Game Types: 5 Card Stud
Five-Card Stud is much the same as Seven-Card Stud, except that each player receives 5 cards, only one of which is dealt face-down. It is an easy game to learn, but requires skill and awareness to play well. The number of visible cards that each player displays makes it easier to judge the relative and potential strength of your hand. Like 7-Card Stud it pays to remember the cards that other players were displaying before they folded, so as to better be able to estimate the chances of the card you need being dealt in the later rounds. There are four rounds of betting, one after each card is dealt, so fairly large pots can accumulate. As with most forms of poker, patience is the key.
Sequence of play
1. Each player places an ante on the table. The ante is set by the card room, and is not applicable in games where increments are $0.50/$1.00.
2. Players are dealt two cards - one pocket card and one visible card.
3. The player with the lowest value card "brings-in" the betting.
4. Round of betting.
5. Second round deal - all Players are dealt their 2nd visible card.
6. Round of betting.
7. Third round deal - all Players are dealt their 3rd visible card.
8. Round of betting.
9. Fourth round deal - all Players are dealt their 4th visible card. (Each Player should now have 1 pocket card and 4 visible cards)
10. Final round of betting.
11. The Showdown! All remaining Players display their hand. The highest hand wins the pot.
5-Card Stud Tips
* Be aware of your opponents' visible cards as they give an indication of how your hand measures up at any point in the game.
* If the cards you need to help improve your hand are visible in your Opponents hands, consider them dead to you, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Fold if necessary.
* There are 13 cards in a suit. You need five of them to make a flush. If the cards you need happen to be in your opponents' hands you obviously have no chance of them being dealt to you. However, if you can't see them, it means that it is still possible to be dealt those cards.
* It is advisable to fold if another player's exposed cards are very strong relative to yours.
* If you are trying to compete a Straight, check to see if another player displays the cards you need. You can then adjust your strategy accordingly.
* Fold when necessary. Five-Card Stud poker is a game of patience; do not bet all you money on losing hands.
Remember: Five-Card Stud rewards patience above all other virtues!