How to Play 5 Card Stud Poker

About Five Card Stud

Similar to seven card stud, five card stud is a game with 4 betting rounds and fast action. It is a popular choice for informal home games. In 5 card stud, suits have a rank for breaking ties in the first betting round - spades being the highest followed by hearts, diamonds and clubs.

Playing 5 Card Stud Poker

1. Before any cards are dealt, all players must ante.
   
2. Each player is dealt two cards: a hole card (face down) and a door card (face up).
   
3. The holder of the lowest door card begins the first betting round by making a forced bet - either the minimum bet or a small "bring-in" amount (usually half the value of the small bet). In determining the lowest card, ties are broken by suit (see above) - the only time suits count in poker.
   
   The action proceeds clockwise from the bring-in bettor, and each bettor in turn can either call, fold or raise.
   
4. Each player receives a 3rd card face up (3rd street).
   
5. The second betting round begins, this time with the holder of the highest hand showing on the board. In the event of a tie, the first player clockwise from the dealer initiates the betting. This is the case in this and all subsequent betting rounds.
   
6. Each player receives another card, face up (4th street).
   
7. The third betting round begins with the holder of the highest hand on the board, proceeding clockwise.
   
8. Each player recievs a final 5th card, face up (river).
   
9. Highest hand on the board begins the final round of betting, followed by the showdown.

The betting stakes structure in stud poker consists of a small and large bet (i.e. $4-$8). All bets and raises in the second two betting rounds start at the larger amount. Each betting round is usually limited to 4 bets per person.