Razz: seven-card stud for the lowest hand
Razz is seven-card stud where the lowest hand wins. Aces are low, and straights and flushes do not count, so the best hand is A-2-3-4-5, called a wheel.
Reviewed Oct 15, 2026
Answer first
90s- 01Lowest five cards win.
- 02Aces are low.
- 03Straights and flushes do not count.
Key numbers
Razz at a glance
In short
Key takeaways
- Pairs are bad in razz.
- The highest up card brings it in.
- Watch the up cards of others.
- Start with three low cards.
Progress
How a razz hand runs
- 1
Third street
2 down, 1 up
- 2
Bring-in
Highest up card
- 3
Fourth to sixth
One up card each
- 4
Seventh
One down card
Best low hand at showdown wins the pot.
Low hand rankings
| Hand | Name | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| A-2-3-4-5 | Wheel | Best |
| A-2-3-4-6 | Six low | Strong |
| A-2-3-4-7 | Seven low | Good |
| 2-3-4-5-8 | Eight low | Fair |
| Pair hands | — | Weak |
Compare the highest card first.
Reading hands
Compare low hands from the top card down. A 7-5-4-3-2 beats 7-6-3-2-A, since 5 is lower than 6 at the second card.
A hand with a pair is worse than any hand of five different cards. Kings are the highest and worst cards.
Good starting hands
| Third street | Strength |
|---|---|
| A-2-3 | Premium |
| A-2-4, A-3-5 | Strong |
| Three cards 8 or lower | Playable |
| Any pair or a king | Weak |
Rough guide for a full table.
Betting structure
Razz is usually played fixed limit. Small bets apply on third and fourth streets, and big bets from fifth street on.
The player with the highest up card pays the bring-in. After that, the lowest showing hand acts first.
Sequence
Playing a razz hand
Step 01
Check your three
Low and different.
Step 02
Watch up cards
Dead cards help you.
Step 03
Bring in or fold
By rank.
Step 04
Count your low
Each street.
Step 05
Show down
Lowest wins.
A worked example
You start with A-3 down and 4 up. Another player shows a king, so he brings in, and you raise.
You pair your 4 on fourth street but catch 2 and 6 later. Your best five is 6-4-3-2-A, a strong six low, and you win.
Razz in mixed games
Razz is part of mixed games such as HORSE, which rotates hold em, Omaha hi-lo, razz, stud and stud hi-lo. A seven low is often enough to win a razz pot at showdown.
Many players learn razz first in a mixed game. Its rules are simple, but the reverse thinking takes practice. Tournament razz uses rising antes and bring-ins, like other stud events.
In tournaments, razz events are less common than hold em, so fields are smaller.
Common mistakes
- Playing pairs
- They rarely win.
- Ignoring up cards
- Dead cards matter.
- Chasing high cards
- Kings lose.
- Mixing up rules
- Straights do not count.
Reading the board
If an opponent shows three low cards, they may already have a strong draw. A king on board hurts them. In razz, a bring-in from a king is common, since high cards are bad.
If your opponent catches a pair or a high card, you can bet to push your edge.
Bet when you show the better board. Fold when your hand is drawing to a weak low.
Floor rules
Razz terms
Know before you sit
- Wheel
- A-2-3-4-5.
- Bring-in
- Forced first bet.
- Street
- A betting round.
- Dead card
- A card you need that is gone.
- Smooth low
- A low hand whose second card is also low, such as 7-4-3-2-A.
- Rough low
- A low hand with a high second card, such as 7-6-5-4-2.
- HORSE
- A mixed game that rotates hold em, Omaha hi-lo, razz, stud and stud hi-lo.
Common traps
A hand like 8-7-6-5-4 is a straight in high games but is just an eight low in razz. It is fair, not great. Some cardrooms spread razz only in mixed game rotations.
Rough lows, where the second card is high, lose to smooth lows of the same top card.
Practice by dealing hands at home and naming the winner out loud.
Keep reading
Related pages
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01Basics
What is razz?
A form of seven-card stud where the lowest five-card hand wins. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
What is the best razz hand?
A-2-3-4-5, the wheel. Straights and flushes do not count against you. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Are aces high or low?
Low. An ace is the best card in razz. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
02Rules
Who pays the bring-in?
The player with the highest up card on third street. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Is razz no-limit?
Usually fixed limit. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
What if cards run out?
With eight players, a shared community card may be dealt on seventh street. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
03Strategy
What hands should I start with?
Three different cards, 8 or lower, ideally with an ace. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Why watch up cards?
They show which low cards are gone from the deck. Rules vary by cardroom, so check the posted house rules.
Where can I get help?
If gambling stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for free, private help any time of day.
Sources
- Poker TDA — Rules Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Standard cardroom rules
- UNLV Center for Gaming Research Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Research library on casino games and gambling
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER