7 AND 5 CARD STUD POKER GAMES

How To Play 7 Card Stud Poker

Seven-card stud poker is a classic poker game. You can also play this game hi-lo, but the instructions below are just for playing the traditional high-hand wins all version.

The most important thing to remember when learning this game is that you get 7 cards to pick from to make your final 5 card hand, and you don't have to use any specific cards of the 7 you're dealt, just whichever 5 give you the highest hand.

1. All players put in an ante.
2. Starting to their left, the dealer deals each player 2 cards down (called hole or pocket cards) and 1 card face-up.
3. Everyone looks at their hole cards.
4. The player with the lowest card showing face-up has to put in a small bet called a "bring in." Then betting continues to that low-card player's left. Each player can call, raise, or fold their cards.
5. Another round of betting occurs, starting now with the player with the highest cards showing. From fourth street on, the player with the highest cards showing will continue to be the first to bet.
6. After betting is complete, the 5th card (fifth street or the river) is dealth face-up. More betting occurs, then the 6th card is dealth face up. More betting.
7. The 7th and final card is dealt face-down to the players remaining in the hand. A final round of betting occurs.
8. The players show their hands at the showdown. The player who can make the best 5-card hand from the 7 they were dealt, wins.