There is a big difference between knowing how to play Razz Poker, and how to win at Razz Poker. Razz of Learning is the first step, but with the rules firmly grappled with your brain, it’s time to learn and implement a winning Razz poker strategy.
In this article, we will go over the fundamentals of a winning Razz poker strategy, from the importance of selecting the right starting hands to playing the player, not just the cards Situs Poker.
Razz Poker Strategy – Starting Hand Selection
In Razz Poker, the object is to get the absolute worst hand, as far as normal poker hand ranks are concerned anyways. Since Aces are Low and Straights / Flushes Don’t Count, Razz is the best possible hand in A-2-3-4-5, called The Wheel.
The winning hand in Razz poker is usually 9 high or better. Therefore, to choose the right starting hand, choose your best bet only if you are on the move. The closer those cards are to The Wheel, the better. The Wheel is the best of all three cards, especially with an Ace in the mix.
Razz Poker Strategy – Bluffing
Bluffing is an essential part of any successful Razz Poker strategy. There are specific scenarios which call for bluffing, and which should not be passed; 1) Your playing the lowest limits, Calling the encouraging players simply because it’s cheap, or 2) Your opponents are playing a very loose game and will call anything.
Razz poker is the best time to bluff when your face-up cards are lower than your opponents, but your hole cards are terrible. Let’s say you have K-J in the Hole, but showing A-3. If you have a better time, bet or raise the big and take down pot.
Razz Poker Strategy – Stealing Blinds
Razz Poker in Stealing Blinds is much the same as bluffing, but a little more involved. First, it helps to be in the late position so you can get a feel for your opponents’ circumstances. Second, having a door card on the wheel, while no other player does, gives you an essential advantage. So, if the cards are right, and your opponents are the best at folding or limping, toss a raise out there and steal the blinds.
Razz Poker Strategy – Playing the Players
The ability to read your opponents is a key element of a Razz strategy. Reading players are not as difficult as you might think. You don’t need a degree in psychology, just a highly observant nature.
If you’re just learning to read players, pick a single opponent and watch his every move, note his actions and reactions to certain situations. Does he Fold from Early Position and Always Call From Late? How does he react when someone else Raises? Is he a regular bluffer? If you think so, call him to find out. Eventually, you should be able to predict his reaction to most situations. Test him on this. Try to predict his next move and you’re right. The more times you are right, the better you are at getting other players, and the easier it will be to recognize stereotypical player types and behaviors.
Using this profound knowledge will help you to respond to various player actions with profitable results. You’ll know who can and can’t bluff, and who will only play a premium starting hand and other useful tidbits to improve your win ratio.
Razz Poker Strategy – Limit Your Limits
As a new Razz player, you need to start at the lowest limits (stakes), and do not work your way up to the highest levels until the current limit. By master, we mean you are winning consistently, not just breaking even. Once you’ve mastered a limit, don’t jump high stakes. Instead, move up one level at a time. The competition gets tighter as each level becomes harder.
For more information on Razz Poker please read our article on Razz Poker Rules.