Seven Card Stud Rules

Seven card stud poker is the version of poker that most people learned first.  It is one of the most common poker games to be played at home, and is played online at many poker tournaments.  The structure of the game consists of five betting rounds and fixed stakes.

The game is started with each player putting an ante into the pot (in order to guarantee winnings for the pot taker).  This is immediately followed by the dealing of three cards to each player, which consists of two cards turned facedown and a single upturned card (also called the door card).

The first betting round takes place next, which is started by the player who has the lowest ranking door card.  The betting amount (and raises) are set at the minimum stake amount.  All following players in turn can either call, raise or fold.

Fourth Street follows the first betting round, which consists of each player being dealt a second upturned card.  The player with the highest two cards will start the next betting round.

Betting round #2 commences in the same manner as the first, except that the first player has the option of betting or checking.  If any player has a pair showing, they have the option of making a double bet (twice the minimum stake amount). 

Fifth Street is the addition of a fifth card to each player's hand (face-up).  Again, the player with the highest three cards starts the next betting round with either a bet or check.

The third betting round operates the same as the prior rounds except that the stake amount is raised to the maximum stake limit.

A sixth card is given to each player (sixth street) and betting round #4 commences. 

The seventh and last card is then dealt to each player, which is then followed by the last betting round.  After all players have folded or remained in the game by betting, raising, calling and/or checking (at the maximum table limit), all hands are revealed to declare a pot winner.

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