Razz Poker rules are made up from a combination of seven card stud rules and lowball rules. The basic concept of Razz poker is to play seven card stud poker for the lowest hand, rather than the high hand. The Razz Poker rule states that the low hand at the showdown wins.
Beginning Razz Poker Rule
Just as in seven card stud, the game begins by players posting an ante. The dealer then deals each player two cards face down and one card face up. The player with the highest card by suit starts the action on the first round of betting. After that, players with the lowest hand begin the action. If there is a tie for the low hand, the first tieing player to the left of the dealer begins the hand.
Subsequent Razz Poker Betting Rounds
The round that follows third street (the first round) is called fourth street. The dealer deals each player another card face up and a round of betting occurs, beginning with the player who has the lowest Razz hand. This same order of events happens until the final round, seventh street.
On seventh street the only difference is that the last card is dealt face down to each remaining player. A regular round of betting occurs and then there is a showdown.
Razz Poker Showdown
Players show each other their cards at the showdown. The player with the lowest hand wins the pot. Flushes and straights do not count against the players low hand. For example, A2345 suited has the same power as A2345 off-suited. Also, A2345 is the best hand to have in Razz Poker.
