How to Play 7 Card Stud Poker

What is Seven Card Stud?

Seven card stud is a popular poker variationt, second only to Texas Hold 'em in popularity. For the purpose of breaking ties in the first betting round, suits are given a rank. Spades are the highest, followed by hearts, diamonds and clubs.

How to Play 7 Card Stud

1. Before any cards are dealt, all players must ante.
   
2. Each player is dealt three cards: two hole cards (face down) and a 3rd "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 action proceeds clockwise from the bring-in bettor, and each bettor in turn can either call, fold or raise.
   
4. Each player receives a 4th card face up (fourth street).
   
5. The second betting round begins, this time with the holder of the highest hand showing on the board (i.e. the face-up cards). In the event of a tie, the first player clockwise from the dealer initiates the betting in this and subsequent betting rounds.
   
   Normally, bets in this round are the small amount, however if a player has a pair showing they may bet the larger amount.
   
6. Each player receives a 5th card, face up (fifth street).
   
7. The third betting round begins with the holder of the highest hand on the board, proceeding clockwise.
   
8. Each player recieves a 6th card, face up (sixth street).
   
9. Highest hand on the board begins the fourth round of betting.
   
10. Each player receives a final 7th hold card face down (river).
    
11. The final betting round begins with the highest hand showing on the board, followed by the showdown. The winner is the player who can make the best 5 card hand out of their 7 cards.

The betting stakes structure in stud poker consists of a small and large bet (i.e. $4-$8). Bets and raises in the first two rounds are the small amount. All bets and raises from the 5th street (3rd betting round) and later start at the larger amount, although after 4th street a player with a pair showing on the board may opt to bet the larger amount. Each betting round is usually limited to 4 bets per person.