Five-card stud: rules and beginner strategy
Five-card stud is one of the oldest forms of poker and the ancestor of seven-card stud. There are no community cards: each player gets their own five cards, one face down and four face up. It’s rarely spread in casinos today but is a fun home game.
How a hand runs
Section titled “How a hand runs”- Players usually post an ante.
- Each player gets one card face down (the hole card) and one face up.
- First betting round: in many versions the lowest up card must make a forced bet (the bring-in); house rules vary.
- A third card is dealt face up; betting — from now on the highest showing hand acts first.
- A fourth and fifth card face up, each followed by betting.
- Showdown: the best five-card hand wins.
That’s four betting rounds in total. It’s usually played fixed-limit. See betting structures.
Strategy tips
Section titled “Strategy tips”- Start strong: a pair (hole card matching an up card) or an ace/king in the hole are good starts. Without that, fold early.
- Watch the up cards: if your opponent’s up cards already beat yours, you need a good reason to continue.
- Dead cards: cards showing in others’ hands are no longer available to you — count them, like outs. See pot odds and outs.
- A hidden pair (pair with your hole card) is strong because opponents can’t see it.
See also five-card draw, poker history and home poker game.
How many cards do you get in five-card stud?
Section titled “How many cards do you get in five-card stud?”Five: one face down and four face up.
How many betting rounds are in five-card stud?
Section titled “How many betting rounds are in five-card stud?”Four.
Who acts first in five-card stud?
Section titled “Who acts first in five-card stud?”On the first round often the lowest up card (bring-in); after that, the highest showing hand.
What is a strong start in five-card stud?
Section titled “What is a strong start in five-card stud?”A pair using your hole card, or an ace or king in the hole.