Lowball Stud and Razz Poker are two fascinating variants of poker that flip the traditional objective of the game on its head. Instead of striving for the best high hand, these formats reward the lowest possible hand. While they share a similar goal, their rules, strategies, and nuances differ significantly. Understanding these differences is essential for any player looking to expand their skill set and gain an edge in non-traditional poker formats.

Understanding the Objective

In both Lowball Stud and Razz Poker, the goal is to make the lowest possible five-card hand. However, the definitions of what constitutes the “lowest” hand can vary slightly.

• Razz Poker uses Ace-to-Five lowball rules. Straights and flushes are ignored, and Aces are always low. The best possible hand is A-2-3-4-5 (also called the “wheel”).

• Lowball Stud can follow either Ace-to-Five or Deuce-to-Seven lowball rules depending on the variant. In Deuce-to-Seven Lowball, straights and flushes count against you, and Aces are high, making the best possible hand 7-5-4-3-2 (not of the same suit).

This difference impacts hand values and strategic decisions significantly.

Game Structure and Dealing Format

Another major difference lies in how cards are dealt and how the game flows:

• Razz is a seven-card stud variant. Players receive two downcards and one upcard to start, followed by three more upcards and a final downcard. The lowest five-card combination wins the pot.

• Lowball Stud, depending on the house rules, is usually played in a five- or seven-card stud format but can also be seen in draw formats.

Because both games are stud-based, they provide visible upcards that can be used to make reads and informed decisions. However, Razz strictly follows the stud sequence, whereas Lowball Stud may differ depending on house style.

Starting Hand Strategy

In Razz, a strong starting hand typically includes three unpaired cards under 8, such as A-2-5. Since high cards are detrimental and pairs reduce the hand’s value, careful selection at the beginning is crucial.

Lowball Stud strategy can vary based on the version:

• In Ace-to-Five, hands like 2-3-4 are very strong and should be played aggressively.

• In Deuce-to-Seven, you need to avoid suited or connected cards that can make straights or flushes.

Because of these factors, players must adjust their starting hand strategy according to the version of Lowball being played.

Reading Opponents and Upcards

In both games, visible upcards are critical in reading opponents and planning folds or aggression.

In Razz, if opponents are showing several low cards, it may indicate strong holdings. Conversely, if they’re bricked (showing high cards like K or Q), they may be in trouble.

In Lowball Stud, especially in stud formats, watching what low cards have already been folded or are in play helps calculate outs and make better drawing decisions.

Bluffing and Semi-Bluffing

Bluffing is more common in Razz because you can often represent a stronger hand based on your visible upcards. For example, showing A-2-4 on board can pressure opponents even if your downcards are weak.

In Lowball Stud, bluffing is more situational. The structure and betting dynamics often allow for pressure plays, especially if opponents are drawing and you stand pat (i.e., don’t take more cards).

FAQ

1. What is the key difference between Razz and Lowball Stud?
The main difference is in the rules of hand ranking: Razz uses Ace-to-Five lowball where straights and flushes don’t count, while Lowball Stud can use Deuce-to-Seven rules, where straights, flushes, and high cards matter against you.

2. Which game is easier for beginners to learn?
Razz is generally more beginner-friendly due to its straightforward hand rankings and familiar stud format. Lowball Stud can be more complex, especially in the Deuce-to-Seven variant.

3. Can I use the same strategy in both games?
Not entirely. While both aim for low hands, the hand-ranking systems and rule variations require different strategic approaches—particularly in starting hand selection and risk management.