Razz Poker

Introduction:  Razz Poker takes what are, traditionally, the strongest Poker hands and turns them upside down by placing the highest value on the lowest cards.  To seasoned Poker players, Razz represents both a challenge and the most fun to be had at the Poker table.  If you’re looking for a Poker game that will trump everything you think you know about Poker, Razz is the game for you.

History:  The history of the game of Razz Poker is somewhat murky, as is true of most Poker variations.  It has been suggested that Razz was invented by a down-on-his-luck Seven Card Stud player who, determined to change his poor fortune, took the rules to Seven Card Stud Poker and turned them upside down.  He named the game Razz because of the “razzing” he took from other Poker players for concocting such a crazy scheme.  No evidence supporting this theory has yet been proffered.

Still, the game caught on.  With the arrival of online casino gambling, casino operators looking to attract new customers by offering a variety of Poker games included Razz in their store.

Razz is one of many unique poker variations that have attracted a strong European following.  Razz Poker is especially popular among players from the UK, where it is known as London Lowball.

Variants: Fixed limit is the typical betting protocol employed in Razz.  Simply stated, there is a fixed amount that can be wagered by players during each round of betting.  Since the game is played with values reversed, the best hand that anyone can have is an Ace-2-3-4-5 of the same suit, with spades having the highest suit ratings.

Besides the Lowball variant, Razz can also be played with “wild cards”.  When “wild card” variants are employed, the excitement and suspense of the game escalate.

Rules:  Razz is an upside-down version of Seven Card Stud Poker.  Therefore, the play protocol is the same.  After all participants post a small ante to get the game underway, each player is dealt three cards, two face-down and the other face-up.  The first round of betting ensues.  Players then receive a second, third and fourth round of face up cards.  Betting follows the dealing of each individual card.

The seventh and final card is dealt to each player face down, after which the Showdown round of betting begins.  The lowest five card hand wins the pot and claims all the winnings.  The best card to have is the Ace of Spades.

Successful players must make a mental adjustment to play according to Razz rules.  Bluffing is an important component in the game of Razz, but players must be careful not to employ this strategy too often if their bluff is to remain believable.

Betting:  The betting structure in Razz is the same as in Seven Card Stud Poker.  A small ante is put up by everyone, the size of which varies depending on the fixed limit table you’re playing.  There are four rounds of betting and the player with the best low card hand is the winner.

In London, there is a Razz variation which is catching on in some of the best online casino gambling sites.  It is called London Lowball and it is identical to Razz except that it is played with a pot limit.

Most experienced Razz players suggest that participants in Razz Poker games hold onto any cards with a value of “8” or less, and avoid making pairs.

The game of Razz currently has a relatively small but loyal following.  As the game receives more exposure, however, the number of Razz patrons is sure to increase.