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Five Rules for Good Razz -- response

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  1. Doctor Razz Doctor Razz is offline

    Glenside, PA
    United States

    Posts: 300
    Joined: May 07

    Nov 14th, 2007 (11/14/2007 11:12pm)

    Kudos to Grapsfan for writing about the surprising resurgence of razz. The poker world has been so focused on hold 'em over the past 5 years that other games have flown under the radar, but now players are looking for more variety. As someone who truly likes razz, I can tell you that once you start to understand the game (and how different it is from hold 'em) you may find yourself playing it more often, for fun and profit. Grapsfan's "rules" are a good starting point to get your feet wet, but I'd like to offer a few asterisks to them.

    1. Tight starting hand requirements will keep you from playing from behind on later streets too often, but you may notice your opponents seem unphased by this. Once you get a better idea of how to play the later streets, and the inevitable multiway pots, you can loosen up your starting requirements to take advantage of your knowledge.

    2. Upcards are important, no doubt. They also help you get a better read on your opponents, whether they might be trying an ante steal or must have a strong hand since there are many low cards yet to act. But there is no magical qualifier in razz where you must make an 8 low or bust. Knowing how to win pots with a T low, or how to get maximum value out of the occasional wheel are equally important.

    3. When the antes are high, there's more reason to complete the bet when you open the pot rather than limp. Of course, the antes are small sometimes and limping becomes a more viable option. Also, limping in with your strongest hands and repping a weaker hand can make for very profitable deception, but balancing your range and limping with actual marginal hands will let you see some more cheap cards when you want them.

    4. It's pretty obvious to say bet with the best hand in limit poker, but first it's a good idea to make sure you know which hand is actually best. Draws in razz often have so many outs that they are the favorite on 5th st over a made hand, and once in a while on 6th st too. Also, there are plenty of opportunities for trickier plays once you get some experience.

    5. Ante stealing is a vital part of your razz game, whether in a ring, HU, or a tourney. Many online players know to expect a lot of stealing though and will defend against it vigorously. Before attempting a little thievery, know from whom you are trying to steal.
  2. Camz Camz is offline

    Lafayette, LA
    United States

    Posts: 12,418
    Joined: May 06

    Nov 14th, 2007 (11/14/2007 11:27pm) in reply to Doctor Razz

    All these razz articles; great, the one game i think i have an edge in will now have more and more players that know what they are doing. boooo
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