Seven Card Stud rules for beginners
Seven Card Stud is a classic poker game with no community cards. Each player gets seven cards of their own, three face down and four face up, and makes the best five-card hand. It uses the same hand rankings as Hold’em but usually fixed-limit betting.
How a hand is dealt
Section titled “How a hand is dealt”| Street | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Third street | 2 down, 1 up | Antes first; the lowest up card posts the bring-in |
| Fourth street | 1 up | Highest showing hand acts first from now on |
| Fifth street | 1 up | Bets usually double in limit games |
| Sixth street | 1 up | |
| Seventh street (river) | 1 down | Final betting round, then showdown |
That’s five betting rounds in total.
Antes and bring-in
Section titled “Antes and bring-in”There are no blinds. Everyone pays an ante, and the player with the lowest up card must start the betting with a small forced bet called the bring-in (or may complete to a full bet).
Reading the table
Section titled “Reading the table”Because four of each player’s cards are face up, you can see a lot:
- Count which cards are dead (already showing). If three of your suit are visible elsewhere, your flush is less likely.
- Watch for pairs on board: they could mean trips or a full house.
Good starting hands
Section titled “Good starting hands”- Three of a kind (“rolled up”): the best start.
- High pairs (tens or better), especially with a high kicker.
- Three to a flush or straight with high cards, if the cards you need are still live.
Stud vs Hold’em
Section titled “Stud vs Hold’em”- Stud requires more memory (folded cards).
- Pots grow slowly with fixed limits.
- Stud is often played in mixed games like HORSE.
New to poker? Start with Texas Hold’em rules, then compare with Omaha.
How many cards do you get in Seven Card Stud?
Section titled “How many cards do you get in Seven Card Stud?”Seven: three face down and four face up.
Are there community cards in Stud?
Section titled “Are there community cards in Stud?”No. Every player has their own seven cards.
What is the bring-in in Stud?
Section titled “What is the bring-in in Stud?”A small forced bet by the player showing the lowest up card on third street.
How many betting rounds are in Seven Card Stud?
Section titled “How many betting rounds are in Seven Card Stud?”Five: third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh street.