h.o.R.s.e. – Razz Part I

Razz is a pretty straightforward game. The best hand is the “lowest” hand, in this case, the wheel (A2345). As long as you know the rules to the game, there really isn’t that much strategy involved. Well, there is some strategy, but most of the time, if you are playing someone who knows what he is doing, hands end by 4th or 5th street.

Now, a lot of what I write here is for heads up strategies. Obviously for full table strategies, you just play with strong starting hands. Usually, a starting hand with 3 babies (5 of lower) is extremely strong, and it doesn’t matter what your up card is. But, just remember if you have an 8 showing, even if you have A2 in the hole, it is not as strong as having an Ace showing with 29 in the hole. A lot of stud play is more about what you are showing and what your opponent is showing. That’s why playing baby cards is always advantageous.

On a side note, one of the reasons I love playing HORSE is that on Full Tilt, lots of players who join have never played razz before. It’s hilarious when you get to razz, and players think that they are playing stud. Of course, you won’t find it as much at the $200 levels, but you see it occasionally at the $100 tables and a decent amount at the $50 tables.

Anyway, razz is just about betting when you have a lower face up card than your opponent. The best strategy is to raise, and see what happens on the turn. Usually, if you are more patient than your opponent, this strategy works amazingly well. Only play past 4th street if you are ahead, and you’ll be playing better than 80% of the players who join your games.

Now, there are tons of subtle strategies that I use, but as I mentioned in my Omaha post, I will save them for another time, as this is just an introduction to the razz. Just remember to read up on the basics of razz, and follow the book. It really isn’t that hard.