7 Card Stud Variations
Poker, a game with various versions and countless strategies, can be a lifelong pursuit to master truly. In this game, players receive a mix of face-up and face-down cards, engaging in multiple rounds of betting throughout the deal. In stud poker, players need to use the cards they get, without replacing them during the game.
Until Texas Hold’em came along, 7-card stud games held the crown for popularity in poker. Known also as “Seven-Toed Poker” or “Down-The-River,” it involves dealing seven cards to each player, but only the best five cards determine the winner. Typically, two to eight players engage in this game.
Unlike Texas Hold ’em or Omaha, there’s no flop involved in 7-card stud, and usually, no community cards either. The game follows a fixed betting structure with bets in set increments. Casinos commonly use antes or bring-ins, while antes are the norm in home games. Today’s the day that we discuss the 7 Card Stud Variations that add layers of excitement and challenge for players.
How To Play 7 Card Stud
Before starting with the 7 card stud variations, it’d be a good idea if you know how to play the seven-card stud, here’s how the game rolls:
- Dealing: Each player throws in an ante into the pot. Everyone gets two cards face down (hole cards) and one card face up (door card).
- Betting Begins: There’s a round of betting.
- More Cards: Each player gets another card face up (fourth street), followed by betting.
- Keep ‘Em Coming: Another face-up card for each player (fifth street), and more betting.
- Another Card: Each player gets yet another face-up card (sixth street), followed by—you guessed it—more betting.
- Final Card: Everyone receives a final card face down (river), and there’s one last round of betting.
- Showdown: The remaining players reveal their hands, starting with the first bettor or the last raiser.
The five-card poker hand that’s the best out of the 7 cards secures the pot. Throughout the game, there are specific betting rounds, and the smaller bet happens in the initial rounds, while the larger bet is reserved for later rounds. Also, if there’s an open pair on the fourth card, players can choose the size of their bet. And remember, shuffling the order of your upcards during the game is considered unfair play.
7 Card Stud Variations
When it comes to 7-card stud poker, the variations are as diverse as the players themselves. Each one brings its own unique twist to the table, making every hand an exciting experience.
Mississippi Stud
Mississippi Stud is where the betting structure resembles that of Hold’em but with a thrilling omission of a betting round, making it stand out from the traditional format. It’s a strategic adjustment that adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the game.
Down the River
Down the River is a 7-card stud variant where things are kept simple and straightforward. It’s the go-to variant for a casual game, offering a more relaxed atmosphere while still capturing the essence of 7-card stud poker.
High-Low Stud
This is one of the 7 card stud variants that introduces a split pot dynamic, challenging players to master both the high and low ends of the spectrum. It’s a game of balance and strategy, where a well-played hand can result in a satisfying pot split.
7 Card Stud Variations: Queens and After
Queens and After is a wild ride with its unique twist on the wild card concept. The changing nature of the game based on the appearance of Queens adds an element of surprise and keeps players on their toes.
Roll Your Own
Roll Your Own takes the excitement up a notch by allowing players to reveal one card face-up after each round. This gradual unfolding of the hand adds a layer of anticipation, making each round more thrilling than the last.
Razz
Razz flips the script by focusing on the lowest possible hand. It’s a different challenge that adds variety to the traditional 7-card stud poker experience, rewarding players who can master the art of going low.
Baseball
Baseball introduces wild cards in the form of 3s and 9s, creating extra excitement and opportunities for players to improve their hands. The inclusion of an extra card with a face-up 4 is like hitting a home run in the world of poker.
Acey Ducey
Acey Ducey brings a powerful twist with all aces and twos as wild cards. This variant opens up new possibilities for formidable hands, giving players a fresh perspective on their strategic approach.
7 Card Stud Variations: Low Chicago
In Low Chicago, the low spade becomes a coveted asset, covering half of the pot. The option to go for a high spade adds an element of risk and reward, making every decision a crucial part of the game.
Dirty Schultz Stud
The one with the best hand wins. Aces can be high or low in straights. Players have to take their turns in a clockwise manner from the dealer during the game.
Follow the Queen Stud
The highest hand wins. Aces here play as both high & low in straights. Players rotate clockwise from the dealer during gameplay.
Harem Stud
Whoever has the highest hand takes the win. Aces work as both high and low in straights. Players move in a clockwise direction from the dealer during the game.
Have a Heart Stud
The player with the highest hand wins. Aces can count as both high cards and low cards in straight sequences. Players move in a clockwise direction from the dealer during the game.
Kankakee Stud
The highest hand is the winner. Aces can be high or low in straights. Players rotate clockwise from the dealer during the game.
7 Card Stud Variations: Midnight Baseball Stud
The one with the highest hand wins. Aces can count as both high cards and low cards in straight sequences. Players move in a clockwise direction from the dealer during the game.
Royal Twins Stud
Whoever has the highest hand wins. Aces work as both high and low in straights. Players move in a clockwise direction from the dealer during the game.
Sevens Take All Stud
The player with the highest hand takes the win. Aces can count as both high cards and low cards in straight sequences. Players rotate clockwise from the dealer during gameplay.
Six Kick Stud
Both the high-hand and the low-hand holders share the pot. Aces can be high or low in straights. Players move in a clockwise direction from the dealer during the game.
Tens and Adders Stud
The one with the highest hand wins. Aces can count as both high cards and low cards in straight sequences. Players rotate clockwise from the dealer during gameplay.
7 Card Stud Variations: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Stud
The player with the highest hand wins. Aces can count as both high cards and low cards in straight sequences. Players move in a clockwise direction from the dealer during the game.
The Price is Right
Both the high-hand and low-hand holders split the pot. Aces can be high or low in straights. Players rotate clockwise from the dealer during the game.
Wallaby Stud
The one with the highest hand wins. Aces can count as both high cards and low cards in straight sequences. Players rotate clockwise from the dealer during gameplay
Pass The Trash
In Pass The Trash, everyone gets dealt seven cards face down at the start. Then comes a round of betting. After that, each player picks three cards from their hand and passes them to the player on their left. Finally, there’s another round of betting.
7 Card Stud Variations: “No Peek” or “Your Up”
In “No Peek” or “Your Up,” all players receive seven cards facedown and don’t peek at them. The player to the left of the dealer reveals their first card and makes a bet. The next player reveals cards until they beat the previous hand and bets. If someone reveals all seven cards without beating the previous hand, they’re out. This goes on until the last player folds. It’s not super strategic, but it can be fun.
These different variations of 7-card stud poker offer a wide range of experiences, making sure there’s a game for everyone’s taste. It’s a diverse world of poker that keeps players coming back for more.
