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Razz is like the polar opposite of 7 Card Stud, and is a lowball game. The object is to make the best low hand possible, and straights and flushes don't count, with the best hand being A2345. There is no low qualifer however, so you can even win with a hand like 89JTQ(although that will require your opponent to have a K low or worse, not uncommon at low limit games).
Razz tables seat up to 8 players, and everyone has to post an ante. Each player is dealt three cards, two down cards that only they can see, and an up card that everyone else can see. The highest upcard is the bring-in, which has to do a forced bet. Each player, going clockwise from the bring-in, can then either fold, call or raise.
Next up we have fourth street, then fifth street and sixth street. On each street a new card is dealt face up to every player still in the hand. Then on seventh street, the card is dealt to each player face down, and the best, as in worst, five-card hand wins.
Reading Requirements: Sklansky on Poker by David Sklansky is the only book with a section on Razz, and it is a must-read for any player wanting to take up the game.
Online Availability: Razz is most commonly played at Full Tilt Poker, where the likes of Howard Lederer and Phil Ivey will even play! The only other site Razz is available is at Gamesgrid.
