The rules of the poker game Seven Card Stud.

This game could be the most well-known poker game worldwide, even though the classic seven card stud poker game can take a lifetime to master. In Seven Card Stud, players are dealt seven cards throughout the course of the hand, but only the best five-card poker hand for each player is used to determine who wins and loses. The rankings of Seven Card Stud poker hands can be found here.

Different from Texas Hold'em and Omaha poker is the rule that, in Seven Card Stud, there is generally a Fix Limit for betting (and this is the only difference available at FlandersPoker).

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Rules for Seven Card Stud

Before a game of 7 card stud poker begins, all players ante a nominal amount (for the exact amounts of antes, see the Poker limit page). Each player is dealt two hidden hole cards and one exposed card. The player with the lowest exposed card is the "bring-in", and is forced to make a wager of either a half a small bet or a full small bet (for example, either $1 or $2 in a $2/$4 game). Action continues clockwise around the table until betting is complete for the round.

Be aware: For the purposes of determining the bring-in, ties in Seven Card Stud poker card rank are broken by suit, with the order being spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs (in descending order).

Each player now receives an exposed card, called "Fourth Street". The first player to act is the individual whose exposed stud cards have the highest poker value. This player may either check or bet. If no player shows a pair amongst his or her exposed cards, the bet will be a small bet ($2 in a $2/$4 game). If any player shows a pair, the betting can be opened for a small or big bet.

Be aware: Starting on Fourth Street, if two or more players possess cards of the same value, then the bet can be initiated by the player sitting closest clockwise from the dealer.

Each player now receives another exposed card, called "Fifth Street". Again the first player to act is the individual whose exposed cards have the highest stud poker value.

Be aware: Starting on Fifth Street and for the rest of the hand, all bets are made in big bet increments ($4 in a $2/$4 game).

Each poker player now receives another exposed card, called "Sixth Street". Again, the first
player to act is the individual whose exposed cards have the highest poker value.

Each player now receives a seventh and final card (hence, 7 card stud), which is dealt face-down and known only to the player to whom the card is dealt. The first player to act is the individual whose exposed cards have the highest poker value.

If there is more than one remaining stud player when the final betting round is complete, the last bettor or raiser shows his or her cards. If there was no bet on the final round, the player whose exposed cards have the highest poker value shows his or her cards first.

The player with the best five-card stud poker hand wins the pot. In the event of identical poker hands, the pot will be equally divided between the players with the best hands.

After the pot is awarded, a new online game of Seven Card Stud poker is ready to be played.

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Summary

Although Stud is already known by many players, there are many people who know Texas Hold'em but that have yet to explore Stud. If you number among them, then you should give this exciting, fun form of poker a free try at one of our poker tables! Furthermore, if you have not gotten round to opening an account at FlandersPoker, you should download our free software and open a play money account, as this gives you access to the opportunity to practise. As a matter of course, you can also play Seven Card Stud tournaments on our site. We wish you the best of luck with your future at playing Seven Card Stud.

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