7 Card Stud Poker For Beginners
Monday, January 11th, 2010If you play online poker, it’s likely that you started with the game that helped make it a phenomenon: Texas hold ‘em. Many players find themselves wanting to change up their game, however, and that’s where 7 Card Stud comes in for them. 7 Card Stud is deceptive in how easy it is to understand: players are dealt seven cards, the first two of which are face down, then four face-up cards go to each player, then one more round of betting, and a final hole card is dealt with a subsequent round of bets.
Starting hands are important in any poker game and this holds true for Stud as well. Ideal starting hands in Stud would include trips, 3 high face cards to a straight preferably suited and high pairs with a good kicker. The thing that players need to keep in mind when choosing a starting hand is, how many hands can I make with these 3 cards? If the 3 cards you are holding can make a flush or straight, they may be worth playing.
It may be difficult to fold some hands but it’s very important to learn when to fold. While some hands may be obvious such as you are holding a low pair and they have a higher pair showing, other times it will not be so obvious. There may be a time where folding a 3 of a kind is the right thing to do if you have yet to fill up to a boat against a potential flush. Also, keep in mind that full houses are more common in seven card stud than in other poker games.
While this may seem obvious, you need to pay attention at the table! Stud can be a slow and slightly boring game to play even if you are a part of the hand. But it is very important to pay attention to how other players play each street and especially pay attention to each card that is dealt. These cards will tell you how many outs you have as well as the potential holdings of your opponents.
While these tips above do not cover every scenario a player will face, it will sure get them up to speed on some of the do’s and don’ts of Stud Poker. By playing decent starting hands, paying attention, and knowing when to fold when a player is beaten, many players should do much better than your average Stud Poker player.























