Learn how to play poker

Seven Card Stud Simplicity

Seven Card Stud is a very popular game among casino Poker patrons, although lately it is becoming overshadowed by the increase in popularity of Texas Hold-Em. There are, however, still many Poker games in all of the major U. S. casinos which offer Seven Card Stud. Maybe the reason this game is growing popular among poker players is the game's simplicity, or perhaps it is the close resemblance to poker games played at home. The generally lower betting limits also make the game attractive to casual players. A standard 52-card deck is used, without Jokers, and there are no wild cards. It is played on a table generally seating seven players.

The dealer begins the game by dealing cards to all players seated at the table, beginning with the player immediately to the dealer's left and then continuing clockwise around the table. A total of seven cards will be dealt out to each poker player.

The first two cards are dealt face down to each player. Only you get to see the first two cards dealt to you, as do each of the other players with their two cards. These are called "down cards." Then, in turn, four cards will be dealt face up to each player, one for each round of betting. These cards, called "up cards," are exposed for all players to see. Finally, in the last round, a seventh down card is also dealt to each player. Before any betting takes place, each player will, therefore, receive a total of three cards in the first round, two down cards and one up card.

If you stay in the game through all rounds of betting, at the end you will have three cards face down which only you can see, and four cards face up which your opponents can see as well. You, of course, can also see your opponents' up cards. The object of the game is to use the seven cards and make the best five-card Poker hand out of them. The hierarchy of hands is the same as that which applies to Video Poker. But in Seven Card Stud you have a total of seven cards to chose from, which provides for a great variety of possible hands. Some players may be showing a possible strong hand in the four cards face up, but have nothing in the three cards face down. At other times the four cards showing may look like garbage, but when combined with three cards only that player sees eventually make a great hand.

The way you bet, and how well you keep track of the cards you do see, are among the essential components of successful play in Poker. Particularly so in Seven Card Stud where relatively accurate judgments of the possible strengths, or weaknesses, of your opponent's hand(s) may be made. It is for this reason that Poker is primarily considered to be a game of skill, and why Poker is one of the few casino games which can consistently be beaten for player profit. The house doesn't figure in Poker, and therefore the action is between the players. The house cannot alter the odds in its favor to assure it a predictable win, and therefore charges a pot rake instead.