The card game of 7 Card Stud Poker is perhaps the most intriguing of all poker variations. Until the recent surge in the popularity of Texas Hold’em, a game that has revolutionized poker and has elevated the game to a position of a major televised sport, 7 Card Stud Poker was considered the most popular form of poker.  Normally, two to eight players can participate, although there may be issues if you allow the full complement of eight players to participate.

The game of 7 Card Stud Poker has been a favourite of big-time poker players for years.  One of the reasons for this popularity is the mathematical challenge that the game presents to its players.  Since there are 7 cards dealt to each player, it is up to the player to devise the best 5 card hand from those 7 cards.  There are many options along the way, and players often decide early on in the game whether or not to stay in the game.

The game is played in this manner:  After a nominal ante is placed on the table by the players, the dealer deals two cards to each player face down, and then one card is dealt face up to each player.  At this point, the high card showing on the table bets, and all others match that bet, raise or drop out.  This procedure is repeated for three more rounds of cards dealt face up to all players.  There is betting after each round.  The seventh card is dealt “down the river” which means that it is dealt to all remaining players face down on the table.

The betting protocol continues after the seventh card is dealt until all players have placed their final wagers.  The winner is the player who has the best 5 card hand out of the seven cards dealt.  It is easy to see why the dropout rate in these games is quite high.  If you do not have much to work with in the first three or four cards dealt to you, there’s not much chance that you will win the pot.  Smart players drop out early so that they don’t squander their budgeted amount of money for the game.

Because there is a small pre-game ante plus 5 betting rounds, the pots for 7 Card Stud Poker are extremely high.  That is why it is sound strategy to drop out early in poker games you can’t win, and bet moderately in games you can win, so that you don’t overplay your hand and tip off the other players by your inconsistent play.