7 Card Stud Rules

In 7 Card Stud, players will receive seven cards, three "down" cards and four "up" cards. Your "hand" is determined by using the best five of seven cards and the best hand wins the pot. Click here to see the Rank of Hands. (The pot may also be won by someone betting and no one calling prior to getting seven cards.)

There are five betting rounds in 7 Card Stud. One bet and three raises are allowed on each betting round. To continue to play, players must call all action to them on each "Street" or betting round.

Here is the procedure for 7 Card Stud:

1) Everyone "antes" (puts a predetermined amount in the pot before the cards are dealt).

2) Each player is dealt three cards (two "down" cards and one "up" card). This "up" card is also known as the "door card" or "Third Street".

3) The lowest "up" card must initiate the action with a "Bring-In" bet. (If two or more players have the same lowest card, the person who brings it in is determined by suit order progressing from clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades). "Third Street" is the first round of betting. Please note: If you are the low card and are "timed out" (do not act in your allotted amount of time), you will be forced to bring it in for the minimum and WILL BE FOLDED automatically on your next action (whether it be 3rd street or 4th street and whether or not you get back to the table in time to act).

4) Another card is dealt face-up. This is "Fourth Street" (the second round of betting). From "Fourth Street" on, the highest hand showing begins the action by checking or betting. (If a pair is showing on "Fourth Street", players have the option to make a single or double bet.If you wish to raise and your opponent makes a single bet, you may raise a single or double bet. If your opponent makes a double bet and you wish to raise, you may only raise an equal amount.)

5) Another card is dealt face-up. This is called "Fifth Street" (the third round of betting - which doubles - and continues at this amount for the remaining betting rounds ).

6) Another card is dealt face-up. This is "Sixth Street" (fourth betting round).

7) The final card is dealt down. The last card is also known as the "River Card" or "Seventh Street" (final round of betting).

8) Upon completion of the final round of betting, the best hand wins the pot.