5 Card Stud Poker Rules and Strategy

7 Card Stud is one of those games that puzzles people. Whenever you mention it people say something like "you mean 7 Card Stud?" or "how's that different than Draw Poker?" But 5-Card Stud is a game unto itself although you'll seldom see it played these days. There are a few good reasons for that, but let's cover the basics first.

Betting Limits, Buy-In, Bankroll, The Ante, and the Deal are all pretty much the same as 7-Stud and I refer you there for these details. Keep in mind that because 5 Stud is seldom played in the casinos these rules often vary. The truth is that 5 Stud is mostly played as a social game these days, so the rules flex according to the player's tastes.

The Open

A round opens with the dealer giving each player two cards. Traditionally the first is a pocket (hidden) card and the second is open (face up). There are variations on this and we'll see why shortly.

Now it's time for the first bets. Low card opening is standard but it's not uncommon for high card to open. The game progresses the same either way. The betting round circles the table and it's on to Third Street.

Third Street

The third card is dealt to each player as an open card. Betting typically follows 7-Card Stud's Third Street play (Low Limit bets).

Fourth Street

Another open card, typically played per 7 Stud's Fifth and Sixth Street (High Limit bets).

Fifth Street

The final card, usually also an open card. Betting as per 7 Stud's Seventh Street (High Limit bets).

The Trouble with 5 Card Stud

There's a real problem with traditional 5 Card Stud. With only one pocket card there's not much doubt as to what a player is holding. Furthermore, since there are only 5 cards per player and no discards, most hands are going to be pretty low, mostly pairs and high cards. At least in Draw Poker the player gets a chance to improve their hand by drawing new cards. Not so in 5 Stud: you're stuck with what you get and the other players can see most of that.

The end result? Players with even basic play experience will read the cards fast and early. They'll either drop or be going for the pot and it's tough to drag anyone but a novice along for the latter streets. Bottom line is it's a slow game for anything but social events and "friendly" play.

This is where the variations come in. The more interesting 5 Stud games I've played are those where there are two pocket cards. Sometimes it's first and last card, sometimes the two opening cards with the player on the dealer's left opening the bets.

In the end these variations are simply attempts to add a little suspense. The hands are still going to be low. And the extra pocket card just allows for a little more bluffing and the possibility of chubbier pots. The fact that even these variations only appear in social games tells the same story as before: 5 Card Stud has left the building.

Also see other Poker Rules


The best Poker Room to play 5 Card Stud

» Party Poker

Even though Party Poker lost its title as the largest poker room in the world after the U.S. poker ban, it still offers massive cash-game and tournament traffic. In addition to lots of traffic, there are many other advantages with Party Poker, such as loose games, great promotions, an excellent loyalty program with the largest selection available, special events and a membership-referral program.

The software offers decent graphics and functionality; it is fast and offers good playability. The functionality is good overall and offers nice features, like deal making, table auto resize and the usual tools including player notes, hand history, statistics and more.

The games offered are all variations of Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, Seven-Card Stud and Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo. The games vary between No-Limit, Pot-Limit, and Fixed-Limit. Full-table games, short-handed, and heads-up tables are all available. Due to the size and geographical diversity of Party Poker, action can be found at pretty much any game at any hour.

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Deposit and Withdrawal Methods accepted by Party Poker: NETeller, Click2Pay, FirePay, uKash, Payspark, eCheck, InstaDebit, UseMyBank, Moneybookers, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club), Money Transfers, Solo and Switch debit Cards, Bank Wire, Swift, ACH.

Party Poker has determined to suspend all real-money gaming business in the United States.

» PokerTime

Are you fanatical about poker? If the answer is yes, then PokerTime is the ultimate place for you to play. PokerTime is the latest addition to the award-winning Fortune Lounge Group of casinos and poker rooms.

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PokerTime will not be allowing United States players from the following 11 states: New Jersey and South Dakota , Illinois, Oregon, Wisconsin, Washington, Indiana, Nevada, New York, Michigan, Louisiana.