Stud Poker Games: Razz Starting Hands

Hand Selection
August 14 2008

In the game of Razz, starting hand selection is very important. Unlike games such as Omaha or Texas Holdem, you can’t hit a monster hand with any old cards. This is a low-hand game, so you must start with low cards if you want a chance to win a hand. Razz is played in the 7-Stud format, so your first three cards will help you decide if you’re going to play the hand.

You should have no cards higher than an 8 in the first three cards you are dealt. Sometimes you can go to the 9, but 9-high rarely wins a hand. Stick with the 8 rule, and if it’s the beginning of a tournament you can drop it down to 7-high. The only other times you might consider playing three first cards bigger than a 9 would be if all of your opponents are showing big cards and your up card is small, or if it’s late in a tournament and there’s pressure from the blind levels. Then you come in with a raise and you can often pick up the pot right there.

There are no other exceptions for playing hands with cards bigger than 9. You drastically decrease your odds of winning if you do, so stick to the rule and you’ll find success.

If the action comes around to you and everyone has folded, you should often put in a raise to pressure the blind players. The blind positions will be at a positional disadvantage against you, and will need to have very good cards to call you.

If you have a player that’s easily pushed off the button to your left, you can make the raise against the blinds one position earlier. This raise looks more legit because you’re not on the button. Blind positions are more likely to fold to this raise. Just don’t try this every time because once the blind players think you’re doing it too much, they will stand up to you and it won’t work anymore.

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