Basic Playing Rules

Seven Card Stud 8 or Better is one of the most popular variations of poker, and you too can join in on its fun by learning the rules, available here

Seven Card Stud 8 or Better is probably the most popular poker variation after Texas Hold’em, and luckily, its rules are relatively simple. Basically, Seven Card Stud 8 or Better is a high-low game, meaning that the pot is split between 2 winners; one with the best high hand and another with the best low hand (explained below). The aim is therefore to obtain the best high and low hand on the table so that you can "scoop" the entire pot. If one half of the pot is enough for you, then your aim is to obtain either the best high hand or the best low hand. The game goes as follows:

1. Ante - all players must ante up – an ante is a forced bet usually 20% in value of the lower betting limit, designed to build up the pot.
2. 3rd Street - Each player is dealt 2 face-down cards and 1 up-card (face-up card).The player with the lowest up-card must place the "bring-in" bet, which is the first bet and is worth half the lower betting limit. Players can fold, call or raise in a clockwise direction, with all bets being limited to the lower betting limit.
3. 4th Street – another card is dealt to all players face-up, and the player with the highest showing hand must fold, check or bet first. Betting continues as in the previous round.
4. 5th Street – each player is dealt a 5th card face-up. Again, the player with the highest showing hand begins the betting, and remaining players must follow suit. Betting is now limited to the higher betting limit.
5. 6th Street – each player is dealt a 6th card face-up. The player with the highest showing hand must begin the betting round, and remaining players must again follow suit with their bets being limited to the higher betting limit.
6. 7th Street – each player is now dealt their final card face-down. A final round of betting takes place, with all bets limited to the higher betting limit of the game.
7. Showdown – all remaining players must now reveal their final 5-card hands. The player who must reveal their hand first is the one to have bet last in 7th Street, after which other players follow suit in a clockwise direction.