How To Play Five Card Stud Poker

Step 1: Ante

Instead of blinds, in a game of Stud, all players have to put an ante into the pot to get the betting started.

Step 2: The deal

To begin the starting hand each player receives in turn from the dealer five cards, all five are dealt face down. After these cards have been dealt, the first round of betting occurs, beginning with the "bring-in".

Step 3: The bring in

The player left of the dealer must post the "bring-in", a mandatory initial bet of at least as much as the ante - other players must match this bet to remain in the game.

Step 4: The draw

After the Bring-In bets have all been called, each player now has a chance to change up to three of their cards. If a player has an ace they may change four cards.

Step 5: Final round

The player left of the dealer must then bet again, other players must then match the bet to stay in or raise the bet.

Step 6: The Showdown

All the bets have been called, and it's time to pay the winner. The last player to bet or raise during the final betting round will show their hand first.

Step 7: The winner

The winning player is the one who has the highest hand using five cards. And that's how to play five card stud poker.