Seven Card Stud
Introduction:
Seven Card Stud is a poker variant where players receive cards face up and face down, and must make the best five-card hand.
Gameplay:
- Ante: Each player antes before the game begins.
- Deal: Each player is dealt three cards. One card is dealt face up (the “door card”) and two cards face down (the “hole cards”).
- Betting Round 1: After the first three cards are dealt, there is a betting round.
- Draw: The player with the highest-ranking door card has the option to draw two cards. Other players have the option to draw one card.
- Betting Round 2: After the draw, there is a betting round.
- Deal: Each player is dealt their fourth card face up.
- Betting Round 3: After the fourth card is dealt, there is a betting round.
- Deal: Each player is dealt their fifth card face up.
- Betting Round 4: After the fifth card is dealt, there is a betting round.
- Deal: Each player is dealt their sixth card face up.
- Betting Round 5: After the sixth card is dealt, there is a betting round.
- Deal: Each player is dealt their seventh card face down.
- Betting Round 6 (Final): After the seventh card is dealt, there is a final betting round.
- Showdown: If there are multiple players remaining after the final betting round, they reveal their hands and the player with the best five-card hand wins the pot.
Betting Options:
- Ante: The initial bet that all players make before the game begins.
- Call: Match the current bet.
- Raise: Increase the current bet.
- Fold: Drop out of the hand and forfeit any chips invested.
- Check: Decline to bet if no other player has bet before you.
Hand Rankings:
The best five-card hand wins, ranked from highest to lowest:
- Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit
- Straight Flush: Five cards in a row, all of the same suit
- Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank
- Full House: Three of a kind and a pair
- Flush: Five cards of the same suit
- Straight: Five cards in a row
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank
- Two Pair: Two sets of two cards of the same rank
- One Pair: Two cards of the same rank
- High Card: The highest-ranking single card
Tips for Playing Seven Card Stud:
- Pay attention to your opponents’ door cards.
- Consider your hole cards and the potential for improvement.
- Play aggressively with strong hands.
- Don’t be afraid to check or fold with weak hands.
- Manage your bankroll effectively.
