SEVEN-CARD STUD

Overview

Seven-Card Stud is a poker variant where players receive seven cards total, some face-up and some face-down. There are no community cards - each player has their own unique cards.

Ante

Instead of blinds, Seven-Card Stud uses antes. All players post a small ante to start the hand.

The Deal

Players receive cards over multiple betting rounds:

• First card (third street): Two cards face down, one card face up
• Fourth Street: One card face up
• Fifth Street: One card face up
• Sixth Street: One card face up
• Seventh Street (river): One card face DOWN

Betting Rounds

1. After third street (two down, one up)
2. After fourth street (fourth card up)
3. After fifth street (fifth card up)
4. After sixth street (sixth card up)
5. After seventh street (seventh card down)

Third Street Betting

The player with the LOWEST visible card starts the betting. This player must bet or fold.

Fourth Street Through Sixth Street

The player with the HIGHEST visible hand starts the betting.

The Showdown

At showdown, each player uses their best five cards from their seven cards to make a poker hand.

Hand Rankings

Standard poker hand rankings apply. Players make the best five-card hand from their seven cards.

Key Features

• You can see some of your opponents' cards
• More information than Hold'em
• Position changes throughout the hand (determined by visible cards)
• Starting hand selection is critical

Strategy Tips

• Pay attention to which cards are already out (use your visible cards and opponents' upcards)
• Pairs and three-of-a-kind are powerful starting hands
• Three suited cards starting out can lead to a flush
• Watch for straights - keep track of sequence cards
• If your upcards are weak, opponents may pressure you