5-Card Stud Poker

Stud games in general, and 5 Card Stud in particular, reached a high level of popularity during the American Civil War (1861-1865). It was probably due to the fact of bringing soldiers from different parts of the country together that allowed 5-card stud poker to spread even more rapidly. Unfortunately, the popularity of online 5-card stud poker has declined in favor of Hold’em and Omaha games. However, this is still a very interesting and exciting game to play, and you are able to find online poker sites which offer this game.

Rules of 5-Card Stud:

1. Each player initially puts an ante (or a pre-bet) into the pot. The amount is predetermined, and could really be anything, but typically is around 10-20% of the opening betting stakes.
2. Each player is dealt two cards, the first face down and the second face up.
3. The player with the lowest up card makes a forced bet, which could be half of the minimum or the entire minimum bet.
4. The betting round continues in clockwise order from the player who started the betting.
5. Remaining players are dealt a third card, face up, and followed by a betting round. The first player to act is now determined by the highest showing hand or up card. Betting continues in a clockwise manner.
6. Another card is dealt, face up. This is followed another betting round, and the minimum bet is now usually doubled.
7. The fifth and final card is now dealt face up and the final betting round proceeds.
8. Any remaining players are now obligated to show their hands and the pot awarded to the highest hand.

Strategy in Online 5-Card Stud Poker:

The general idea of this game is to play for solid pairs and high cards. It is very difficult to hold straights and flushes. Additionally, there is a lot of cards face up, so it is easier in this online poker game to figure out what type of hand you are going for. Some basic tips are to not even think about trying for a straight or flush unless all three of your first cards are usable, and you still have lots of live options; meaning that the remaining cards you need, all of them, are not showing on the board. You should also be able to calculate your odds of being dealt those remaining cards. Do not even start betting unless you have at least a pair or one live card that beats everything on the board. If you do not have a pair in your first three cards, or you are already being beaten on the board and do not have a good drawing possibility to re-take the lead, you should fold.

Strong Starting Hands:

You can play any pair that you are dealt in the first two cards. If this is a low pair, try and fast play to drive out your competition, steal the pot or to create a heads-up situation (one-on-one with you and another player). If you do not get trips or at least a live up card on the next round, consider folding.

Play if you are dealt two cards that are both higher than the anything else showing on the board. Also play if you have a high hole card that beats the board. High cards and pairs are very important in this game.

5-Card Stud Online Poker Tips:

• Usually fold if you do not have a pair or better in your first three cards.
• Remember which cards have been folded (will give you more accurate odds calculations).
• Study your opponents and their tendencies. Do they bluff? Or can they be bluffed at times? Under which conditions are they likely to fold or raise?
• Get caught bluffing once in a while. Do this on purpose. You want to appear to be unpredictable.
• Do not fall in love with your Ace in the hole! If this is all you have against an apparently strong hand be ready to fold early.
• Look for reasons to fold early, rather than reasons to play the hand until the end.