The rules
Razz is dealt exactly like Seven Card Stud: two down, one up, three more upcards, and a final card down, with five betting rounds. The difference is the goal. The lowest five-card hand wins, using A-5 lowball rankings.
- Aces are always low.
- Straights and flushes don't count. is the best possible hand.
- Pairs are bad. Compare hands from the highest card down: 8-6-4-3-2 beats 8-7-3-2-A, because the second card, the 6, is lower than the 7.
The bring-in goes to the highest upcard. From fourth street on, the lowest visible hand acts first.
Starting hands
You want three cards to a seven or better, ideally with an ace: is excellent. Watch the other upcards. If several of the cards you need are already showing, your hand is weaker than it looks.
Strategy keys
- Raise when your upcard is lower than every other upcard; your opponent's board tells them they are behind.
- When you catch a high card or a pair and your opponent catches a low one, the hand often turns around immediately. Fold more than you think.
- Razz is a limit game with lots of small edges. Patience pays.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hand in Razz?
5-4-3-2-A, known as the wheel or a bicycle. Straights and flushes do not count against you in Razz.
Are aces high or low in Razz?
Always low. An ace is the best card you can have.
Who brings it in during Razz?
The player showing the highest upcard on third street, because high cards are bad in Razz. Kings are the highest.