The primary attribute of Stud Poker, is that there are a number
of cards dealt to each player, which are placed face-up. This introduces
a new strategy to the game; in that, players have some knowledge as
to which cards are in play. Stud Poker is also a non-positional form
of poker; meaning that, rounds open with the player that has the highest
ranking face-up cards, instead of using a positional marker. Face-down
cards are referred to as “hole” cards.
Although Five Card Stud was the first form of Stud Poker to come about,
Seven Card Stud is currently it’s most popular variation. Seven
Card Stud is named so because of the number of cards dealt in a game.
This does not mean that seven cards are dealt right off the start; instead
play begins with two cards dealt face-down, and one card face-up. Cards
are subsequently dealt face-up through three rounds of play, and then
one card dealt face down, just prior to the showdown. If a bring-in is
required, it is assigned to the player with the lowest showing card. If
there is a tie, rules of suit hierarchy are typically used to determine
the lower ranking card. Play then continues in a clockwise rotation from
there. A bring in is considered an open, therefore the next player cannot
check. Betting rounds are started by the player with the highest ranking
face-up cards. Play continues until: either all but one player has folded,
or a showdown determining the winner is held.
