7 card stud poker - Basic strategy

As mentioned earlier, seven-card stud can be a complex game. Before looking at specifics, here are a few guidelines that will enable you to make better playing decisions.

1. Play live hands.

Because seven-card stud contains so much potential for the bettering of one’s hand in early rounds, you should consequently always play the hands that have a chance of improving. If for example, you start with three cards of the same suit and a good number of other cards are out on-board i.e., they are showing as your opponents up-cards, the chances of improving are minimal and you should therefore abandon the hands. Contrarily, if none of your suited cards are showing, you know that the hand is well worth continuing with,

2. Big pairs play better against fewer opponents, while smaller pairs are suited to lots of opponents.

Big pairs, such as kings, usually do best when played against fewer opponents because a big pair has a reasonable chance of winning without improvement.

3. Small and medium pairs are much worse than big pairs.

A hand containing a pair of eights, and maybe even a pair of fours are occasionally good hands. But in general, there is a big difference in strength between these hands and the big pairs. For instance, when you play a small or medium pair, it is likely that one of your opponents will receive a card higher than your pair.

4. Having one or more high cards adds value to your pair.

Having a high card provides the opportunity of receiving another card of the same rank, which might be enough to win the pot. Having more than one high card is even better.

5. Be aware – and beware – of scare cards.

This is a card that either improves your hand or allows you to receive another card that will improve your hand. For instance, receiving a suited jack on fourth street to compliment your king will give your hand greater value. You opponents may now worry you have a straight or flush. Likewise, you need to be concerned when your opponent receives a scare card.

6. It is often correct to chase.

Although you should always be selective in the hands you play, once you have entered a pot, it is often the right move to go all the way, even when you may not have the best hand.