5 card stud
5 Card Stud Rules
Stud poker is played differently than games such as Texas Holdem, Omaha and Omaha Hi Lo. Games such as 5 Card Stud do not offer any community cards, which means that players play only the cards that are dealt directly to them. The lack of community cards means that more times than not a high pair or two pair can win the hand in 5 Card Stud.
5 Card Stud Starting Play
Play starts in 5 Card Stud with each player putting money in the pot. This is called the ante and it is usually about one-third of the small bet. If you’re in a game with a $15.00 minimum wager and $30 high wager, then each player would ante $5.00.
Once all players have anted, the dealer deals the cards. The first card goes to the player on the left and then around the table clockwise. Players receive one card face down and one face up.
2nd Street
In 5 Card Stud, the player with the lowest up card starts the betting. That player must “bring-in” or bet anywhere from one-third to one-half the small or minimum wager. If two or more players have the same low card, the lowest is determined by suit. In Stud the suits run lowest to highest in alphabetical order—Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts, Spades.
The player to the left of the bring-in may match the initial bet, fold or match the full amount of the small bet. Betting continues around the table with players matching the last bet, raising or folding. A total of three raises are allowed before the next card is dealt.
3rd Street
After wagering is complete, the 5 Card Stud players each receive another face up card. This time the player with the highest cards showing starts the betting. They may wager the minimum or check. When a player checks, they are simply waiting to see what the others will do. This round could end with everyone checking, which means no bets being made, and the next card being dealt.
If someone does bet or raise, then as the wagering continues clockwise all players must either match the current wager or fold. Once the round is complete, the dealing commences.
4th Street
The fourth card is also dealt face up. The player with the highest cards on deck starts wagering. This time players must start with the high bet. In a live game with a $15 small bet, the high would be $30. Betting continues in the same manner as it did during 3rd Street.
5th Street and Showdown
The final card in 5 Card Stud is dealt face up and the last round of betting commences. This is bet in the same manner as 4th Street and is followed by the showdown where players disclose their cards and the winner is determined. The cards are then shuffled in preparation for the next hand.
5 Card Stud Takes Nerve
With the manner in which cards are exposed and bets are made, it’s clear that 5 Card Stud takes nerve to play. If you’re someone who likes to bluff, trying to make players think that you have that one card that will complete a straight, flush or even a full house, means that you’ll need to be unwavering. Don’t try to bluff too often. In 5 Card Stud, you want to play strong hands and not weak hands to the fullest.
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