This is a classic game of poker with a plan. The rules, as you will see, appear to be fairly straightforward, basic, and easy to learn. The game on the other hand is far from it. Here you will read about the basic beginner lessons. Through years of practices and playing the strategy will become second nature, and perhaps even lead to mastering the game. No matter how confident any player is with this game, they realize that this challenge is never over.
Table Stakes
The first thing to take note of when choosing what game to play is the stakes. As with most types of poker you will find the stakes of the game define it. If there were a low limit game ($2-4) the expectations would be that the other players are beginners or still learning their way around the game. Looking at the typical online game ($8 - 20) the stakes would tell you that the players are either decent or better.
Buy in
To get into the game you have a minimum buy in of 10 times the low limit. For example, lets say the game we chose to play is a beginner game. The stakes are $4 minimum; the buy in would be $40. It is however recommended by many experienced players, not to just buy in at the minimum.
Ante
In this game of poker the ante is required, every hand. This typically equals 10% of the minimum limit. Using the same example of a $4 minimum limit, the ante would be $0.40. Be aware that the ante can go up to as much as 25% in any game.
Round One (third street)
The betting begins when all the players have two pocket, or face down cards and one door, or face up card. This position is often referred to as Third Street. While in this round, the opening bet starts with the person who has the lowest door card. They can chose to start the betting at double the minimum limit or as in our game, at $8. If there is no confidence in the cards, the player may fold and the opportunity to open bidding goes to the next player on the left. Keep in mind that during the 3rd St. round each player has a fixed amount to bet or raise by, which is equal to the minimum limit (thus the stakes). It is also possible for a player to just call a previous bet by matching it.
Round Two (fourth street)
Once all of the players have made their choice within the round, the dealer will deliver another door card. This round is referred to as the 4th St. The player with the highest door cards determines the opening bet for this and each successive round. To opening bet here typically starts at the minimum limit as well. The exception to this would be if the highest card holder has a pair showing, then they can chose to begin the bet at the highest limit. Taking our game as the example, the minimum bid is $4 so the maximum bid would be $8. Where ever the opening bet starts the raises and subsequent bets are fixed there to.
Rounds Three and Four (fifth and sixth street)
For the 5th and 6th 'Streets' or rounds the bets and raises are fixed at the maximum. These two rounds are the last up facing cards.
Final Round
The last round or the river, delivers another pocket card, and all bets and raises are set at the maximum limit. Once the round is complete the remaining players enter into 'the showdown'. This is when these players reveal their pocket cards, and a winner is determined. In an online game the virtual dealer will pass the pot to the winner of the hand. The best 5-card hand under normal poker rules determines the winner. If you desire, it is possible to see the hand that was won against, regardless if they folded or played it out.
As was stated in the onset - the game is simple to learn, but only experience will allow you to master it. It is possible to write volumes on it, and still not touch the complexities involved in a 7 Card Stud strategy. Every player gets into their own groove, following their own strategy and style. With time, practice and patience you too will be able to work your way up to becoming a 7 Card Stud Poker pro!
Best Places To Play 7 Card Stud Poker Online
The following online poker sites offer 7 Card Stud Poker On Line and will match your first deposit with a free bonus. These are the best internet poker sites to play 7Card Stud.
We are currently on the prowl for new online poker sites which offer 7 Card Stud Poker, and will list them here as soon as we fine them.
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