Different types of poker games have become popular in recent years, Razz being one of them. Most of the poker players came to know about the game after watching it in the Poker World Series. Online casinos have started including the game into its list of poker versions. Moreover, the enthusiastic poker players are keen in learning about games like Razz that are in the process of establishing themselves. No matter how you came to know about this interesting poker game, read the following discussion to learn how to play.
Similarity with Seven Card Stud
Razz resembles Seven Card Stud in format and a number of other ways. First of all, the tables for both the games are eight handed and the game begins by dealing first card to the first player on left side. Out of the three cards dealt received by each player, two are dealt face-down, while third one is dealt face-up.
One major point that distinguishes Razz from Stud is that in the former the player tries to obtain the lowest 5-card hand, unlike the highest 5-card hand in the latter. In Razz, the lowest possible hand is known as “Wheel” and is formed as A2345. Razz poker strategies will help you become a better player as well.
Starting the Action
In case of Razz, the player with highest card by suit starts the action by betting the bring-in amount. Bring-in is also called the forced bet, which is necessary to start the game. In case of Stud, the player with lowest card by suit starts the games and this is another differentiating point between the two games.
Taking It Further
Once the action is started by bring-in poker player, the player to his left follows the first action. He can call, raise, fold or complete according to his own game strategy. This is repeated by each of the player turn by turn. Once all the players perform their respective first actions, the fourth card is dealt to the players who are still in the game. This step is known as Fourth Street. In this round, the action is started by player with lowest hand.
The Fifth and Sixth Street follow and similar rounds are repeated. In these two rounds, the amount put on stake is the highest bet, unlike the Third and Fourth street, where the amount is the lowest bet. Finally, the seventh card is dealt face-down and the round is repeated.
Heading Towards Conclusion
After the seventh round is over, the person with final bet becomes the first person to show his cards. Then, the action is performed by the player on the left and so on. As obvious, the person with lowest possible card is declared the winner of the game.
Understanding the process of playing Razz is important if you want to be an all around player, and have knowledge of all the poker variations. As they say that practice makes perfect, practical learning is gained only through playing the game in real time.
