by David McLaren
Sunday ,26 Jul 2009
Your chance to enjoy English Stud Poker. Understand all the basic moves, work out strategies and try out some great variations of the classic game for yourself
English Stud poker is one of the most popular varieties of the game and can be played with anywhere between 3 and 6 players. The basic premise is similar to that of 7 card stud with the exception that players receive only 6 cards in total. Stud poker typically allows you to exchange your cards and involves multiple betting rounds. Just follow the guidelines below and you’ll be sure to master this exciting game of skill in no time at all. Good luck!
1. Dealing
• Each player is dealt two cards face down and one card face up by the dealer.
2. Card exchange and showdown
• After the initial deal, players have the chance to exchange their cards
• The player positioned closest to the dealer’s left is the first to exchange a single card
• If a down card is discarded, a replacement down card must be dealt in its place
• If an up card is discarded, a replacement up card must be dealt in its place
• Players may also choose not to discard or exchange their cards
• Once all players have chosen to exchange or otherwise, the final sixth card can be dealt
• A round of betting then follows
• Players may then choose to exchange or stand pat
• A final round of betting follows
• The showdown can then take place!
Variations of the game
The above version of English Stud poker is one of a number of variations and there are many alternatives. For instance, the game is often played with 7 cards when there are a total of 5 players. The game can also be played with 7 cards when there are a total of six players. The only problem with this variant is that it might mean that some players will not have the chance to swap cards when it comes to the second round of exchanges. In the latter case, many recommend that players have to pay for the very privilege to exchange. This limits the number of players choosing to swap their cards and is a fair way to ensure that all players are free to make a proper choice.
Try out these great games for yourself and enjoy some of the most sophisticated and stylish games around!