They are two of the most common forms of poker to be played in online casinos but what separates them? If we look at seven card stud vs texas hold’em, we see a lot of similarities but there are clear differences that make the two very distinct.
In this guide, our aim is to underline the rules of each and to identify those clear differences.
Differences Between the Games
Stud is More Popular Among Older Generations
Until the 1980s, Seven Card Stud was the most popular poker game among both professionals and recreational players but Hold’Em has now taken its place. What are the reasons for that? Part of it is down to online casinos who began to promote Texas Hold’Em above all other versions from the mid-90s onwards.
Hold’Em also became the preferred variant for major in-person tournaments around the world. In general, the older generation still prefer seven card stud vs texas hold’em but there is a loyal following and neither variant is likely to die out.
Stud is Played as a Limit Game
In Seven Card Stud, there is a limit on betting which is set at the start of the game. Players go in with the established ante and can subsequently raise in units, up to that agreed limit.
In Texas Hold’Em, no such limit exists and players can bet as much as they like up to the chips that they hold. In online casinos, the limit is only determined by a player’s bankroll but remember to always play responsibly and within your set parameters.
In effect, Seven Card Stud is a better game for those who prefer to play with small stakes. For the high rollers out there, Texas Hold’Em may be a better choice.
Individually Exposed Cards for Each Player in Stud
In Texas Hold’Em players cannot see their opponents’ cards. There may be upturned community cards in the centre of the table but these are for everyone’s use. Meanwhile, all individual cards are dealt face down and are not visible to anyone other than the player concerned.
In contrast, seven card stud sees four of each player’s cards dealt face upwards for all to see. The remaining three cards are face down. This does offer everyone an advantage when assessing the quality of their own hands in comparison to those of their opponents.
Based on what they can see and the likelihood of certain cards being placed within their ‘blind hand’ 7 card stud offers that chance to make a more qualified decision on whether to raise, call or fold.
Stud has Five, Hold’Em has Four Betting Rounds
Another clear difference in the battle between seven card stud vs texas hold’em focuses on the number of betting rounds. In seven card stud, there are five rounds based on third street, fourth street, fifth street, sixth street and the seventh blind card.
The term ‘street’ merely refers to the third, fourth, fifth and sixth cards dealt to each player.
In Texas Hold’Em, there are just four rounds of betting. Following the opening ante, there are bets placed after the first round of dealing. Subsequent bets are placed on the community cards that are represented by the flop, turn and river.
It’s a small distinction but the number of bets involved provides another key difference between Texas Hold’Em and Seven Card Stud.
The Opponents’ Last Card in Stud is Not Seen
In 7 card stud, players have that mix of blind and open cards. Following the upturned cards in third, fourth, fifth and sixth street, the seventh and final card is dealt face down. Although players can use card counting to take an educated guess as to what lies under that card, they can’t decide with complete certainty.
In Texas Hold’Em, there are more cards open to the whole of the table. Some of these are community cards but there is a higher chance of seeing the likely strength of the competition. The final card in Hold’em is known as the River and this is visible to all players. As we have seen, the final card in 7 card stud is blind.
For Texas Hold’Em players, they may feel fairly certain of having the best hand based on the strength of that final river card. In 7 Card Stud, there’s a higher level of guesswork and card counting involved so this may be the preferred option for the strategists.
Conclusion
In this round up of seven card stud vs texas hold’em, we’ve underlined the distinct differences but there are some similarities too. In each case, the games follow the same order of superiority in terms of hands. From a Royal Flush down to a low pair, the highest hand remaining on the table will scoop the pot.
Players also get a chance to raise, call or gold during each round of betting. There is that difference in the number of bets but, at each betting stage, players have the option to continue or to simply fold if they feel that their hand is too weak to compete.
But there are those differences which have been explained here and the distinction between the two versions can help players choose their preferred option. 7 Card Stud has that feeling of tradition while, with more chips on the table, Texas Hold’Em has a glamorous image that can attract the high rollers.
7 card stud also has those betting limits and, depending on what those levels are, this may make it more suitable for those who prefer smaller stakes. It’s impossible to get ‘carried away’ and stake more than your bankroll and that can be a key advantage for many.
In summary, both versions of this classic card game remain popular and many players enjoy the two variants. If you’re just starting out, remember that you can play free trial versions of both games or you can enter games with small stakes before deciding between Seven Card Stud and Texas Hold’Em.