Play Razz Poker to Win_ New Strategies F - Cogert, Mitchell

8/9/2019 Play Razz Poker to Win_ New Strategies F - Cogert, Mitchell

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/play-razz-poker-to-win-new-strategies-f-cogert-mitchell 1/166



Foreword

You will be a winner at poker...Razz poker.azz Poker is the easiest way to consistently be anner because it’s the only game left where you can

et an edge.Remember when poker tournaments appeared

n TV, and the same players kept getting to the finalbles. Those players (the Pros) had the edgeecause they already knew the strategies to winningo Limit poker, and were playing against others whodn't. Now, though, with hundreds of books, articles,deos and online sites devoted to No Limit poker,eir edge is gone, and amateur players are winningg. The same advantage the Pros have for Limit

oker and Omaha are also going away.Razz poker is the one remaining game where the

owledge base remains small because mostayers have climbed on the bandwagon of thegger and better known games. Yet, to win at Razzoker and in the “R” in HORSE poker, you need toow what the other players still don't.Play Razz Poker to Win is going to give you

at winning edge. It is the first book dedicated to theame of Razz poker. It builds on the accumulatedowledge about Razz poker from the top poker os:Championship Stud by Dr. Max Stern and Lindaohnson (chapter on Razz)

Full Tilt Poker Strategy Guide-Tournament dition (chapter on Razz)

Play Poker Like the Prosby Phil Hellmuth, Jhapter on Razz)Sklansky on Poker , by David Sklansky (chapter onazz)Super/System (original book) by Doyle Brunson (aw pages on Razz)Theory of Poker , by David Sklansky (Razz used to



pport some key theories) And creates new strategies that are often based

n simulations and probablilites using theroPokerTools Razz simulator roPokerTools.com)Play Razz Poker to Win, you will find:

A new Starting Hand Point System that allows you

calculate the strength of your hand as it relates toe exposed cards on board, the betting action of ur opponents and your position.

How to steal the antes by taking advantage of bothassive and aggressive players.

A new strategy for 4 th street play when you areealt a mediocre or bad card, called the Two-Levelule

Proof that the best drawing hand after five cards isot always the favorite over an already made 9 low!

A new strategy for 5 th street play that determines if nd how you should continue to play your hand; ands not as simple as the best hand versus the bestaw.

How the pot odds on 6th street is usually bignough to see the last card.How being a calling station is not a bad concept

hen it comes to 7th street play.Play Razz Poker to Win is a new look at a

ame that is going to be more important than ever s the champion at HORSE poker is seen as theest poker player in the world. Yet, you don’t have toe a champion poker player to be a consistent

nner at Razz poker. All you need is the winningrategies that you’ll find in this book.Acknowledgements: In writing this book, I wantthank Marc Johnson, who was able to convert

aying card clip-art into fifty-three usable, black andhite images.

Importantly, I want to dedicate this book to theeople who have contributed the most to my poker



ay. First, my Mom and Dad who encourage me toay poker and believe that poker is not a sin but annjoyable game of skill. Second, Andrea Siegel whoas my “poker manager” for years when I startedaying poker, and who just wants a small piece of e action. Finally, to the tournament directors in thean Francisco Bay Area card rooms that spend so

uch time and effort in providing a greatnvironment for poker players.hanks!tchell Co ert, 2008



Razz Poker Rules

The objective of Razz poker is to make thewest possible hand from the seven cards you areealt. The cards are dealt just like in 7-card stud,xcept that an Ace is always low and straights andshes have no effect on the value of your hand. The

west hand in Razz poker is A-2-3-4-5, and this isalled a wheel, a bicycle or a bike.

Razz is played with two to eight players, and is aed limit game. In a fixed limit game there is a set

mount that can be bet by each player in each round.The sequence of action in a hand of Razz

oker is the following:1. At the start of each hand, every player must

nte a set amount. This is often about 1/5 of the lowmit bet size.

2. Each player is dealt three cards; that is, twoards facing down, and one card facing up. This isown as 3rd street. The player with the highest cardcing up must start the action, which is called thering-in” bet. The bring-in bet is a set amount, andlower than the low limit bet size. The bring-in bettor

as the option to raise the bring-in bet and make aet that is equal to the low limit bet size. (Note: If two

more players have the highest ranked cards, theing-in bet is determined by which player has theghest suit of that rank. The suit order is spades,earts, diamonds, and clubs. Therefore, the King of pades would be the bring-in bet, when tied withnother card that has a rank of King.)

3. Action proceeds clock-wise from the bring-inettor. Each player can fold, call, or raise the bring-inet. All bets are equal to the low limit bet size.

4. After this first round of betting, the players stillthe hand get dealt another card face up. This is

alled 4thstreet, as each remaining player has four ards. The player with lowest hand showing acts



st, and the action proceeds clock-wise. Eachayer has the choice to fold, call, or raise. All betse equal to the low limit bet size.

5. After this round of betting, the players still ine hand get dealt another card face up. This is

alled 5thstreet, as each remaining player has fiveards. The player with the lowest hand showing acts

st, and the action proceeds clock-wise. Eachayer has the choice to fold, call, or raise. All betse equal to the highest limit bet size, which is

ouble the low limit bet size.6. After this round of betting, the players still in

e hand get dealt another card face up. This is

alled 6thstreet, since each remaining player has sixards. The player with the lowest hand showing acts

st, and the action proceeds clock-wise. Eachayer has the choice to fold, call, or raise. All betse equal to the highest limit bet size.

7. After this round of betting, the players still ine hand get dealt another card face down. This is

alled 7thstreet, since each remaining player haseven cards. The player with the lowest handowing acts first, and the action proceeds

ockwise. Each player has the choice to fold, call, or ise. All bets are equal to the highest limit bet size.

8. The player with the lowest hand wins the pot.



Starting HandsRules to Know

Razz poker is the one game left where you canet an edge against your opponents. Whileousands of books, articles, and videos have beenevoted to No Limit Hold'em, Hold'em, and Omaha,

le has been written about the game of Razz. But,e best Razz players know how to win because theyalize that knowing how to play starting hands isucial. If you follow the rules below, you will be on

our way to cashingin on the game of Razz.azz Poker Starting hand classification:Sklansky on Poker , Sklansky provides a simple

ut excellent classification of the hands you shouldonsider playing in Razz:Excellent hand: 3-2-A; this is called a bike.

Good hand: Three cards to a 6 or a 7-4. This isalled a smooth 7.Fair hand: Three cards to a rough 7 or smooth 8.

Poor hand: Three cards to a rough 8 or a threeard 9.

The definitions of smooth and rough are veryportant in understanding Razz. A rough 7 starting

and is 7,6,5, while a smooth 7 starting hand is2,A. A rough 8 starting hand is 8,7,6 while a

mooth 8 starting hand is 8,2,A.ule #1: Consider playing all hands with cardsetween A-8. On average, you’ll receive one of ese hands once in about every 6 hands.

When you get dealt a hand, you need tommediately notice the following:

Your three cards

Your exposed card

The exposed cards of your opponents

How many of the exposed cards are duplicateards to your hand



How many of the exposed cards make your lowandYour position to the bring-in bettor and opponentsho have low cards showingThe actions of the players who act before you.sounds like a lot, but it's really not that hard with justittle practice.

ule #2: As the number of duplicate cards to your and increases, so does the power of your hand.

Example: You have a (4-5) 6 and your opponentas the best starting hand (A-2) 3. But, you have four uplicate cards exposed on board 4,4,5,5,9,J andour opponent has none. You are a 61% favoritegainst this opponent. With three duplicate cards,u are a 57% favorite.

n the other hand, if your opponent has 3 duplicatesn board to your none, he is a 63% favorite.oard:

ou:

pponent:

Your (4-7) A is a favorite over (2-3) 5 if threeuplicate cards are exposed for your hand. Your dge is 56%. If there are only 2 duplicates, your



dge is only 53%. And, if you have just one duplicateur edge is gone, as it is 50%/50%.Rule #3: In Razz, when two players who both

ave an 8 or better starting hand go to 4th street,either player will typically have a significant edge.

In hold'em, a starting hand like pair over pair canve a player an 80% edge going to the flop. In Razz,

player will have a big edge if he starts with a8%/42% lead going to 4th street.ule #4: To increase your chances of winning aot, try to get headsup from the start by raising thering-in bettor.

It is important to realize that your chance of nning a hand in Razz is reduced as the number of ayers in a pot increases. Since the edges in

arting hands are not that great, you want to reducee number of opponents to one (or better yet, getveryone to fold). For perspective, if you are a bignderdog against two opponents, you’ll probably be

worst a 40%/60% underdog heads-up if you gete third player to fold.

Example:ayer A: (2-4) 6 Odds: 42%

ayer B: (A-5) 8 Odds: 22%ayer C: (4-6) 7 Odds: 35%

Player B folds on 3rdstreet, the odds for Player Player C is 55%/45%.

Player C folds on 3rdstreet, the odds for Player Player C is 56%/44%.Example: You have (A-2) 6, your opponent has

-5) 8, and the board shows you have 2 duplicates

A,2,9,9,J,J. You are a 63% favorite.However, you add a third opponent in this same

uation with a (3-5) 7. The odds of winning the handave declined dramatically to only 39%.

Rule #5: When there are 4 or more cards onoard that will help you make your 8 low, and 2 or ore players have shown strength by raising and



-raising, fold your hand.Since players get three cards 8 or lower only one

six hands dealt, they often jump at the opportunityplay their hand. This is a mistake.

oard:

ayer A:

ayer B:

ou:

You have (A-2) 8 and the board has 4 cards youeed to make an 8 or better and no duplicates. Thest two players show cards you need for an 8 low,nd the first raises and the next reraises. Now, of the

0 cards you need to make an 8 low hand, 4 cardse definitely gone and it is probable that there may

e another 4 or more cards you need hidden. Thiseans that your chance of getting an 8 low has beenduced by 40% or more. And, given the strength of e board, you may even need to hit a 7 low or etter.



addition, you are going to be against at least twopponents, so your odds of winning are reducedven further.

Rule # 6: When there are 3 cards or lessxposed on the board that will help you to makeour 8 low, and there has only been one raise, you hould play your hand.

Example: You have (A-2) 8 and an early positionayer with (x-x) 5 raises. The board has 3 exposedards that will help you make your 8 low. Should youall the raise? Yes. Assuming your opponent has theest starting hand with his 5, an (A-2), he is only a4% favorite. Again, given the pot odds it’s an easyall. And, you have the benefit of being heads-upgainst your opponent; being heads-up significantly

creases your chance of winning.ule #7: When you have three cards to a bike, play our hand even if there has been a raise and a re-ise.

Example: You have (A-2) 5 and there are twouplicates on board. If the first player with auplicate card raises, and the next player with auplicate card re-raises, it should not effect your

ay. While your opponents have strong hands, youust play this hand. While their actions indicate

ome of your cards may be in their hole cards, youave the potential to hit the best low hand, a2,3,4,5, and you can still win with a higher, low

and.Rule #8: Raise or re-raise with your excellent

nd good hands (a smooth 7 or better) in any

osition. However, if there has been a raise and re-ise in front of you, and you have no duplicate

ards exposed, consider folding your smooth 7.ule #9: Raise or fold your fair hands (rough 7 or mooth 8) depending on the number of playersehind you who have low cards exposed.

Example: The reason to raise with a hand like a



mooth 8 with three low cards behind you is that byising you give yourself a chance to win the pot right

way, plus you may only be called in one place and

nd being heads-up going to 4thstreet. If your pponent raises your bet, you should call his raise

s you will not be that far behind going into 4th street.owever, with four or more players with low cards

ehind you, fold these hands.ule #10: A poor hand (rough 8 or three card 9)hould always be folded if you have three playersehind you with low cards showing.ule #11: Re-raise a player when you know you ave a better hand than him.

Example: A player to your left with a 7 showingomes in with a raise. You have a (2-4) 6. Raise.

ou want to isolate against this opponent as you arethe lead. And, if you have duplicate cards

xposed, you have even more reason for a raise asur edge has improved.In fact, you should consider raising the player

ho comes in with a raise even if you think he has aetter hand than you to get heads up. For example, if e first player raises and has a 6 showing, you may

ant to raise with your smooth 7, if you can geteads-up. This allows you to find out if your opponentreally that strong and to have proper odds to call

n 4thstreet even if you hit a bad card.



StealingAn Essential Ingredient for Winning

Stealing is a key part of Razz poker. You can’t sitack and wait forever, since the antes and bring-inets will slowly erode your money. Don’t bleed-out ate poker table. If you want to win, you must steal the

ntes.1. Look for opportunities to steal the antes and

ring-in bets. Online Razz players hit their fold utton too fast. Wait for your turn before you decideour action, as a stealing opportunity may present self.

It is agonizing when the bring-in bettor shows ang, and everyone folds. The player to his right had10 showing, but hit his fold button without waiting to

ee the action. Wait. Don’t put yourself on autopilot,ere’s money to be won!Look to steal when you are to the right of the

ring-in bettor. If everyone folds to you, raise withour lower exposed card.xample: If you have a 9 showing and everyone

ds to you, you must raise the bring-in bettor whoows a Q, even if you have pocket 9's as your hole

ards. 3. Look to steal when your exposed card iswer than all other player's exposed cards.xample: If your exposed card is an 8, and all theayers have higher cards showing, you should raisesteal.Of course, if you are first to act, your exposed

ard is a 3, and all the other players show 4’s ands, it is not smart to steal without very strong holeards.

Look to steal when everyone folds to you, you ave an exposed low card, and you only have toet past one other player.

Example: You have (J-5) 4 and your opponentas a 10-7 2. Ever one folds to ou, so ou raise



s a steal with one low card in the hole. Your pponent calls your raise. Even though your stealasn’t been successful, your opponent only has a

7% edge. You can still win on 4 thstreet if you hit aw card, and bet as a semi-bluff.

Example: You have (K-Q) 4 and your opponentas a (10-7) 8. Everyone folds to you, so you raise

s a steal with two high cards in the hole. This is askier play. If your opponent calls, he is an 82%vorite, and if he re-raises, you should fold.

You may want to randomize this play to the timeshere you have one low card in the hole. In addition,ote that your opponent’s exposed card can begher or lower than your exposed card.Look to steal when you show an Ace

Since you have the best low card showing, your pponents can’t determine the true strength of your and. Again, you may want to try this play only whenou have one low card in the hole.

Look for a limp-steal, especially from an early osition.

Example: You have a playable hand in earlyosition but there are two or more lower exposed

ards behind you. When you limp, it looks to your pponents that you have a good but not great handke three cards to an 8-low), and you are concernedbout the players who have those lower exposedards. Often, you’ll be heads-up with the bring-inettor and you’ll win the pot with almost any card onh street.If you believe a player is stealing, and you are in

osition, re-raise the stealer to get heads-up or get m to fold.you think a player is stealing, always look to raise

nd reraise.Example: The bring-in bettor is to your left, and

veryone folds to the player on your right who showsn A, and raises. If you have (2-J) 4, and believe



our opponent is stealing, re-raise. The stealer mayd to your raise, or you will win the pot when you hit

ood and he hits bad on 4th street.

If you notice a player who raises too often on 3rd

reet, re-raise him since he can’t always have a big and.

Some players are very aggressive, especially

hen the table is short-handed. Against theseayers you need to re-raise and get heads-up. If theealer calls your bet, you should even consider sing his aggressive play against him, and slow-playur hand if you hit good cards.

If you notice a player re-raises too often on 3rd

reet, you should try to get heads-up against him. A few players almost always re-raise a player

ho raises on 3rd street. Try to get heads-up withs player. You can often steal the pot on 4 thstreet.r, if you get good cards, you can even slow-play ton a bigger hand. The bully at a Razz poker tablens a lot of pots, especially when the table is short-

anded.0. If you notice a player is so tight that he never efends his bring-in bet, look to raise him.

xample:If your exposed card is a 9, and the bring-bettor has a 10, he will fold even if you are last to

ct and are stealing.



3rdStreet PlayDon’t Be the Azz in Razz

There are many things Razz players do, whichey should not do. As a result hands that can beon, instead are lost. Hands that should be folded,

stead end up being costly. Don’t chase without theoper odds. Don't be the azz in Razz.Don't ignore the action when you have folded

our hand on 3rd street.Watch how your opponents' play their hands:

Do they come-in with a raise all the time or do theyst call?How often do they raise?

How strong are their hands when they call andhen they raise?How often do they steal? Too often or not at all?

How often do they defend their bring-in bet? In whatuations?

Do they chase when they are behind?

Which street do they decide to fold when they

eem behind?Do they ever slow-play? With which hands?

Do they check-raise or check-raise bluff? On whatreets?l players have tendencies that you can use to helpu make the right decision.

Don't defend your bring-in bet when your xposed card is two-levels higher than your

pponent.Razz players will defend their bring-in bet too

ten, especially when their hole cards look good.his is a mistake. When you are the bring-in bettor,ere are the odds you are getting to call if you havewo good hole cards and your opponent has theand he is representing:



· Your exposed card is four-levels higher thanour opponent (like 9 versus 5). You are 10-1 to

atch up on 4th street.Your exposed card is three-levels higher than your pponent (like 10 versus 7). You are 6-1 to catch up

n 4th street.Your exposed card is two-levels higher than your

pponent (like J versus 9). You are 4-1 to catch upn 4th street.Your exposed card is one-level higher than your pponent (like 9 versus 8). You are almost 3-1 to

atch up on 4th street.Example: You are the bring-in bettor with (A-2)

and everyone folds to the player to your right whoows a 4 and raises. You believe he is stealing,

nd want to call. The problem is that you may berong, and you may be chasing a strong hand. Also,

ou are hoping to hit good on 4thstreet, and your

pponent to hit a K on 4thstreet. And, even if he hits

King on 4thstreet, you are hoping to hit better than

our opponent on 5thstreet as well. The combinationthese outcomes points to a clear fold.

Example: You are the bring-in bettor with (A-2)0, and everyone folds to the player to your right whoows an 8 and raises. While there is a better ance your opponent will get a card 10 or higher an in the previous example, it is still a bad play.

Example: You are the bring-in bettor with (A-2)and everyone folds to the player to your right whoows an 8 and raises. If the board shows you have

ree duplicates, you should call. If it does not, andou believe your opponent is stealing, you can callst to mix up your play. You don't want to always foldour bring-in bet to the player to your right.

Don't get carried away with trying to win with your ring-in bet hand, even though one or more playersst called.



Sometimes you will see this bring-in bettor try to

n the hand with a bet on 4thstreet hoping hispponents will fold. They don't fold and when he

isses on 5th street, he has wasted a bet.Example: You have (7-9) J and bring it in. Two

ayers call, one showing a 6 and the other showing

n 8. On 4thstreet, both players hit bad cards —

ach with a Q, and you hit a 5. While you haveproved your hand, don't bet since your opponents

ll not fold. Wait to see what happens on 5thstreet. If

e same thing happens on 5thstreet, you can betnd have confidence that your opponents will fold.

4. Don't rule out slow-playing your starting ands. Slow-playing a strong hand with just a call isften a very profitable play in Razz. The benefits to

ow-playing are the following:· when you just call, opponents believe your hand

weaker than it iswhen you just call, any opponent who raises,

efines the strength of his hand. But, he does notow the strength of your hand — which gives you an

dge.

if you both hit good cards on 4thstreet, your pponent will think you are chasing when you may behead

if you hit a good card on 4thstreet and your pponent does not, when you bet your opponent willostly likely call and be the one chasing. This is aneal situation for you to win a big pot.ow-playing is even more powerful against the too

ggressive Razz player. You can trap this player for big pot by allowing him to bet all the way tohstreet, and calling or raising on the end.Don't be one of those players who always raises

ith an Ace showing.While it is a good play to try to steal with your

ce up card, don’t do it every time. Your opponents



ll notice, and they will take advantage of this play.good way to randomly decide when to raise with

our exposed Ace is to wait for when you have onew card in the hole.

Don't forget that players can't see your holeards.

This seems obvious but players give a winnable

ot away when all they look at is their own hand. Ondstreet, it is most obvious with stealing

pportunities like the example above. On 4thstreetnd later streets, the player who checks a hand whenthe “visible” lead often loses the hand.

xample:

You have (2-3) 5 and raise. Another player withn A showing re-raises you, and you call. On the flopou get an 8, and your opponent hits a 4. He acts

st and checks! Is he setting a trap? Most likely henot. Most likely the 4 has paired his hand, so you

an bet as you have the lead.Don't forget to adjust your starting hand

quirements for shorthanded play and look toeal more often.

The value of your exposed card and position



Razz Starting Hand Point System

Here is a simple point system to give you andge in playing the first three cards dealt to you inazz. Follow the five steps below as it will properlyalue the strength of your hand given the cardsxposed on board, your position in the hand, and the

etting action taken by your opponents. It works!1. Assign the following points to your hand using

e chart below (assumes 8 players):

2. Add or subtract points based on the exposedards on board:ach duplicate card to your hand: +1 pointach card needed to make your hand: -1 point

3. Subtract points based on the action of your pponents:

ach call of the bring-in bet: - 1 pointach raise of the bring-in bet: -2 pointsSubtract -1 point for each player who has a low

ard after your potential action in a hand:Total the points and act as follows:

the total points are:



xample:oard:

ou:

You have (A-6) 7. And the board is Q, 9, 6, 2,7, J,0, 5.oints: Your hand is 7-6 low=6 points. One

uplicate=+1 pt., Two cards needed=-2 pts.ne player behind you with a low card: -1 pt.otal before there is action on the hand: You have 4oints.veryone folds to the player with the 2 showing. Heises. Subtract 2 points.

otal: You have 2 points, so you need to call theise.

xample: Using the same hand, but your pponents’ actions are different.ou have (A-6) 7. And the board is Q, 9, 6, 2,7, J,0, 5.oints: Your hand is 7-6 low=6 points. Oneuplicate=+1 pt.,wo cards needed=-2 pts.



ne player behind you with a low card: -1 pt.otal before there is action on the hand: You have 4oints.veryone folds to the player with the 6 showing. Heises. Subtract 2 points.

he next player with the 2 showing, re-raises.ubtract 2 points.

otal: You have 0 points, so you need to fold.xample:oard:

ou:

You have (A-7) 8 and the board is K, J, 10, 8, 2,5, 9. Points: Your hand is 8-7 low=3 points. One

uplicate=+1 pt.,

wo cards needed=-2 pts.hree players behind you with a low card: -3 points.otal before there is action on the hand: You have€“ 1 point.veryone folds to you.otal: You have -1 point, so you need to fold.xample:oard:

ou:



You have (A-2) 5. And the board is K, 9, 2, A,5, J,9. Points: Your hand is 5 low=10 points. Two

uplicate=+2 pts., One card needed=-1 pt.ne player behind you with a low card: -1 pt.tal before there is action on the hand: You have 10

oints.veryone folds to the player with the 2 showing. Heises. Subtract 2 points.

he next player with the A showing, re-raises.ubtract 2 points.otal: You have 6 points, so you need to re-raise.xample:oard:

You:

You have (A-7) 6. And the board is K, 9, 2, A,6, J,9. Points: Your hand is 7-6 low=6 points. One

uplicate=+1 pt.,

wo cards needed=-2 pts.ne player behind you with a low card: -1 pt.otal before there is action on the hand: You have 4oints.veryone folds to the player with the 2 showing. Heises. Subtract 2 points.

he next player with the A showing, re-raises.



ubtract 2 points.otal: You have 0 points, so you need to fold.



Reading Players and Hands

It is important to try to get a read on your pponent and his hand. Here are tips to help youure out if your opponent is strong, weak or

omewhere in between.1. Players have tendencies when playing Razz

oker. Watch how your opponents play their first ree cards, as it will help to determine how to play gainst them:

· Tight players: Always wait for three low cards,nd raise when they are first in the pot. They missany stealing opportunities.

Aggressive players — Raise too often on 3rdstreet,nd like to steal too often.

Limpers: Like to get in cheap on 3rdstreet to seee next card.Slow-players: Like to trap by limping in with their g starting hands.Razz poker winners: They win more often. Theyow when to make a play, and who to make a play

gainst. If they get past 5thstreet, they bet

ggressively either because they have the best handthey are bluffing.In addition, you should notice the following:

Which players defend their bring-in bet too often,nd the relative strength of their exposed cards to

e raiser on 3rd streetAt showdown, notice the players hole cards andvaluate how they played their hand

Finally, don’t forget that your good opponents areso evaluating your table image. Based on how youe playing, try to understand your own table image

s it may effect how you play against differentpponents.

The first raiser in a hand does not necessarily ave a good low hand, but the caller will almost



ways have a good starting hand.Example: If a player raises with a 4 showing and

player calls with a 6 showing, the raiser may be onsteal but the caller most likely has three cards to anor better.

A player who calls the raiser on 3 rd street tendshave a good but not great hand.

Example: If a player raises with a 7 showing andplayer calls with an A showing, the caller probablyas a good, but not a great hand. If he could beat theow, he would have re-raised.In general, the higher the up card, the lower the

ole cards.Example: A player that comes in with an 8

owing will likely have small cards in the hole. So, if

e catches an A or 2 on 4 th street, there is a better ance he has paired up than if he hit a 7 on

hstreet. And, if the player comes in with a 9owing, you can be fairly certain he has the smaller w cards in the hole.

5. If your opponent has raised on 3rd street withlow card showing that is higher than two or moreayers with lower exposed cards, he probably is

erfect (A-2) or near perfect in the hole.Example: If a player raises on 3rdstreet with (x-x)

and he has players behind him showing better lowards, like A, 3, A, it's highly like his hole cards areerfect or near perfect.If your opponent has raised in a steal position on

d street, his hole cards are probably weak.

Example: On 3rd

street, after the bring-in bettor veryone folds to a player who has (x-x) 4. The nextayer shows (x-x) 3 and the following player is theing-in bettor with a (x-x) Q. If this first player raisesdoesn't mean his hand is strong, as he is in aealing position.

7. Knowing which cards have been exposed can



elp you to determine if your opponent has paired p or not paired up his hole cards on later streets.

Example: If you have a 3 in the hole, two 3'save been exposed, and your opponent hits a 3 onhstreet, you know for sure that his hand has

mproved.



4thStreet Heads-up Play

There are more mistakes on 4thstreet than anyher street in Razz. This is because Razz players

ate to fold a hand when they get to 4thstreet. Theseayers are so happy to have a playable hand, they

e willing to go to 5

th

street regardless of the cardsealt out on 4thstreet. It's important to try to read your pponent's hand, and to evaluate the relativerength of your hand compared to his hand. The

lowing scenarios in heads-up 4thstreet play willelp guide you to make the right decisions.

You are in the lead going into 4thstreet:Scenario #1-Both hit good cards: Both you and

our opponent are heads-up on 4th street, after healled your raise on 3rd street. You both hit good

ards on 4th street. If you are still in the lead, you hould bet.

Even though you are in the lead going intohstreet, it is never a big lead. So, when you hit

nother low card, and still lead on 4thstreet, you need

make your opponent pay if he wants to try andatch up. A bet here also gives your opponent thepportunity to fold. Clearly, the same situation existshen you hit good, and he hits a bad card onhstreet — bet out as you have the lead.

Scenario #2-Both hit good cards: Both you and

our opponent are heads-up on 4th street, after he

alled your raise on 3rd street. Both of you hit good

ards on 4th street, but he is in the lead. In most ases, you should call.

In Razz, the pot odds on 4thstreet are usuallyood enough in close situations where you shouldake the call. In a $5-$10 game, you will be gettingound 5-1. Plus, there is the chance that you can

ke the lead on 5th street.



owever, the game doesn't end on 5 thstreet, andou need to look at your hole cards compared to hisxposed cards, plus try to read his hand.xample:

If you have (A-2) 5,8 and your opponent has (x-x)4 — it looks like your opponent is working on a 7w, a strong hand. But, with the right card onhstreet, and given the strength of your hole cards,

ou should call.xample:



You have (A-2) 5 and raised on 3 rdstreet. Your pponent called your raise with a 6 showing. Onhstreet, you are dealt an A and he is dealt a 7. Youon't like the pair, but he doesn't know you have a

air. Don't take your foot off the pedal when you arethe “visible” lead. Give your opponent anpportunity to fold.

If you check your pair, your opponent will bet outsee if you are setting a trap. If he does bet, you will

eed to decide the strength of your hand relative toour opponents. If your hand is a long shot to catchp, you should fold. But, if you have perfect hole

ards to a bike, for example, you should call. This wille explained more on the chapter on 5th street play.Even with an exposed pair, you will probably be

etting the right pot odds to call, in hopes of hitting a

erfect card for a drawing hand on 5th street.xample:



epending on your hole cards relative to hisxposed cards, along with your read on his hand.xample:



You have (A-2) 5 and raised on 3 rdstreet. Your pponent called your raise with a 6 showing. Onhstreet, you are dealt a Q and he is dealt a 8. Your

pponent bets. You have (A-2) 5,Q and your pponent has (x-x) 6,8. He is a favorite with the 8,ut you are working at a bike for a low. Call the bet.xample:



You have (7-8) 5, Q and your opponent has (x-x)8. You are working on an 8 low, but your opponent

oks to be working on a better 8 low. This hand can

e costly to you, so fold.Scenario #5-You both hit bad: Both you and

our opponent are heads-up on 4th street, after he

alled your raise on 3rd street. You both hit bad

ards. Use the Two-Level Rule: If your 5 th street ard is twolevels lower or more than your opponent,ou should bet. If not, you should check, and call if



You are in the lead on 3rdstreet, and you hit a K

nd your opponent hits a pair. Don't bet here. Whileou are in the lead, you will be acting first on the later unds putting you at a positional disadvantage.

ait till 5thstreet to decide the relative strength of

our hand. Otherwise, if he hits good on 5thstreetnd you hit bad, you have wasted a bet.

You are behind going into 4th street:Scenario #6-Both hit good cards (but you are

ill behind): Both you and your opponent areeads-up on 4th street, after you called his raise ond street. You both hit good cards on 4 th street. If e is still in the lead, when your opponent bets, you hould call.xample:



Your opponent raised on 3rd street with a 6

owing, and you called with (2-4) 8. On 4thstreet, hedealt a 5 and you are dealt a 6. Your opponent has

e lead and bets. You should call for the followingasons:a) Assuming he has two low cards, the pot odds

e good enough for a call. Assuming he has an (A-in the hole, he has almost a 2-1 lead. But, in a $5-0 game, where the antes are a $1.00, and theing-in bet is $1.50, the pot odds are going to be

bout 5-1 for you to call. ($5 to call with a $24.50



ot).He may have paired up his hand. If so, you are

bout a 69% favorite.

c) If you hit good on 5thstreet and your opponentoes not, you will have the lead. For example, if onhstreet, your opponent has (A-2) 6,5,J and youave (2-4) 8,6,3, you are now a 67% favorite.

Scenario #7-Both hit good cards (you are now ine lead): Both you and your opponent are heads-

p on 4th street, after you called his raise on 3rd

reet. You both hit good cards on 4th street. If you re in the lead, you should bet. This is true even if ou paired your hand, as you have the “visible” ad.

Scenario #8-You hit good, he hits bad: Both you

nd your opponent are heads-up on 4th street, after ou called his raise on 3rd street. He is dealt a badard, and you get a good card. You are in the lead,o bet. This is true even if you paired your hand, asou have the “visible” lead.

Scenario #9-He hits good, you hit bad: Both you

nd your opponent are heads-up on 4th street, after

ou called his raise on 3

rd

street. Your opponent hitsgood card and you hit a bad card. In most casesu should fold, but a call may be right depending on

our hole cards relative to his exposed cards, alongth your read on his hand. (see Scenario #4 abover the explanation.)

Scenario #10-You both hit bad cards: Both you

nd your opponent are heads-up on 4th street, after

ou called his raise on 3rd street. You both hit badards. Use the Two-Level Rule: If you take the lead,

nd if your 4th street card is two-levels lower or morean your opponent, you should bet. If not, you shouldeck, and call if your opponent bets. If you are still

ehind, and if your opponent's fourth-street card isolevels lower or more than yours, if he bets, you



3rd and 4thStreetAdvanced Concepts

Here are a few advanced Razz Poker concepts

r 3rdand 4th street play. You may want to avoidying these plays until you feel you have mastered

e basics. These plays require that you have a goodel for the game of Razz and a good read on your pponents.

1. Look to get heads-up as it improves your hance of winning the pot. However, do not take this

oncept too far on 4th street, as it can cost you ore money when your read on your opponents isrong.

Recall that your odds of winning your 8 lowarting hand increases as the number of opponents

ecrease. On 3rdstreet, look to raise when you are

st in the pot. On 3rdstreet, after a limper has callede bring-in bettor, look to raise. You want your pponents to fold, but if there is a call you want to begainst just one player.

The same desire to be heads-up is true on 4th

reet play. On 4 th street, if you are against two or ore opponents, and the pot is big, use your betting

narrow the competition to one (or none, of ourse.)

xample:You have two opponents on 4th street.pponent A:



ou:

pponent B:

On 3rdstreet, opponent B acted first and limped

and opponent A just called the limp in bet, andou are fairly certain opponent A is not that strong.

o, if he bets out on 4thstreet, a raise by you shouldot only get opponent B to fold, but opponent A tost call your raise.owever, if you believe opponent A is strong, your ise may backfire in two ways:.



mping with a low card showing will often induceher players to fold their 9 low or higher hands, ands a result, you will end up against the bring-inettor. Being heads up against the bring-in bettor isvery favorable outcome and allows you to win with

4thstreet bet with almost any card.If you have aggressive players behind you, limp

with a strong hand with the intention of re-raising. At times, you will find players who are alwaysggressive against a player that limps into the pot. Itows the aggressive player to semi-bluff; meaning,at he is giving himself two ways to win: 1) the

mper folds to the raise or 2) the raiser hits a good

ard and the limper hits a bad card on 4thstreet,rcing the limper to fold. By sometimes limping with

strong starting hand against this player, you canap him when he is actually weak by re-raising, andetting him to fold.

5. If one player limps into a pot, and if you havelow card showing, and you are sure no other ayer except the bring-in bettor will be in the hand

n 4th street, you can call this bet given thevorable pot odds.

The odds the limper is giving you is veryvorable, as it can be 10-1. When you call, you willave an opportunity to beat both opponents if you hit

better card than your opponents on 3rd street.sking a small bet with such goods odds is

omething to look for in Razz.owever, if you hit a bad card and one of your pponents hits a good card, you should fold. Don’t

ase with a weak draw.6. When there has been a raise and a re-raise

n 3rd street, the pot size is now large enough that if

ou hit bad on 4th street, it is worth calling a bet onh street to try to catch up on 5 th street.xample:



You have (4-2) 3 and your opponent shows (x-x)

You raised and he re-raised on 3rdrd $10 razzame, the pot size is now $29.50, and it will onlyost you another $5 if your opponent hits a good

ard and leads out on 4

th

street. Even with your badard, you are betting $5 on 4th street to win $34.50.

ou should call and hope to take the lead on 5 th

reet.If you think a player in a back position is trying to

eal with a raise, you must re-raise.You need to be aware of the times your opponent

trying to steal. When you are in the right position

lative to this stealer, you must re-raise and not call.re-raise states to your opponent that you have a

rong hand and if you hit good on 4th street, he willave to fold.

If you just called his raise, you are allowing your

pponent to take the lead on 4thstreet with a bet,hich lets him have control and puts doubt in your



ad of his hand.

Further, if you hit a good card on 4 thstreet andet, and your opponent calls your bet, you need to-think your read. His call will often mean that he

ctually has a hand, and is not stealing.

8. When two or more players enter the pot on 3rd

reet in front of you, it is important that you realize

our chances of winning the hand has decreased nd play your hand accordingly.Example: After the bring-in bet, Opponent A

mps with (xx) 6, the next player raises with (x-x) 2,nd everyone folds to you in front of the bring-inettor. You need a good hand to call this bet, sinceou will be against two opponents, and one of thoseayers may have an excellent hand.

If you hit a great draw on 4th street you should onsider slow-playing your hand. It can set you upr a bigger win in the hand.

Example: You have (2-4) A, and your opponentows (x-x) 6. On 4th street, you hit a 3 and your

pponent hits a 7. If you check here, your opponentay think you paired your hole card, and bet. Just

all and let him take the lead to the river. If all goes

ccording to plan, you will win a big pot. If you bet outn 4thstreet, your opponent may fold when he doesn't

atch up by 5th street.10. While you should always be evaluating the

ay of your opponents, don't forget to think about e image you are presenting to your opponents.

It is always a good feeling to win a pot when your

pponents fold on 3

rd

and 4

th

street. In fact,ometimes you will be surprised when they fold asey have a weaker hand than expected or pair up a

ole card on 4thstreet. In addition, it’s even better ton a big pot, when your opponent misreads your

and and tries to chase you down on 7th street.By creating an image as a strong Razz player,

ur o onents will make mistakes and fold when



e should call, and call when the should fold.



5thStreetA System to Make the Right

Decision

5thstreet is the key decision point in Razz poker nce not only does the betting size double from this

oint forward, but also in most cases, if your hand isood enough to play on 5thstreet, it's good enough too all the way to the end. This is where you need toow if it's worth investing more money in your hand.not, you are chasing without the proper odds. Don'te the azz in Razz.

This introduces a new system to properlyvaluate the strength of your hand compared to your

pponent's hand. Many headsup simulations wereompleted to develop this system (see appendix for etails). Importantly, if you have a strong read onour opponent, follow your read first.

1. There are two key questions to ask when you

et to 5 th street. On 5 th street, look at your pponent's exposed cards and your hand, and ask ourself the following questions:

Who is “in the lead”?Definition of “in the lead”:

nless you can read your opponent's hand extremelyell, assume that his hole cards help and don't hurts hand. Therefore, the player whose exposedards are lower than their opponent's exposedards, are assumed to be “in the lead.”

Action:he player who is in the lead should bet his hand to

y to win the pot on 5th street.Whose “four-card draw” is better?Definition of a “four-card draw”:

ake away the highest-ranking card from the player th the leading hand, and these four cards are his

our-card draw.” Assume that his hole cards help



nd don't hurt his hand. Of course, the player whoseand is behind will use his best four cards tostablish his “four-card draw,” or simply his draw.

Action:the player in the lead also has the better “four-cardaw,” he is a big favorite. He should bet and his

pponent should fold. If the player who is behind has

e better “four-card draw,” he will either be a smallnderdog or a small favorite. When he is a dog, heould call and check his hand. When he is a smallvorite, he should jam the pot.

Here are some common situations you will

ce on 5th street and how this system is putto action:

You hit a bad card on 5 th street:

Example: You have (4-5) 7,9,10 and your pponent has (x-x) 6,8,9.tuation: You started the hand with three good

ards, but fell behind on 4thstreet. On 5th street, bothu and your opponent hit bad cards.

nalysis: Your opponent looks to have a made handth a 9 low, and a better “four-card draw” than youth an 8-6 to your 9-7. This means he is a big

vorite.ction: When he bets, fold. Don't chase. Don't be thezz in Razz.xample:



You have (A-4) 5,J,Q and your opponent has (x-x)K,7. Situation: Here you started with three cards to

bike. On 4th street, both you and your opponent hit

ad. On 5thstreet, you hit bad again, while your pponent hit a good card.nalysis: Your opponent has four cards working to aood low, while you only have three cards working.his is an awful situation for you, since it puts you

ay behind in the hand. Action: Check and if heets, fold. Don't chase. Don't be the azz in Razz.xample:



You have (A-3) 7,2,4 and your opponent has (x-x)8,6. Situation: You started with a good low, and

ou took the lead on 4thstreet. On 5thstreet, both yound your opponent hit good cards, but you are in thead.nalysis: Here you both look to have made hands.ou have a 7-4 and your opponent an 8-6. You evenave a better “fourcard draw” with your 4-3 to his 6-x.

ction: Bet and your opponent should fold. A trickier ay is to slow-play the hand, and check it. The checkay look like you paired your hole card. If so, your pponent will want to protect his lead and bet. Whiles play puts you at risk of losing since he can catch

p, you'll win a bigger pot than if you simply bet out

n 5th street.



You have (A-2) 5,A,3 and your opponent has (x-x)7,10. Situation: This is the example mentioned in

e chapter on 4th street. You started with threerong cards, but paired your A in the hole onhstreet. You checked on 4 thstreet and called when

our opponent bet. On 5thstreet, you have a bikeaw, while your opponent has a 10 low.nalysis: You have a draw to the best possible low

nd your opponent probably has a made hand with a0 low. You are at least a 58% favorite.ction: Jam the pot.

You paired up on 5 th street Example: You have (4-8) 6,2,4 and your

pponent has (x-x) A,6, J.tuation: You started with a good low, and improved

n 4th street. However, your opponent also got help

n 4thstreet. When he bet on 4thstreet, you called. Onhstreet, you paired up one of your hole cards, while

our opponent hit bad. Analysis: Pairs are bad newsRazz poker. However, the pair is hidden, which

eans you have the “visible” lead. Your opponent,ough, has a better draw with his 6-A to your 6-4.ction: Usually when you have the “visible” lead, you



You have (4-7) A,6,6 and your opponent has (x-x)7,8. Situation: You started with three good cards,

nd hit a good card on 4thstreet. When you bet onhstreet, your opponent called. On 5thstreet youaired up one of your exposed cards, while your pponent hit good.nalysis: Your opponent is in the lead with a madew of 8-7. He also may have a better “four-card

aw” with a 7-4 to your 7-6. An exposed pair hurtsour hand more than a hidden pair, since you haveo opportunity to bluff with a bet.ction: You can get into a lot of trouble in this hand.hen he bets, just fold.Example: You have (6-7) A,6,7 and your

pponent has (x-x) 4,7,8.tuation: You started with three good cards, paired

our hole card on 4thstreet. When you bet onhstreet, your opponent called. On 5thstreet youaired up again, while your opponent hit good.nalysis: You are in the “visible” lead with your 7-6 toour opponent's 8-7. You also have a better “visible”our-card draw.” While your opponent may be wearyat you have a made low of 7-6, it is not as scary as



made bike hand. Action: You can get into a lot of

ouble in this hand. If you bet on 5thstreet, it's a bluff.nd, most likely, your opponent is going to call. Itoks like you are going to end up losing a lot of oney so don't bet your hand. If he bets, just fold. Or,you read that your opponent is weak, check-raiseuff; this bet will say you have a 7-6 made low hand,

nd he will only call your bet if he can outdraw you.2. It is NOT true that any drawing hand is avorite over a made 9 low hand, and therefore theayer with the draw should jam the pot. Here areuidelines as to how a made hand of a 9 low ompares to drawing hands:

a) The player with a made low of 9-8, is a slightnderdog to a player who has any 7, 6, or 5 low

aw, but a big favorite over an opponent with any 8w draw.b) The player with a made low of 9-7, is a slight

nderdog to a player who has any 5 low draw, but ag favorite over an opponent with any 8 low draw.gainst a player with a 7 or 6 low, the results varyepending upon the cards each player holds.

c) The player with a made low of 9-6, is a slight

vorite over a player who has any 7, 6, or 5 lowaw, and a big favorite over an opponent with any 8w draw.

d) The player with a made low of 9-5, is a slightvorite over a player who has any 5 or 4 low draw,nd a big favorite over an opponent with any 8, 7 or ow draw.e) The player with a made low of 9-4, is a big

vorite over an opponent with any 8, 7, 6, or 5 lowaw, and a slight favorite over an opponent with a 4w draw.ere are some common situations with a madelow hand:xample:



You have a (A-3) 4,7,Q and your opponent has-x) 6,8,9. Situation: You started with a good hand,nd both you and your opponent hit good cards onhstreet. When you bet on 4thstreet, your opponent

alled. On 5thstreet, he hit good and you hit bad.nalysis: Your opponent is in the lead with a 9-8 lowand, but you have a better “four-card draw” with a 7-

Based on the strength of your draw, you are the

vorite to win the hand. Action: Jam the pot. You aree favorite and want to take advantage of your dge.



You have a (5-A) 4,7,Q and your opponent shows-x) 4,7,9. Situation: You started with a good hand,nd both you and your opponent hit good cards onhstreet. On 5thstreet, your opponent hit good and

ou hit bad.nalysis: Your opponent has the leading hand with a7 low made hand. You both have the same “four-

ard draw” with a 7-4. It is not clear who is the

vorite, so you need to be cautious.ction: Just call his bet, and see what develops onh street.xample:



You have a (A-3) 2,6,Q and your opponent has-x) 4,5,9. Situation: You started with a strong hand,

nd hit a good card on 4thstreet. Your opponent a

ood card on 4thstreet, and you called his bet. Onhstreet, your opponent hit a better card than you.nalysis: Your opponent is in the lead with a 9-5 lowade hand, and he has a better low “four-card draw”an you with a 5-4 against your 6-3.

ction: It depends. A fold is a play that will keep youut of trouble. You need a good read on your pponent, because he could have a worse “four-cardaw” than you. Given the pot odds, a call in thisuation is an acceptable play to see what happens

n 6th street.



You have a (A-3) 2,5,J and your opponent has (x-3,8,6. Situation: You started with a strong hand,

nd hit a good card on 4thstreet. Your opponent

alled your bet on 4thstreet. On 5th street, your pponent hit a better card than you.nalysis: Your opponent is in the lead with an 8-6w made hand. But, you have the better “four-cardaw” with a 5-2 to your opponent's 6-3.

ction: When your opponent bets, you should call.xample:



You have a (A-3) 2,7,J and your opponent has (x-3,8,6. Situation: You started with a strong hand,


alled your bet on 4thstreet. On 5th street, your pponent hit a better card than you.nalysis: Your opponent is in the lead with an 8-6w made Analysis: Your opponent is in the lead withn 8-6 low made 3 to your 7-3.

ction: It depends. A fold is a play that will keep youut of trouble. You need a good read on your pponent, because he could have a worse “four-cardaw” than you. Given the pot odds, a call in thisuation is an acceptable play to see what happens

n 6thstreet. But, you should make your decision on

hat happens on 6th street.The player with a made 10 low is an underdog to

drawing hand to a 7 low.xample:



You have a (4-6) 7,3,J and your opponent has (x-3,8,10. Situation: You started with a strong hand,


alled your bet on 4thstreet. On 5th street, your pponent hit a better card than you.nalysis: Your opponent is in the lead with a 10-8w made hand. But, you have the better “four-cardaw” with a 7-6 to your opponent's 8-3.

ction: When your opponent bets, you should jame pot as you are a slight favorite to win the pot.

When you are in the lead on 5 th street, consider check-raise when your opponent is aggressive.xample:



6th Street PlayIt Usually Pays to Stay

Once you've made your decision on how to play

n 5thstreet, 6thstreet almost plays itself...almost. If ou are in the lead, you are going to want to make

our opponent pay to continue to chase. If you areehind, and still think you will win if you hit your draw,

pays to continue to 7thstreet with the right pot odds.f course, if your opponent has you drawing dead,s time to fold.

If you are still in the lead on 6 th street, bet and try get your opponent to fold.

xample:

You have (A-5) 8,7,6,J and your opponent has (x-A,3,9,K. Situation: You had a good starting hand,

l behind on 4th street but decided to call to seehstreet. On 5

thstreet, you took the lead, bet and

our opponent called. On 6thstreet, you both hit badards.nalysis: Your opponent wouldn't have called your

et on 5th street without a strong draw.ou are still in the lead, and don't want him to catchp. Action: Bet your hand.



2. If you are not sure if you are still in the lead

n 6 th street, you should check. If your opponent ets, and you can still outdraw him, look at the pot dds. If the pot is giving you about 7-1 odds, you hould call his bet. (In most cases, you will havee right odds to call his bet.)xample:

You have (3-2) 8,A,6,K and your opponent has (x-6,7,J,5. Situation: You had a good starting hand,

l behind on 4th, but was called by your opponent

hen you bet your made 8-6 low. On 6th

street, he hitood and you hit bad.nalysis: You know that your opponent wouldn't have

ade a call to your bet on 5thstreet without a draw to

7. The 5 on 6th street now puts you behind in the

and, but you could outdraw your opponent on 7th

reet.

ction: When you go to 7thstreet needing to hit your

and to win, you usually have about a 15% chance ton. Therefore, when he bets his hand, if the pot isving you about 7-1 odds call his bet.



You have (3-2) 5,7,6,J and your opponent has (x-6,4,J,3. Situation: You had a good starting hand,

l behind on 4th, but was called by your opponent

hen you bet your made 7-6 low. On 6 th street, he hitood and you hit bad.nalysis: You know that your opponent wouldn't have

ade a call to your bet on 5thstreet without a draw to

6 or possibly a 7 low. So, that 3 on 6thstreet for our opponent may have you drawing dead as theest low hand you can get is a 6-5. Action: You can't

e sure where you are on this hand. Folding is aafe play, but you may actually be in the lead if heas a 7-5 as his hole cards or paired up. You shouldall.

If your opponent hit his card on 6 th street, and it oks reasonably certain that you are drawing dead,ld.



You have (3-7) 6,8,7,Q and your opponent has (x-A,2,J,5. Situation: You had a good starting hand,

nd decided to call your opponent's bet on 4thstreet

th your 8-7 low draw. On 5 thstreet you took thesible” lead, but your opponent called your bet.hen he called your bet, he had a draw that could

eat an 8 low. On 6thstreet your opponent hits aood card and you hit a bad card.nalysis: You have a draw to an 8 low, but your pponent probably has hit his 7 low.

ction: When your opponent bets his hand, youould fold.xample:



You have (3-7) 6,8,Q,Q and your opponent has-x) A,7,J,5. Situation: You had a good startingand, and decided to call your opponent's bet onhstreet with your 8-6 low draw. On 5 thstreet you

oth hit bad cards. You both checked. On 6 th streetour opponent hit a good card and you hit a badard. Analysis: You have a draw to an 8 low, but your

pponent probably has made his 7 low.ction: When your opponent bets his hand, youould fold as you may be drawing dead.

4. If you had the best “four-card draw” on 5 th

reet, and missed, the pot odds will usually be big nough for you to chase if you still can outdraw our opponent.xample:

You have (A-2) 3,4,8,K and your opponent has (x-6,7,3,5. Situation: You had a good starting hand,

ad the lead on 4th street, but fell behind on 5thstreet.

ou called your opponent's bet on 5th

street since youad a bike draw. On 6thstreet your opponent looks toave a made hand with a 7-6 low. Analysis: You areehind in the hand, but can win if you hit the rightard.

ction: When you go to 7thstreet needing to hit your and to win against a made low hand, you usually



ave about a 15% chance to win. Therefore, whenour opponent bets his hand, if the pot is giving youbout 7-1 odds call his bet.xample:

You have (4-6) 3,A,9,K and your opponent has (x-6,7,5,A. Situation: You had a good starting hand,

ad the lead on 4th street, but fell behind on 5thstreet.

ou called your opponent's bet on 5thstreet since youad the better “four-card draw” with your 6-4 to his 6-

On 6thstreet your opponent hit good, and you hit

ad.nalysis: You are behind in the hand, but can win if ou hit the right card.

ction: When you go to 7thstreet needing to hit your and to win, you usually have around a 15% chancewin. Therefore, when your opponent bets his hand,

the pot is giving you about 7-1 odds call his bet.

5. If you missed your draw on 6 th street, you

eed to determine if you are now drawing dead. If ou are drawing dead, fold. If you think you canutdraw your opponent, call his bet if the pot isving you 7-1 odds.



You have (A-2) 6,8,Q,K and your opponent has-x) 4,7,9,A. Situation: You had a good starting

and, but were still behind on 5thstreet. You called

our opponent's bet on 5thstreet since you had an 8-

draw against the 9-7 made hand. On 6thstreet your pponent hit good, and you hit bad.nalysis: Now, your opponent may have a made 7w hand, and if so, you are drawing dead.ction: If you think you are drawing dead, fold to hiset. If not, call his bet given the pot odds.

Here are some examples on how to play onh street: 1. You hit a bad card on 6 th street:xample:



You have (4-5) 7,9,10,K and your opponent has-x) 6,8,9,K. Situation: You should have folded this

and on 5thstreet, but you decided to go to 6th street.

oth you and your opponent hit a bad card on 6threet.nalysis: You have one more shot at winning theand, and the odds are probably close to 4-1. Once

ou called on 5thstreet, you might as well go to thever.ction: Call the bet, and hope to get lucky.xample:



You have (4-5) 7,9,10,K and your opponent has-x) 6,8,9,4. Situation: You should have folded this

and on 5thstreet, but decided to go to 6thstreet. You

t bad and your opponent hit a good card on 6threet.nalysis: If your opponent has what he'spresenting, you are drawing dead.ction: Fold when he bets. If he checks, just check

s he is simply trying to suck you into a bet on 7 th

reet.



You have (4-8) 6,2,4,Q and your opponent has (x-A,6,J,J Situation: Your opponent checked behind

u on 5thstreet, since he was not sure if you were

ying to trap him. On 6th street, you and your pponent hit bad cards.nalysis: Your opponent may actually be the favoritewin the pot, but now he is thinking he is on a one

ard draw. Action: Bet, since you want to take theot down now.xample:



You have (4-8) 6,2,4,Q and your opponent has (x-A,6,J, 8 Situation: Your opponent checked behind


ying to trap him. On 6th street, you hit bad and your pponent hit a good card. Analysis: Your opponentay think you have the better hand, but will not fold tobet here.ction: Check and try to get a free card. If he bets,ou should fold.xample:



You have (A-3) 7,2,4,K and your opponent has (x-

A,8,6,5. Situation: You bet on 5 thstreet since youad the lead and your opponent called.

nalysis: You hit bad and your opponent hit a goodard on 6th street. Your opponent either has maden 8 or 6 low. In either case, you have a draw to a

ke on 7th street.ction: If your opponent bets, just call. If your pponent checks, you should bet. It’s rare that a

ayer will try to trap you on 6thstreet. Even if he has6 low, you are getting the right odds to get lucky onh street.

You have a (A-3) 4,7,Q, J and your opponent has



-x) 6,8,9,K. Situation: You jammed the pot with your

4 draw, against his 9-8 made hand on 5thstreet.

n 6thstreet, you both hit bad cards.nalysis: Your opponent is in the lead with a 9-8 lowand, but you still can win if you hit your draw. You

mmed the pot on 5thstreet, which committed you to

o all the way to 7thstreet. You are 2-1 at winning the

and, and the pot is giving you a lot more than that.ction: When your opponent bets, just call.xample:

You have a (A-3) 2,5,J,K and your opponent has-x) 3,8,6,Q. Situation: On 5thstreet your opponent

et his hand and you called. On 6th street, you botht bad cards.nalysis: Your opponent is in the lead with his 8-6. Itoesn't matter since you have the bike draw and theght pot odds to call.ction: When your opponent bets, just call.

xample:



You have a (A-3) 2,7,J, K and your opponent has

-x) 3,8,6,5. Situation: On 5thstreet when your

pponent bet, you decided to call. On 6th

street, het a good card and you hit a bad card. Analysis:our opponent is in the lead with a made 8-5 or ossibly a 6-5 low hand. You are hoping for a 7 low.

our call on 5th street was a marginal one.ction: When your opponent bets, you should fold.ou could be drawing dead.

You hit a good card on 6 th street:

You have (4-5) 7,9,10, A and your opponent has-x) 6,8,9,K. Situation: You should have folded this



and on 5thstreet, but decided to go to 6thstreet. You

t a good card on 6thstreet, and your opponent hitad.

nalysis: You now have the lead on 6 thstreet with a7 made hand. Your opponent knows he has to

eat that hand, and will call if he has a draw to an 8w since he is about 3-1 and the pot will be offering

uch better odds. Action: Bet.xample:

You have (A-4) 5,J,Q,8 and your opponent has (x-

6,K,7,Q. Situation: You checked on 5 thstreet, andour opponent bet. You called.nalysis: You were going to fold this hand, but you

ecided to try to get lucky. On 6 th street, you hitood, and your opponent hit bad. This looks like aoin-flip now.ction: Check and call if he bets. It's worth seeingne last card.

xample:



You have (A-3) 7,2,4,5 and your opponent has (x-

A,8,6,5. Situation: You bet on 5 thstreet since youad the lead and your opponent called.

nalysis: You both hit good cards on 6 thstreet, andr you it gives you a bike. Your opponent may have6 low, and will be reluctant to let that hand go.ction: Bet, as your opponent will call. Or, go for aeckraise.



>-->You have (4-6) A,9,J,2 and your opponent has (x-

8,4,6,5. Situation: You called on 5 thstreet whenour opponent bet, hoping to hit your 9 low draw. On

hstreet, you hit a good card, as did your opponent.nalysis: You hit your draw to a 6 low, but your pponent is in the lead with an 8 low. You can't bere you have a better draw than your opponent.

nd, even if you hit a 3, you may lose the pot.ction: When your opponent bets, you need toonsider the pot odds. If the pot odds are 9-1, youould call. If not, fold.

xample:

You have a (5-A) 4,7,Q,8 and your opponent



ows (x-x) 4,7,9, J.tuation: You called your opponent's bet onhstreet. On 5th street, your opponent hit bad but yout a good card. Analysis: You hit your draw, whichuts you in the lead. If your opponent can't outdrawou, he will fold. But, most likely, he will call your bet.ction: When your opponent checks, bet your hand,

nd see what he does.xample:

You have a (A-3) 2,5,Q,8 and your opponent has

-x) 5,6,9,7. Situation: You just called your pponent's bet on 5thstreet, since you are a slight

og. On 6thstreet, you hit a low card, as did your pponent.nalysis: It's unclear how strong your opponent'sand is now. When he bets, you are probably lookingbeating a 7-6. With a bike draw, you have to call. If

e checks his hand, you can take the free card.

ction: Your opponent bet. Call his bet. Even if heas the 7-6 low, you are getting the right pot odds.



You have a (A-3) 2,6,Q,4 and your opponent has

-x) 4,5,9,3. Situation: On 5th street, when your

pponent bet you called his bet. On 6th

street, youoth hit good cards.nalysis: You have a 6-4 made low hand. Your pponent could already have a bike. If he bets intoou, you need to call. If he checks, you don't want toe check-raised, so check behind him.ction: Your opponent bets. You have to call onhstreet, and it's going to be automatic call on

hstreet with your 6-4 low. If your opponent has theke, that's just the way it goes.xample:



You have a (A-3) 2,5,J, 8 and your opponent has

-x) 3,8,6, Q. Situation: On 5thstreet your opponent

et his hand and you called. On 6

th

street, you hitood and your opponent hit a bad card.nalysis: You are in the lead with a made 8-5 low.

our opponent may be able to pass you on 7 th

reet. Action: Bet your hand.

You paired up on 6 th street:xample:

You have (4-8) 6,2,4, 8 and your opponent has (x-A,6, J, J Situation: Your opponent checked behind




ying to trap him. On 6th street, you hit an 8, and your pponent paired his J. Analysis: Your exposed cardsve you a strong board, despite having two pairs.ction: Bet, since you want to take the pot downow.

You have (4-7) A,6,6,4 and your opponent has (x-4,7,8,J. Situation: You decided to call your

pponent's bet on 5thstreet, since you liked your

aw. On 6thstreet, you hit a 4 and your opponent hitJ.

nalysis: You now have two pairs, while your pponent has a made low of 8-7. It looks like youould have a 6-4 made hand, so your opponent willobably check.ction: If your opponent bets, fold. If he checks, takee free card.xample:



You have a (A-3) 2,5,J,J and your opponent has

-x) 3,4,9,4. Situation: On 5thstreet your opponent

et and you called with your bike draw. On 6 thstreet,u both paired up your exposed cards.

nalysis: Your opponent is still in the lead with a 9-4w made hand, and is going to bet his hand. Noticeat he has two of the 4's you need to make your ke. Fortunately, you don't the 4's you need to makeour bike. Fortunately, you don't 1.ction: Your opponent bets, and you call.



6th Street PlayAdvanced Concepts

ere are some advanced concepts that may comehandy as you work on your Razz poker game.1. The chances of hitting that one “perfect” card

ou need to outdraw your opponent on 7 th

street:f all 4 suits of that card are live=12%

f only 3 suits of that card are live=9%

f only 2 suits of that card are live=6%

f only 1 suit of that card is live=3%This is important for making the right decision on

hstreet, since you need to compare those odds to

e odds of hitting that perfect card on 7thstreet. And,you expect to be paid off when you hit that “perfect”

ard on 7thstreet, your implied odds are better: thatthe additional money you will win when your

pponent calls you down.2. When both you and your opponent's hands

rn into mediocre lows on 6 th street, you often want

check on 6 th street rather than risk losing two

ets.xample:

You have 4-6 3,7,10,10 and our o onent has



-x) 2,3,J,K. Situation: You had the lead on 5 thstreetnd bet your hand. Your opponent called your bet,

nd you both hit bad on 6th street. On 6th street heecks to you.

nalysis: You opponent called you on 5thstreet sincee was hoping to hit his draw; it’s a draw that looksbe a 6 or 5 low. If you bet here, your opponent will

all. In fact, he is only a slight underdog given your 10w. On 7thstreet, he will check and call if he hits a8,9 or maybe even a 10. If he hits a 5 or 6, he willobably bet or check-raise your bet.

you check your mediocre low on 6thstreet, your pponent will bet with a 5,6,7, or 8 low. You will havecall this bet, even if you improve. If he checks, youll bet if you hit your 7 low, and he will have to call

th his 9, 10 or even a Jack low. Therefore, if youet, you are risking two bets with a mediocre low. If ou check, you are risking just one bet — which mayow you to win that same one bet from your

pponent. Action: Check your mediocre low on 6 th

reet.xample:

You have (4-8) 3,7,Q,10 and your opponent has-x) A,6,J,K. Situation: Your opponent was leading

n 5thstreet and bet his J low. You called. On 6 th



reet, you hit a 10 and he hit a K. Analysis: You andour opponent both have mediocre lows. You have a0 low and your opponent has a J low. If you bet onh street, he will call your hand. He is only a slight

og. By betting on 6thstreet you are risking losing

wo bets. While you are leading on 6thstreet, byecking you are risking less and most likely,

nning the same number of bets.ction: Check your hand.

3. When both you and your opponent's hands

rn into poor lows on 6 th street, it is okay to check nd call when you are behind since the pot oddsre usually right.xample:

You have (4-7) A,J,Q,K and your opponent has-x) 6,10,Q,Q. Situation: Your opponent bet onhstreet, hoping you would fold your Q-J to his Q-10.

ou called, and on 6 thstreet, neither you nor your

pponent improved.nalysis: You need to check this hand, and if your

pponent bets on 6thstreet, the pot odds will requireou to call his bet. You are probably 4-1 to win thisand, and the pot odds are probably better.ction: Check and call your opponent's bet.

4. Raising your opponent on 6 th street when



ree of your exposed cards are stronger than your pponent's exposed three cards is an advanced ay that gives you an opportunity to win more bets,ithout costing you more.xample:

You have (8-2) A,6,J,5 and your opponent has (x-

7,6,10,5. Situation: You lost the lead on 5 thstreet.

n 6thstreet, your opponent shows a 7-6 and actsst with a bet. You have a made low of 8-6 and your pponent may have you beat with his 7-6 made low.

nalysis: When he bets, you can call and hope to hitgood card to make a 6 low on 7thstreet. Or, if youise, he may fold to you if he has paired up, and if

ot, he will check to you on 7thstreet. If you hit your 6

w, you will most likely win another bet on 7 th street.not, you lose the same two bets. Action: Raise.



You have a (A-3) 4,7,Q,J (J) and your opponentas (x-x) 6,8,9,K (x).tuation: You jammed the pot with your 7-4 draw

gainst his made 9-8 low hand on 5thstreet since

ou were a statistical favorite. On 6th

street, you botht bad cards.

nalysis: You missed your draw on 7thstreet. Brick-ickbrick...it's what makes Razz a pain in the azz.ction: Check your hand. If your opponent bets, justd.

xample:

You have a (A-3) 2,5,J,8 (K) and your opponentas (x-x) 3,8,6,Q (x).

tuation: You were in the lead on 6 thstreet, so you

et your hand. You didn't improve on 7 thstreet, butll have a nice 8-5 low.



You have a (A-3) 2,5,J,K (9) and your opponentas (x-x) 3,8,6,Q (x).tuation: Here you end up with a 9 low.

nalysis: Your opponent has been betting on 5thandh

street, so you are fairly certain he has an 8 low.owever, marginal calls are acceptable plays in

azz poker since the pot is usually big on 7th street.ction: When your opponent bets, call his bet andope for the best. If your opponent checks his hand,eck it down.

xample:

8,6,Q (x).tuation: Here you end up with a 7 low.nalysis: Your opponent checks his hand, and youave to decide to check or to bet. In this case, whene checks you should bet, as he would bet his 6 low.e ma be tra in ou, but he has to be concerned



at you have a monster since you called him when

ou hit bad on 5th and 6th street.ction: When your opponent checks, bet your hand.e will have to call your bet with an 8 low, or fold if heissed. Example:

You have a (A-3) 2,5,J,K (6) and your opponentas (x-x) 3,8,6,Q (x).tuation: Here you end up with a 6 low.nalysis: Your opponent bets his hand, which couldean he is bluffing, or has an 8 low, or maybe even6 low. Given these different outcomes, you shouldise with your 6-5 low. Action: He bets, and you

ise. If he re-raises, you'll call. If he just calls, youobably won.If there is any chance your opponent's bet on the

nd is a bluff, you must call.



9-J (x).

tuation: You called on 6thstreet hoping to outdrawour opponent.nalysis: Your opponent bets his hand. Since heouldn't bet a 9 low, it seems he has an 8 low. He iscting like he doesn't fear your draw, which means

e may be bluffing. Giving the pot size on 7th street,

u are going to have to call.ction: When he bets, call and hope he is bluffing.4. Players tend to avoid betting on the end when

ey only have a 9 low and the opponent shows twow cards on the board. They fear their opponent

as outdrawn them on 7 th street.xample:

You have (2-3) A,8,Q,K (x) and your opponentas (x-x) 7,8,9,J (x).

tuation: You called on 6thstreet hoping to outdrawour opponent.nalysis: Your opponent checks his hand since heas a 9 low and is afraid you hit your draw.

ction: If you can beat a 9, bet your hand.When the pot has gotten big on 7 th street, if thereany chance of a bluff working when you miss, bet.

The pot is so big on 7th street, if you had the leadnd have been betting throughout the hand, you mustet again on the end and hope your opponent folds.xample:



You have (4-8) 6,2,4, 8 (8) and your opponentas (x-x) A,6, J, J (x)tuation: Your opponent checked behind you onhstreet, since he was not sure if you were trying to

ap him. On 6th

street, you bet and your opponentalled your bet.nalysis: You have a full house and have no chance

winning this hand. However, you have a strong

oard and your opponent will fold if he hit bad on 7th

reet.ction: Bet, and unless your opponent hit a goodard, you will win the pot.

this last hand, if you were “the opponent” and hadJ low, would you call the bet on the end?



We all pair up on 5th street. But, I’m in thesible” lead. I bet and both opponents fold.

230********* # 42 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571483750: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:29:22 ET -

007/12/20

Board: K 2 4 7 4 A 5e: (7-Q) 2. I fold, after there is a raise of the bring-bet. $229********* # 43 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571489293: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:29:53 ET -

007/12/20Board 7 J 7 J 3 5 2 J

e: (2-3) J. I fold after the player with the 2 calls theing-in bet.ullTiltPoker Game #4571494634: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:30:23 ET -

007/12/20Board: 3 9 7 8 3 K 3 K

e (J-4) 9. I fold after the player with the 3 raises.227

********* # 45 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571499755: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:30:52 ET -

007/12/20Board 2 9 K 3 10 9 5

e: (3-10) 9. I fold after the player with the 3 calls theingin bet.

226


007/12/20Board 5 K J 3 K J 2

e: (8-10) K. I’m the bring-in bettor. I get raised andd. $223.50




007/12/20Board Q 9 8 Q 3 10 J A

e: (5-6) 9. I fold after the player with the 3 raises.222.50

ullTiltPoker Game #4571522560: Tableollywood $5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz -3:33:04 ET - 2007/12/20

Board: 7 5 9 Q 8 5 9 7e: (3-2) 5.he player with the Q brings it in. The player with thecalls. Another player with a 7 raises. I have 10

oints plus 1 duplicate, and I caller and I raiser.

otal points is 8 points, so I re-raise.*** 4TH STREET ***e: (3-2) 5,8pponent A: (x-x) 7,8pponent B: (x-x) 7,Q

m in the lead and bet. Both players call.*** 5TH STREET ***

e: (3-2) 5,8,6

pponent A: (x-x) 7,8,Apponent B: (x-x) 7,Q,A

m in the lead and would like to have at most onepponent. I bet and only Player B calls.

*** 6TH STREET ***e: (3-2) 5,8,6,9pponent B: (x-x) 7,Q,A,7bet expecting my opponent to fold. He calls.

*** 7TH STREET ***e: (3-2) 5,8,6,9,7pponent B: (x-x) 7,Q,A,7 (x)y only hope to win more is if my opponent made alow, or decides to bluff. I check and he checks. Heucks as I have a 7-6 low.ullTiltPoker Game #4571539392: Table Hollywood



$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:34:42 ET -007/12/20

Board: 8 5 9 K 6 7 10 K Me: (5-Q) 5. I fold to aise. $277********* # 50 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571545068: Tableollywood $5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz -3:35:14 ET - 2007/12/20

Board: 7 9 8 7 2 3e: (2-6) 7. The player to my left is sitting out. Theayer to my right brings it in, the player with the 7alls, as does the player with the 3.have 6 points plus 3 duplicates, minus 1 cardeeded, minus 2 callers.otal 6 points, so I raise. Both players call.

*** 4TH STREET ***e: (2-6) 7,5pponent A: (x-x) 9,4pponent B: (x-x) 7,8

m in the lead and bet. Only Player B calls.*** 5TH STREET ***

e: (2-6) 7,5,8pponent B: (x-x) 7,8,6

m in the lead. I bet and get called. Me: (2-6) 7,5,8,Kayer B: (x-x) 7,8,6,2y opponent is in the lead and bets. I decide to callnce he limped into the pot, and may have a 9 lowus I may outdraw him, plus the pot odds were fairlyood at over 6-1.* 7TH STREET ***

Me: (2-6) 7,5,8,K,J

ayer B: (x-x) 7,8,6,2 (x)y opponent bets. I decide to call with my 8 low. My

pponent shows a 7-6 low. I lose.236********* # 51 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571566355: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:37:16 ET -



007/12/20Board 8 A Q 3 9 5 4 Q

e: (A-K) 8. A player raises and I fold. $235********* # 52 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571571382: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:37:45 ET -

007/12/20

Board: J 10 7 9 A 4 6e (K-3) J. I’m the bring-in bettor, get raised andd. FullTiltPoker Game #4571575987: Table

ollywood - $5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:38:11T - 2007/12/20

Board J 8 3 A 9 Q Me (Q-5) J. I fold. $231.50********* # 54 ************** FullTiltPoker Game4571580185: Table Hollywood - $5/$10 Ante $1 -

mit Razz - 23:38:36 ET - 2007/12/20Board: 9 J 3 4 4 Q

e: (A-5) 9. I fold to the player who raises showing a$230.50

********* # 55 ************** FullTiltPoker Game4571585586: Table Hollywood - $5/$10 Ante $1 -mit Razz - 23:39:07 ET - 2007/12/20

Board: 10 6 9 A Q 8 Q

e: (6-7) 10. The player with the Ace raises. I fold.229.50********* # 56 ************** FullTiltPoker Game4571594194: Table Hollywood $5/$10 Ante $1 -mit Razz - 23:39:57 ET - 2007/12/20

Board: 7 3 J 2 Q 10 4 7e: (6-4) 3. The player to my left returns. The player th the Q brings-it in, and the 7 folds to me.

have 9 points plus 2 duplicates, minus 1 cardeeded, and 3 low cards behind me.otal points is 7 points, so I raise. The player with thecalls, Me: (6-4) 3,7ayer A: (x-x) 2,J I bet and he folds. $243********* # 57 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571600408: Table Hollywood



check. My opponent checks.*** 5TH STREET *** Me: (K-2) 6,2,K

pponent A: (x-x) 8,3,J We both check.*** 6TH STREET *** Me: (K-2) 6,2,K,Q

pponent A: (x-x) 8,3,J,4 He bets and I fold.241ullTiltPoker Game #4571637256: Tableollywood $5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz -3:44:05 ET - 2007/12/20

Board: 7 4 9 2 5 4 8 7e: (6-3) 4. The player to my right brings it in, ande player with the 8 raises.have 9 points plus one duplicate, minus 2 cardseeded and minus 2 for the raiser.otal is 6 points. I re-raise, and my opponent calls.

*** 4TH STREET ***e: (6-3) 4, 3pponent A: (x-x) 8, Qhave the “visible” lead and bet. My opponent folds.ven the re-raise, he should have called.

258.50********* # 63 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571643123: Table Hollywood

$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:44:39 ET -007/12/20Board 7 A 3 5 9 6 A Q Me: (10-Q) 7. I fold.

257.50********* # 64 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571646824: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:45:00 ET -

007/12/20

Board: 10 3 6 J 8 4 5 8e: (7-9) 3. There are two callers before it gets toe. I have negative points. I fold.ullTiltPoker Game #4571656934: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:45:58 ET -

007/12/20Board: Q 8 7 10 10 10 K



e: (3-J) 8. The last King brings it in. I have to get bye player with the 7 to steal the pot. I decide to fold.urns out everyone folds to the bring-in bettor. I hatehen this happens.255.50********* # 66 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571659846: Table Hollywood

$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:46:15 ET -007/12/20Board: 3 A 10 K J 8 10 4

e: (3-8) A. The last King brings it in. I have 6 points,us 2 duplicates, minus one card needed and 2 lowards behind me. Total points is 5 points, so I raise.veryone folds. $264.********* # 67 **************


Board 5 6 8 9 A 3 7 8e: (2-5) 6. The 9 brings it in, and the player with theraises. I have 9 points, plus 2 duplicates, minus 1

ard needed, and 1 player behind me.otal points is 9 points. I re-raise, and get called.

e: (2-5) 6,6pponent: (x-x) 5,6y opponent bets. Since I re-raised, I’m getting pot

dds to call and see another card.*** 5TH STREET *** Me: (2-5) 6,6,2

pponent: (x-x) 5,6,10 My opponent bets. I fold.248********* # 68 **************


Board: 5 5 J 6 K 10 4e: (4-2) 5. The King brings it in, and the player withe 4 calls. I have 10 points, plus 3 duplicates, 1ayer behind me, and 1 caller.



otal points is 11 points, so I raise. The player withe 6 showing re-raises. The callers fold, and I re-ise again. I am heads-up.

*** 4TH STREET ***e: (4-2) 5,7pponent: (x-x) 6,3e has the lead and bets. I call.

*** 5TH STREET ***e: (4-2) 5,7,3pponent: (x-x) 6,3,10have the lead and bet. He calls. Me: (4-2) 5,7,3,Apponent: (x-x) 6,3,10,8bet when I see his 8 hit. I should have waitedecause I noticed I hit a wheel after I made the bet. Icted too fast. The right play may have been to

eck, and try to win more on the river. He folded.285********* # 69 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571689627: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:49:06 ET -

007/12/20Board 8 10 8 3 9 10 6

e: (6-6) 10. I fold. I was not the bring-in bettor.

284.********* # 70 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571701739: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:50:18 ET -

007/12/20Board 4 7 7 5 J

e: (Q-K) 7. I fold.. Three players sat out. $283********* # 71 **************

ullTiltPoker Game #4571705428: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:50:39 ET -

007/12/20Board K 9 Q 3 6 4 Me (9-2) 9. I fold. $282




oard 4 9 4 2 2 8 6e: (2-6) 9. I have to bring it in. I get one caller.

*** 4TH STREET *** Me: (2-6) 9, 6pponent: (x-x) 2,8 He bet and I fold.279.50********* # 73 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571713174: Table Hollywood

$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:51:24 ET -007/12/20Board: K 9 J Q 3 9 4 Me: (J-3) 9. I fold $278.50


007/12/20Board: Q 2 Q 3 3 A 4

e: (6-9) 2. The bring-in bettor was the Q to my left. Iad negative points. I fold.ullTiltPoker Game #4571725423: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:52:35 ET -

007/12/20Board: 7 4 Q K 3 9 K

e: (8-6) 4. The K to my right brings it in. I raise asveryone folds to me.

284********* # 76 ************** FullTiltPoker Game4571729143: Table Hollywood - $5/$10 Ante $1 -mit Razz - 23:52:57 ET - 2007/12/20

Board: 2 6 Q Q 4 8 7 Me: (6-2) 6. I fold. $283********* # 77 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571732923: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:53:19 ET -

007/12/20Board: 10 A J J K 10 5

e: (10-5) A. The K brings it in, and gets called bye player with the 5. I fold.282********* # 78 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571740090: Table



pponent A: (x-x) Q,Kpponent B: (x-x) 8,7et with the “visible” lead. Both players fold.

335.50********* # 82 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571778686: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:57:48 ET -

007/12/20Board: 3 10 8 6 2 J 9 Me: (10-5) 10. I fold.334.50********* # 83 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571783603: Tableollywood $5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz -3:58:17 ET - 2007/12/20

Board: 7 2 J 3 K 9 Q

e: (5-A) 2. The K brings it in. The 7 raises. I have0 points plus one duplicate, one card needed, andne low card behind me.e: (5-A) 2, 10pponent: (x-x) 7, Ae bets and I call.

*** 5TH STREET ***e: (5-A) 2,10,4

pponent: (x-x) 7,A,9e bets. He has a 9-7 made hand, but with a bikeaw I’m the favorite. I raise and he calls.

*** 6TH STREET ***e: (5-A) 2,10,4,3pponent: (x-x) 7,A,9,Jhit a wheel. I decide to bet since he is going to beasing his money. He calls.

*** 7TH STREET ***e: (5-A) 2,10,4,3 (K)pponent: (x-x) 7,A,9,J (x)bet and he calls. I win with my wheel.394********* # 84 **************ullTiltPoker Game #4571797205: Table Hollywood



$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 23:59:38 ET -007/12/20

Board A J Q K 5 4 10 3e: (8-6) J. I fold, after the player with the 5 raises.393.********* # 85 ************** FullTiltPoker Game4571805045: Table Hollywood - $5/$10 Ante $1 -

mit Razz - 0:00:24 ET - 2007/12/21Board: 10 10 Q Q 10 4 8e: (A-8) 10. I folded after the player with the 4ises. $392

ullTiltPoker Game #4571809701: Table Hollywood$5/$10 Ante $1 - Limit Razz - 0:00:52 ET -

007/12/21Board: A 7 K Q 10 8 7 8 Me: (Q-3) 7. I fold

391.otal: Win $191: Played 49 hands in 29 minutes.



Razz Poker Player Cheat Sheet

d street:it a playing hand, stealing hand or a folding hand?f it’s a playing hand: Use the Starting Hand Pointystemf it’s a stealing hand and you get called, prepare tod

4thstreet:ou hit a good card: Bet or Callou hit a mediocre or bad card: Use the Two-Levelule You have the “visible” lead: Bet

Two-Level Rule:

hen your 4th street card is two-levels lower or morean your opponent, you bet. If not, check or fold.

Corollary: When your card is two-levels higher or ore than your opponent, check or fold.)

Important: Exceptions to folding on 4th street :

There was 2 or more raises on 3rd street, callYou have 3 cards to a bike, callhstreet:

Use the Lead or “Four-card draw” rule:f you are ahead in both: Bet.f you are ahead in one: Callf you have neither: Fold

hould you jam the pot?· Made 10 hand: No. It’s never a favorite against

drawing hand

Made 9-8, 9-7: Yes, but only against any 8 drawes with 7 or 6 low)All other made 9 hands: Yes. Favorite against allaws

Made 8 Hand: Yes. Favorite against all drawsCorollary: Use the above info to know when to jam

s the drawing hand)



hstreet:Give yourself a chance to get lucky on the river if:

You are not drawing dead andYou are getting 7-1 odds.hstreet:hat your read? You make the call....



Razz Poker Tips

Don’t forget pot odds. A pot that has been raisednd re-raised will usually give you the right pot odds

call even if you hit bad on 4th street.The Slow-play. Limp in first with a good hand,

specially with one or more lower cards behind you.

you get raised, call the raise. The raiser won’t putou on a good hand. As a result, you can win a bigot if you hit good cards.

Take advantage of the aggressive players toour right. You notice a player to your right who

ways raises with the lowest or 2ndlowest card.hen you have position, you should re-raise eventh a higher exposed low card to get heads-up. If

ou hit good, you’ll win with a bet on 4th street if he isealing.

The Short-handed Limp. When the table is short-anded, be more inclined to limp into the pot with aood hand. It will give you an opportunity to win agger pot, and it will cost you little to fold if you miss.

The Limp/Re-raise. Limp in first with a goodand, another player limps in as well, and a thirdayer raises. Since the limper is between you ande raiser, re-raise to get heads-up. Even if theiser has a lower exposed card than you, make thisay. Getting heads-up significantly improves your ance of winning. Also, if the original raiser doesn’tise, he may not be that strong after all.

Take advantage of the bad players. A player whoalls a raise as the bring-in bettor with a picture cardxposed. Raise that player when he is the bring-inettor, if you have the chance to get heads up.

Take advantage of the bad players. A bad player one who limps in or calls a raise with an exposed

ard 10+. Try to get heads-up with this player.ake advantage of passive players to your left.

hen you have the lowest or 2ndlowest exposed



ard compared to the passive players to your left,ise as a steal. If you get re-raised, you can fold. If

ou have one low card in the hole, call the raise. If

ou hit good on 4th street, you may win with a bet.

Don’t chase without proper odds on 4thstreet.

hen there is only one raise on 3rdstreet, and you

e heads up, if you hit bad on 4thstreet, fold when

ur opponent bets. The pot odds will not be right for call.

Take advantage of the aggressive Ace-raisers.player who always raises with an exposed Ace

an be taken advantage of heads-up. Re-raise thatayer with a low exposed card to get heads-up. If

ou hit good, you will win with a bet on 4thstreet if heas trying to steal.

The Winning hand check. When you are heads-p on 6thstreet, and your opponent can’t catch upth you, check your hand. Your opponent will most

ely check as well. On 7thstreet, bet out. If your pponent is aggressive and hits a good card, heay raise you. Now, you can re-raise and win a bigot.



Appendix: Simulations

he following simulations compare player A'sraw against Player B's made 9-low hand:

Example: 9-4 low against Bike drawayer A: (A-2) 3,4,10ayer B (3-4) A,2,9

ayer B is a 55% favorite.Example: 9-4 low against Bike draw

ayer A: (A-2) 3,5,10ayer B (3-4) A,2,9ayer B is a 61% favorite.

Example: 9-4 low against Bike drawayer A: (A-2) 4,5,10ayer B (3-4) A,2,9

ayer B is a 61% favorite.Example: 9-4 low against 6-4 draw

ayer A: (A-2) 4,6,10ayer B (3-4) A,2,9ayer B is a 63% favorite.

Example: 9-4 low against 6-5 drawayer A: (A-2) 5,6,10ayer B (3-4) A,2,9ayer B is a 64% favorite.

Example: 9-4 low against 7-4 draw Player A: (A-4,7,Jayer B (3-4) A,2,9ayer A: (A-2) 5,7,Jayer B (3-4) A,2,9ayer B is a 68% favorite.

Example: 9-4 low against 7-6 draw Player A: (A-5,7,Jayer B (3-4) A,2,9ayer B is a 69% favorite.

Example: 9-5 low against Bike draw Player A:A-2) 3,4,10ayer B (3-4) 2,5,9ayer B is a 52% favorite.



Example: 9-5 low against Bike draw Player A:A-2) 3,5,10ayer B (3-4) 2,5,9ayer B is a 52% favorite.

Example: 9-5 low against Bike draw Player A:-2) 3,5,10ayer B (3-4) 2,5,9

ayer B is a 55% favorite.Example: 9-5 low against Bike draw Player A:-2) 3,5,10ayer B (3-4) 2,5,9ayer B is a 55% favorite.

Example: 9-5 low against 6-4 draw Player A: (A-

6,4,Jayer B (3-4) 2,5,9

ayer A: (A-2) 6,5,Jayer B (3-4) 2,5,9ayer B is a 61% favorite.

Example: 9-5 low against 7-4 draw Player A: (A-4,7,Jayer B (3-4) 2,5,9ayer B is a 65% favorite.

Example: 9-5 low against 7-5 draw Player A: (A-

5,7,Jayer B (3-4) 2,5,9ayer B is a 65% favorite.

Example: 9-5 low against 7-6 draw Player A: (A-7,6,Jayer B (3-4) 2,5,9ayer B is a 68% favorite.

Example: 9-6 low against Bike draw Player A:

A-3) 4,5,Qayer B (A-2) 3,6,9ayer B is a 54% favorite.

Example: 9-6 low against a Bike draw Player A:A-3) 4,5,Qayer B (4-3) 5,6,9

his is a coin-flip.



Example: 9-6 low against 6-5 draw Player A: (A-5,6, Qayer B (A-3) 4,6,9ayer A: (A-3) 5,6, Q Player B (4-5) 6,2,9ayer B is a 53% favorite.

Example: 9-6 low against a 7-4 low draw Player (A-3) 4,7,Q

ayer B (A-3) 4,6,9ayer B is a 63% favorite.Example: 9-6 low against an 8-3 low draw

ayer A: (A-2) 3,8,Kayer B (4-3) 5,6,9ayer B is a 69% favorite.

Example: 9-6 low against an 8-7 low drawayer A: (A-2) 7,8,K

ayer B (4-3) 5,6,9ayer B is a 74% favorite.

Example: 9-7 low against Bike draw Player A:A-3) 5,4,Qayer B (A-3) 4,7,9ayer A is a 53% favorite.

Example: 9-7 low against Bike draw Player A:A-3) 5,4,Q

ayer B (A-3) 4,7,9ayer A is a 53% favorite.

Example: 9-7 low against 6-4 draw Player A: (A-6,4,Qayer B (A-3) 4,7,9ayer A: (A-3) 5,6, Q Player B (A-3) 4,7,9ayer B is a 52% favorite.

Example: 9-7 low against a 6-5 draw Player A:

A-3) 5,6, Qayer B (4-5) 6,7,9ayer A is a 53% favorite.

Example: 9-7 low against 7-3 draw Player A: (A-3,7, Qayer B (A-3) 4,7,9ayer B is a 52% favorite.






ayer B (4-5) 6,7,9

ayer A is a 53% favorite.Example: 9-7 low against a 7-5 low draw Player (A-3) 7,5,Q


Example: 9-7 low against a 7-5 low draw Player

(A-3) 7,5,Qayer B (2-3) 4,7,9

xample:9-7 low against a 7-5 low draw Player A:A-3) 7,5,Qayer B (A-3) 4,7,9ayer B is a 60% favorite.

Example: 9-7 low against 7-6 low draw Player (A-3) 7,6,J


Example: 9-7 low against 8-3 low draw Player (A-2) 3,8,J


Example: Rough 9 low against 6-4 draw Player (A-3) 4,6, Q


Example: Rough 9 low against 6-5 draw Player (A-3) 5,6, Q


Example: Rough 9 low against a 7-4 low drawayer A: (A,3) 4,7,Qayer B (A,3) 4,8,9



ayer A is a 54% favorite.Example: Rough 9 low against a 7-5 low draw

ayer A: (A-3) 5,7,Qayer B (A-3) 4,8,9xample: Rough 9 low against a 7-6 low drawayer A: (A-3) 6,7,Qayer B (A-3) 4,8,9

ayer A is a 51% favorite.Example: Rough 9 low against an 8-3 low drawayer A: (A-3) 8,2,Qayer B (A-3) 4,8,9ayer B is a 53% favorite.

Example: Rough 9 low against an 8-4 low draw

ayer A: (A-3) 8,4,Qayer B (A-3) 4,8,9

ayer B is a 55% favorite.Example: Rough 9 low against an 8-5 low draw

ayer A: (A-3) 8,5,Qayer B (A-3) 4,8,9ayer B is a 69% favorite.

Example: Rough 9 low against an 8-6 low drawayer A: (A-3) 8,6,Qayer B (A-3) 4,8,9

ayer B is a 63% favorite.Example: Rough 9 low against an 8-7 low draw

ayer A: (A-3) 8,7,Qayer B (A-3) 4,8,9ayer B is a 69% favorite.

A made 8 low hand is a favorite against anyrawing hand:xample: 8-7 low against Bike draw Player A: (A-3)

4,Qayer B (A-3) 4,7,8xample: 8-7 low against Bike draw Player A: (A-2)4,Qayer B (A-3) 4,7,8

his is a coin flip.Example: 8-7 low against Bike draw Player A:



A-2) 3,4,Qayer B (4-5) 6,7,8ayer B is a 55% favorite.



Example: 8-7 low against 6-5 draw Player A: (A-5,6, Qayer B (4-5) 6,7,8ayer B is a 52% favorite.




ayer B (4-5) 6,7,8ayer A: (A-3) 6,7,Q Player B (4-5) 3,6,8

ayer B is a 53% favorite.Example: 8-6 low against a 6-5 low draw Player

(A-3) 6,5,Jayer B (4-5) 3,6,8ayer B is a 55% favorite.

Example: 8-6 low against a 6-3 low draw Player (A-3) 6,2,J

ayer B (4-5) 3,6,8

ayer B is a 56% favorite.Example: 8-6 low against a 5-3 low draw Player

(A-3) 5,2,Jayer B (4-5) 3,6,8ayer B is a 56% favorite.







Example: 8-5 low against a 6-5 low draw Player

(A-2) 5,6,Jayer B (4-5) 3,2,8ayer A: (A-2) 5,4,Jayer B (4-5) 3,2,8ayer B is a 56% favorite.


ayer B (4-5) 3,2,8

ayer B is a 56% favorite.



Does your online site includePokerSurance?

You’ve seen poker professionals on TV buysurance when they move all-in on a hand of poker.s a smart bet since it protects them from a badeat and losing all their money. But, everyday

ayers don’t have this option and experience theal pain of going broke. A new side bet called PokerSurance gives every

oker player the insurance option formerly reservednly for high-limit poker pros.ere’s a typical example:

You move all-in with pocket Aces and get calledy another player’s inferior hand. But, the poker ods are against you and your aces get cracked.ou are busted and leave a loser.

With a PokerSurance bet, when you are all-in, thel ff P k S N if l t

Play Razz Poker to Win_ New Strategies F - Cogert, Mitchell

Documents

Transcript of Play Razz Poker to Win_ New Strategies F - Cogert, Mitchell