You are here: Online Poker (Home) > Poker Rules > English Stud

English Stud Poker Rules

This game is almost identical to 7 card Stud, however this game is really a mix of games (it is Stud game with a draw). The deal is the same with two down, four up, then one down.

The initial deal is two hole cards, dealt face down followed by the first round of betting. This is then followed by an up card followed by a second round of betting. Then another up card is dealt (now you have two down and two up), followed by a third round of betting. The fifth card is then dealt to players face up (now three up and two down), which is followed by a draw. Here players have the option to throw away one card from their hand and change it for a new card from the deck.

Now, as players have a combination of up and down cards and the one that they replace must replace the one discarded. In other words, if it was a down card that was exchanged, the replaced card should be replaced as a down card. Similarly, if an up card is discarded, then the replaced card should be an up card. A fourth round of betting now takes place. Remember at each of the rounds of betting, players have the choice to stay in the hand or get out.

A sixth up card (now four up, two down) is then dealt and there is a second draw, in which players get to change a further card. This is followed by a fifth round of betting. The seventh and final card is then dealt face down, followed by one last draw and a final round of betting.

After this last round of betting, players now make their best five card hand with the highest hand taking down the pot.

To date there is no online room that offers an online version of this game but it is a fun game and would be a great addition or alternative at any home game.

Alternatively - Check our Poker Games section for listings of games played online and see how other stud games compare across online rooms.

Considerations

As players get to exchange cards on two occasions, games are usually limited to a maximum of six players, to ensure that you don't run out of cards in the game. The alternative is to introduce a fee that players have to pay, should they wish to exchange.

You will read a number of articles that say that the initial deal is six and not seven. There are a number of variations to the game with some dealing six total, and some seven.