April, 2021 - Razz Poker is a variant of 7 Card Stud in which players seek to develop the weakest hand, rather than the strongest. Because Aces are low, and Straights/Flushes do not count as combination, players must be very meticulous about their Razz Poker starting hand selection. In this article, we aim to inform beginner to intermediate Razz Poker players how to go about selecting the best Razz Poker Starting Hands. There are many variables when determining which hands to play in Razz poker. These variables include position, number of players ion the hand and the type of players you are up against. This article touches on the basics for each situation so if you are looking for more in-depth information please check out the Razz poker strategy articles listed below.
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In Razz Poker, “The Wheel” is the best possible hand – A-2-3-4-5. Therefore, all cards ranked Ace through 5 are known as Wheel Cards. Simply put, the best Razz Poker Starting Hand is one that contains all Wheel Cards.
It should be safe to assume that, if you’re reading this article on Razz Poker Starting Hand Selection, you already know the rules and fundamentals of the game. However, we’ll offer a brief synopsis of how Razz Poker is played to refresh your memory, and better inform those who are just starting out.
In Razz Poker, each player is dealt 3 cards to start with. The first two are face down Hole Cards that only the player can see. The third is face up, for all players to see. These 3 cards make up the Razz Poker Starting Hand. By the time the hand is over, assuming it goes to a Showdown (everyone doesn’t Fold), each player will have 7 cards with which to develop the lowest 5-card Razz Poker Hand.
A Premium Starting Hand in Razz Poker is – as mentioned above – one that contains all Wheel Cards. These are hands that should be played and Raised no matter your position. So, to lay it out for you, Premium Razz Poker Starting Hands are:
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A Great Razz Poker Starting Hand is one that contains 3 cards of 7 or below, including an Ace. Again, these hands should be played, regardless of your position. If in late position, feel free to Raise and/or Re-Raise. From early betting position, Bet, Call or Raise. Great Razz Poker Starting Hands are:
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A good Razz Poker Starting Hand is one that contains all cards 7 or below, without an Ace. You should play this hand from any position, but your reaction depends upon the Door Card your opponent’s are showing. If any opponent is showing a Door Card of 3 or below, Call from early position, but do not Raise. From late position, only Raise if your own Door Card is 3 or below; otherwise, Call. If you are showing the lowest Door Card, feel free to Raise from any position. Good Razz Poker Starting Hands are:
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