Introduction
Razz is a lowball variant of Seven Card Stud where the lowest 5-card hand wins. Aces are always low, straights and flushes do not count against you, and pairs hurt your hand.
Game Flow
- Each player is dealt 2 down cards and 1 up card (face up).
- Third Street: First betting round begins with the player showing the highest up card.
- Fourth Street: Each player receives a 2nd up card → 2nd betting round.
- Fifth Street: Another up card → 3rd betting round.
- Sixth Street: Final up card → 4th betting round.
- Seventh Street: Final card dealt face down → final betting round.
- Showdown: Players make their best 5-card low hand from 7 cards.
Best Low Hands
The best possible hand is 5-4-3-2-A ("the wheel"), regardless of suits or sequence.
Best (The Wheel)
A♠
2♣
3♦
4♥
5♠
Next Best
A♥
2♠
3♣
4♦
6♥
Worst Valid Hand: K♠ Q♣ J♦ T♥ 9♠
Note: Pairs, straights, and flushes are ignored for hand strength — only rank matters.
Best Starting Hands
- Ideal: Three low, unpaired cards ≤7, e.g., 3♠ 2♣ A♦
- Playable: 4♥ 5♠ 2♣
- Avoid: Any pair or high card ≥8 in your first three cards.
Strategy Guide
- Steal Antes: Razz often has antes, open-raise with decent lows to steal.
- Track Dead Cards: Note up cards that kill your draws (e.g., multiple 2s or 3s visible).
- Don’t Chase: If you pair or catch a high card early, fold unless very cheap.
- Read Boards: Opponents showing high cards are often weak, apply pressure.
- 7-or-Better Rule: If your lowest 5 cards are all ≤7, you likely have a strong hand.