Key Web Ventures

When you’re dealt your starting hand in seven card stud and you’ve been dealt a pair the first thing that comes to mind for most players is how much should I bet into the pot. Betting into the pot with certain pairs isn’t a good idea and you need to know which pairs to avoid and when. There is always a time to play certain pairs, but it will be dependant upon certain factors.

High Pairs – AA-JJ

If you have been dealt a high pair in seven card stud then you will generally always play the hand unless for some reason you’re facing a big raise from a tight player. If a tight Ultimate Bet Rakeback player is raising the pot then they will often have a premium pair as well. You need to determine whether or not your pair is going to be better. You should also consider whether or not you have any straight or flush draws. If your third card is the same suit as one of your pair cards then it gives you more drawing options in the hand which will make calling an easier decision.

Medium Pairs – 1010-77

If you’re holding a medium pair then there are going to be several situations where folding is going to be the mathematically correct decision. There could easily be a higher pair already dealt to another player which would have your pair dominated. Once more cards start coming out you could have a middle pair easily broken. If your third card gives you any extra draws then you might find more value in playing the hand, but overall medium pairs aren’t really a premium starting hand in seven card stud.

Small Pairs – 66-22

A small pair on FullTil is probably a hand that should just typically be folded when playing seven card stud. The only time you’re going to win with a small pair is if you hit trips, full house or you bluff your opponents out of the pot. Hitting trips or a full house in a free poker seven card stud game is really slim and you shouldn’t call down trying to hit that type of draw with a low pair. Bluffing your opponents is probably your only option at taking down the pot with a small pocket pair so generally don’t play these hands. With four cards still to come for everyone left in the hand you can usually guarantee your small pair will be outdrawn.

Most seven card stud poker players find that having a drawing hand is much better then having a small-medium pair. If you have a J-10-9 of the same suit it will win a lot more often then a hand with a 9-9-3 of all different suits. When your pair is hidden which means it’s in your two down cards then it’s stronger then if it’s showing because your opponents won’t be able to put you on it. As I mentioned earlier there is a place on FulTilt for playing pairs in seven card stud and it will depend on your hand, the cards already showing in the hand and the players in the pot.