5-Card Stud is one of those games that puzzles people. Whenever you mention it people say something like “you mean 7-Card Stud?” or “how’s that different than Draw Poker?” But 5-Card Stud is a game unto itself although you’ll seldom see it played these days. There are a few good reasons for that, but let’s cover the basics first.
Betting Limits, Buy-In, Bankroll, The Ante, and the Deal are all pretty much the same as 7-Stud (listed below). Keep in mind that because 5 Stud is seldom played in the casinos these rules often vary. The truth is that 5 Stud is mostly played as a social game these days, so the rules flex according to the player’s tastes.
The Open
A round opens with the dealer giving each player two cards. Traditionally the first is a pocket (hidden) card and the second is open (face up). There are variations on this and we’ll see why shortly.
Now it’s time for the first bets. Low card opening is standard but it’s not uncommon for high card to open. The game progresses the same either way. The betting round circles the table and it’s on to Third Street.
Third Street
The third card is dealt to each player as an open card. Betting typically follows 7-Card Stud’s Third Street play (Low Limit bets).
Fourth Street
Another open card, typically played per 7 Stud’s Fifth and Sixth Street (High Limit bets).
Fifth Street
The final card, usually also an open card. Betting as per 7 Stud’s Seventh Street (High Limit bets).