Razz

[luckystraights]

Just wondering if anyone can post up some tips on razz play. I've been interested in playing it for some time, probably since watching this years WSOP HORSE event and had my first game on a FTP play table earlier today.

I know you want low cards, the wheel is the nuts and pairs de-value your hand, but thats about all I know.

Cheers xxx

[Wedge Rock]

Learn to read others boards (true for any stud game).

Unless you have position or read your opponents as weak, throw away starting hands that don't contain 2 (preferably 3) cards ranked 8 or less.  Even then, you don't always get there.  By the same token, if the bring in is showing a K and it folds around to you and you are showing a deuce or an ace, you can bet (even with pocket kings) and take down the pot -- be aware of what others know about your hand.

[NotFadeAway]

I would suggest extremely tight play, meaning that you virtually always fold any hand that does not include three prime low cards (what constitutes 'prime' depends on the remaining upcards.)  As is always the case in poker, the correct play is determined by the situation.  For example, if you have 8-7-3 (with the 8 up) first to act with a 4, 6, 2, and ace all waiting, you should certainly fold.  However, the same hand in late position with a J and a 9 behind you would obviously be a different story (assuming it's unopened of course.)  In this spot you would certainly raise every time.  Examples like this abound, of course, and are much of what makes this game more complicated than it originally appears.
By the way, early street play is pretty easy; it's the the later street play that is more difficult at times.  However, razz is probably the simplest commonly played form of poker that there is.

[Dr. Neau]

Something I picked up on this year's WSOP is that they kept talking about what a player was drawing to, rather than what the player already had.  It was a new way of looking at it for me.

[Jambine]

Something I picked up on this year's WSOP is that they kept talking about what a player was drawing to, rather than what the player already had.  It was a new way of looking at it for me.

Good draws always have more value in stud than hold-em.  I suppose that holds true for low ball as well

[luckystraights]

I've been playing more razz lately, if I'm in a poker mood, but don't think I'm fit to play with my bankroll, I've been playing some razz on the play tables and are starting to really enjoy it, the simplicity is a refreshing change from Hold'em.

As I've recently commented on my blog, I'm still surprised to find really foolish play even if it is only a play table, earlier today someone was capping the betting with a queen low, when the worst he could put me on was a 9 low, strange.

Yesterday, someone went all the way to showdown with a king low, I think he was trying to chase us out of the pot and then couldn't not put in one last bet at the end.

[Midnight Rose]

As I've recently commented on my blog, I'm still surprised to find really foolish play even if it is only a play table, earlier today someone was capping the betting with a queen low, when the worst he could put me on was a 9 low, strange.

That's not necessarily foolish play, depending on many circcumstances.  It's risky, sure; and a good Q low player knows when to release.  But if your hole cards dictate a gamble, and if you're watching your opponent's board, that risk might pay off in the later streets.  As I've unfortunately been subjected to more than my fair share of times in razz/HORSE.