Assuming you've taken the time to master the aspects of a beginners and intermediate Razz Poker strategy, it is now time to get down to the nitty-gritty, assimilating an Advanced Razz poker strategy. By now, you should already know when to hold'em and when to fold'em, as well as how to deceptively scoop chips through bluffing and semi-bluffing. In this Advanced Razz Poker Strategy, we'll discuss how to use an opponent's weaknesses against them by reading their behavior and learning the pattern of their decisions. We'll also discuss the need for an extremely tight poker game as you move up into higher stakes. When I'm not playing razz poker I am usually playing video poker and blackjack online. If are new, or relatively new, to the game of Razz Poker, please read our previous Razz Poker Strategies for Beginner and Intermediate players to ascertain all of the necessary skills to develop a winning Razz Poker strategy.
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Advanced Razz Poker Strategy – Increasing to Higher Stakes
Once you've mastered the micro-limits and low stakes games, you'll want to move to higher stakes. Be extremely careful when doing so. The competition becomes fierce at high stakes levels. Make sure you increase only one level at a time. It can take several years for most poker players to advance from $.01/$.02 to just $1/$2 stakes. Jumping too quickly will often result in a very sudden loss of your bankroll. By climbing the stakes ladder one rung at a time, conquering each level before moving to the next, you will find the transition to tighter competition much easier to control.
Advanced Razz Poker Strategy – Reading the Opposition
This advanced Razz Poker strategy can be the most difficult to master, unless you're a psychology major. It is not that reading behavioral patterns is too complex for folks of average intelligence, but learning to recognize these patterns quickly takes some time.
We've placed this section in the advanced Razz Poker strategy because all other aspects – Razz starting hands, Board Observation and the Art of Deception – will require all of your concentration in the early stages of learning. Once these aspects become second nature, you'll be able to focus more on your actual opponents, rather than the cards.
Advanced Razz Poker Strategy – Practicing Player Recognition
When learning this technique, it is best to single out a particular opponent. Watch his facial expressions and gestures, noting how he acts in all betting situations. Then see what kind of hand he is holding. Also be aware of how he reacts to other players, including yourself. For example, if someone Raises with an Open Wheel Card on the 3rd Street, how does he react? If you can pen-point what behavior and betting style he takes on in various situations, you will be able to tell when he is betting responsibly, bluffing, or slow playing a monster hand.
After a few hands of play, try to predict his next move according to everyone else's actions. You'll know you're getting good at reading your opponents when you can accurately predict their reaction to most situations.
Advanced Razz Poker Strategy – Player Types
There are generally 4 types of poker players - Loose/Aggressive, Loose/Passive, Tight/Aggressive and Tight/Passive.
- Loose/Aggressive: These are the easiest players to take chips from because they are so incredibly easy to read. A Loose payer is one that will stay in the hand until they are absolutely certain they have lost. An aggressive player is one that risks everything when they have a great hand. As such, when a Loose/Aggressive player bets high, you should only call if you know you can beat him. When he does not bet high, and your hand is good enough, take him for all you can.
- Loose/Passive: Competing with a Loose/Passive player is a double edged sword, being one of the hardest players to figure out. But because of his loose play, you will eventually be able to swipe all of his chips. By being loose and passive, you never really know what he is holding according to his betting style. Never stoop to their level of loose play. Maintain a tight Razz Poker Strategy and it will pay off in the end.
- Tight/Aggressive: These poker players will Fold at least 90% of the time, and go for it all when they have a monster hand. They can be very dangerous. Take their Raises seriously at all times. Unless you know you have them beat, do not Call a Raise from a Tight/Aggressive player.
- Tight/Passive: Again, this player will Fold most hands. However, he will slow play most hands that he does stay in, leaving you to wonder if he's looking for a draw or already holding a monster. Be careful against these players. Stick to your premium starting hands and tight Razz Poker strategy, and be aggressive when you know you've got him in a corner. More Poker Strategy:
