And more Razz

Whilst searching for articles on Razz strategy I came across this guys' blog http://www.bickmat.com/ - Razz Poker Journey. He plays predominantly heads up Razz sit and go's.

Inspired by this I decided to take a crack and have now played 2, won 2, $11 games (they seem to take over 30 minutes, so I'm not going to play many of them).

I think the key to this is aggression and adapting to your opponents game.

I played a guy last night (STORMYTOO) who literally folded every hand when I raised to take the bring in and about half of his own steal opportunities. His plan was simple, let me steal all night and only fight back with 3 babies (and I think he was looking for 3 less than 7 as well).

This is a fundamentally flawed plan, basically equivalent to playing big pairs and Ak - A10 in heads up hold em. It means my cards no longer matter and, if as was the case, he folded 75% and I folded 25% eventually I will win.

As it happens he nearly got away with it - he found 2 big hands when I did and won them both - I lost with a 7 5 against a wheel and a 76 against a 75. But after that I basically avoided facing off on these hands (I would only carry on if I was ahead after 4th street - he always folded anyway at that point if he drew a high card) and I started calling instead of raising with 3 babies in an largely unsuccessful attempt to induce him into hands.

He didn't adapt at all and was more or less anted away until he was forced to make a stand with rags.

The amusing thing about all this was that he berated me constantly throughout the match (it started when I paid off his wheel) about my complete ineptitude.

I'm not sure what it is about Razz players that makes them chronic chat box abusers (usually in capitals) - I know the game is frustrating but...

Once I have got my game up to speed, I will see if I can track down Bickmat for a heads up match at a $22 table.