Texas Hold Em Poker Tournament

Winning Tips for 7 Card Stud

Because of its radically different structure and gameplay, 7 Card Stud is often seen as a hard game to profit from by players used to winning in Texas Holdem. However, here are some tips that can help your game.

One of the key points you need to remember is that third street (the third card you are dealt at the onset of 7 Card Stud) is extremely important in determining if you can go on or you should fold. If you get dealt trips (AAAs to 222s), raise and re raise; because a lot of hands could come into play later, you should try to take everyone down.

Another 7 Card Stud strategy needs to be used if you are holding pairs. If both are in the hole, you have more options, as your strength will be hidden from the rest of the table. If one of your pairs is the up card, you need to look out for the other up cards on the table. If you have an Ace, you need not worry much because some of your weaker opponents might fold at the sight of it. However if you are holding TTs and you are re raised by someone who has a K showing, fold your hand.

On some occasions, you might get dealt a 3 straight or 3 to a flush (i.e., 789 or Th-Qh-4h). While you might be tempted to raise quickly, the better 7 Card Stud strategy would be to just check and call throughout. With a straight or flush, you probably have the best hand anyway, and it is unlikely anyone will outdraw you. The worst that can happen is that you hit a pair or set.

One last other playable hand you will get on third street are the low pairs. If in Texas Holdem players go to the flop with this hand, in 7 Card Stud you should call. Don't fold it, because there are several cards to come. However you need to be cautious about raising with these hands.

The bottom line here is that when playing 7 Card Stud you need to exercise patience. You won't get these hands often, and when they don't come, be patient and just muck the cards. Don't force anything, because it will just cost you more in the end.

7 Card Stud can be an intricate game, but you can make it easier for yourself by making the right decisions early. This will save you a lot of trouble later on, and you'll realize that the game isn't as confusing as some people think.