Seven Card Stud Poker
Seven Card Stud Poker
Seven Card Stud is another popular variation of poker and a very challenging one! It takes a tremendous amount of strategy, a good memory and a great deal of skill to master…but its rewards are quite worth it.
Starting the Round - The game usually starts with a round of antes dropped into the center of the pot to get things rolling. The ante is usually 10% of the small bet (so if you’re playing $5-$10 Seven Card Stud, the ante is 50 cents).
Dealing the Cards/Third Street - As in Hold ‘em, one player is signified as the dealer, marked by a “button.” Play takes place clockwise from the left of the button. Each player receives two “down” cards, which are kept in front of them, face down. Then each player receives one “up” card, which is kept in front of them, face up for all to see. Whoever has the lowest card starts the play. If two players have the lowest card, the one closest to the dealer, clockwise, starts. He must “bring in” a bet twice the cost of the ante. In this case $1. Each player can then call, raise or fold. This will continue until all remaining players have called the same bet.
Fourth Street - Each player receives a fourth card, which is their second “up” card. The player with the highest hand starts off this time. He may check if he wants. Each other player must check, raise, call or fold.
Fifth Street - Each player receives a fifth card, which is their third “up” card. The player with the highest hand starts off. He may check. Each other player must check, raise, call or fold.
Sixth Street - Each player receives a sixth card, which is their fourth “up” card. The player with the highest hand starts off. He may check. Each other player must check, raise, call or fold.
Seventh Street - Each player receives a final card, which is their third “down” card—that no one but themselves can see. The player with the highest hand starts off. He may check. Each other player must check, raise, call or fold.
Determining a Winner - Once the final bet is called by all remaining players, cards are revealed to see who has the best hand.
