How to Play 5 Card Stud

The open in 5 card stud occurs when the dealer deals the first two cards. Traditionally, the first card is a pocket card (face down) and the second card is an open card (face up). There are, of course, variants to this is 5 card stud, but I will discuss that a bit later on, let’s just get the 5 card stud rules out there, for now. After each player receives their first two card, a round of betting occurs.

5 Card Stud Rules - Third Street

This card is always an open card. Betting occurs on this round, just like in 7 card stud poker. Traditionally, the player with the high card leads the bet although that can be decided before the hand is dealt. These bets are usually lower limit bets as the hand has just begun.

5 Card Stud Rules - Fourth Street (the Turn)

This card, like 3rd Street, is an open card and there is another round of betting. However, this round of betting tends to be a bit more aggressive or higher limit. If playing structured limit 5 card stud, the rules would require this to be at the higher limit. For example, if playing $5-$10 5 card stud, the opening bet on 4th Street would be $10.

5 Card Stud Rules - Fifth Street (the River)

This final card is usually an open card however, I have played where this is a pocket card. I prefer the later because I have found that with only one pocket card it becomes fairly obvious as to what you are holding. I like a little bit more of a challenge when playing poker, which is why I generally shy away from 5 card stud poker all together. Regardless, a round of betting occurs after the river is dealt and all hands are shown.