The Online Poker Player Resource

For the most part, when playing Razz, your opening hand should have no cards larger than an 8. The reason for this is that in Razz, you are attempting to make the best low hand, not high. According to poker professional Jennifer Harman, there are two scenarios where you may want to play a card larger than an 8.

First, after all the opening hands are dealt, if you show a 9 and no other player shows any card smaller than yours, then your hand is actually the best at that moment. You should definitely play this hand.

Second, if you are showing a very small card, you may be able to steal the pot. In this case, definitely try to raise even if you hidden cards are big. Often times you may end up stealing the antes. However, if you get a caller, and your next card turns out to be a high ranking card (Like a 10 or higher) and your opponent receives a smaller card, be prepared then to let go of this hand. Instead, if you are the player that receives the smaller card than your opponents, then make a bet.

Another important aspect to playing Razz is being able to know what cards are “dead.” A dead card is one that a player can no longer draw due to another opponent having that card. For example, if you were to notice that your opponents are “drawing dead,” meaning their cards have been already taken by other players while you still have cards that have not been shown in any of the face up cards, then you have a good chance to win and should continue playing. However, if the scenario was reversed, then the obvious choice would be to fold early and save your money.