It was not so long ago when seven card stud and or any of its dozens of variations was the most popular poker variant in home poker games as well as in casino card rooms. Things have changed since then. Nowadays, everyone wants to play no limit Holdem, as seen on TV. In online poker rooms, the Holdem tables have the biggest traffic.
If you belong to the generation who still have not discovered seven card stud, it is about time. Not that there is anything wrong with Texas Holdem, but if you are bored with playing the same poker game all the time, seven card stud can be a fun and exciting alternative. Here is an introduction to the rules of seven card stud poker.
How to Play Seven Card Stud
The basic seven card stud game is played with a standard 52 card deck. Some of its variations such as Chicago or Baltimore are played with additional wild cards. Since each player is dealt seven cards, it is recommended not to include more than seven players in one game.
The play begins with each player places an ante. The size of the ante depends on the table limit and the house rules. In an average casino card room, the ante equals about fifth of the minimum bet. After all the players put their antes, the dealer deals each player two face down cards and one face up card.
After the dealing of the first three cards, the first betting round begins. The round of betting begins with the player whose face up card is the lowest. He or she is required to bring in, which means they are forced to bet. The size of the bring in bet is usually something in the middle of the ante and the minimum bet. The first betting round continues with the player to the bring in immediate left who can call, raise or fold.
After the betting is done, the dealer deals each of the players a second face up card. Then the second betting round begins. In this betting round, the player with the highest face up hand opens. He or she can check and the player to their left can either check or bet. After a player chooses to bet, the next player is obliged to choose between calling, folding or raising.
Next up, the dealer deals a third face up card to each of the remaining players, followed by a betting round that proceeds the same as the previous one. Afterwards, the dealer deals the fourth face up card and then the fourth betting round occurs.
The seventh final card is dealt face down. Eventually, each of the remaining players holds four face up cards and three hole cards. All the remaining players are showing their hands, and the player with the highest five card poker hand wins the pot.