How to Play 7 Card Stud for Dummies
Rachel Elam | August 7, 2020 | Updated on: January 7th, 2021
7 Card Stud (also known as Seven Card Stud) is one of the most popular online poker variations played today. As with pretty much each form of poker, your aim the highest hand possible to beat your opponents’ hands. The player with the highest-ranked hand wins the pot.
In a regular game, all players will be given seven cards through the course of the game (which is why it is called 7 Card Stud). With these cards, you will need to build the strongest five-card hand possible, while discarding two cards.
Seven Card Stud poker is considered one of the more exciting and strategic poker games, which is why it is so popular with players in the United States. In fact, it is up there with Texas Hold’em in terms of tournament games. So, if you would like to find out more about this poker variation, make sure to stick around.
We’ve created the ultimate guide to the game for new players. In teaching you how to play, we go over the following topics:
- The rules of the game
- Standard five-card poker hands
- The best 7 card stud strategy to use
We also walk you through a standard game so that you will know exactly what you are in for when you play online. So, what are you waiting for?
Play 7 Stud Poker Online
1
$5500 Bonus
7.9
-
24/7 live chat and telephone customer service
-
Play on any mobile and desktop device
-
Bitcoin supported
2
$5000 Bonus
9.8
-
90% Cost coverage, no annual limit
-
Easy, straightforward claims process
-
No annual or lifetime limits
3
$5000 Bonus
8.2
-
Great selection of casino games
-
Wide variety and selection of bonuses
-
All licensed vets are covered
4
$5000 Bonus
7.6
5
$3000 Bonus
9.4
-
Up to 90% reimbursement
-
VetConnect™ 24/7 helpline
-
Save 40% for eligible multiple bets
6
$10000 Bonus
7.1
-
Great range of RTG slot machines.
-
Reliable and experienced gaming operator.
-
Networked RTG progressive jackpots.
7
555% Bonus
7.2
-
Proven fair by TST
-
Mobile gaming abled
-
Downloadable Android app also available
8
$5500 Bonus
8.8
-
Good selection of casino games.
-
Generous welcome bonus.
-
Accepts US Players.
9
$7500 Bonus
7.0
-
Good Selection of Casino Games
-
Hosts Varied Live Dealer Games
-
Offers Generous Casino Bonuses
10
$8000 Bonus
7.0
-
Quick cashouts with Bitcoin
-
24/7 live chat and email support
-
Play on the tablet, mobile, and desktop
11
$7500 Bonus
7.3
12
$2000 Bonus
7.2
13
$5500 Bonus
7.2
14
$300 Bonus
7.2
15
$3500 Bonus
8.8
-
Good selection of casino games.
-
Generous welcome bonus.
-
Accepts US Players.
16
$14000 Bonus
8.5
-
Great selection of casino games
-
Wide variety of casino banking methods
-
Available to USA players
17
$6000 Bonus
7.2
-
More than 200 casino games
-
Bitcoin boost adds 5% in bonus money
-
12. Mobile website compatible with all major devices including iOS and Android
18
$5000 Bonus
7.2
-
Quality casino games
-
Great selection of bonuses and promotions
-
No withdrawal fees
19
$3000 Bonus
7.5
-
Quick Payouts.
-
Easy to earn bonus
-
Free Bitcoin payouts and deposits.
20
$2550 Bonus
7.2
21
$2550 Bonus
7.2
-
Bitcoin-friendly
-
Customer support available
-
Live dealer casino games are available
22
$777 Bonus
7.1
-
47. Offers bonuses as high as $777 with a low staking limit
-
24/7 live chat, telephone, and email support.
-
All USA players accepted.
23
$1000 Bonus
7.1
-
Best banking options
-
Great customer service
-
Top real money games
24
$3000 Bonus
7.2
-
A large variety of casino games
-
24/7 live chat support
-
Instant play games
25
$10000 Bonus
7.4
-
Player-friendly bonus.
-
Industry recommended casino with a long history of the first-class service.
-
6 figures in player cash-outs paid every week.
26
$2500 Bonus
7.2
-
Free casino games available
-
Top banking options available
-
Live dealer games available
27
$3000 Bonus
7.0
-
Best VIP program with great benefits.
-
Available in instant play and download.
-
24/7 support by US phone, live chat, or email.
28
$2500 Bonus
7.2
-
A wide range of games on offer
-
Established Casino providing top service and security
-
Download and on-site games
29
$1000 Bonus
7.5
-
Offers a wide variety of slot games.
-
High-quality games with big jackpots.
-
Accepts US players
30
$2000 Bonus
7.4
31
$5000 Bonus
7.6
-
24/7 customer support available
-
SSL encryption
-
Proven fair by TST
32
350% Bonus
7.2
-
Proven fair by TST
-
Mobile gaming abled
-
Downloadable Android app also available
33
$6000 Bonus
7.1
34
$2500 Bonus
7.5
-
Offers a wide variety of slot games.
-
High-quality games with big jackpots.
-
Accepts US players
35
$2500 Bonus
7.5
-
Offers a wide variety of slot games.
-
High-quality games with big jackpots.
-
Accepts US players
36
$600 Bonus
7.2
-
Loyalty Program for most consistent players
-
The unique and high-quality design of the website
-
Good 24/7 customer service
37
$9000 Bonus
7.2
-
Loyalty Program for most consistent players
-
The unique and high-quality design of the website
-
Good 24/7 customer service
38
$9000 Bonus
7.5
-
Offers a wide variety of slot games.
-
High-quality games with big jackpots.
-
Accepts US players
39
250% Bonus
7.2
-
Accepts bitcoin
-
Great customer service
-
Free casino games available
40
$1000 Bonus
7.2
-
A wide range of games on offer
-
Established Casino providing top service and security
-
Download and on-site games
41
$1220 Bonus
7.1
-
Live dealer casino games are available
-
Live chat support is also available 24/7
-
Modern website design
42
$1000 Bonus
7.1
-
Live dealer casino games are available
-
Live chat support is also available 24/7
-
Modern website design
43
$1077 Bonus
7.1
-
Live dealer casino games are available
-
Live chat support is also available 24/7
-
Modern website design
44
$800 Bonus
7.1
-
Live dealer casino games are available
-
Live chat support is also available 24/7
-
Modern website design
45
$1500 Bonus
7.1
-
Live dealer casino games are available
-
Live chat support is also available 24/7
-
Modern website design
46
$1000 Bonus
7.1
-
Live dealer casino games are available
-
Live chat support is also available 24/7
-
Modern website design
47
$2220 Bonus
7.1
-
Live dealer casino games are available
-
Live chat support is also available 24/7
-
Modern website design
48
$3000 Bonus
7.2
-
Bitcoin accepted
-
Live dealer games are available
-
Good 24/7 customer service
49
$3000 Bonus
7.2
-
Guaranteed fair gaming
-
Employs top-notch technology to protect private data
-
24/7 customer support via e-mail, live chat, and toll-free number
50
$4000 Bonus
7.8
-
Range of deposit methods.
-
Excellent slot gaming games.
-
Regular casino promotions.
51
$1000 Bonus
7.8
-
Range of deposit methods.
-
Excellent slot gaming games.
-
Regular casino promotions.
52
$1000 Bonus
7.8
-
Range of deposit methods.
-
Excellent slot gaming games.
-
Regular casino promotions.
53
$1000 Bonus
7.8
-
Range of deposit methods.
-
Excellent slot gaming games.
-
Regular casino promotions.
54
$1000 Bonus
7.8
-
Range of deposit methods.
-
Excellent slot gaming games.
-
Regular casino promotions.
55
$3000 Bonus
7.8
56
$1500 Bonus
7.2
-
Win free chips while playing slots tournaments
-
Take daily quests and special adventures
-
Upgrade to six levels of VIP rewards
57
$1500 Bonus
7.5
-
Large Sign-Up Bonus and Reload Bonuses.
-
Excellent for recreational and professional players.
-
Early odds for most events.
58
$12250 Bonus
7.2
59
350% Bonus
7.0
-
35. 24/7 support available through live chat, phone, and email
-
Proven fair by TST
-
Mobile casino also included
60
$3000 Bonus
7.0
-
Best VIP program with great benefits.
-
Available in instant play and download.
-
24/7 support by US phone, live chat, or email.
61
$3000 Bonus
7.0
-
Instant play and downloadable casino software.
-
A diverse selection of WGS slots
-
numerous progressive jackpots with huge jackpots.
62
200% Bonus
7.2
63
$3000 Bonus
7.2
-
24/7 support by US phone, live chat, or email.
-
SSL encryption Secured.
-
Proven fair by TST.
64
$2000 Bonus
7.1
-
Well Rounded web Casino
-
US Players are Accepted
-
No Scams or any Complaints
65
$7500 Bonus
7.1
66
$100 Bonus
7.1
-
Huge welcome bonus offers.
-
Special 200% bonus offer for Bitcoin users
-
Fair staking requirements.
67
$2500 Bonus
7.1
-
Variety of RTG gambling Games.
-
The great theme of the site.
-
SSL encryption technology.
68
7.1
$2000 Bonus
-
Collective RTG progressive jackpots.
-
24/7 customer support via email, phone, and live chat.
-
Strong reputation for good service and fairness.
69
7.1
$2000 Bonus
-
Customer support is available 24/7
-
Fast Withdrawals
-
Mobile Compatible
70
250% Bonus
7.2
-
49. 24/7 live chat, telephone, and email support.
-
All USA players accepted.
71
7.2
250% Bonus
-
Player-friendly bonus.
-
Industry recommended casino with a long history of the first-class service.
-
6 figures in player cash-outs paid every week.
72
7.2
-
Variety of RTG gambling Games.
-
The great theme of the site.
-
SSL encryption technology.
73
$2250 Bonus
7.1
75
$4500 Bonus
7.1
76
7.1
-
56. Customer support is available 24/7
-
Fun and entertaining games offered
-
Instant withdrawals
77
7.1
-
57. Plenty of Games to Choose From
-
Customer support is available 24/7
78
$4000 Bonus
7.1
-
58 Diversity of RTG Games
-
24/7 support via live chat, email, and toll-free phone
-
Secure encryption: Regularly audited by TST
79
7.1
-
Various Real-Time Game Games
-
24/7 Customer Support Available
-
SSL encryption code used
80
300% Bonus
7.1
-
Bitcoin is accepted.
-
Average withdrawal limit.
-
24/7 Live chat support.
81
$3250 Bonus
7.1
82
$3250 Bonus
7.1
-
Bitcoin accepted
-
Average withdrawal limit
-
Live chat support is available 24/7
83
$8000 Bonus
7.1
84
$9000 Bonus
7.6
-
65. Play instantly without downloading any files
-
Excellent customer support
-
Bonuses and promotions added weekly
85
$4000 Bonus
7.6
-
Instant VIP Benefits
-
More than 150 Games Available
-
Live Help And 24/7 Support
86
$10000 Bonus
7.5
-
Features both bingo and casino games
-
Instant-play interface
-
Available on most smartphones and tablets
87
$2500 Bonus
7.5
88
7.5
-
Mobile-friendly design
-
Easy to navigate through the site
-
SSL Security Certificate visible
89
$3000 Bonus
7.5
-
The casino is Bitcoin-friendly
-
The casino accepts players from many countries
-
Live dealer games are available
90
$5000 Bonus
7.4
-
Instant withdrawals for e-wallets
-
Crypto-friendly establishment
-
Daily specials
91
$3000 Bonus
7.4
-
Proven fair by TST North America Inc
-
Fast Withdrawals
-
Certified Casino
92
$2500 Bonus
7.2
-
Neteller and Bitcoin withdrawals are quicker
-
Bitcoin is accepted
-
Exclusive promotions
93
$3000 Bonus
7.5
-
Offers a wide variety of slot games.
-
High-quality games with big jackpots.
-
Accepts US players
94
$3000 Bonus
7.2
-
Proven fair by TST
-
Mobile gaming abled
-
Downloadable Android app also available
95
350% Bonus
7.0
-
Quick cashouts with Bitcoin
-
24/7 live chat and email support
-
Play on the tablet, mobile, and desktop
7 Card Stud Poker Rules
Before we get into the walkthrough of how this game works, perhaps it would be better to explain some of the game’s rules.
- As mentioned above, the objective of the game is to build the best possible five-card combination with the seven cards you are dealt with throughout the game. The player with the best hand wins after the final round of betting.
- Players must ante in this form of poker. This means that players bet before the game even begins. The size of the bets placed at the table is dependent on the group of players and house rules regarding betting limits.
- Seven Card stud is generally a game in which the highest hands wins the pot. However, there are variations in which the player with the lowest hand could earn a payout too. So, make sure of the rules of the game you are playing because it will impact your strategy significantly.
- Players hoping that the pot is split in the case of a tie in Seven Card Stud will be disappointed. In this game, ties are broken by position nearest the dealer.
Seven Card Stud Poker – Game Walkthrough
An average game of seven-card stud plays out as follows:
- Players place an ante.
- They then receive two cards face down, and a third card is facing upwards. (With regards to poker jargon, this play is traditionally referred to as the third street. The face-down cards are referred to as hole cards, and face-up cards are called door cards.
- This is where the action starts. After you have received your cards, you need to decide on your next move. You can cut your losses and drop out of the game or remain an active player by raising the bet amount or calling (matching) bets others have made.
- Following this, you are dealt one more card face up. This is known as the Fourth Street play.
- Players are then given another opportunity to bet or drop out of the game. Betting starts with the player who received the highest Fourth Street card.
- The Fifth Street play commences. Players are given a fifth card also dealt face up.
- After the other rounds, there is another opportunity to bet or fold.
- After betting has finished, the play continues with Sixth Street. A sixth card is dealt with players face up.
- You’ve probably caught the pattern – there is another opportunity to bet or fold.
- Finally, we have reached the river. A seventh card is dealt with players but faces down this time.
- Players get an opportunity to build a five-card hand with their cards during another betting round, which starts with the player with the highest visible hand. The two cards you discard can’t be called back into play, so choose wisely.
- Hands are revealed, and a winner is declared!
7 Card Poker Hands
So, there really isn’t any variation with regards to accepted poker hands in 7 Card Stud. It uses all the standard hands. If you are unsure of what those are, here is a summary:
- Royal Flush – This is hand featuring 10, J, Q, K, and A all in the same suit.
- Straight Flush – any five sequential cards in the same suit.
- Four of a Kind – four cards of the same value. So, for example, four Aces.
- Full House – a combination of a three of a kind and a pair.
- Flush – five cards of any order all in the same suit.
- Straight – five cards of different suits but in sequential order. For example, a hand of 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
- Three of a Kind – Three cards of the same value. For example, three aces.
- Two Pair – Two sets of two cards of the same value. For example, two Aces and two Kings.
- Pair – two cards of the same value.
- High Card – you have no combination. So, the strength of your hand is based on the highest cards in it. The best you can hope for in such a situation is an Aces high.
Best Seven Card Stud Strategy
So, we have got a few tips that you should keep in mind while playing this poker variation. They are sure to help you win more games.
Pay Attention to All Hands
This should really go without saying, but you can make a lot of deductions regarding your hand by watching other players’ hands. For example, if you are dealt a pair of Aces at the beginning of the game, and two other players are also visibly dealt Aces, you already know you will never be able to get a four-of-a-kind.
Adjust Your Strategy to the Number of Opponents
If you are playing poker against a single person, a low hand has a better chance of winning than it would in a game featuring more people. In games featuring a larger number of players, it is more likely that a person was able to build a better hand than a high card or pair.
So, in such cases, we don’t recommend sticking with such hands.
Don’t Play Every Hand (But Don’t Be Too Cautious Either)
Playing every single hand is never a good idea. You should be able to tell whether or not a particular hand is worth going for from the beginning. Don’t go for stupid plays because often, this will just lead to you losing your bankroll quickly.
However, with this state, also don’t be too strict on what hands you do play. If you are only going to play hands when you are dealt with a starting three-of-a-kind, you aren’t going to be playing any games.