Playing 7 Card Stud Poker

As a new 7 Card Stud player, you should always place a premium on preparation before and during the game. In order that you not get caught surprised by any twists and turns during the game, you should not play in a haphazard manner, which means not relying too much on lucky draws.

A good 7 Card Stud strategy should include being aware of which cards are alive or dead. For instance, if you are holding a pair of Jacks, and are thinking of playing them, make certain that there is not one on the board.

If there is, consider the fact that your chances of getting the other one will be lessened. If there are a lot of players, the odds for that hand winning in 7 Card Stud will go down.

Your position on the table, in relation to the raiser should also be factored in your 7 Card Stud strategy. If a weak player makes a substantial raise during the game, be wary. Regardless of the Poker variant, anytime a passive player makes a raise should be a hint that he is holding something huge.

By the same token, anytime a maniac or loose player makes a similar move, you can call or raise with more confidence. Of course, knowing these types of players in 7 Card Stud will come from the time you spend playing. This skill will not come to you overnight, but you learn it the more you play.

Do not forget your table position also; if there is someone to act after you, be careful about raising big, as the one after you might come out with a re raise. Therefore, make sure that you are holding something that can hold its own, especially if you are on middle position.

However, if you are confident that you have the best hand, then you can re raise back. Played properly this can lead to several players folding, and you can have the pot without much trouble.

Playing 7 Card Stud will take a while to master, but if you take the time to study it, your efforts will pay off. The lack of patience of a lot of players is the reason why they falter in Stud games, online or in casinos.

Just play it one game at a time, keeping these basic strategies in mind, and rest assured, you will be on the winning track.