7 Card Stud: Know When to Fold

it is only natural for any 7 Card Stud player to want to remain in the game for as long as possible. However, there are instances when you will have to fold, and contrary to what some believe, it can, in the long run, save the money that you will otherwise lose for another game.

Although there is no flop to speak of, there are the up cards, which can help you plot out your 7 Card Stud strategies. Suppose the first three cards you get are 9 and Q, with the up card also a Q. Suppose on fourth street you get a 5. If another player, who has a 9 up card, gets an Ace and offers a raise, what should you do?

An aggressive player would probably re raise, because he has after all, a QQ. But if that player is tight, then the more appropriate 7 Card Stud strategy would be to fold. Why? Because chances are pretty high that he has a AA. If you do raise, and he gets another 9, then you can be certain that he has 99. If he has an AA, then he has you beat.

The fact is that when you see your tight opponent holding an Ace up card and making a raise, you should evaluate your hand carefully. You should of course, consider the size of the pot. If it is substantial, and the table is quite loose, then you can play with more hands.

It is also important in 7 Card Stud that you have a high kicker. If your pair is not that strong, having a strong kicker can give you more options. It is also useful as a scare card, particularly if it is over any of the other up cards on the table.

Your 7 Card Stud strategy should always take into account the hands that you hold before committing any amount into the pot. The problem for a lot of players is that they commit a lot of money with barely premium hands and end up stuck in the game, unable to get out anymore.

As a new player it is important that you learn that folding is an essential part of 7 Card Stud Poker. Instead of taking unnecessary risks to try and get that pot, you should instead learn when to throw away that hand.

By doing so, you will be better able use the money instead for that raise when you get the nuts.