Razz poker is similar to seven-card stud poker. However, you need to have the lowest hand possible to win the game. You need to use only five of the seven cards you’ll receive and make the lowest hand, such as an A-2-3-4-5 of any suit. Unlike other poker variations, the Ace is always low when playing Razz, while flushes and straights are not counted, so your score won’t be affected if you happen to make a hand with one.

Before the dealer gives any cards, a first round of betting takes place – a minimum ante is placed, which is around 1/5th of the lowest possible bet amount that you’ve decided on. Each player then receives three cards (called ‘third street), two of them face down and the other is face up. The one with the highest card showing would make the first bet, which should be equal to 1/5th of the minimum limit bet. For instance, in a $10/$20 razz poker game, the minimum ante is 1/5th of $10, so the person who needs to make the first bet is required to place a bet of $2 to continue playing the game. However, the player can also place a bet more than $2 if he likes.

All players receive one card face up, called the ‘fourth street’. Any player who wishes to remain in the game should place a bet, which should be equal to or above the low bet amount ($10 in this example). All active players would be given one more card face up, called the ‘fifth street’ and place bets according to their current hands. However, from now on, the betting amount should now be equal to the higher bet limit ($20 in this example).

If two or more players are still in the game, another card face up would be given called the sixth street. Another betting would take place before the final card (seventh street) is given out and a final betting would begin. Once all bets are placed, all cards are turned over to determine who wins the game.

In very rare cases when eight players remain after the sixth street, there won’t be enough cards to be dealt for the seventh street. If this is the case, one community card is dealt for everyone to use.