How to play 7-card stud

This variation was once the most popular version of poker played in the US before the rise of Texas Hold-em. Usually played with up to eight people, it is very similar to 5-card stud, with the obvious difference being the extra two cards. What makes this form of poker different is the fact that you are able to see some of your opponent’s cards, turning it from a bluff game into more of an observational and strategic game. There are five rounds of betting, with the first two rounds using a minimum bid and the next three rounds using a maximum bid.

All players involved are forced to contribute a set amount to the pot (predetermined before the start of the game) this is the ante. Once this has been completed, each player is dealt three cards – two face down and one face up.
First round: The player with the lowest face-up card then has to make a compulsory bid. The order of bidding then goes clockwise as players have the ability to call the bid, raise it or fold.
Second round: All players still involved are dealt another face-up card. Bids then start with the player holding the strongest face-up cards, with the order again going clockwise. If a pair is held by any player, they can make a double bid.
Third round: This round onwards introduces the maximum bids. All remaining players are dealt another face-up card. The player with the highest combination starts the betting.
Fourth round: All remaining players are dealt a final face-up card. As usual, the player with the highest combination starts the betting.
Final round: All remaining players are dealt a final card, face down this time (which makes 4 face-up and 3 face-down cards). As usual, highest combination bids first and carries on clockwise.
After the final round, face-down cards are revealed (with the last person to raise revealing first). The highest five card combination wins the pot.

Observing your opponent’s face-up cards is, needless to say, vital to succeed in this form of poker. If you don’t, you will lose, it’s as simple as that. Memorisation is also very important to succeed in 7-card stud. If players have folded at an early stage and you can’t remember what they were holding, you are likely to make bad judgements. Three of a kind in your first three face-up cards almost guarantees you victory. Likewise, it’s better to cut your losses if you see or suspect the chance of facing one. Other strong opening hands are matching suits and high ranking pairs. Use these to your advantage – forcing players out of the game ultimately benefits you. If the cards you need are in the possession of an opponent, this can really hurt the value of your hand as you are less likely to improve in the following rounds. Think before you raise! It can be much harder to bluff successfully in this form of poker as your opponents can see some of your cards.