How to Play 7 Card Stud Poker

With the advent of Texas Hold'em and Omaha Poker, 7 Card Stud has become one of the "classic" variations of poker. It is quite different than the more popular modern varieties because it doesn't have community cards. Players must keep track of the possibilities of all the hands still in play; and doing so where everyone plays his own cards is a formidable challenge.

7 Card Stud can be played as high only or as high-low ("Razz" is the name given to 7 Card Low only). Here we will concentrate on high only.

There are five rounds of betting in 7 Card. The game begins with each player receiving two down cards and one up card. Then the first betting round begins. After the first betting round each remaining player receives one up card and betting begins anew. After four rounds of betting, each player receives his last card, a down card, followed by the final round of betting.

There are two main variations of betting. One is set limit, meaning there is a pre-determined minimum and maximum bet. The other is pot limit, meaning the maximum at any stage of betting is the money already in the pot. Clearly, set limit games are much more suitable for newer, less experienced players.

• All players are dealt two down cards, called hole cards, and one up card. This up card is called the door card.
  
  
• The player with the lowest door card must begin betting. Any player may call, raise, or fold when his turn to bet arrives.
  
  
• Each player receives one up card.
  
  
• The second round of betting, called Fourth Street, begins. The player with the strongest two up cards begins the round. S/he may check or bet. Any player may check if all previous bettors have checked; or s/he may call, raise, or fold.
  
  
• Each player receives another up card.
  
  
• Fifth Street, or the next betting round, ensues as in Fourth Street.
  
  
• Another up card is dealt.
  
  
• Sixth Street, the next betting round, takes place as in the previous two streets.
  
  
• Each player now receives one down card.
  
  
• Seventh Street betting concludes the betting.
  
  
• If more than one player is still vying for the pot, they show their hands.
  
  
• The winner takes the pot.

• Betting is basically the same as in all poker games. It proceeds in a clockwise manner.
  
  
• The first round of betting, called Third Street, begins with the lowest door card. The opening bet is forced, and must be at least half the minimum bet.
  
  
• All subsequent rounds begin with the highest hand showing.
  
  
• If on any round of betting there are two or more equal opening hands, the hand closest to the dealer's left opens.
  
  
• In set limit games, Third and Fourth Street betting are at the minimum and the other three rounds are at the maximum. An exception is when there is a pair showing on Fourth Street. In that case, betting can begin at the maximum and then must continue at the maximum.
  
  
• Betting always follows the same procedure: an opening bid followed by no more than three raises. The last raise is called the "cap" because it caps the betting for that street.
  
  
• Raising is not obligatory but when a raise has been made a player who wants to stay in the game must call.
  
  
• It is considered the height of bad manners to bet out of turn. It is also considered poor etiquette to fold when there are no bets to be called.

• If the cards you need to help improve your hand are visible in your opponents hands, consider them dead to you



• There are 13 cards in a suit. You need five of them to make a flush, if the cards you need happen to be in your opponents' hand you have no chance of them being dealt to you, however, if you can't see them, it means that it is still possible to receive those cards



• A "big pair" is worth betting on, unless another player is betting aggressively on what seems to be a very good hand



• Fifth Street is a make or break point. As the bet amount doubles each round, ensure your hand can produce a win at the end of the game. This will minimize your loss



• It is advisable to fold if another player's exposed cards beat your entire hand



• If you are trying to compete a Straight, check to see if another player displays the cards you need. You can then adjust your strategy accordingly



• Fold when necessary. 7 Card Stud poker is a game of patience; so do not bet all your money on losing hands. 7 Card Stud rewards patience above all other virtues!