In 7 card stud poker, 7 cards (3 hole cards and 4 faced-up cards) are dealt to all the players and the pot is awarded to the player having the best five-card poker hand. As a rule, the seven card stud poker game is played with a fixed limit betting structure.

Two Hole Cards (Faced-Down) and One Faced-Up Card - First Betting Round

Before the game begins, all the players bet a nominal amount which is usually ¼ of the full bet. Next, 2 hole cards and 1 faced-up card are dealt to all the players. Now the player with the lowest faced-up card brings-in and is forced to make another nominal bet which is usually the size of a full small bet; followed by the first betting round.

Note: In order to decide the bring-in 7 card stud poker, ties in card rank is broken by the suit, with the order from highest to lowest being spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs. If deuce of spades and deuce of diamonds are visible at the beginning of the hand, then deuces of diamonds would have the “bring-in” as the lowest suite brings in always.  

Second Faced-Up Card or “Fourth Street” – Second Betting Round

After the first betting round, second faced-up card or “Fourth Street” is dealt to all the players. Now the second betting round starts from the player whose faced-up cards have the highest poker value. This player has the two betting options: either check or bet.
Note:  If any player shows a pair among his/ or exposed cards, the betting opens for the higher limit of the betting structure ($4 in a $2/$4 game). If no pair is shown by the players, the betting will open for the lower limit of the betting structure ($2 in a $2/$4 game).

Third Faced-Up Card or “Fifth Street” – Third Betting Round

After the second betting round, third faced-up card of “Fifth Street” is dealt to all the players and the third betting round starts from the player whose faced-up cards have the highest poker value.
Note: From the “Fifth Street” onwards, all bets are in the higher limit of the betting structure ($4 in a $2/$4 game).

Fourth Faced-Up Card or “Sixth Street” – Fourth Betting Round

When the third betting round is completed, fourth faced-up card or the “Sixth Street” is dealt to all the players and the fourth betting begins from the player whose faced-up cards have the highest poker value.   

Third Hole Card (Faced-Down) or Final Card – Final Betting Round

After the fourth betting round, a third Hole Card (faced-down) or the seventh or final card is dealt to all the players and the final betting round starts, followed by the showdown, if necessary.

Showdown Time – Pot is awarded to Player Having the Best five-card Poker Hand

If two or more players are remaining after the final betting round, the last bettor or raiser will show his/ her cards first. If there was no bet in the final betting round, the showdown occurs in sequence from the player sitting immediately left to the dealer button.  
The pot is awarded to the player having the best five-card poker hand. In case of identical poker hands, the pot will be equally divided between the players having the best poker hands. 

Once the pot is awarded, a new 7 card stud poker game is ready to be played. 

After learning how to play 7 stud you should read Winning Seven Card Stud Poker Strategies and Tips to improve your skills . Visit our Stud Poker Tournaments page to find an updated list of live and upcoming Seven Card Stud Poker Tournaments.