7 Card Stud

The strategic advice recommended for 7 Card Stud Poker is relevant for all levels of play, and agreed on by all Poker experts. Careful observation of dealt cards and opponent’s hands will always lead to success, and the tips provided will emphasize this approach.

It is important to be selective about your starting hand, as decision making at this point in the game will be most influential in your final hand at the showdown. The following outlines which hands should be played, and how:

• High trips (A to 10) – these hands should be fast played.
• Low trips (9 to 2) – slow play this hand until the 5th Street to confuse your opponents.
• High pair (A to 10) – play this hand fast until threatened by potentially stronger hand.
• High kicker/low pair – If higher than the board’s up-card, slow play your way through. If at least one of your key cards are dead, fold, and check-fold if your next card does not give you 2 pair or trips.
• No high kicker – if you have trips, slow play until 4th street. If at least one of your pair cards are dead, fold, and check-fold if your next card doesn’t give you trips or 2 pair.
• High over-cards – If you hold 2-3 cards that are higher than the board cards, check-fold if you don’t make a high pair in the next betting round, and slow play.
• High 3 card flush (at least 2 high cards) – If 3 or more cards of your suit are dead, fold. If with the next card you don’ make a high pair or 4 card flush, check-fold, and slow play.
• High 3 card straight – If you cannot make a high pair or 4 card straight in the next round, check-fold.
• 3 cards to a straight flush – if at least 4 of your key straight or flush cards are dead, fold, and check-fold if you cannot make one.

• The lowest card in your starting hand should be higher than any other card appearing on the table. If they are not, it is questionable whether or not you should continue playing.

• Raise with strong draws such as a 4 flush in the 4th Street. Not calling may lead to a player folding a stronger hand.
• Do not call unless there is good reason to, such as trapping your opponent.
• Remember the up-cards – this will tell you whether or not the player’s hands are live.