Razz is a unique poker variant where the goal is to have the lowest possible hand. Unlike most poker games where the highest hand wins, Razz flips the script, making A-2-3-4-5 the best hand. The game is a variation of Stud poker and is typically played in a limit format, meaning there are fixed betting amounts.
In Razz, there’s no such thing as a flush or straight, so don’t get excited about your suited connectors or sequential cards. The game is all about avoiding pairs and aiming for the lowest cards possible. If you love seeing players sweat over their high cards, Razz is your game.
Razz vs. No Limit Hold’em
No Limit Hold’em (NLHE) is the most popular poker variant, but Razz offers a completely different experience. To help you understand Razz better, let’s break down the key differences between these two games:
- Objective: In NLHE, the goal is to make the best high hand, while in Razz, the aim is to achieve the lowest hand possible. So, if you’re used to chasing high pairs, flushes, and straights in Hold’em, prepare to change your mindset completely in Razz.
- Hand Rankings: Razz ignores straights and flushes and considers only the lowest hand, with A-2-3-4-5 being the best. In contrast, NLHE uses traditional hand rankings where a Royal Flush reigns supreme.
- Starting Cards: In NLHE, each player gets two hole cards, and five community cards are shared. In Razz, players receive seven cards each, but only five are used to make the lowest possible hand. No community cards here—just you and your dealt hand.
- Betting Structure: NLHE is typically played with no limit, meaning players can bet all their chips at any time. Razz is usually played with a limit betting structure, where bets and raises are fixed, leading to a more controlled betting environment.
- Antes vs. Blinds: NLHE uses blinds to initiate action, with two players posting small and big blinds. Razz uses antes, where all players contribute a small amount before the hand starts. Additionally, the highest card showing initiates the bring-in bet in Razz.
- Visible Cards: In Razz, several of your cards are visible to other players throughout the hand, allowing for more strategic play based on what everyone can see. In NLHE, only your two hole cards are hidden, and the community cards are shared.
- Winning Hands: In NLHE, you’re thrilled with hands like K♠️ K♥️ or A♦️ K♦️. In Razz, those hands will send you packing. Instead, you’d celebrate something like 7♣️ 6♠️ 4♦️ 3♥️ 2♠️, which would be a terrible hand in Hold’em but excellent in Razz.
How to Play Razz
Dealing the Cards and Antes
In Razz, the game starts with each player posting an ante, a small forced bet, into the pot before any cards are dealt. The ante amount is usually a fraction of the small bet.
Example: In a $2/$4 limit game with a $0.50 ante, each player puts in $0.50 before the dealer distributes the cards.
Once the antes are collected, the dealer gives each player two hole cards (face down) and one upcard (face up). This round is known as “Third Street.”
Third Street: The First Betting Round
On Third Street, the player with the highest upcard must make a bring-in bet, usually smaller than the small bet. If there’s a tie for the highest upcard, the bring-in is determined by suit in alphabetical order (clubs, diamonds, hearts, spades).
After the bring-in, the betting continues clockwise. Players can fold, call the bring-in, or complete the bet to the full small bet amount.
Example: Player A has 2♦️ 7♠️ (hole cards) and J♣️ (upcard), Player B has 4♥️ 8♠️ and K♦️, and Player C has 3♠️ 6♥️ and 5♦️. Player B has the highest upcard (K♦️) and must make the bring-in bet of $1. Player A calls $1, and Player C raises to $2. Player B calls the raise, and Player A also calls the raise.
Fourth Street: The Second Betting Round
On Fourth Street, each player receives another upcard. The player with the lowest visible hand starts the betting. If there is a tie for the lowest hand, the player closest to the dealer’s left acts first. Bets are made in increments of the small bet.
Example: Player A gets 3♦️, Player B gets 2♣️, and Player C gets 7♣️. The boards now show:
- Player A: J♣️ 3♦️
- Player B: K♦️ 2♣️
- Player C: 5♦️ 7♣️
Player C has the lowest visible hand (5♦️ 7♣️) and starts the betting. Player C bets $2, Player A calls, and Player B folds.
Fifth Street: The Third Betting Round
On Fifth Street, each player receives another upcard. The player with the lowest hand starts the betting, but now the bets are made in increments of the big bet.
Example: Player A gets 4♠️ and Player C gets 6♠️. The boards now show:
- Player A: J♣️ 3♦️ 4♠️
- Player C: 5♦️ 7♣️ 6♠️
Player C has the lowest visible hand (5♦️ 7♣️ 6♠️) and starts the betting. Player C bets $4, and Player A calls.
Sixth Street: The Fourth Betting Round
On Sixth Street, each player receives their last upcard. The player with the lowest hand starts the betting, and the bets continue in increments of the big bet.
Example: Player A gets 5♣️ and Player C gets 3♣️. The boards now show:
- Player A: J♣️ 3♦️ 4♠️ 5♣️
- Player C: 5♦️ 7♣️ 6♠️ 3♣️
Player C still has the lowest visible hand (5♦️ 7♣️ 6♠️ 3♣️) and starts the betting. Player C bets $4, and Player A calls.
Seventh Street: The Final Betting Round
On Seventh Street, each player receives one final hole card (face down). The player with the lowest hand starts the betting, and the bets are in increments of the big bet.
Example: Player A gets 2♠️ and Player C gets 4♦️ (hole cards). The boards still shows:
- Player A: J♣️ 3♦️ 4♠️ 5♣️
- Player C: 5♦️ 7♣️ 6♠️ 3♣️
Player C still has the lowest visible hand and starts the betting. Player C bets $4, and Player A calls.
The Showdown
If more than one player remains after the final betting round, a showdown occurs. Players reveal their hole cards, and the best (lowest) five-card hand wins the pot. Remember, straights and flushes don’t count against you in Razz, and aces are always low.
Example:
Player A shows 2♦️ 7♠️ J♣️ 3♦️ 4♠️ 5♣️ 2♠️
Player C shows 4♥️ 8♠️ 5♦️ 7♣️ 6♠️ 3♣️ 4♦️
Player A’s hand is J♣️ 3♦️ 4♠️ 5♣️ 2♠️ (high card J)
Player C’s hand is 7♣️ 6♠️ 5♦️ 4♦️ 3♣️ (high card 7)
Player C wins with the the pot.
Hand Rankings in Razz
In Razz, the objective is to achieve the lowest possible five-card hand. Unlike most poker variants, where high cards and strong combinations like straights and flushes are desirable, Razz flips the script. Here, aces are always low, and straights and flushes are ignored, making A-2-3-4-5 the best possible hand. Understanding the logic behind Razz hand rankings is essential for mastering the game.
Rules of Hand Ranking
- Aces are Low: In Razz, aces are always considered the lowest card.
- No Straights or Flushes: Straights and flushes do not count against you. Therefore, a hand like A♠️ 2♠️ 3♠️ 4♠️ 5♠️ is simply A-2-3-4-5, the best hand.
- Pairs are Bad: Having pairs in your hand is undesirable as they increase the value of your hand.
Hand Rankings (Best to Worst)
- A-2-3-4-5: The wheel or bicycle. The best hand in Razz.
- A-2-3-4-6
- A-2-3-5-6
- A-2-4-5-6
- A-3-4-5-6
- 2-3-4-5-6
- A-2-3-4-7
- A-2-3-5-7
- A-2-4-5-7
- A-3-4-5-7
The list continues following the same logic: the lower the cards and the fewer pairs, the better.
Ranking the Hand: High Card First
In Razz, hands are ranked starting from the highest card down to the lowest. If two hands have the same highest card, the next highest card is used to break the tie, and so on. This means that a hand with a high card like a king (K) is worse than a hand with a queen (Q), even if the other cards in the hand are low.
Example Scenarios
- Scenario A: 2♠️ 3♣️ 4♦️ 5♥️ K♠️ – This hand is worse than A♠️ 2♣️ 3♦️ 4♥️ 6♠️ because the king (K) is higher than the 6 and the ace the lowest card.
- Scenario B: 3♠️ 4♦️ 5♥️ 8♣️ Q♠️ – This hand is better than 2♠️ 3♣️ 4♦️ 5♥️ K♠️ because the queen (Q) is lower than the king (K).
- Scenario C: 4♠️ 5♦️ 7♥️ 9♣️ J♠️ – This hand is better than 3♠️ 4♦️ 5♥️ 8♣️ Q♠️ because the jack (J) is lower than the queen (Q).
- Scenario D: 3♠️ 4♦️ 5♥️ 8♣️ Q♠️ – This hand is better than 2♠️ 3♦️ 3♠️ 4♥️ 7♥️ because the second hand has a pair in it and pairs are always worse then high cards.
Here is a cool video from PokerStaples on how to play Razz. Check his YouTube channel for more poker content.
Tips and Tricks for Razz
Here are some strategies and psychological aspects to help elevate your Razz game.
Basic Strategies
- Starting Hands: Only play strong starting hands. Aim for hands with three low cards (7 and below). For example, (A♠️ 2♣️ 5♦️) is excellent, but (8♥️ 9♠️ J♣️) is a hand to avoid.
- Reading Upcards: Pay close attention to your opponents’ upcards. This information can help you determine if they are likely to improve or if they are struggling with high cards.
- Stealing Antes: Be aggressive in stealing antes and bring-ins when you have the lowest upcard showing. This strategy puts pressure on opponents and can accumulate chips without showdown.
- Position Play: Being in a late position allows you to see how many players are interested in the pot before you act. Use this to your advantage, especially when you have a marginal hand.
- Bluffing: Bluffing in Razz can be effective, particularly when you have low upcards that suggest a strong hand. However, don’t overdo it, as experienced players will catch on quickly.
- Card Removal: Use the concept of card removal to your advantage. If you see many low cards on the board, it reduces the chances that your opponents have those cards, making your low hand stronger.
Psychological Aspects
- Table Image: Maintain a tight and aggressive table image. This can help you in stealing pots and making your bluffs more believable.
- Patience: Razz requires a lot of patience. Wait for the right hands and situations to play aggressively. Overplaying weak hands is a quick path to losing chips.
- Tilt Control: Like any poker game, controlling your emotions is crucial. Bad beats happen, but keeping your cool and sticking to your strategy will pay off in the long run.
Common Mistakes in Razz and How to Avoid Them
Playing Too Many Hands
Many beginners play too many starting hands, thinking they can make something out of nothing. Stick to hands with three low cards to avoid getting into trouble.
Example: Don’t play hands like (8♣️ 9♦️ J♠️). Focus on hands like (A♠️ 2♣️ 5♦️).
Ignoring Upcards
Failing to pay attention to opponents’ upcards is a common mistake. Use the information to gauge their hand strength and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Tip: If several players show high cards, it’s a good opportunity to be more aggressive.
Overvaluing Pairs
Pairs are detrimental in Razz, even if they’re low pairs. They increase your hand’s overall value, making it less likely to win.
Example: A hand like (2♠️ 2♣️ 4♦️) is weaker than (3♣️ 5♦️ 9♣️) despite having a low pair.
Misreading the Board
Misreading the board and the potential hands your opponents can have is a frequent error. Stay focused and always reassess your hand in the context of what others might be holding.
Tip: Continuously track the visible cards and consider the likelihood of opponents’ hands improving.
You can also check this video from Daniel Negreanu where he shares some of his strategies on Razz.
Notable Bracelet Winners for Razz
Some notable players with the more than one bracelets in Razz are Phil Hellmuth, Huck Seed and Ted Forrest, with 2 bracelets each.
| Player | Bracelets in Razz | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Phil Hellmuth | 2 | 2012, 2015 |
| Huck Seed | 2 | 2000, 2003 |
| Ted Forrest | 2 | 1993, 2014 |
| Barry Greenstein | 1 | 2008 |
| Frank Kassela | 1 | 2010 |
| George Danzer | 1 | 2014 |
| David Baker ‘ODB’ | 1 | 2023 |
| James Obst | 1 | 2017 |
| Calvin Anderson | 1 | 2018 |
| Scott Seiver | 1 | 2018 |
Fun Facts, Myths, and Records about Razz
- The Origins of Razz: Razz has its roots in the early 20th century and is believed to have evolved from the Seven Card Stud family of games. It became popular during the 1950s when lowball games were all the rage.
- WSOP First Appearance: Razz made its debut at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 1971. Since then, it has been a staple in the series, challenging players with its unique low-hand dynamics.
- Phil Hellmuth’s Dominance: Phil Hellmuth, known as “The Poker Brat,” holds the record for the most WSOP bracelets and won 2 times in Razz (2012 and 2015).
- George Danzer’s Record: In 2014, George Danzer won the $10,000 Razz Championship at the WSOP, earning his third bracelet of the year. This feat made him one of the few players to win three bracelets in a single year, with Razz being a significant part of his accomplishment.
- Historical Razz Tournaments: The largest prize pool for a Razz tournament was at the 2019 WSOP, with a total of $1.7 million. This event highlighted the growing popularity and competitive nature of Razz in the poker community.
Famous Quotes about Razz
“The simplicity of Razz is deceptive. It’s straightforward in its rules but complex in its strategy. That’s why I love it.”
Ted Forrest“Razz is a beautiful game because it’s all about reading your opponents. You have to keep track of their cards and remember what’s been folded. It’s the ultimate test of concentration.”
Phil Hellmuth“Razz is unique because it’s not just about the cards you hold, but about the cards you see. It’s a game of visible information and hidden traps.”
Barry Greenstein“Winning in Razz feels like solving a puzzle. You have to piece together information and outthink your opponents at every turn.”
George Danzer
Odds in Razz
Understanding the odds in Razz can significantly enhance your strategic decisions and overall gameplay. Here are some key odds specific to Razz that every player should know:
- Odds of Being Dealt a Premium Starting Hand: The chance of being dealt three unpaired cards lower than 8 (a strong starting hand) is approximately 16.5%. This emphasizes the rarity and value of strong starting hands in Razz.
- Odds of Pairing Up: The likelihood of pairing one of your cards by the end of Seventh Street is around 38%. Pairs are detrimental in Razz, so this statistic underscores the importance of avoiding them.
- Odds of Completing a Wheel (A-2-3-4-5): The probability of completing a wheel, the best possible hand in Razz, from Third Street to Seventh Street is roughly 0.3%. This rarity makes achieving a wheel an impressive feat.
- Odds of Improving to a Low Hand on Fourth Street: If you start with three unpaired low cards, the odds of drawing another low card (7 or below) on Fourth Street is approximately 42.6%. This is a crucial stat for gauging your chances of strengthening your hand early.
- Odds of Catching a Low Card on Fifth Street: The probability of catching a low card (7 or below) on Fifth Street if you started with three unpaired low cards is about 38.3%. As the game progresses, the odds slightly decrease, emphasizing the importance of early hand strength.
- Odds of Making a Seven Low (7-5-4-3-2): The chances of making a seven low by Seventh Street if you start with three unpaired low cards is around 4.6%. This solid low hand is a strong target throughout the game.
- Odds of Completing a Specific Hand by the River: For example, if you need a 3 to complete a strong low hand and there are still four 3s left in the deck, the odds of catching that 3 by Seventh Street is about 8.5%.
Statistics about Razz
- Winning Percentage of Starting Hands: In Razz, starting with three cards lower than 8 significantly increases your chances of winning. Players who start with A-2-3 win approximately 62% of the time against random hands.
- Average Winning Hand: The average winning hand in Razz is typically around a 9-low. This means that if you have a 9-8-7-6-5 or better, you have a strong chance of winning the pot.
- Percentage of Hands Reaching Showdown: Around 45% of Razz hands reach a showdown, highlighting the importance of understanding your opponents and making strategic decisions based on visible cards.
- Frequency of Betting Rounds: The fourth and fifth streets are where the majority of betting action occurs in Razz. Approximately 65% of the betting activity happens during these rounds as players assess their hand strength relative to their opponents.
- Fold Rates on Third Street: About 30% of players fold on Third Street after seeing their upcard and comparing it to their opponents’ upcards. This underscores the critical nature of the initial deal in shaping the hand’s potential.
- Average Pot Size: The average pot size in a $2/$4 Razz game is typically around $40-$50. This provides a sense of the game’s stakes and the potential rewards for skillful play.
Net Worth of Most Famous Players in Razz
- Phil Hellmuth – $20 million: Phil Hellmuth, known as “The Poker Brat,” is famous for his record 16 WSOP bracelets, including two in Razz. His extensive poker career has earned him significant wealth through tournaments, endorsements, and his poker-related businesses.
- Barry Greenstein – $5 million: Barry Greenstein, often called the “Robin Hood of Poker,” has a notable WSOP bracelet in Razz and is respected for his poker skills and charitable contributions. His success in various poker tournaments has contributed to his impressive net worth.
- Ted Forrest – $6 million: Ted Forrest is known for his prowess in various poker variants, including Razz, where he has won a WSOP bracelet. His successful poker career and high-stakes cash games have significantly boosted his net worth.
- Huck Seed – $4 million: Huck Seed, a former WSOP Main Event champion, has also secured a WSOP bracelet in Razz. His success in poker tournaments and cash games over the years has contributed to his considerable net worth.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions for Razz
What is Razz?
Razz is a form of lowball poker where the objective is to make the lowest possible five-card hand from seven cards dealt.
Why is it called Razz?
The name “Razz” likely derives from the term “razzle-dazzle,” emphasizing the game’s unique twist on traditional poker by aiming for the lowest hand.
When was Razz invented?
Razz originated in the early 20th century and became popular as a variant of Seven Card Stud during the mid-1900s.
What is the difference between Razz and Texas Hold’em?
In Razz, the goal is to achieve the lowest hand, and there are no community cards. In Texas Hold’em, players aim for the highest hand using two hole cards and five community cards.
What are the best starting hands in Razz?
The best starting hands in Razz are three low cards with no pairs, such as A-2-3, A-2-4, and A-3-5.
How to learn Razz?
To learn Razz, start by understanding the rules and hand rankings, then practice in low-stakes games or online tutorials.
Razz for dummies or How to play Razz?
Razz is played by aiming to make the lowest possible five-card hand. Players receive seven cards throughout the hand, with betting rounds after the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh cards are dealt.
How to win at Razz?
Winning at Razz involves selecting strong starting hands, paying attention to your opponents’ upcards, and making strategic bets based on the strength of your hand.
How to deal the cards in Razz?
In Razz, each player is dealt two hole cards and one upcard (face up) initially, followed by three more upcards and a final hole card, with betting rounds after each card dealt.
How to study for Razz?
Study Razz by reading strategy guides, watching professional play videos, and practicing regularly. Focus on hand selection, reading opponents, and understanding betting strategies.
What are the best books or resources about Razz?
Some of the best resources include “Super System 2” by Doyle Brunson, which covers Razz, and online training sites like PokerStars School and Upswing Poker.
What are some strategies for Razz?
Key strategies include playing tight starting hands, betting aggressively with strong hands, and folding early with weak hands to minimize losses.
What are common mistakes to avoid in Razz?
Common mistakes include playing too many hands, overvaluing pairs, and failing to pay attention to opponents’ upcards.
What are the best sites to play Razz online?
The best sites to play Razz online include PokerStars, GG Poker, 888poker, and Party Poker.
Where to play Razz for real money?
You can play Razz for real money on PokerStars, GG Poker, 888poker, and Party Poker and other sites.
Where to play Razz for free?
You can play Razz for free on PokerStars, GG Poker, 888poker, and Party Poker and other sites.
Razz near me?
Check local casinos and poker rooms that offer mixed games, or search for home games in your area.
Top bracelet winners in Razz?
Phil Hellmuth and Ted Forrest are among the top bracelet winners in Razz, each having multiple WSOP bracelets in this variant.
Who is the best Razz player?
Phil Hellmuth is often considered one of the best Razz players, given his multiple WSOP wins in this variant.
How many bracelets has Daniel Negreanu won in Razz?
Daniel Negreanu has not won a WSOP bracelet specifically in Razz.
How many bracelets has Phil Ivey won in Razz?
Phil Ivey has not won a WSOP bracelet specifically in Razz.
How many bracelets has Phil Hellmuth won in Razz?
Phil Hellmuth has won two WSOP bracelets in Razz.
What is the biggest pot ever played in Razz?
Specific data on the biggest pot in Razz is not widely recorded, as Razz is typically played in limit formats, resulting in smaller pots compared to no-limit games.
What is the biggest Razz tournaments?
The biggest Razz tournaments is the $10,000 Razz Championship at the WSOP.
What is the net worth of notable Razz players?
Notable Razz players include Phil Hellmuth ($20 million), Barry Greenstein ($5 million), Ted Forrest ($6 million), Daniel Negreanu ($50 million), and Huck Seed ($4 million).
Razz flips poker on its head—aim low to win big! Master the rules, dodge those pesky pairs, and remember: the wheel is your best friend. Dive into the challenge, play smart, and enjoy the quirky ride. Keep honing your skills, and soon you’ll be the Razz master everyone fears at the table! Good luck!
