Heads-Up Play in Pot Limit 7-Card Stud

I don’t know about you, but as a member of the “old guard” in the poker world, I find my heart being warmed on a daily basis to see a resurgence of interest in 7-Card Stud. Granted, I will be the first to admit that Stud has a long way to go to reclaim its title as the most popular poker variation in the world. And it may seem somewhat unreasonable and ridiculously optimistic for Stud fanatics like myself to envision a day in which the World Series of Poker would devote its main event to this venerable game, rather than no limit Texas Holdem which currently dominates the professional circuit. Still, we can always hope, can’t we?

Don’t get me wrong. I am a huge fan of Holdem, but we always have a soft part spot in our hearts for the game which first gave us asses to the wonderful and terrifying world of high stakes poker. The real question is, how can we continue to hone our skills and improve our strategic mastery of the game, while still remaining a loose approach in respect of the unpredictable nature of 7-Card Stud

In particular, I think it would be of value to focus on the best way to handle a heads-up situation in 7-Card Stud. Because this can form a very solid basis from which you can expand into other popular poker variants, such as Omaha or Holdem. After all, most musical teachers will tell you that if you can play the piano you can play just about every other instrument, because it is the bedrock instrument from which all musical expression springs. I think the same analogy can be applied to 7-Card Stud in the world of poker.

So, how does one go about mastering a hands-up approach to7-Card Stud Obviously it’s a good idea to start at the beginning. Making the most of your hole cards, in conjunction with how they relate to your first upcard, is of the greatest importance. Never forget that the other players will form an instant impression about the strength of your hole cards based upon that first upcard and the way in which you bet on the first round.

Therefore, if you are a natural bluffer and your opponents happen to be aware of this, smart play would dictate that you not indulge any predictable mode of strategy when you’re holding something strong, like suited face cards or consecutive runners in the hole, and have something innocuous like a five of diamonds on the board. Slow play your way in, and wait to see what the next few rounds of upcards bring your way.

It may not be possible to ultimately avoid a heads-up confrontation. The key factor of Stud, of course, is that the last card dealt also remains face down. Therefore, slow playing and the bluff approach allow you to string along the other players on the basis of your four upcards and the way in which you’re betting accelerates with each round. You’ll always have that last hole card to switch gears psychologically, and make them think that either you hit exactly what you’re looking for or failed miserably. Keeping your opponents on their toes is the best way for you stay in control, which will be an invaluable asset should a heads-up situation come to pass.