Razz Poker: Origin, Game Play, Variations, Pros and Cons

Razz Poker is relatively easy to play if you understand the rules of 7-Card Stud Poker. Razz Poker is a lowball game in which the card and hand rankings are flipped upside down. It is a form of poker where players have to make the worst hand possible to win. Additionally, Aces are counted as low in this variant. So, the winning or best hand in Razz Poker will be A, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Razz is not that much popular and you will find this variant only on platforms which offer mixed games. While it is almost identical to Stud Poker let’s check the gameplay of this variant.

Game Play

• Aces are considered low in Razz and straights and flushes don’t count
• Razz Poker follows the exact same betting patterns as of Stud Poker i.e. antes, bring-in, completion, small bet and a big bet
• Gameplay works the same as Seven Card Stud with just one change i.e. the player with the HIGHEST door card brings it in.
• Also, on later streets betting begins with the player showing the LOWEST traditional poker hand

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy to learn
• If you love slow-paced Poker Games you will surely love Razz Poker
• This variant offers you a big edge if you keep track of cards

Cons

• The game is too slow and you may find it boring
• If you don’t like betting limit then you will surely not like this variant