Seven card stud may be one of the world’s most well-known poker games; and, until the recent surge in popularity of Texas Hold’em, 7 stud was the most-played poker variation in both home games and casino card rooms everywhere. While the rules and specifics of playing the game are fairly simple, seven card stud is far from being an easy game. And, in contrast to Holdem and Omaha, a players cards are his own – there are no community cards.

In its most commonly dealt variation, seven card stud sees an initial deal of two down cards and one up card to each player. The player with the lowest initial exposed card starts the first round of betting. Then a second up-card is dealt, referred to as Fourth Street. Now, the highest value exposed hand starts the second round of betting. Fifth Street sees another exposed card deal to each remaining player and another round of bets. Now, the final up-card is dealt - Sixth Street or more commonly referred to as the Turn. Another round of betting ensues.

The seventh and final card dealt is referred to as the River card, and it is delivered face down. Each active player should now have three cards face down and four cards exposed, any combination of which will be used to form the best 5-card poker hand.

Once the River cards have been dealt, there is a final round of betting, beginning with the player whose exposed cards form the best possible 4-card hand. Once all bets and raises are called, all cards are shown, beginning with the last bettor/raiser. The player with the best 5-card hand formed from any combination of his up-cards and down-cards wins the pot.

As with Omaha, there is a Hi/Lo variation of Seven Card Stud, whereby the player with the highest hand splits the pot with the lowest hand. Most rules provide that the lowest hand must be a minimum of an eight low.

As simple as it all sounds, you’d be surprised at just how challenging 7-stud can be. When you’re ready for a break from Holdem, head on over to the stud table and give it a shot.

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