Poker Rules: How to play 7-Card Stud Poker

7-Card Stud Poker is third in the list of most popular poker variants in the world. The game was once the most popular poker variations in the United States before losing its place to Texas Hold’em and Omaha Poker.

How to play 7-Card Stud Poker

Unlike Holdem and Omaha, 7-Card Stud Poker does not involve flop and community cards. Each player gets dealt a total of seven cards and has to make his best five-card combination. The hand rankings are identical to those in Texas hold’em or Omaha Poker.

How many players can play: 2-8

Antes: These are the forced bets by each player before receiving any cards.

Bring in: Bring in is usually sized about 1/3 of the small bet at the table. The player with the lowest door card ranking is forced to bring in.

Complete: The player with the lowest door card also has the option to bet equal to one small bet.

Hole Cards: The first two cards dealt face down

Door Card: The first face-up card is called the door card. It is also referred to as the third street.

4^th Street: The fourth card dealt face up

5^th Street: The fifth card dealt face up

6^th Street: The sixth card dealt face up

River: The final card dealt face up

The showdown: After the final betting round, the players expose their holdings to determine a winner

7-Card Stud Poker Rules:

• The game can be played between 2-8 players
• Each player pays an ante and receives three cards, two hole cards along with door card.
• The player with the lowest door card is forced to bring in. He also has the option to complete.
• After this the first round of betting starts clockwise with each player having three options- fold, call or raise.
• After the first round of betting, the fourth card is dealt known as the fourth street.
• The second round of betting continues with everyone receiving another face-up card referred to as the fifth street and another as the sixth street.
• Finally, the seventh street is dealt and the last round of betting continues.
• At last, there’s a showdown and the best five-card poker hand wins the pot.

Best Hand: A royal flush is the best possible hand