The Rules of Razz Poker

More About Poker Rules

• Texas Holdem Rules
  
• General Poker Rules
  
• Ranking of the poker hands
  
• Omaha Holdem Rules
  
• Omaha Hi/Lo (Eights or Better) Rules
  
• 7 Card Stud Poker
  
• 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo Rules
  
• Razz Poker Rules
  
• HORSE Poker Rules
  

Razz Poker Rules

With the instant popularity of Razz Poker in the 2004 WSOP, many players have fallen in love with the game, especially those who become interested in HORSE. HORSE is a poker challenge containing five main poker variations, Razz being the “R” in HORSE. Players enjoy playing Razz due to the quick action and simple strategy of the game.

How to play Razz Poker

In the game of Razz Poker, it’s the same game as 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo, without the “Hi.” In the end, it’s the lowest hand (or worst hand, as some call it) that wins. If you know how to play 7 Card Stud, you already know how to play Razz Poker. The structure is the same, with an ante from every player, an initial two cards dealt face down, and one card dealt face up (the “door card”). The player with lowest showing door card puts up the “bring in” to get the action going. All players must act to complete this round, otherwise known as 3rd street.

In Razz, the next three rounds, 4th, 5th, and 6th streets, begin with a burn card and a deal of one card face down, followed by a round of betting. By the end of the 6th street round in Razz, like in 7 Card Stud, each player holds six cards (two face down, four face up). For the final round, 7th street, the last card is dealt face up. Betting ensues, and a showdown takes place. The lowest hand wins Razz, so the best Razz hand is A, 2, 3, 4, and 5. When a player has this hand, he has “the wheel,” also sometimes called “the bike.” Since Aces always count as a low card in Razz Poker, this hand trumps all others as the lowest ranking hand.

How to win the game 

Though a Razz game is seldom won with a pair, even hands containing low pairs can win. The good thing about Razz is there is no high hand win, so the lowest hand wins the pot in its entirety. The only time the pot is split is if two players have the same ranking low hand. It is important to remember, though, when you are evaluating your hand at any stage in a game of Razz, you should always consider the hands of your opponents. Keep in mind what the other players’ hands are showing. If their hands look lower than yours, you should wait until the next hand. A good starting hand will usually have at least one Ace and at least two cards (unpaired) that have values of less than or equal to five.