The classic poker favorite known as 7 card stud offers good pot odds. However, just like with a Texas Holdem strategy, a winning 7-card stud strategy is essential and it all begins with mastering the rules of the game. In this article, we’ll get back to the basics and teach you how to turn the fundamental rules of seven card stud into a winning hand.
As with Texas Holdem, it is important to remember that you get 7 cards to pick from to make your final 5 card hand, and you don’t have to use any specific ones of the 7 that are dealt, just whichever 5 will give you the highest hand. Once all the players ante up, the dealer deals each player two cards down, and one face up. These are called the pocket cards. Everyone looks at their hole cards and the player with the lowest card showing 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.
After the betting is completed, another card is dealt to each player face-up. This card is also known as “fourth street” or “the turn.” The process of betting and laying down more streets or rivers continues until there the seventh and final card is dealt. This card will be face down. This is when it gets really exciting! After placing the final bets, the players show their hands at the showdown. The player who can make the best five-card hand from the seven dealt, wins.
Bluffing is a very important skill whether you’re playing Texas Holdem or 7 card stud. To be a good bluffer, you need to have good gut instincts and a lot of skill. Generally, beginners are not good bluffers because they tend to wear their emotions on their sleeve. A seasoned player will capitalize on that and it could end up costing you money. If you are going to bluff, make sure that it will work to your benefit. In a pure bluff, you’ll convince other players that you have a great hand even when you have nothing. This is risky, so be very, very careful. A semi bluff is a much smarter move. For instance, if you have a pair, aggressively betting can scare your opponents into thinking that you have a higher hand.
One of the most common mistakes that beginners make when playing 7 card stud is chasing the draw. Starting hands are extremely important, but this approach to playing is unnecessary and can be costly. Knowing when to fold is as simple as keeping track of what cards are in play or have already been folded. Common sense is as big a part of winning as luck and skill.
Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed treating panic disorder as well as tips on the various anxiety disorder medications available at www.anxietydisordercure.com.