Razz

  7 Card Stud is a game that, like all good things, comes in a wide variety. The base game has been modified to suit the particular tastes and interests of its players, and now has a number of derivatives. Of all the forms that 7 Card Stud takes, perhaps the most popular variation is the game of Razz.  Razz is like 7 Card Stud with low self esteem. In this game it is not the best five card poker hand that wins, but rather the best low hand that takes the pot. It is player with two to eight players and follows the traditional deal where each player is dealt three cards, face up, and another four, face down.  When creating your best five card low hand you may use any of the seven cards that you are dealt. In this game Aces are low. In fact you can almost consider an Ace a 1 card. Straights and Flushes will have absolutely no effect on your hand, and the lowest possible cards you can hold is an A2345. If these cards show up in your hand, start thinking about betting the farm.  When starting a game of 7 Card Stud, there is normally an ante to start the pot off. This is when each player puts money into the center of the table. The player ante is approximately 1/5 of the low limit bet size. By rule, every player must ante up before the hand begins. The ante does not count towards any future bets.  The actual play of the game is identical to proper 7 Card Stud. There is no change in how each player is dealt their cards, or how each of the betting rounds is conducted. You will find that Razz is nice break from traditional 7 Card Stud. Give it a try.