People worldwide love poker for its variety of formats and the ability to choose a game that suits them. In this article, we'll cover how to play Razz poker, a variation of stud. You'll learn how to make hands, how they differ in strength, and where you can play Razz online.
What Is Razz Poker?
Razz is a version of stud poker, but it can be considered its opposite because the game is played according to inverted rules.
In Razz poker, each player receives 7 cards (4 face-up and 3 face-down), but the winner is determined by the weakest hand, not the strongest. But these aren’t the only rules that Texas Holdem players will be surprised to see. Flushes and straights don't count towards making a hand. The best hand in Razz poker is a "wheel" (the low straight from Ace to Five).
Another key difference between Razz and other low games like Omaha Hi-Lo is that you don't need to follow the "eight or lower" rule to make a low hand. All cards in the hand are considered playable.
Remember these additional features when playing Razz poker:
– The Ace always takes the lowest value. In Holdem and Omaha, we can use the Ace as the high or low, but not in Razz.
– Pairs greatly reduce your chances of winning. We will explain more about this in the next section on Razz hand rankings and strategy.
If you are looking for online places to play, the search will be tough, but PokerStars still offers this format. On top of that, you can also arrange private home games on PokerStars and select Razz or one of twenty other formats. In other rooms, it has been gone for a long time.
Razz Hand Rankings and Strategy
In Razz poker, cards of any value are used to form a low hand. Avoiding pairs is crucial to your strategy. Here's an example to illustrate why.
If you have A-A-A-6-6-7-2, your best five-card hand would be A-2-6-7-A. In this case, you lose to any five-card hand without a pair.
Comparing low hands always starts with the highest card and moves down. A few more examples:
– 6-5-4-3-2 beats 7-4-3-2-A since 6 is lower than 7
– 8-7-4-3-2 beats 8-7-5-3-2 (comparison goes to the third card, where Four beats Five)
How to Play Razz Poker: Game Flow and Betting Rounds
Dealing and betting in Razz follows the same rules as stud poker, but not all beginners are familiar with this format. Here's a reminder of the rules, in order:
1. The hand begins with an ante (no blinds). If the stakes are $50/$100, the ante is $10. All players post the ante.
2. Each player gets 3 cards (2 face down, 1 face up). The player with the highest face up card opens betting with a bring-in (checking not allowed). If tied, suit strength determines the bring-in (spades > hearts > diamonds > clubs).
3. The fourth card dealt face-up. Now the player with the best open hand opens betting, but only a small bet is allowed ($50 at $50/$100 stakes).
4. The fifth card dealt face-up. Same rules as the previous round, but a big bet is now allowed ($100 in this example).
5. Sixth card dealt face-up. Betting proceeds like the previous street.
6. Seventh card dealt face-down. Betting continues as before.
7. Showdown (if needed). The last aggressor shows their hand first. Players take turns revealing their hands to determine the winner.
Where to Play Razz Poker Online
Razz is a somewhat exotic poker format. PokerStars is the only major online poker room currently offering it. They also have a mixed game called HORSE that includes Razz.
Registering at PokerStars through GipsyTeam is always the most profitable way to join. You'll get a first deposit bonus of up to $600 and access to an exclusive $200 weekly freeroll. Contact GipsyTeam support if you need help registering, or if you need
Limit game lovers should also check out partypoker. The competition is softer, and you can play Razz in both cash games and daily tournaments. Signing up at partypoker via GipsyTeam provides access to special promotions like Winter/Spring/Summer/Autumn Fishing with GipsyTeam. This festivals feature raffles, freerolls, and rake races several times per year. Over $20,000 in extra value is shared with GipsyTeam players each time, including weekly $1,000 freerolls and $5,000 final freerolls.
Find the full schedule of free tournaments and current freeroll passwords in the special section on GipsyTeam. Even if you're already registered at partypoker but haven't played for real money recently, contact GipsyTeam support to link your account and take advantage of these offers.
