7 Stud Poker is one of the most popular forms of video poker played at online casinos. The game departs from the rules of traditional poker in several ways, but these differences add a bit of excitement and colour to 7 Stud Poker.
The video poker variety of this game naturally differs from the live game in many ways, as the player plays against the dealer and not against other poker players. The basics of 7 Stud Video Poker are outlined below.
The Basics
To begin with, you need to place a bet. Once you have done so, you are dealt seven cards instead of five, hence the name. Only the first and the third cards are dealt face up and revealed to the player. With the knowledge of the value of these two cards, you are given another chance to place a bet, then another card is revealed.
With each subsequent card that is uncovered, you are given the chance to place another bet. This is good news if you have a strong hand to start with, such as a high pair, as you are given many chances to raise your bet.
If you do not want to place another bet after each card, you can make use of the ‘deal all’ option, which allows you to see all your cards immediately. The screen keeps track of and displays all the bets you make per hand. The amounts you will win for each poker hand are displayed prominently on the screen as well.
As mentioned above, there are several differences that distinguish 7 Stud Video Poker from other kinds of poker. One of these differences is that you need to have at least a three of a kind to qualify for a pay out. So don’t bet too much initially if you are not sure that you have a good hand to work with.
Bonus Bets
With this type of 7 Stud Poker a bonus bet option allows you to place an additional bet if you feel strongly that you will end up with a royal flush, a straight flush or a four of a kind. The bonus bet pays out very generously and if you are dealt strong initial cards it is a good idea to make use of this opportunity.
In addition, if you win with a straight or a higher hand, a standard double or nothing bonus round is put in motion where you could potentially double or even quadruple your winnings. In this bonus round, seven cards are dealt – one face down and the other six are revealed. You have to predict whether the unknown card is big (i.e. 8, 9, 10, jack, queen or king) or small (i.e. ace, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6).
If it’s your lucky day and you choose the correct option you will double your winnings, if not you lose whatever you won the previous round. Beware of this bonus round though – if the unknown card turns out to be a 7 you lose either way. Then again, if you win you are given the chance of doubling your winnings again, in other words quadrupling your wins.
There are different varieties of 7 Stud Poker produced by different casino software companies.This guide is based on RTG’s form of 7 Stud Poker. This particular 7 Stud Poker is very popular with players, because it is quick to download and offers glitch-free play. If you would like to try this variety of 7 Stud Poker, visit a trusted RTG casino, such as Grand Fortune Casino and apply the rules described above.