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Razz is popular among fans of poker. In particular, it has been available in the World Series of Poker Tournament since 1971. It is the most popular kind of lowball, which is in demand on Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars. These world-renowned portals hold tournaments where Razz is played. Their customers also regularly play for cash.
The rules for Razz are not very complicated. They resemble the rules for 7-card stud but have some features.
General Description of Razz Poker
A standard 52-card deck without jokers is used in the game. The cards are shuffled before each deal.
It is a limit poker. Up to eight users can play it simultaneously. Before the beginning of the game, all players make antes whose sizes are discussed in advance.
The player aims to defeat opponents at the table by collecting the lowest-ranking hand. The player who succeeds in doing this becomes the owner of the pot. It is formed of the antes and further bets.
- Every participant receives seven cards, but the five-card hands are considered.
- Three cards are face down, and four cards are face up.
- If the number of cards is deficient, the dealer faces up the latest card and places it in the middle of the table. This card is considered to be a community card.
The lowest-ranking card in the deck is an ace. The other cards are ranked ascending from a deuce to a king. The suits of cards don't have different ranks.
Razz has no straights and flushes.
Only the cards that are not repeated are taken into account in the player's hand.
Therefore, if the user has two or three cards of the same rank, only one of them is valid.
Any five-card hand beats a hand made up of a smaller number of cards, regardless of their ranks. The best option in Razz is A-2-3-4-5 of any suit. The player whose highest-ranking card is lower than the highest-ranking card of the opponent wins while comparing the hands.
Razz Poker Gameplay
First, all players make antes forming the pot.
Then they receive three cards: two face-down and one face-up. In the classic version, the first bet is made by the owner of the highest-ranking upcard. It is allowed to raise four times in a single round.
Three rounds follow this. Every player receives one card and makes bets.
The last card is dealt face down.
When betting is over, all opponents still playing compare their hands. The owner of the lowest-ranking hand gets the pot.
Variations of Razz Poker for New Zealand
Perhaps the only more or less popular variation of Razz is London Lowball. It is common in European poker rooms. Its rules are almost identical to the basic regulations of Razz, but straights and flushes are taken into account.
Conclusion
Razz is an exciting version of poker and can provide you with many new positive emotions, but keep in mind that it requires a special approach, so do not rush into playing for money.
Advice concerning the game strategy in Razz poker will be published on Casinoz in a separate article.
If you are a fan of Razz, tell us about your personal experience. You can share your opinion in the comments.
