Before Texas Hold'Em captured eyeballs and became a cult following, 7-Card Stud ruled supreme. The game can be played in this unique format by 2 and up-to eight players. The biggest difference in 7-Card Stud is that unlike Texas Hold'Em and Omaha, there is no flop, and in most cases there are no community cards as well.
How Its Played
To begin with, each player is dealt two cards, face down and one card face up. This is known as a third street. The two face-down cards are the 'hole' cards and the face-up card is known as the 'door card.'
The Importance of your Hand
Like in any format of poker, your starting-hand selection is extremely important in 7-Card Stud as well. Based on the three cards initially dealt, the player must decide whether to continue with their hand or fold.
Final Deal
Each player is dealt a grand total of 7 cards and must choose his or her best five-card combo. The hand rankings are identical to other formats, with a Royal Flush still ruling the roost.
While not as popular as Texas Hold'Em, 7-Card Stud is among the classics and still very engaging and challenging to play and master.
