Seven card stud strategy

In the seven-card stud showdown, most hands win by the highest pairs. The statistics show that a high pair will decide who would win the pot, therefore most of the strategy of seven card stud poker deals with pairs. Before reading the following article do take the time to go through the basic rules of the seven card stud game.

The 4th street is an essential key in winning the pot at seven card stud. These first cards will be the first notification for you to raise your bets or to fold and wait for the next round. A good high pair or a complete suit will guarantee you a good hold of the pot before venturing further to the next streets.

If you do have a good starting position then you might consider a suitable course of action. Mind that acting aggressively in the beginning of your game will expose your hole cards. You might frighten the other players thus shrinking your future pot. Take your time, gamble with patience and lure the players to the higher stages of the fifth and sixth streets where they will add more money to the pot. If your 4th street is not a strong hand then consider folding and avoiding the expensive stages of the fifth to seventh cards. Recommended starting hands are high trips such as AAA to 101010, high pairs, two-three high hole cards and so on. Anything that leaves room for a good combination is advisable.

Avoid playing when key cards are visible to your opponents, the surprise factor is crucial. If your starting cards contain a low pair or a flush consider slow play but if the next card you're given doesn't help you to build a strong hand then you should fold.

If your high cards are higher than the other board cards then slow play and wait for the next card and do not raise your bet. Having a pocket pair, meaning a pair consisted by the hole cards, is a great advantage in your favor.

A visible ace, as a door card, is a risky but profitable gamble. Having an ace on the board will get your opponents nervous, keep raising your bets and you might win the pot before reaching showdown. If another board card is also an Ace watch your steps, the players might consider you're actually bluffing, continue with a high pair of a good chance for a flush.

David Gendam,
Editorial Staff,
23rd of November, 2005.