| Eventhough 7 Card Stud Poker and 7 Card Stud
Hi/Lo use teh same basic rules for play, different strategies should be used
to play the games, mainly because of the different goals of the games. The
first step when still learning about this game is to join an online poker room
(I recommend PartyPoker) and to start playing for free. As soon as you
understand the rules though, I recommend playing low limits, but for real
money. That way, you will experience the game when it's being played more
seriously.
At the same time, I recommend ordering some literature on 7 Card Stud poker.
These books will give you as much information about this game as you can find
anywhere. Read them, understand them and re-read them to understand them even
better. I recommend the following books:
- "7 Card Stud" by Roy West (great for beginners)
- "Doyle Brunson's Super System: A Couse in Power
Poker" by Doyle Bruson (Chip Reese section of 7 Card Stud Poker is very
beginner friendly, rest of book is outdated)
- "7 Card Stud for Advanced Players" by David Slansky, Mason Malmuth
and Ray Zee (read this book once you read the other two, or if you are already
familiar with basic 7 Stud Poker strategy)
Once you have read these books (especially the first two), I recommend
trying to play as much as possible. But, when playing, give yourself reasons
for each move you make. Think about your game! Only when you are a thinking
player, will you be able to become a better 7 Card Stud player.
After a few weeks of playing and thinking, re-read the books because you
will be surprised on how many new concepts you will find in the books.
Another way to improve your game is to join an online poker forum and to
post some of your interesting hands in the forum, so other players can give
you their opinion on how to play the hand you posted. Also, try to analyze
hands of other players and state how you would have played the hand, would you
have been in their situation. This simply gives you the chance to think more
about the game and to analyze situations. The more you analyze sitations, the
more you get used to it and you should then also be able to do it in a
real-money games!
So, if you think about the game, educate yourself whenever possible, are
disciplined and have patience, you will be able to become a better 7 Card Stud
poker player. Remember, it takes time!
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