Seven Card Stud Guide

Seven Card Stud was considered the most popular variant of poker until Texas Holdem came onto the scene. The game still enjoys a strong following at online and traditional casinos and is played between two and eight players around a poker table.

Objective

The objective of the game is to make the best five card hand, using a combination of any of the seven cards dealt to the player.

Betting Structures

The ante in Seven Card Stud is around one fifth of the low limit bet size. Before the hand begins, each player needs to ante up. ‘Bringing in’ refers to the process whereby the player with the lowest card after the initial bet, needs to place half of the low limit bet into the pot.

Seven Card Stud Game Rules

There are five betting rounds in Seven Card Stud poker, as follows:

• 1. Third Street: The dealer deals two cards face down to each player. Another face up card is dealt. The player showing the lowest card needs to ‘bring in’. He or she has the option to raise by wagering the full low limit bet. Each player, in a clockwise position, either folds, calls or raises. Bets and raises are equal to the low limit bet size.


• 2. Fourth Street: The dealer deals a fourth card to each player face up. The player with the highest hand showing starts the betting round. He or she has the option to check, bet or fold. Play proceeds as in the previous round. Once again, bets and raises are equal to the low limit bet, unless a player has a pair, whereby he or she can bet the low or the high limit bet.


• 3. Fifth Street: The dealer deals a fifth card face up to each player. The highest hand bets first and play proceeds as in previous rounds. Raises and bets now equal the high limit bet.


• 4. Sixth Street: The dealer deals a sixth card face up to each player. The highest hand bets first and play proceeds as in previous rounds. Raises and bets equal the high limit bet.


• 5. Seventh Street: A final card is dealt face down to each player. Play proceeds as in the previous rounds. Raises and bets equal the high limit bet.


• 6. The Showdown: Anyone still left in the game at this point may show his or her hand, with the intention of winning the pot. Note that the player does not have to show his hand. If he or she chooses not to, this is known as mucking it. The player with the best poker hand takes the pot.

Tips and Strategies

• 1. Eliminate as many players as possible through fast play, when you start with a high pair.
• 2. Don’t begin with a small pair unless they are hidden.
• 3. Have an eye open at all times for players with hands that look dangerous. Also watch for key cards that that could lower your chances of creating a good hand.
• 4. If your complete hand is beaten on the board by your opponent’s upcards, you should fold. An exception to this is if you are playing a strong draw hand.
• 5. Study your opponents well. They could give away important information, just by their body language, mannerisms or speech. However, take into account that they may want you to believe what you are picking up and it may simply be a bluff.
• 6. The first four cards dealt to you are the most important in the game. If they are strong cards, and are played right, they could carry you through to victory. If not, you should leave the game early to avoid too many losses.

Conclusion

An understanding of the basics of Seven Card Poker is imperative at any level of competitive play. However, the rules of the game are simple to understand, which explains its popularity at casinos.