Razz poker is a lowball variant where the goal is to make the lowest possible five-card hand. Unlike traditional poker, where you aim to build the best high hand, in Razz you want to “play to lose”—which means deliberately building the weakest hand possible. This unique twist requires a different mindset and strategy.

In this article, we’ll cover essential tips to help you master Razz by Master Poker Vietnam understanding when to fold, when to play aggressively, and how to make the best decisions to win consistently.

Understand the Hand Rankings in Razz

Before diving into strategy, it’s crucial to know the hand rankings:

• The best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5 (known as the “wheel”).

• Straights and flushes do not count against you.

• The lowest card determines the strength; lower is always better.

Knowing this helps you evaluate starting hands and make decisions accordingly.

Playing Starting Hands: Which to Keep and Which to Fold

Good starting hands in Razz usually contain three low cards (8 or lower), ideally including an Ace or 2.

• Play aggressively with hands like A-2-3, A-3-4, or 2-3-4.

• Be wary of starting with many high cards; fold hands with three or more cards 9 or higher.

• Position matters—early position demands tighter starting hand selection.

Use Position to Your Advantage

Since Razz deals cards over multiple betting rounds, your position is crucial:

• Act last whenever possible to see how opponents behave.

• Use positional advantage to control the pot size and bluff effectively.

• Tighten your play in early position and widen your range in late position.

Pay Attention to Exposed Cards

One unique feature of Razz is that upcards are visible to all players:

• Use visible cards to deduce opponents’ potential hands.

• Fold if many low cards are already exposed that diminish your chances.

• Track “dead cards” that reduce the likelihood of improving your hand.

Good memory and observation skills are vital in Razz.

Adjust Your Aggression Based on Table Dynamics

• Against loose players, play more cautiously and wait for stronger hands.

• Versus tight players, apply pressure with well-timed bets and raises.

• Bluff selectively—bluffs can be powerful if you represent strong low hands consistently.

Know When to Fold

Folding is just as important as playing:

• Fold early if you have many high cards exposed or if the board shows you’re unlikely to make a winning hand.

• Avoid chasing slim draws unless pot odds are favorable.

• Don’t get emotionally attached to hands; be willing to let go.