In-depth guide on how to play Razz Poker
In this part of Gambling Zone’s how to play poker series, we take an in-depth look at Razz Poker. In this popular seven-card variation of the game, the lowest hand wins. We explore how the game is played, the betting options, rules, best casinos to play Razz Poker online, and much more.
Razz Poker Rules
In this part of how to play Razz Poker guide, we break down the stages of the game, the player’s betting options, and more.
Player Betting Options
Razz has the same betting options as other poker games. These are fold, check, bet, call, or raise. Fold means to place your cards down and leave the game. Check means not to bet but keep in the game, a bet is to place a bet on the hand, to call is to match this, and to raise is to increase it. The options available to a player will be determined by the actions of previous players.
Ante
At the start of Razz Poker, all players must put up an ante. This is a small, pre-determined amount that is effectively your buy-in to the game. This is normally a small percentage of the betting limits.
Third Street
The first round begins with players being dealt three cards: two face-down and one face-up. The player with the highest card is the ‘bring-in’, and they start the betting action. They need to make the first-bet. The action then moves clockwise until each play has placed a bet or folded.
Fourth Street
The next card is then dealt, which is known as the ‘Fourth Street’. This card is dealt face-up. The ‘bring-in’ is now the player with the strongest (lowest) combined hand. The player can either check or bet, and the action then moves clockwise again.
Fifth Street
The next round is called ‘Fifth Street’ and it is when the fifth card of the game is dealt. This is also face-up. The same rules apply from previous streets, the only difference is now that all raises must be in the big bet increment.
Sixth Street
The final face-up card of the game is dealt in the ‘Sixth Street’. Another round of betting then takes place with the same rules as previous hands.
The River
The final round of betting is called The River, and it begins with a player being dealt their final card, this one being face-down. The person with the strongest hand will start the betting, and it will continue clockwise.
The Showdown
If more than one player remains in the game, then the Showdown begins. The last player to have bet shows their hand first; then everyone else reveals their cards clockwise. The player with the best five-card Ace-5 hand wins the pot. If there are two equal hands, the pot is split.
Other Rules in Razz Poker
Many of the other rules in Razz Poker are similar to the ones used in Seven Card Stud. The following are just a few of the additional rules players should be aware of:
If there is a tie with the bring-in, then the cards are ranked by suits in reverse alphabetical order. They are ranked as spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs.
If the player with the best card on Third Street is all-in for the ante and can not make the required bet, then it moves clockwise to the next player.
If the game runs out of cards, then a community card is dealt as the seventh and final street.
Things to Remember in Razz Poker Rules
As the aim of the game in Razz is different to other poker variations, there are some useful things to remember when playing:
Aces are always low.
Straights and flushes are not playable hands in Razz Poker as they would be in standard poker.
The game is automatically won if everyone folds and leaves one active player.
The ‘eight or better’ rule, which means low hands need five unpaired cards, none higher than an eight to qualify, does not count in Razz poker.
Running out of Cards in Razz Poker
Best Online Casinos to Play Razz
If you are looking for the best online casino to play Razz Poker online, you have come to the right place. At Gambling Zone, our dedicated team have spent hours researching and reviewing the best online poker sites. We have determined that the following are the best to play Razz Poker.
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