If you have only played Texas Hold’em, seven-card stud takes some getting used to. There are no commons, and there is almost always a fixed-betting limit.
Stud Poker
A type of Texas Holdem Poker online where players receive a combination of face-up and face-down cards
One of the earliest variants of online poker, stud poker refers to a series of Texas Holdem Poker online games in which players receive a combination of face-up and face-down cards. The most popular variant is by far 7-card stud.
7-Card Stud
In 7-Card Stud, players receive – you assumed it – a total of seven cards during each game. These cards are dealt sporadically, with several rounds of betting between each card.
At the start of the game, each player is dealt three cards – two face-down and one face-up. The player showing the lowest face-up card is nominated as the first player out and the betting begins. This step is known as the third street.
After the betting round begins, each player receives another face-up card, called the fourth street. After this deal, the first player to go is the player with the highest value of the two face-up cards.
This process of licensing and betting continues until each player has a total of seven cards, at which point, the remaining players split their hands and the best five cards win.
How to play seven-card stud
Each player pays a bet and receives three cards, two faces down and one face up.
The player with the lowest face-up (door) card must “bring it in” or “complete.” For example, if the bet is $1, then the bring-in is usually $5 and the “finish” costs $10.
The betting continues clockwise, and each player can choose to fold, call, or raise to $10.
After each player’s turn, a fourth card is dealt to each player face up. This is called the fourth street.
Now the betting starts with the player showing the highest value hand and moves clockwise.
This pattern continues on the fifth and sixth streets with face-up cards.
On the seventh street, everyone receives a face down card.
Anyone still in the hand shows their cards, and the best five cards win.
The pros and cons of seven-card stud
Pros
A great way to learn and get started if the unlimited bet Texas Hold’em is daunting.
Keeping track of the folded cards can give you an advantage.
Cons
Some players find it too slow.
Tracking everyone’s hands can be challenging.
Other tips for Seven Card Stud
Position is a big advantage of Seven Card Stud, use it as much as possible.
Bluffing is difficult, but it can be done.
Seven Card Stud involves a lot of betting and Texas Holdem Poker online strategy, so play with caution.
