Razz Poker Rules: A Beginner's Guide Razz Poker is a thrilling variation of traditional poker that is often enjoyed by experienced players looking for a new challenge. Unlike other poker variants where the goal is to make the highest hand possible, in Razz Poker, the objective is to make the lowest five-card hand. It may sound a bit confusing at first, but with a little practice, you'll quickly grasp the rules and strategies of this fascinating game. The basic gameplay of Razz Poker is similar to Seven Card Stud, where players are dealt seven cards throughout the hand. However, the key difference is that in Razz Poker, the highest-ranking cards are unwanted, while low-ranking cards are valuable. The best possible hand in Razz Poker is A-2-3-4-5, also known as "the wheel" or the "bicycle." Here's a step-by-step guide on the rules of Razz Poker: 1. Ante Up: Each player places an ante bet to contribute to the pot before the hand begins. 2. Deal the Cards: Each player is dealt three cards, two face-down and one face-up. The player with the highest face-up card becomes the "bring-in." 3. Bring-in and Betting Rounds: The bring-in player starts the betting by placing a forced bet. The action then moves clockwise around the table, with each player having the option to fold, call, or raise. 4. Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Street: Three more cards are dealt face-up to each player, with a betting round following each card. The betting rounds start with the player whose face-up cards have the lowest value. 5. Seventh Street (or the River): The final card is dealt, face-down, to each player. A final betting round occurs, once again starting with the player who has the lowest face-up cards. 6. Showdown: If there are two or more players remaining after the betting concludes, a showdown occurs. The player with the lowest five-card hand wins the pot. If there is a tie, the pot is divided equally among the tied players. Mastering Razz Poker requires a good understanding of hand rankings and effective betting strategies. Familiarize yourself with the rules, study the different hands and their values, and practice playing with friends or online to improve your skills. Remember, Razz Poker is an exciting and strategic game that offers a unique twist on traditional poker. So gather your friends, learn the rules, and enjoy the challenge of this lowball poker variant. Good luck and have fun!