Razz is a lesser known poker game that has garnered little attention until recent years with televised tournament play like the World Series of Poker. By its simplest definition, Razz is seven card stud played strictly for low. No splitting the pot in this game, the lowest hand is the winner, period. That is unless two or more players have identical winning hands.

In Razz poker, the lowest hand is Ace-to-Five, also known as a Wheel. As straights and flushes do not count against a player’s low in this game, the A, 2, 3, 4, 5 is the best 5-card hand a player can make in Razz.

The game play follows the same basic pattern as 7 stud … all players ante prior to being dealt two hole cards (face down) and a single exposed up card. The player with the highest exposed card starts the first round of betting. When two or more players have the same high card at this point, suits are used to break the tie. From highest to lowest, the ranking of suits in poker is Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Clubs.

After this first round of betting is complete, a second upcard is dealt and, as in 7 stud, this is known as Fourth Street. Now, betting begins with the strongest exposed hand, in the case of Razz, this would be the lowest possible 2-card hand on the table. This round of betting is again followed by another exposed card (Fifth Street) and another betting round. Repeat the same on Sixth Street.

The seventh and final card in Razz is dealt face down, just as in 7 card stud. Again, the player with the best hand based on his upcards starts the betting. Once all bets and raises are called, the last bettor or raiser shows his cards. It’s important to note the distinction in Razz versus the low versions of other games like Omaha and Stud that there is no qualifier for low. This means that, in theory, a hand as poor as a 10-low could win the pot.

Players familiar with seven card stud will have little trouble grasping the basics of Razz. However, betting strategies and optimum game play may take a bit longer to conquer. And, like 7 stud, don’t let the apparent simplicity fool you. Razz is an extremely challenging game of poker. Give it a try online today and see what we mean!

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