7 Card Stud used to be the most popular variety of
poker, until Texas Hold'em took its crown. It is quite different from both Texas
Hold'em and Omaha and it requires a certain amount of patience. However, it's an
exciting game that can be very rewarding!
Before a game starts, each player must post an 'ante', a mandatory amount
that ensures there is some money in the pot. In stud poker games, there are no
community cards. Instead, the dealer begins by dealing clockwise until each
player has three cards. The first two cards are dealt face down ('hole' cards),
the third face up (the 'door' card).
7 Card Stud is divided into five rounds of betting, and the betting moves
clockwise around the table.
Opening the Betting
The player with the lowest-ranking up card starts the game with a token bet
called the 'bring-in'. (If two or more players have the same lowest card, the
bring-in is determined by suit in alphabetical order: clubs, diamonds, hearts,
and spades.)
Third Street
Once the bring-in bet has been made, each player (starting with the player to
the left of the bring-in) can fold, call, or raise to the betting limit.
Fourth Street
Everyone is dealt another up card. At this point, the player with the highest
two up cards starts the betting. On this round of betting only, if a player gets
an open pair, he or she can make a double bet.
Fifth Street
Everyone is dealt another up card. The player with the highest combination of
up cards starts the betting.
Sixth Street
Everyone is dealt another up card. Again, the player with the highest
combination of up cards starts the betting.
Seventh Street or The River
Everyone is dealt their final down card. The same player who started the last
round starts the betting.
Showdown
The player with the best hand wins.
Content courtesy of
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