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Razz rules for everyone
Razz poker is one of the oldest poker games around. Although there has been a Razz event in every World Series of Poker competition since 1973, the online poker game of Razz does not enjoy the same popularity as other poker variations, such as Texas Hold 'em and 7-Card Stud. This could be because many people don't know how to play Razz. The game is actually very similar to 7-Card Stud with the main difference being that Razz rules require players to make low hands instead of high ones. The game is typically played with up to ten players at once. The strongest Razz hand is 5-4-3-2-A, it is also known as "the bicycle."
How to Play Razz
Razz features five rounds of betting. When it comes to F/L Razz, all bets and raises made by players must be of the same value as either the low limit or the high limit bet size. In the first two betting rounds, players must place bets that are equal to the low limit bet size. In the third, fourth, and fifth betting rounds, players must place bets that are equal to the high limit bet size. Players are allowed to make up to three raises during a single betting round.
Ante up and Deal
Much like the game of 7-Card Stud, Razz rules require all active players to place an ante before any action kicks off. After all the antes have been placed, the dealer deals each player one face-up card. Next, the dealer deals every player two face down cards and one face-up card. The player holding the highest exposed card must bring in, by betting half of the low limit bet. The player is also allowed to bet the full low limit bet, if he wishes to do so. As opposed to the ante, the bring-in does count as the player's first round bet. The game then proceeds in a clockwise direction. Each player has the option of either folding, calling or raising.
Each player receives another face-up card. Razz rules dictate that the player holding the weakest exposed hand is the first one to make a move. He is allowed to fold, check, or make a wager. Much like in the previous round, play proceeds in a clockwise direction. Contrary to the standard 7-Card Stud game, Razz rules add a twist, an open pair has no effect on the betting limit. Then, another face-down card is dealt. The lowest hand opens the betting action. Another face-up card is dealt. Play takes place exactly as in the previous betting round. A final card is dealt face down. The player with the lowest hand bets first.
Time for the Showdown
After all the betting action is over, the showdown takes place. All active players must now reveal their hands in order to establish the winner. The player who happened to bet last is the first to expose their hand. You can either show your hand or muck it. Mucking is especially recommended when you do not have a strong hand and do not want your opponents to know what hand you were playing. Now that you know how to play Razz, we recommend giving it a try, there is a reason the game is played at the WSOP!