7 Card Stud
Since the days of the Wild West and saloons, 7-card stud has been the game of choice for poker players. While the recent interest in Texas Hold’em has drawn some attention away from this classic version of poker, 7-card stud is still one of the supreme poker games. Any player who sits down to learn 7-card stud will find themselves learning one of the most challenging poker games.
There are certain features of stud poker games that are unique from Texas Hold’em and Omaha. There are no community cards in stud poker, as there are in other styles. Another unique feature is the ranking of suits. Suits are ranked alphabetically, clubs being the lowest rank and spades being the highest.
The game begins with all players putting in the ante. Next, the dealer will begin by dealing 3 cards to each player. One is dealt face up, which is the door card. The others are pocket cards that stay face down. Once the initial cards are dealt, the betting rounds begin.
Opening The Betting
The Player with the lowest door card will be the one to start the betting. Should more than one player have a low card of the same face value, then the suit-ranking rule comes into play.
Third Street
Once the bet has been brought, betting continues with the player to the left of the initial bet. Each player must choose to raise, call, or fold, as bet are placed in clockwise sequence around the table.
Fourth Street
Once the first full round of betting has completed, the dealer will then give each player another door card. This round, the player with the highest two door cards will start the betting round. Should any player show a pair with their door cards, they may place a double bet in this round. Betting will continue to the left, until everyone has had their chance to decide their play.
Fifth Street
Another door card will be dealt to begin this round. From this round on, the player with the highest door card combination will lead the betting. A full round of betting follows.
Sixth Street
Again, in this round players are dealt another door card. At this point in the game, each player will have 2 pocket cards and 4 door cards. Check the door card combinations carefully, as again the highest card combination leads the bet.
The River
The final card is dealt to start the round. This time, each player will receive a third pocket card. Betting begins with the same player as the last round, and will continue around the table.
The Showdown
The remaining players will now show their cards to determine the winner. Hands are ranked as in any standard game of poker. In this game, however ties are possible and the players will split the pot, with an odd chip going to the player with the highest ranked suit.