Razz is a lowball poker variant derived from Seven-Card Stud, but with a major twist: the lowest possible five-card hand wins the pot. Straights and flushes don’t count against players, so the best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5, often called the “wheel.”

Each player receives a mix of face-up and face-down cards across several betting rounds, similar to Stud, but the objective is inverted. Razz is a game of patience and discipline, requiring players to fold marginal hands and focus on building the lowest possible combination.

Because many cards are visible on the table, strong memory and the ability to track live outs are essential skills. Razz is popular in mixed-game formats like H.O.R.S.E., where it adds variety and challenges even experienced professionals.

While it can be frustrating for beginners unfamiliar with lowball rules, Razz rewards persistence and sharp observation with a uniquely strategic form of poker.