The Seven card stud is not that difficult to learn and as with any game, you have to know the basic rules first. One essential thing to know when playing seven card stud is that you have seven cards to choose from to form your final five card hand and you need not use any specific card out of the seven, just use any card that will give you the highest five hand.

The game starts with each player putting in an ante and after that the dealer gives, starting to his left, each players two cards face down, also called hole cards, and deals one card face up.

Players then look at their hole cards and the player that has the lowest card showing face up must place in a small bet known as bring in. A round of betting follows starting from the left of the player that made the ‘bring in’ bet. Players may call, raise or fold.

The fourth street or turn is then dealt face up to each player and each player again make their bet but this time betting starts with the player that has the highest card face up and this rule continues up to the last round of betting.

After the round of betting, the fifth card this time called the fifth street or river is dealt and once again still face up and then continues with another round of betting starting with the player who has the highest river. Then the sixth card is dealt face up and then more betting.

The seven and final card is dealt to the players face down followed by a final round of betting. Showdown then occurs with each player showing their best five card hand and the player with the highest card wins of course.

To be a great player, you need to be able to read your opponent, determining when they are bluffing and if they have a solid hand. There are two basic things to remember when playing. Some players often get swept over excitement and forget the basics of the game. So, always remember these two things.

• The two cards you are holding are the only cards that set you apart from other and give you good chance of winning.

• All the face up cards is the flop cards or community cards. These are shared by you and every other player. It is very important that you focus on those flop cards could mean to you and to other players. Always keep your eyes open for flush and straight possibilities from your opponent.

You must also evaluate if your cards are good or not. When looking at you cards, make sure not to reveal anything with your reaction. You have to be emotionless as the opponent may know if he has an advantage over you.

It depends on how many players are in the table, but the general rule is that you should consider folding before the flop if you have two non-pair cards, both less than 10.

A lot of Texas Hold’Em strategy is based on your cards. You must be willing to suffer through a series of poor cards without getting eager. Eventually, the good cards will come and you will have the advantage over your opponent without wasting your chips trying to get something out of nothing.