How to Play Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo

The First round

A fresh table starts off with all the players posting the “ante” (putting a predetermined amount in the pot before the cards are dealt). This amount is based on the size of the game. While the ante amount is not based on a set rule, the same is decided upon by the prevailing game trends. For e.g. the ante amount for a 1/2 table is 25 cents while for a 3/6 table, it is 50 cents. A new game on an active table starts with all the players at the table posting antes.

In Seven-card stud poker, players receive seven cards, three "down" cards and four "up" cards.

After the antes have been placed each player is dealt three cards (two "down" cards and one "up" card). The "up" card is also known as the "door card" or "Third Street". The lowest "up" card must initiate the action with a "Bring-In" bet. (If two or more players have the same lowest card, the person who brings it in is determined by suit order progressing from clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades.)

Each player is allowed one bet and three raises in each betting round. To continue to play, players must take an action from what is displayed to them on each "street" or betting round (unless they are all-in).

The Second Round

After the first round of betting another card is dealt face-up to each player that still remains in the pot (those who didn't fold on "third street"). This is "Fourth Street" (the second round of betting). From "Fourth Street" on, the highest hand showing begins the action by checking or betting. If a pair is showing on "Fourth Street", players have the option to make a single or double bet. If a player makes a single/double bet, the other players may call, raise the single bet, raise the double bet or fold. In case of a double bet, only an equal amount can be raised (to the extent of the double bet).

The Third Round

Upon completion of the betting on "fourth street", another card is dealt face-up to those who remain in the pot. This is called "Fifth Street" (the third round of betting - which doubles (the value of each bet is double of what was available in the first two rounds) - and continues at this amount for the remaining betting rounds). The highest hand showing again starts the action by checking or betting.

The Fourth Round

Upon the completion of betting on "fifth street", another card is dealt face-up. This is "Sixth Street" (fourth betting round).

The Fifth Round

The final card is dealt down. The last card is also known as the "River Card" or "Seventh Street" (final round of betting).

Showdown

Upon completion of the final round of betting, the best hand qaulifies for winning the pot (The pot may also be won by someone who bets without being called at any time during the hand.). However if there is somebody qualifying for Lo the pot is split between the high and low hand. To qualify for Low: It takes a five-card hand with different numerical values from Ace through eight (with the Ace being the lowest value) to qualify for the "Low" half of the pot. The best "Low" hand is A,2,3,4,5 (also known as the "wheel" or "bicycle"). The winning "Low" hand is the one with the lowest high card in it. If two or more players qualify for "Low" but have the same highest card, the second lowest high card (and if necessary progressing down to the third, fourth, or fifth lowest high card) would be the winning hand. For example, a 2,3,4,6,8 would be a better "Low" hand than an A,2,4,7,8.

Your "hand" is determined by using the best five of seven cards. A combination of the following may be used. On the final round of betting, the player who bets first (or checks first if no one else bets) is required to show their cards first at the showdown. If they have the best hand, the remaining players may/may not show their cards as they wish. The aggressors' hand is only turned over first if he was the last to initiate action on the river.

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