If you're curious about how it works, let’s walk through the basics of razz poker rules, one step at a time. By the end of this guide, you’ll clearly understand what makes Razz different and why some players can’t get enough of it.
Looking for another game that sharpens your poker brain? Check out the Sevens card game, another mix of strategy and fun that rewards thoughtful play.
Razz is a lowball version of Seven Card Stud. That means each player is dealt seven cards, and the goal is to make the lowest five-card hand possible. Sounds easy, right? But there’s a catch.
Flushes and straights don’t count against you, and aces are always low. That makes the best possible hand A-2-3-4-5. This is known as “the wheel.” And since the lowest hand wins, you’ll want to avoid high cards and pairs altogether.
Most Razz games follow a fixed-limit structure, often called limit razz, where bets and raises follow a specific pattern. That keeps things balanced and strategic.
Let’s walk through what happens in a typical hand of Razz:
Getting used to Razz poker hand rankings takes a little practice. Forget about pairs, trips, or flushes—they don’t help you here.
Here’s what a good hand might look like:
* Best: A-2-3-4-5
* Strong: A-2-3-4-6
* Still good: A-2-3-5-6
You want to avoid pairs and high cards like 9s, 10s, or face cards. Even something like 8-6-5-3-2 is playable, but a hand with a Queen? You’re probably folding.
People often ask, What is the Razz variation in poker, anyway? And the answer is simple: it’s one of the few games where you win by being “worse”—at least on paper.
Razz emphasizes patience and memory. You have to keep track of visible cards, gauge what your opponents are holding, and make smart folds when your draw goes bad. It’s less about bluffing and more about discipline.
That’s why seasoned players often say Razz is where proper poker skills shine through.
If you’re wondering how to actually play Razz well, start with this: your first three cards (called "Third Street") are everything. You're off to a good start if they’re all low and unpaired. Here are a few more strategy basics:
* Know when to fold: Catching a face card or making a pair early? Don’t chase.
* Watch what’s showing: If you see several 4s on the table and have one in the hole, that’s a sign you’re in a better position.
* Play tight early: Starting with strong hands gives you the best long-term advantage.
Players often ask, "What are the rules for Razz Poker?" The answer is simple: make the lowest hand, avoid pairs, and follow fixed betting rounds across seven cards.
Others wonder about the best hands to go for. As we covered earlier, A-2-3-4-5 is the gold standard. But you're in good shape if you’re holding any five cards under 8 with no duplicates.
Another common question is, How is Razz different from other poker games? Well, the direction of the game alone makes it unique. The open cards (face-up) create a more transparent, tactical environment than most games offer.
Understanding the razz poker rules might take a moment to sink in, but once they do, you’ll see why Razz has carved out a loyal niche in the poker world. It’s not flashy but rewards patience, sharp thinking, and reading the table.
Learn the rules for razz poker, study the razz poker hand rankings, and play a few hands with intention. You might just find your next favorite game isn’t about being the biggest winner, but the quietest underdog with the sneakiest low hand.
