I think that any poker player worth their salt should definitely learn to become skilled at the game of seven card stud. It is a classic poker game that has been around for a very long time. I also think it serves as an excellent change of pace from Holdem or Omaha. This is because the overall betting pattern is completely different which means you have to approach the game in an entirely different manner. In this article I will briefly go over all the important things you will need to know to play seven card stud the correct way.
This poker game is started off with players posting an ante. The ante is just a small bet made by every player who wishes to participate in the hand before any cards are dealt. The antes are intended to encourage players to bet throughout the entire game, not any single hand. Once the antes have been posted the cards are ready to be dealt.
Each player begins the game being dealt two cards face down and one card face up. After everyone receives their cards a round of betting takes place. The betting is initiated by a forced bet that must be made by the player with the lowest card on the board. The amount of this bet is decided before any cards are every dealt. After this forced bet is made every other player at the table is given the opportunity to call, raise, or fold in a clockwise manner.
After this first round of betting another card is dealt to every player face up. This is followed by another round of betting. During this round of betting there is no required forced bet and the betting is initiated by the player with the best hand showing on the board. This round of betting is followed by another face up card. Players bet and then receive the last face up card. They bet on this card and then receive the seventh, and final, card face down. Players bet for a last time and then reveal their cards to announce a winner. The object of the game is to create the best five card hand using any combination of the seven cards in front of you.
