7 Card Stud und 7 Card Stud Hi Lo are two of the most popular poker variations. Both games are very dynamic which is likely the reason they are so popular. In addition, the player must meet other requirements as with Holdem. For example, with 7 card stud it is helpful to know which "live" cards are still in the deck and which have already been played. In contrast to Holdem and Omaha, 7 Card Stud is almost exclusively played with a limited betting structure.
The only difference between both stud games is with 7 Card Stud Hi Lo, the pot is divided between the best High Hand and the best Low Hand (see below).
The following description refers to both variations of "7 Card Stud."
Ante
With Stud Poker there are no Blinds, but instead Antes that should get the action going. The Ante must be paid by each player before the cards are dealt.
Third Street
When the Antes have been paid, each player gets 2 concealed cards as well as a third open card from the dealer. The player with the lowest open card must start the first betting round with a so-called "Bring-In." At that time, he may either place a Half-Small Bet, or a Whole-Small Bet. In a 2€/4€ game, he would have the choice between 1€ and 2€. If two players have the same open card value, the card will be determined by suit, which otherwise has no significance in Poker. The highest suit is spades, then hearts, diamonds and clubs (yes, exactly the opposite of Skat). He who has the 2 of clubs open cannot possibly be spared the bring-in. The order of play then follows in a clockwise fashion. You may either give up (fold), play along (call), or increase (raise). When the round is over, the remaining players receive an additional open card which is referred to as "Fourth Street."
Fourth Street
As of the Fourth Street until the end of the hand, every betting round is begun by the player with the highest open card combination. He who wishes to bet must place a Small Bet, for example 1€ in a 1€/2€ game. However, if at least a pair lies open on the table, any player has the alternative of also opening by placing a Big Bet.
Fifth Street through Seventh Street
If the betting round ends at the Fourth Street, every remaining player receives an additional open card, called Fifth Street. As of the Fifth Street, the placing of Big Bets is obligatory.
The Sixth Street is an additional open card, followed by a round of betting. The Seventh Street however, is a concealed card, followed by the final round of betting.
Consequently, every remaining player has three concealed and four open cards. Should the 52 cards of a deck not be enough to give every player a 7 th individual card, then one community card will be dealt. This card will be combined with the other 6 individual cards of the players to select the best 5 card hand.
The Showdown
If at least two players remain after the final betting round, then a Showdown takes place. He who bet or raised last must first reveal his cards. He who cannot top the revealed hand must not show his cards.
