If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by high-card hands or tired of chasing flushes and straights, Razz Poker may be your sanctuary. Unlike most poker variants where the highest hand claims victory, Razz flips the script entirely — in this lowball stud game, the worst hand wins. Intrigued? You should be. Welcome to a deep dive into Razz Poker, where strategic misfits thrive and every high card is a curse.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down how to play Razz Poker, its rules, hand rankings, pro strategies, and how this lesser-known game is seeing a modern resurgence thanks to mixed games and the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
What is Razz Poker?
Razz Poker is a lowball variant of seven-card stud that dates back to the early 20th century. It has long been a favorite among mixed-game purists and is represented by the “R” in H.O.R.S.E., the legendary rotation of five poker games. While its popularity has dipped since the 90s, Razz has experienced a rebirth through online poker platforms and WSOP events.
Unlike Texas Hold’em or Omaha, Razz has no community cards, no flops, and no high hands. Your goal is simple but deceptive: make the lowest possible five-card hand from the seven cards you’re dealt.
Razz Poker Rules: Simple, Yet Strategic
Let’s start with the basics. A typical Razz game includes 2 to 8 players, using a standard 52-card deck. Each player antes up, and then receives seven cards — three down, four up — over multiple betting rounds known as “streets.”
The Deal & Streets:
- Third Street: Each player is dealt two hole cards face down and one upcard (door card).
- The player with the highest upcard must post the bring-in bet.
- Fourth Street: One face-up card dealt; lowest upcard acts first.
- Fifth Street: One face-up card dealt; betting limit doubles.
- Sixth Street: Another upcard dealt; betting remains at higher limit.
- Seventh Street: A final downcard dealt; final betting round.
Key Rules:
- Straights and flushes don’t count against you.
- Aces are always low.
- Pairs hurt your hand — avoid them.
- Suits only matter on Third Street to break bring-in ties.
- The best possible hand? 5-4-3-2-A, also known as The Wheel.
Razz Poker Hand Rankings: Low Is the Way to Go
Understanding Razz hand rankings is fundamental. Forget everything you know from Texas Hold’em.
| Rank | Example | Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5-4-3-2-A | The Wheel |
| 2 | 6-4-3-2-A | Six Low |
| 3 | 6-5-3-2-A | Six-Five Low |
| 4 | 7-5-4-3-2 | Seven Low |
| 5 | 8-6-4-3-2 | Eight Low |
Pairs ruin your hand. So 4-4-3-2-A isn’t “Four Low” — it’s a mediocre hand at best.
How to Play Razz Poker: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Ante & Deal
Each player antes. Three cards are dealt: two down, one up.
Step 2: Bring-In & First Bet
The player with the highest upcard posts the bring-in or completes the small bet.
Step 3: Betting Rounds
Betting occurs after each new street (Fourth through Seventh), with the lowest visible hand acting first.
Step 4: Showdown
Players reveal their five lowest unpaired cards. The lowest hand wins the pot.
Razz Poker Strategy: Dominate With Lowball Wisdom
You don’t need to be a poker savant to crush Razz, but you do need discipline, awareness, and a keen eye for card deadness and opponent behavior. Here are the battle-tested strategies that separate the winners from the tilted.
1. Start Strong
Your opening three cards (Third Street) determine your fate. Hands like A-2-3, 2-3-4, or A-3-5 are gold mines. Avoid any hand containing a 9 or higher, and especially avoid pairs.
2. Read the Board
The fewer “good” low cards (A through 8) you see on your opponents’ boards, the better your chances of hitting them. If you hold 3-4-5 and see multiple 3s and 4s exposed, reconsider chasing.
3. Steal the Antes
If your upcard is lower than the bring-in’s and everyone folds to you, it’s often correct to raise — even with a mediocre hole combination. Positional aggression is underrated in Razz.
4. Avoid Tilt
You will be dealt a lot of high cards. You will pair up when you least want to. The player who keeps calm, folds wisely, and attacks with the right hand strength will be the one stacking chips.
5. Trap with Concealed Strength
If your board looks weak (e.g., you show 9-7-6), but you’re actually sitting on A-2-3 underneath, trap aggressive opponents. Let them drive the action, then snap them off at showdown.
Common Mistakes in Razz Poker (And How to Avoid Them)
Even experienced Hold’em players fall into these traps:
- Playing Too Many Hands: Fold any hand with a face card or a pair on Third Street.
- Chasing Bad Draws: Don’t pray for miracles. Razz punishes optimism.
- Ignoring Opponent Boards: Don’t just play your hand. Monitor what cards are “dead.”
- Getting Attached: That pretty A-2 hand is useless if you pair up on Fifth and Sixth Street.
Razz at the WSOP: Where Lowball Legends Are Made
Razz is a recurring event at the World Series of Poker since 1971. Legends like Phil Hellmuth, Mike Matusow, and Shaun Deeb have found success in Razz events. The format is also a critical component in mixed-game events like the $50K Poker Players Championship.
In 2025, Allan Le made headlines by defeating Shaun Deeb to win the WSOP Razz Bracelet, proving once again that this “fringe format” is still alive and well among poker’s elite.
Where to Play Razz Poker Online
Although Razz isn’t as widely spread as Texas Hold’em or Omaha, several platforms offer this quirky lowball game:
- PokerStars – Regular Razz and Razz tournaments
- WPT Global – Often features Razz in mixed-game MTTs
- GG Poker/Natural8 – Razz included in mixed cash and tourney formats
Pro tip: Look for H.O.R.S.E. tables or tournaments, where Razz rotates in every few rounds.
Final Thoughts: Why Razz Poker Deserves Your Attention
Razz is not just a quirky novelty — it’s a mind game of precision and patience. While it might feel counterintuitive at first, mastering Razz opens the doors to mixed-game dominance and softer fields. The average player is unprepared for the nuances of lowball, making it one of the most exploitable variants out there.
If you want to rise above the Hold’em crowd, sharpen your edge, and learn to love low hands, Razz is the variant for you. Study the rules, stay mentally sharp, and embrace the grind. In Razz, the worst hand wins — and that’s what makes it one of the best-kept secrets in the poker world.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Razz Poker
1. What is Razz Poker and how is it different from other lowball poker games?
Razz Poker is a lowball poker variant where the objective is to make the lowest possible five-card hand from seven cards dealt to each player. Unlike Deuce-to-Seven Lowball or Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz does not consider flushes or straights and does not split pots. It’s a stud-format game, making it distinct from flop-based lowball games.
2. Where can I play Razz Poker online?
You can play Razz Poker online on major platforms such as PokerStars, GG Poker, WPT Global, and some smaller mixed-game networks. Look for dedicated Razz tables or mixed formats like H.O.R.S.E. where Razz rotates in with other stud and draw games.
3. What are the Razz Poker hand rankings?
Razz Poker uses ace-to-five lowball hand rankings. The best possible hand is 5-4-3-2-A (commonly called The Wheel). Pairs, flushes, and straights do not count against you. The lower your unpaired five-card combination, the better.
4. How do betting rounds work in Razz Poker?
Razz follows the seven-card stud betting structure, with increasing limits as streets progress. There are five betting rounds: one after each street from Third Street through Seventh Street. The bring-in bet is posted by the player with the highest upcard on Third Street.
5. Is there a best Razz Poker strategy to always follow?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula, the best Razz Poker strategy is to play tight on Third Street, avoid high cards and pairs, and watch exposed cards on your opponents’ boards. Starting hands with three cards below 8 (ideally A-2-3) are gold. Observing dead cards and controlling tilt are also critical.
6. Can Razz Poker be played in tournaments?
Yes, Razz Poker tournaments are available both online and live. It’s a staple event at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) and featured in mixed-game tournaments. Online platforms regularly include Razz in their H.O.R.S.E. tourneys.
7. What’s the difference between Razz Poker and Seven-Card Stud?
Though both follow the seven-card stud format, Razz Poker aims for the lowest hand, while Stud High targets the highest. Also, Razz has no qualifiers, whereas some Stud Hi/Lo games split the pot and include “eight or better” rules.
8. Why do straights and flushes not matter in Razz?
Because Razz is played using ace-to-five low hand rankings, traditional high-hand values like flushes or straights have no effect. You only care about unpaired cards and the overall lowest sequence — not their suits or whether they form a straight.
9. Is Razz good for beginners learning poker?
Razz Poker can be a bit tricky for beginners because it flips traditional hand strength logic. However, it’s an excellent way to learn hand reading, discipline, and lowball strategy. Start with free razz poker games online before moving to real-money tables.
10. How do I avoid common mistakes in Razz Poker?
Some of the most common mistakes in Razz include:
- Playing high cards past Third Street.
- Failing to recognize paired cards.
- Ignoring opponents’ exposed cards.
- Going on tilt after catching bad cards.
Stick to solid starting hands, observe dead cards, and fold often when behind.
11. Is Razz Poker available in live casinos?
Yes, though less common than Hold’em or Omaha, many live poker rooms in Las Vegas and during events like WSOP host live Razz Poker cash games and tournaments, especially as part of mixed game formats.
12. How does Razz Poker fit into H.O.R.S.E. games?
Razz is the “R” in H.O.R.S.E. Poker, a popular mixed-game rotation that includes:
- Hold’em
- Omaha Hi-Lo
- Razz
- Seven Card Stud
- Eight-or-Better (Stud Hi-Lo)
Razz in this rotation can offer a huge edge if your opponents are unfamiliar with lowball poker rules.
13. What is the worst hand in Razz Poker?
The worst Razz hand would be something like K-K-Q-Q-J, especially if it includes multiple pairs or high cards. Such hands are practically drawing dead in most cases.
14. What are some online Razz Poker tips for faster improvement?
- Start at low-stakes Razz cash games or practice tables.
- Review hand histories and track how many high cards you’re catching.
- Use poker tracking software that supports mixed games.
- Watch Razz final tables from WSOP to understand elite-level strategy.
15. Does Razz Poker have community cards like Texas Hold’em?
No. Razz is a stud-based poker game, so players use individual cards dealt to them. No community cards (like the flop, turn, or river) are shared in the game.