donktheclown

My strategy for Stud isn't much different than it is for Razz.

Almost never chase.

Starting hands
you start with 3 cards. Unless my opponents have small cards showing, I almost never go if I don't either have:

A) A pair 8 or higher with a third card that has some drawing potential. Of course with aces or kings this doesn't matter as much, but if I have say a pair of 9 and other people have jacks+ showing, I will only limp to the fourth card. Unless my third card is suited with one of the 9s (with no other suits showing in my opponents' cards), or it's connected (ie a 8) then I'm very wary. Getting to fourth card is only one small bet so you can let that fourth card decide on whether it's a winning hand or not.

B) 3 connected cards or 3 suited cards. Stud, unlike hold'em or Razz or whatever, is a game in which you can rarely win preflop because it takes a couple cards for hands to develop. In other words, you need to have a hand to actually win. The only time you can "bluff" people is when you have a huge draw showing in your open cards. Aside from that people mostly call. Because of that, you need to have strong 3rd and 4th street play. Since drawing can be very costly, it's important to only do so when you start with 3 connected or suited cards. You can usually profitably play starting hands like AQJ too if other people don't have big cards turned up, since pairing will give you a good hand.

beaston

To expand on this a little - Always make sure to see what cards are showing on the table...

(This goes both ways)

If you have a good low starting hand, and there are cards showing that match your low cards, your hand just got a lot stronger; because you have a less chance of catching a pair. The downside is that it also hurts your high hand a bit

donktheclown

Yep, agreed. Just to specify, I was talking about Stud Hi though and not Hi/Lo. Just thought I'd make sure

beaston

Wrong area then *points to hi/low*

donktheclown

No, it's written that it's the Stud / Stud Hi/Lo section

catwoman

Thanks for this post, i really enjoy learning new games.
Now you said that you start with 3 cards...but how many cards in total do you end up using or are available to use?

thanks!

beaston

D'oh, you're right

In all, you get 7 cards, starting with 2 down, 1 up, then 3 more up and one more down Betting rounds are after the first 3 cards, with the lowest card obligated to place a "bring-in" bet, and then after each card that's dealt. The best 5 card hand wins in the end.

donktheclown

Also in stud everyone posts an ante. So just like in Hold'em it's a good strategy trying to steal the pot (say everyone folded and only the bring-in person is left after you).

Which games do you play Catwoman?

catwoman

I am new to online poker, playing it that is, and would love to learn one or two games real good before i go out and spend my money getting out beaten, in real life i love playing 5 card stud, blackjack, rummy, follow the queen, etc...

thanks for asking donk..and by the way, i enjoy your posts, great job!

Dyno_Don

The best way to learn who to play any card game is to play it for free.

I like playing the HORSE games at Bugsy's Club, Absolute or Poker Stars in their free play areas. There are other online poker sites you can try too.

The main thing is to just get in and play, play, play.

I don't do much real money gambling, but I like to keep up on my poker play during the weekends.