Stud Poker Variations: Seven Card Stud
Seven-card stud is the (slightly) fading star of Stud poker. It used to be the most popular type of poker variation, but then a little upstart called Texas Hold ’em took its popularity. Still, despite the new kid on the block, Seven-card stud is still incredible popular at casinos and in homes during poker night.
Seven-card stud is Stud poker so it’s played with up-cards (cards visible to everyone at the table) and down-cards (cards visible only to you). There’s always going to be house rules and variants, so keep that in mind as we discuss the game.
Like the name suggests, we play with seven cards. After the ante, dealing begins with two cards dealt face down and one face up to the player. Then it’s one up card for three rounds afterwards (with betting after each), with a down-card before the final showdown. The object of the game is to get the best possible five-card hand out of seven cards.
The game can be for up to eight players, but in the case of having that many, there’s a chance the entire deck will get used leaving no cards left. This happens more in low level games where players will stay in as opposed to folding (the adage being “Why fold if you’re just betting a few bucks in a social game?”) If this happens, and the game is at the final down-card, and there aren’t enough left, one community card can replace the final down-card.
The interesting thing about Seven-card stud (and other Stud poker games) is that it’s ok to play a few rounds, then fold if you aren’t getting the cards you need. Most poker games would have you commit to the showdown fairly early, but with seven card stud, you will bet four times before the showdown. With that in mind, the skill comes from knowing when to cut your losses by folding and when to push with a raise. Who cares if you lose several hands if your winnings are big enough to compensate?
One good tip to remember is that you can see cards from each hand. For example, if you know what’s already been given out, then you can make a pretty good guess on your chances for the jack you need so badly. That should help your decision to fold or even when to raise.
Good luck out there the next time you play. May Lady luck smile upon you!
