Stud Poker
Sep 14, 2011 About Poker Learn Poker
One of the most popular forms of poker is stud poker which is played online as well as in casinos. There are many versions of stud poker; 7-card stud , 7-card stud hi-lo and 5-card stud. In America Seven-card stud was the most popular poker game before the boom of Texas Holdem. In contrast in European online poker rooms seven card stud is considered as a loose profitable game with lots of easy money.
Before you get in playing these stud poker games, some of the basic stud poker rules should be understood. There are slight differences in rules between these stud poker variations.
7-Card Stud:
Each player receives three cards at the beginning of the game- two face down and one face up. It is up to the players to raise, call or fold. Player with the lowest card face up begins the betting.
Once all bets are over, the next round begins. Betting begins once three cards are dealt to each player face up. This time the player who has the best face up hand begins betting.
Next the 7th card which is the last card is dealt following this is another round of betting. Showdown is the last play of the game and the cards are shown by all the players who are left in the game. The pot is won by the player who has the best hand.
7-Card Stud Hi-Lo:
Similar to 7-card stud with the exception of few technicalities. Similarity is in the betting sequence. The betting round however begins with the highest card on the table.
The difference: In this game the pot will be split by the players with the both the highest and lowest hands, provided there is a low enough hand on the table. A “lo” is qualified if it contains 5 cards of Eight or lower, with no pairs. Otherwise the player with the highest hand wins the whole pot.
5-Card Stud Poker:
The game begins with ante which is a small bet. Post this player are dealt two cards each – one face up and one face down (pocket card). Betting begins with the lowest face up card player on the table. Players have an option to select between betting, folding and calling.
Another card is dealt face up and with this the next round of betting continues. The players who have not yet folded their hands continue in the game and till the time the poker player has 4 cards – one face down and 4 face up, the similar pattern will go on. Players need to be watchful in observing the cards folded and those on the table as this will help them in elimination of cards they need. This surely requires time and effort but is worth every effort put in observation.
The best thing about poker is its evolution over time and stud poker is the best example of this. There are different forms of stud poker that have evolved with the variations and diverse fundamentals to card games.
