Although 5-Card Stud poker is not as popular as other poker variations, such as Texas Hold 'em or 7-Card Stud, it is still a game played by many poker lovers. From traditional poker rooms to online poker destinations, 5-Card Stud poker can be found virtually anywhere. Perhaps the reason behind 5-Card Stud's decline in popularity is the fact that it is not as challenging as other poker games. With only one pocket card being dealt face down, there is not much room for suspense.

The basic 5-Card Stud rules are pretty simple and there are no special skills required in order to master them quickly. First and foremost, 5-Card Stud uses the same card rankings as any other traditional poker game. Having said that, we can move forward. The number of players seated at a 5-Card Stud table may range from 2 to 10. All active players must place an 'ante.' An 'ante' is a certain amount of chips put in the pot before the game begins. The ante helps build the pot. After all players place the ante, each receives two card into their pocket. One card is dealt face down for only the player to see and the other one face up, exposed.

A player who happens to hold the weakest exposed pocket card is required to make a bring-in. A 'bring-in' is a mandatory wager of either half the minimum bet or full bet (depends on a player's decision) one needs to make in order to begin the game. After the bring-in wager is over with, a round of betting begins. All the other players can either call the opening wager, raise it, or check and fold their hands in clockwise order. The maximum allowed number of wagers players can make during any round of betting is four.

After the first betting round is complete, all active players are dealt another face up card. At these point, a player with the strongest face up card must launch the betting round, the Third Street. If a pair appears in any hand on the Third Street, the player holding the pair is allowed to double the amount of his bet. Other than that, all bets and raises made on the Third Street are limited to the game's small stake.

Then the dealer deals all the players another exposed card. Much like in the previous round of betting a player with the highest exposed card launches the betting action, The Fourth Street. For this and the next round of betting, the wager amount is established in accordance to the game's higher stake. Once the Fourth Street action is over, each remaining players receives one final exposed card. This means that all players have five cards each, four exposed ones and a hidden one.

The last round of betting, the Fifth Street, takes place. A player with the strongest up card is the one to make the first move. All the wagers are limited to the upper stake. After the final round of betting is complete, the showdown takes place. All the players expose their hands and the winner is determined. The victorious player collects the jackpot!

Piece of cake, right?