SEVEN CARD STUD POKER

Seven Card Stud Poker is a game that requires patience and skill, in knowing when to fold or call. It is a game that consists of five rounds of betting during each hand. The higher limit bet starts in the third round of betting. The maximum bet is in fact doubled after the third round. This fact leads to large pots.
The objective of the game is to finish with the best poker hand, and win the pot.
It can be played between 2 to 8 players.

How to Play

• Place an ante on the table.
  Note:The ante amount is set by the card room. There is no ante amount when the game stakes are $0.50/$1.00.
  
• You are dealt three cards, two pocket cards and one visible card. The Player with the lowest card must bring-in the betting.
  
• A round of betting begins. Players can either:
  Fold
  Call
  Raise
  Check
  
• After all the players have contributed the same amount into the pot, the Fourth Street betting begins. The bet amounts are raised to the high limit in the Fifth Street and Sixth Street.

The last phase of Seven Card Stud is the Seventh Street. This phase is also known as The River. The outcome of the game is determined in this phase.

Important: If seven or eight Players are still in the game in the Seventh Street, there are not enough remaining cards for each Player to be dealt a river card. In this situation, the river card is dealt as a community card. Players then use their pocket cards, visible card and the community card to make the strongest poker hand possible.

Strategies

To improve your chances of winning, use the following strategies:

• A big pair is worth betting on, unless another Player is betting aggressively on what seems to be a very good hand.
• Fifth Street is a make-or-break point. As the bet amount doubles in this round, ensure your hand can produce a win at the end of the game. This minimizes your loss.
• It is advisable to fold if another Player's exposed cards beat your entire hand.
• If you are trying to complete a Straight, check to see if the cards you need are displayed by another Player. You can then adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Fold when necessary. Seven Card Stud Poker is a game of patience, so do not bet all your money on losing hands.