Razz: Short-Handed Play

I think the strategy for Razz changes when you are short-handed...meaning you are playing at a table of 3 or 4 total players.

The one key point of difference is that stealing the antes and bring-in bet is not as profitable as when you are at a full table. So at a short-handed table, you should look for opportunities to slow-play--that is, of course, when you have three starting cards to an 8 low..

For example, when there are a total of 4 players at a table:

1. When your up card is the lowest of the board cards, and you have 8 or under...just limp if someone else could have an 8 or lower as well. You want to try to get heads up and win a big pot.

2. When your up card is the lowest of the board cards, and you have only one low card in the hole...if there is just one other low card showing...raise and try to steal.

3. When your up card is the lowest of the board cards, and you have NO low cards in the hole...if there is just one other low card showing...fold.

4. When your up card is the second lowest of the board cards, and you have two low cards to give you 8 or better...limp

5. When your up card is the second lowest of the board cards, and you have one low cards in the hole, raise to steal.

6. When your up card is the second lowest of the board cards, and you have NO low cards to give you 8 or better...fold.

7. Whenever you have three cards to an 8 low just limp...unless you have the only low card showing on the board...just raise and take down the pot.

Again, you may be drawn out when you limp but you have the opportunity to win a big pot since your opponent won't be able to put you on the two low hole cards.

And, if you raise and get called when you have a bad card in the hole, if you hit good on 4th street and your opponent hits bad...bet and you should take down the pot.