Razz Poker instructions

A comprehensive guide to playing Razz Poker. Includes tips for managing starting hands, up cards folding and antes. Suitable for new and experienced players alike

Rules

• Each player puts in their ante
• The cards are then dealt
• The highest card on the third street must make the forced bring in bet in set the ball rolling. (Other rounds after this are started by the lowest hand) In the case of a tie, the player positioned after the dealer begins.
• Unlike 7 card stud, a door card does not result in a double bet option.
• The game is won by the player with the lowest hand
• Flushes and straights are not counted
• Aces are low
• The best hand is therefore: A, 2, 3, 4, 5

Tips

Starting Hands
• The best starting hand is A, 2, 3.
• Any 3 cards valued between A and 5 are also good hands and are worth raises
• Hands between A and 6 are also good but bear in mind that other players may have lower cards
• If you have 3 cards worth 7 or below, you’ll want to see 4th street.
• This might mean calling the odd bet.
• Be wary of playing three card eights too often.

Upcards

• Be aware of the upcards.
• If, for instance, you are holding three cards to a nine low and there are currently no up cards below the value of nine, you have the strongest hand on third street.
• Keep track of your opponents’ porches. Note the high cards which will let you play more assertively.
Live and Dead Razz Cards.
• Note that dead cards are useful because pairs can ruin a good starting hand

Pace of play

• Play your good hands!
• This will let you forge a large enough pot on third street which will then allow you to call on fourth street.


Best Draw.

• Once 5 cards have been dealt, the best drawing hand will beat any made nine low on fifth street.
• On 6th street, the made 9 low will lead the betting.
Folding.
• Hold on to your chips for when you’ve got a good hand.
• Have patience!
Antes.
• The higher you get, the more important the ante stealing.
• If the bring in player is positioned to your immediate left and has folded, finish the bet and steal the antes.
• Make an attempt when you are the lowest up or second highest up card.
• Remember, this becomes less effective as limits get lower.