Most poker games reward the player with the strongest hand – but Razz turns that idea upside down. In this version, the player with the lowest hand takes the pot. Razz belongs to the Stud family of poker games and has long been a favourite among experienced players who enjoy strategy, patience, and reading their opponents. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how Razz works and what makes it such a unique and challenging game.

What Is Razz Poker?

Razz is a variant of Seven Card Stud, but with one crucial twist: instead of chasing high cards and strong combinations, the goal is to make the lowest possible hand. Aces count as low, and straights and flushes don’t matter – only the individual card values determine the strength of your hand.

The best possible hand in Razz is known as “the wheel,” made up of A-2-3-4-5. It’s the lowest combination you can make and beats every other hand.

How a Hand of Razz Is Played

Razz is usually played with 2 to 8 players using a standard 52-card deck. The game follows a structured sequence of betting rounds, with both face-up and face-down cards.

1. Ante and starting cards – Each player pays a small ante before the cards are dealt. Every player then receives three cards: two face down (hole cards) and one face up (the door card).
2. Bring-in – The player showing the highest face-up card must post a mandatory “bring-in” bet, which starts the first betting round.
3. More cards and betting rounds – Players are then dealt one face-up card at a time over three rounds (4th, 5th, and 6th street), followed by a final face-down card (7th street). Each new card is followed by a betting round.
4. Showdown – After the final betting round, players reveal their hands. The lowest five-card hand wins the pot.

What Counts as a Low Hand?

In Razz, hands are ranked from the top down. That means you compare the highest card first. For example, an 8-6-4-3-2 hand beats 9-5-4-3-2 because 8 is lower than 9.

Pairs are bad news in Razz – any duplicate cards weaken your hand. Flushes and straights are ignored, so a hand like 5-4-3-2-A of the same suit is still the best possible hand.

Strategy: Patience and Observation

Razz rewards players who think ahead and pay attention to the open cards on the table. Because several cards are visible, you can often gauge how strong your opponents’ hands might be.

• Start with low cards – Hands with three low cards (ideally under 8) are strong starting points.
• Fold early if you’re behind – If your upcards are higher than your opponents’, it’s often best to fold and wait for a better spot.
• Watch for dead cards – If many low cards are already showing on the table, your chances of drawing more low cards decrease.
• Use position wisely – Acting later in the betting round gives you more information about how others are playing.

Razz isn’t just about the cards you’re dealt – it’s about reading the flow of the game and adapting to what you see.

Why Play Razz?

Razz challenges the usual mindset of poker players. It requires a different way of thinking than Texas Hold’em or Omaha because you’re aiming low instead of high. Many players find that Razz sharpens their understanding of odds, position, and reading opponents – while also adding variety to their poker nights.

The game is also a key part of the HORSE rotation used in many professional tournaments. So if you’re looking to expand your poker skills, learning Razz is a great step toward mastering mixed-game formats.

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A Game for the Patient Player

Razz isn’t a game for those chasing quick wins. It rewards patience, discipline, and the ability to think several moves ahead. But for players who enjoy strategy, observation, and a mental challenge, Razz is one of the most satisfying poker variants you can play – whether it’s at your local club, an online table, or a friendly home game in New Zealand.