Razz Poker: The Lowball Variant That Turns Poker Upside Down

Razz is one of the most fascinating and unique poker variants because it flips traditional hand rankings on their head. Instead of aiming for the strongest high hand, as in Texas Hold’em or Omaha, Razz players try to make the lowest possible hand. This twist creates a completely different strategic approach, making Razz both challenging and refreshing for seasoned players. ♠️♦️♣️♥️

1. What is Razz Poker?

Razz is a lowball poker game derived from Seven-Card Stud. It follows the same structure and betting format as Seven-Card Stud but with one crucial difference:

• Aces are always low (A = 1).
• Straights and flushes don’t count against your hand.
• The best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5, also called “the wheel.”

Goal of the Game

Make the lowest five-card hand possible from the seven cards dealt to you. Unlike other poker variants, high cards and pairs are bad in Razz.

2. History of Razz

Razz has roots dating back to the early 20th century:

• Stud Games Boom (1900s): Seven-Card Stud was one of the most popular poker variants in the early 1900s.
• Lowball Variants Emerge: Players began experimenting with “reverse” versions, leading to the creation of Razz.
• World Series of Poker (WSOP): Razz became an official WSOP event in 1971 and remains a staple of the annual tournament series, often featured in mixed-game events like HORSE (which stands for Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Stud, and Stud Hi-Lo).

3. Razz Rules and Gameplay

3.1. Number of Players & Deck

• Players: 2 to 8
• Deck: Standard 52-card deck
• Game Type: Fixed Limit (commonly)

3.2. Antes & Bring-In

• Antes: All players post an ante before cards are dealt.

• Bring-In: The player with the highest door card (face-up card) must post a bring-in bet.

  • Example: If someone has a King showing and everyone else has lower cards, the King posts the bring-in.

3.3. Dealing the Cards

• Third Street: Each player gets two cards face down (hole cards) and one card face up (door card). Betting begins with the bring-in.
• Fourth Street: Each player gets another face-up card. The player with the lowest hand showing acts first.
• Fifth Street: Another face-up card is dealt; bet sizes usually double at this stage.
• Sixth Street: Another face-up card is dealt.
• Seventh Street (River): One final card is dealt face down.

3.4. The Showdown

• Each player makes the lowest possible five-card hand from their seven cards.

• Hand Rankings (from best to worst):

  1. A-2-3-4-5 (the “wheel”)

  2. A-2-3-4-6

  3. A-2-3-5-6

  4. A-2-4-5-6
     ... and so on.

• Pairs Hurt You: If you have duplicate cards, your hand ranks higher (worse). For example, A-2-3-4-4 is worse than A-2-3-5-6.

4. Example Hand

Player 1: (2♣ 5♦) 3♥ 7♠ 10♣ K♠ (Q♣)

Player 2: (A♠ 4♠) 2♦ 6♣ 8♥ 9♠ (3♠)

• Player 1’s Best Hand: 2-3-5-7-10
• Player 2’s Best Hand: A-2-3-4-6
• Winner: Player 2 (A-2-3-4-6 is lower than 2-3-5-7-10).

5. Razz Strategy Tips

5.1. Starting Hands Matter a Lot

• Great Starting Hands: A-2-3 or A-2-4 are excellent starting hands.
• Avoid High Cards: Starting with a King or Queen is generally bad unless you have multiple low cards to back it up.

5.2. Pay Attention to Up Cards

• Because Razz is a stud-based game, you can see some of your opponents’ cards.
• If many low cards are already out, it may reduce the chance of you completing a great low hand.

5.3. Fold Early with Bad Hands

• Don’t chase weak starting hands like 9-8-7 or paired hands—Razz punishes bad starting decisions.

5.4. Positional Awareness

• While Razz doesn’t use a dealer button, acting last in betting rounds gives a strategic advantage because you have more information.

5.5. Adjust to Opponents

• Tight vs. Loose Players: Tight players fold more, allowing you to steal antes and bring-ins.
• Aggressive Players: Be ready to defend when they try to push you off good starting hands.

6. Why Play Razz?

1. Skill-Based, Less Luck-Oriented: Seeing up cards allows for more strategic decisions.
2. Unique Twist: Forces players used to high-hand games to think differently.
3. Part of Mixed Games: Essential for HORSE and 8-Game formats.
4. Nostalgia & History: A classic poker variant that has been part of WSOP history for over 50 years.

7. Razz in the Modern Era

7.1. Online Razz

• Available on major online poker sites, often in mixed-game formats.
• Great for beginners to practice before playing live.

7.2. WSOP & Major Tournaments

• Razz remains a WSOP staple, with legends like Phil Hellmuth and Ted Forrest claiming Razz bracelets.
• Modern players approach Razz with advanced math and tracking software, applying GTO (Game Theory Optimal) concepts.

8. Common Mistakes in Razz

• Chasing High Starting Cards: A hand starting with a King or Queen often loses.
• Ignoring Exposed Cards: Failing to track opponents’ visible cards can destroy your odds.
• Overvaluing Weak Lows: A hand like 8-7-6-5-2 might look “low,” but it often loses to tighter ranges.
• Tilt from “Reverse Logic”: Players used to high games often misplay Razz because strong high hands (like full houses) are useless.

Razz poker flips the traditional hierarchy of hands and strategies, making it a mentally stimulating and skill-heavy variant. From its origins as a Seven-Card Stud lowball game to its presence in the WSOP and online platforms, Razz continues to challenge players to think differently, read opponents carefully, and master a unique aspect of poker strategy.

If you’re looking to break out of the usual Hold’em grind and challenge your poker mind, Razz is the perfect variant to master—just remember, the lowest hand wins!