How to Play Razz Poker: Rules, Hand Rankings & Game Structure

    Razz is a unique poker variant where the lowest hand wins. It's a lowball version of Seven Card Stud, with no high hands, no pairs to chase, and no bluff-heavy river action. If you're looking for a different kind of poker challenge or want to expand your knowledge of mixed games, Razz is easy to learn once you understand the low-hand rules.
    How to Play Razz Poker: Rules, Hand Rankings & Game Structure

    What Is Razz Poker?

    Razz is a lowball game played with seven cards per player, where the goal is to make the lowest possible five-card hand. Straights and flushes don't count against you, and aces are always low.
    It uses the same structure as Seven Card Stud but with a low-hand twist. The player with the lowest five-card hand at showdown wins the pot, there's no split, no high hand, and no wild cards.

    Basic Rules of Razz Poker

    Game Format

    • 2–8 players
    • Played with a standard 52-card deck
    • Fixed-limit betting structure
    • Each player is dealt seven cards throughout the hand
    • Only the best five-card low hand is used at showdown

    How a Hand of Razz Plays Out

    1. Each player is dealt 2 cards face down and 1 card face up (third street)
    2. Player with the highest upcard posts the bring-in (forced bet)
    3. First betting round
    4. 4th street: second face-up card dealt, followed by betting
    5. 5th street: third face-up card dealt, followed by betting
    6. 6th street: fourth face-up card dealt, followed by betting
    7. 7th street (the river): one final card dealt face down
    8. Final betting round
    9. Showdown: lowest five-card hand wins

    Hand Rankings in Razz

    Razz uses lowball hand rankings. The lower the cards, the better the hand, pairs are bad and the best hand is A-2-3-4-5.

    Razz Hand Ranking Rules

    • Aces are always low
    • Flushes and straights are ignored
    • Pairs, trips, and high cards weaken your hand
    • Best possible hand: A-2-3-4-5 (called "the wheel")
    • Worst possible hand: K-Q-J-10-9 (with no pair)

    Example Hands from Best to Worst

    • A-2-3-4-5 (best possible Razz hand)
    • 2-3-4-5-6
    • 3-5-6-7-8
    • 4-6-8-9-J
    • 5-7-9-J-Q
    • 9-10-J-Q-K (bad)
    • 2-3-4-4-5 (has a pair = bad)

    Betting Structure in Razz

    Fixed-Limit Razz

    Most Razz games use a fixed-limit betting structure. This means:
    • Small bets are used on third and fourth street
    • Big bets are used from fifth street onward
    • One bet and up to three raises per round

    Example of $1/$2 Limit Game

    • Bring-in = $0.25
    • Third and fourth street: $1 bets
    • Fifth through seventh street: $2 bets

    Bring-In and Position Rules

    • The player with the highest upcard on third street posts the bring-in
    • If two players tie, suit ranking breaks the tie (spades > hearts > diamonds > clubs)
    • On all subsequent streets, the lowest visible hand starts the betting

    Where to Play Razz Online

    Real Money Sites

    Play Money or Free Razz Options

    • PokerStars Play
    • Replay Poker – Dedicated Razz tables available
    • Private apps or home game platforms

    Famous Players Known for Razz

    Razz has been featured in several WSOP events, and a few notable pros have had great success in the format:
    • Phil Hellmuth – Multiple deep runs in WSOP Razz events
    • Ted Forrest – Six-time WSOP bracelet winner including Razz
    • David “ODB” Baker – Mixed game expert with strong Razz results
    • Frank Kassela – Razz specialist with bracelets in Stud variants

    Final Takeaway

    Razz flips traditional poker on its head. With no concern for straights, flushes, or high hands, it’s all about going low and avoiding pairs. The rules are simple once you get past the concept of lowball hand rankings. If you're looking for something different or want to prepare for mixed-game formats like H.O.R.S.E., Razz is a great place to start.

    FAQs: Razz Poker Rules

    What is the best possible hand in Razz?

    A-2-3-4-5 is the best hand. It’s known as “the wheel” and beats all other combinations.

    Are straights and flushes bad in Razz?

    In Razz, straights and flushes are ignored when evaluating low hands.

    Are aces high or low in Razz?

    Aces are always low, which is good for your hand.

    Can I win with a pair?

    Technically yes, but pairs count against you. A hand with no pair always beats a hand with one.

    How is the bring-in determined?

    The player with the highest upcard on third street posts the bring-in bet.