5 Card Stud Poker
5 card stud poker is the earliest forms of the world's new favorite pasttime. It first appeared during America's civil war back in the mid 1860s. Though it was the most popular version of the game for a number of years, today it is played far less than variations such as Texas Holdem and Omaha.
Although it is no longer included in the mega-popular World Series of Poker, you can this game at many online poker rooms. The game is also very popular in Finland where a unique version called Soko (aka Scandinavian Stud as well as Canadian stud) is played. The game of is often played in other various forms including no limit, pot limit, spread limit, and fixed limit games.
How to play 5 Card Stud Poker
A game starts with each poker player being dealt a single card facing down, and then followed by a single one facing up. Whenever the game is played with what's known as a ‘bring-in,' the player with the lowest-ranked up-card is required to cover the cost of the ‘bring in.' When two participants have low cards that are ranked the same, the tie can be broken according to the ranking of their suits.
Generally, if there is no bring-in, the first round of betting begins with the a player revealing their upcard with the highest rank. This participant also has the option to check. Once the initial betting round has been completed, another card is dealt to each player facing up, beginning with the player seated to the left side of the dealer. Play continues this way throughout the hand.
Let the Betting Action Begin
Betting now begins with the player who is showing the best hand. During this, and all of the next betting rounds, the the first to act can either check or bet as much as the game's limit permits. This second round of betting is followed by a third card dealt facing up to each player, followed by a third betting round. Once again this commences with the person showing the strongest poker hand. Next, a fourth card is dealt facing up, followed by a fourth wagering round and the final showdown, unless there's only one player left in the hand at the end of this betting round.
5 Card stud poker is a pretty simple game but is definitely worth checking out. You can read our full rules or check out the game's cousin 7 Card Stud.
