Razz Poker is a unique and intriguing variant of poker that turns many traditional poker concepts upside down. Unlike most poker games where the goal is to make the highest-ranking hand, Razz is a lowball game in which the objective is to create the lowest possible five-card hand. This reversal of standard poker logic makes Razz both challenging and refreshing, especially for players who want to test their adaptability and strategic thinking.
Razz is typically played as a stud game, meaning there are no community cards. Each player is dealt a total of seven cards throughout the hand, some face down and some face up. The final hand is formed using the best five cards out of those seven. In Razz, straights and flushes do not count against the player, and aces are always considered low. The best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5, often referred to as the “wheel.” Pairs, however, are undesirable because duplicated ranks increase the value of the hand, making it worse in Razz terms.
The game begins with each player receiving three cards, two face down and one face up. The player with the highest-ranking upcard is required to bring in the betting, which is the opposite of many other stud-based games. As additional cards are dealt in later rounds, Global Poker more information becomes available to all players, making observation and memory especially important skills. Since some cards are visible, paying attention to what opponents are showing and what cards are already out of play can strongly influence decision-making.
One of the most important strategic elements in Razz Poker is starting hand selection. Hands with three low, unpaired cards are generally strong, especially if they are all different ranks. A starting hand like A-2-5 gives a player many ways to complete a powerful low hand, while hands that include high cards or pairs are usually at a disadvantage. As the hand progresses, players must constantly reassess their chances based on the cards they receive and the visible cards held by opponents.
Betting strategy in Razz also differs from high-hand poker games. Since the goal is to make the lowest hand, players often bet aggressively when they appear strong by showing low cards. This can put pressure on opponents who are drawing to weaker lows or who have picked up high cards along the way. Conversely, players who start well but then receive unfavorable cards must decide whether to continue or fold to avoid unnecessary losses.
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