The Basics
* Players: 2 to 8 players
* Deck: Standard 52-card deck
* Betting: Players place bets throughout the game, with the goal of winning the pot.
* Goal: To have the best five-card hand according to poker rankings.
Gameplay
1. Dealing: Each player is dealt seven cards face down.
2. Ante: Players place a small ante (forced bet) into the pot.
3. First Round:
* The player to the left of the dealer (or designated player) places the first bet.
* Players can call (match the bet), raise (increase the bet), or fold (drop out).
4. Second Round:
* Each player is dealt one card face up.
* Betting proceeds as in the previous round.
5. Third Round:
* Each player is dealt another card face up.
* Betting proceeds as in the previous rounds.
6. Fourth Round:
* Each player is dealt another card face up.
* Betting proceeds as in the previous rounds.
7. Fifth Round:
* Each player is dealt another card face up.
* Betting proceeds as in the previous rounds.
8. Showdown:
* If more than one player remains, they reveal their hands.
* The player with the best five-card hand wins the pot.
Hand Rankings:
Poker hand rankings apply to Seven Card Stud (from highest to lowest):
* Royal Flush
* Straight Flush
* Four of a Kind
* Full House
* Flush
* Straight
* Three of a Kind
* Two Pair
* One Pair
* High Card
Key Concepts
* Betting Limits: There are usually betting limits to control the pot size.
* Blind: Some variations of Seven Card Stud use blinds (forced bets by two players) instead of an ante.
* Stud Variation: Many variations exist, such as Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo, where players can also win a portion of the pot for having the best low hand.
Tips for Playing Seven Card Stud:
* Read your opponents: Pay attention to their betting patterns and facial expressions.
* Manage your chips: Don't gamble more than you can afford to lose.
* Know the odds: Understanding probability can help you make better decisions.
* Practice: The more you play, the better you'll get at reading your opponents and making strategic bets.
Note: This is a general description of Seven Card Stud. Specific rules and variations may differ depending on the game you're playing.