7 Card Stud Poker Rules

Stud games are determined by their betting limits. The games betting limit tell the stud player almost everything they need to know about the nature of the game, what the players expect, and the size of the bankroll you need to have.

Ante in Stud is mandatory and changes depending on the betting limits. The low games require a 10% Ante. The high games go up on their Ante. The percentages may vary.

The dealer deals clockwise, starting at his left. They deal one card at a time until each player has two pocket cards (face down) and a single up (door card). The dealer then determines which player will open betting, indicated by the door card.

At this point, there are three cards on the table and this is called Third Street. The player holding the lowest door card must ‘bring it in’ by opening with a bet equal to the ante. The next player clockwise from the opener can Call by matching the opener, or raise the bet. Fourth Street is when the dealer gives each player another open (up) card. Unlike Third Street, the opener in the fourth and remaining streets is the high hand as determined by the open cards. They can then Pass or Bet.

The last card called the river is another pocket card, (which is face down). After the bets and raises have been resolved, the remaining players enter the showdown where the opener reveals his pocket cards.

If a player wishes to compete with his hand, they show their pocket cards, or they can yield and fold. It is the dealer’s responsibility to call the winner as determined by the best hand.