added to the WSOP lineup, cementing its place as a game for skilled players.

Notably, poker legends like Stu Ungar and Phil Hellmuth have made their mark in Razz. Hellmuth, in particular, won one of his 17 bracelets in a Razz event—a testament to the depth and skill involved.

How to Play Razz Poker: The Basics

A game of Razz follows the basic structure of Seven Card Stud but with lowball hand rankings. Here’s a round-by-round breakdown:

1. Third Street

• Each player gets three cards: two face down (hole cards), one face up (door card).

• The рlауеr wіth thе hіghеѕt uрсаrd muѕt post thе “bring-in” bеt (а fоrсеd ѕmаll bеt).

• Play continues clockwise with the option to call, raise, or fold.

2. Fourth Street

• Each player receives another face-up card.

• Thе рlауеr ѕhоwіng thе lowest uрсаrdѕ асtѕ first.

3. Fifth and Sixth Street

• Players receive two more face-up cards—one on each street.

• The player with the best (lowest) upcards starts the action each time.

4. Seventh Street (The River)

• The seventh and final card is dealt face down.

• One last round of betting occurs.

5. Showdown

• If more than one player remains, the lowest five-card hand wins.

• Remember: flushes and straights don’t count, and the goal is to avoid pairs or high cards.

Hand Rankings in Razz (From Best to Worst)

Unlike Hold’em, Razz hand strength is ranked from lowest to highest:

1. A-2-3-4-5 (The Wheel) – Best possible hand

2. A-2-3-4-6

3. A-2-3-5-6

4. A-2-4-5-6
   … Worst possible hand: K-K-Q-Q-J (or anything with high pairs or trips)

Imроrtаnt: The hаnd is аlwауѕ evaluated bаѕеd оn thе hіghеѕt саrd іn thе five-card combination. So a 7-6-3-2-A beats 8-4-3-2-A.

Razz Poker Strategy: Going Beyond the Basics

While Razz may seem simple on the surface, the game offers layers of strategy that rival (and in some cases surpass) more popular variants.

1. Choose Starting Hands Wisely

Your first three cards set the tone. Strong starting hands include:

• A-2-3

• A-2-4

• 2-3-5

If you start with any face cards (J, Q, K), it’s usually best to fold unless you’re facing weak competition.

2. Read the Board

Pay close attention to your opponents’ upcards:

• Are they holding cards you need?

• Are they paired?

• Are they improving or falling behind?

Tracking folded cards and visible cards gives you a massive edge in determining hand strength and drawing potential.

3. Don’t Overcommit on Fourth or Fifth Street

Fifth Street is often a critical decision point. It’s the first time bets double, and by then, you should know if your hand is likely to win. If you’re holding a high card or a pair by Fifth Street, seriously consider folding.

4. Position Still Matters

Even though Razz is not a flop game, position affects how much information you have. Being last to act can give you insight into who is strong or weak based on their betting patterns.

5. Bluff Sparingly—but Effectively

Razz isn’t known for wild bluffs, but situational bluffs are powerful. If your upcards are low and your opponent’s are high (like Q-9-8), you can apply pressure with a raise—even if your hole cards aren’t perfect.

Why Razz Isn’t as Popular—And Why That’s Good

Razz suffers from a perception problem. New players often find the reverse-hand logic confusing. Others dislike the slow pace or the lack of massive pots. But this scarcity is an opportunity.

Here’s why:

• Less popularity = Softer fields.

• Experienced players love it because the edge is real.

• Few people study Razz deeply, so even basic strategy gives you a leg up.

And in mixed games like HORSE or 8-Game, dominating Razz can swing huge advantages.

Razz vs. Other Poker Variants

Razz stands out not just because it’s a lowball game, but because of its psychological demands. Reading people and remembering cards are far more important than just playing the math.

So, Is Razz Poker Worth Learning?

Absolutely. If you’re serious about poker and want to sharpen your reading ability, mental discipline, and memory skills, Razz is a goldmine. It teaches patience, rewards thoughtful play, and gives dedicated players a legitimate edge in mixed tournaments.

So the next time you sit down at a mixed-game table or want to challenge your poker brain in a fresh way, don’t skip Razz. It may just be the best worst hand you’ll ever play.

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