5-Card Stud is the original form of stud poker. Each player receives 1 card face-down (the hole card) and 4 cards face-up over four streets of betting. With most cards visible, 5-Card Stud is a game of reading opponents' boards and knowing when you're beaten. No community cards — every player has their own unique hand.
Watch a Sample Hand
Step through all four streets — watch upcards develop and see how visible cards shape the strategy.
POT: $15
YOU (Hero)
TWO PAIR AA-KK · WINNER!
Player 2
Player 3
BRING-IN (2♦ lowest)
Ready to Deal
Press Next Step to begin dealing the sample hand.
Step 0 of 5
Key Rules
IMPORTANT: Each player's hole card is their only private card — all other cards are face-up and visible to everyone. Reading your opponents' boards is the core skill of 5-Card Stud.
The Deal & Betting
Ante: All players post an ante
3rd Street: 1 card face-down + 1 card face-up each → player with lowest upcard pays the bring-in forced bet (ties broken by suit rank: spades highest, clubs lowest)
4th Street: 1 upcard each → player with best hand showing acts first
5th Street: 1 upcard each → player with best hand showing acts first
Final Card (6th Street): 1 upcard each → final bet → Showdown
Showdown
Best standard 5-card poker hand wins. All cards (including the hole card) count. No community cards — each player uses only their own 5 cards.
Strategy Notes
With 4 of 5 cards visible on the final street, there is very little hidden information
Track which cards are "dead" (visible in opponents' hands) to assess your drawing odds
5-Card Stud rewards patience — starting hands with a strong hole card paired with a high upcard are advantageous
