Five Card Stud

The biggest mistake made in 5 Card Stud is staying in the pot in hope of receiving a card that was dealt in an earlier round. Most player’s don’t realize that what are considered weak hands in other Poker variations, may actually be playable hands in 5 Card Stud, and here we will overview how your cards should be played if you intend to win the big bucks.

The following are playable starting hands:

• A pair – High pairs should be called/betted on. If you don’t get a trips or live up-card in the 3rd Street, fold, and fast play all live pairs.
• 2 cards higher than the board cards
• A high hole card (with any up-card) that beats the board cards
• High hole card with high up-card that beats the board

If you cannot make 3 cards to a straight flush by this stage, then do not pursue a straight or flush. If you do not get at least a pair in this stage, fold.

• 5 Card Stud is a game of patience, as you have probably already heard. This is because it is not worth continuing after the first round unless you have at least a pair, and you will therefore find yourself folding many times before actually continuing to win the pot. For this reason, it is advised that you remember, or even take note of all he folded cards when playing, as this will indicate which live cards are available. Live cards should always be played from the start, and semi-live cards should be played from the middle – end.
• If your hand is beaten by an opponent’s up-cards on the board, it is advised to fold if you are not playing a strong draw hand.
• Calculating your pot odds is a clever way to decide whether or not it is worth continuing game play. This is done by calculating the probability of drawing the card you need, against the size of the pot. If you are not good at remembering cards, use an excel spreadsheet or program to assist you.
• If your opponent holds a card you need, or several cards of the suit you need, consider them dead cards, and chase up something else. If you cannot do this, then fold.