How To Play 7-Card Stud

Family gathered around table playing cards.
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By
Toby Bochan
    Toby Bochan is a writer, editor, poker teacher and the author of "The Badass Girl's Guide to Poker."
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    Toby Bochan
    Updated May 12, 2018

    Seven-card stud poker is a classic poker game. The most important thing to remember when learning this game is that you get 7 cards to make your final 5 card hand, and you don't have to use any specific ones, just whichever 5 make the highest hand.

    What You Need:

    • 52-Card Deck
    • Chips (or something to bet with)
    • 2-7 Players

    Difficulty: Easy

    Estimated Time: 15 Minutes

    Here's How:

    1. All players put in an ante.
    2. Starting to his/her left, the dealer deals each player two cards down (called hole or pocket cards) and one 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. 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."
    6. 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.
    7. After betting is complete, the fifth card (fifth street or the river) is dealt face-up. More betting occurs, then the sixth card is dealt face up. More betting.
    8. The 7th and final card is dealt face-down to the players remaining in the hand. A final round of betting occurs.
    9. The players show their hands at the showdown. The player who can make the best five-card hand from the seven they were dealt, wins.