Seven Card Stud: What You Need to Know About This Underrated Poker Classic
Whether you’ve caught a poker tournament on TV, hung out in an online poker room, or played with some friends on the weekend, you probably understand the basics of classics like Texas Hold‘em.
While Texas Hold’em and Omaha are some of the most well-known and popular poker games, Seven Card Stud is an underrated classic that is slowly making a comeback in some poker circles. Seven Card Stud is mentioned in Tennessee Williams’ classic A Streetcar Named Desire, and some history buffs claim that Wild Bill Hickok was well-versed in the game.
So, what is it, and how do you win? Learn more about Seven Card Stud.
A Look at the Basics
You don’t need a lot of experience playing poker to learn Seven Card Stud, but knowing games like Texas Hold ‘em may give you an advantage over other players. When comparing Seven Card Stud to other poker variations like Texas Hold‘em, some players mention that while it’s relatively easy to figure out, it’s quite a bit slower-paced.
The object of this 2 to 8 player game is not much different from other poker games. In short, each player strives to place bets and win the pot while convincing opponents that they have the best hand.
Getting Started
At the start of Seven Card Stud, every player gets two face-down cards and one face-up card. Bets are made clockwise, and players either raise, fold, or call. Another face-up card is dealt after betting. Players continue to make bets, and face-up cards are dealt until players have six cards.
The dealer places the seventh card face down, and players reveal their best five-card hand during the final round of betting. The best five-card hand from the final (and seventh card dealt) is the winner.
Players can only choose 5 of 7 cards, and the discarded cards are often known as the “muck” cards.
Tips For Improving Your Chances of Winning
As with any new casino game, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the rules, practice before you play for money, and do your own research. Checking out reviews of online casinos, reading online tutorials, and even joining poker forums can offer valuable advice.
Here are a few things to keep in mind while you’re strategizing your win.
Picking Cards to Keep
While all players strive to win with the best five-card hand, knowing which cards to hang on to is essential. Keep big cards, pairs, and three-of-a-kind. You can pay attention to other fold cards with practice, but it can be challenging to keep track of everyone else’s hands.
Know When To Fold
We’ve all heard the term “know when to fold ‘em” and this is a particularly good tip to remember when playing Seven Card Stud. Unless you get lucky and have a good hand right away (like a three-of-a-kind), you’ll need to know when to fold.
Remember, since this game makes it hard to track other players’ hands, focus your bet on just a few players.
Stay Alert, Watch Your Opponents
Even though it can be hard to keep track of other players’ cards, you’re more likely to succeed if you do.
Like most casino games, Seven Card Stud requires attention to detail and players who are good at multitasking, have an excellent memory, and are not easily distracted end up being some of the top players.
If you’re playing Seven Card Stud with your regular group of poker friends, there’s a good chance that you already know how they play. You can pick up on how they bet or a certain look they get on their face when they’re bluffing.
Can’t keep track of who’s discarded what? Watch for other actions like overconfidence or making big bets early on in the game. While these players might be lucky, they’re likely bluffing.
Test the Waters, Hold Your Own
In addition to getting to know the ins and outs of the game, one important thing to remember about learning how to play Seven Card Stud is to take your time and do your own thing.
Don’t like your cards even though they have high value? There’s no obligation to hold on to them. Don’t feel like risking it all or placing a hefty bet? Ignore the peer pressure of other players.
In holding your own and playing your own way (by abiding by the rules), you might end up bluffing the other players and winning the game.
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Source: igaming
