FL 7 Stud hi starting hand advice please???

Hi chaps.

I`ve looked at a variety of sites offering advice on this.

Most of them state the following

• 3 cards of same suit - call/ check
• pairs JJ+ raise
• pair below JJ call
• set - slow play/ raise
• connectors (5,6,7) call
• 3 high cards (10,J,Q,K,A) call

The reason for the question again is simple, but I can`t seem to get an answer.
When I`ve been playing I notice a lot of ppl limp into pots with almost any 3 cards. They seem to do ok with it.
They also keep chasing to the end when they have any straight draw, open or gutshot, flush draw, pair, 2 pair when its obvious they need a miracle.

Again, it might just be my perception, but they seem to do ok.

Thoughts guys?

I'm not a stud expert Ron, but if you're playing low limits I wouldn't be surprised by the things you're saying. At the lower limits play is pretty bad in holdem with people chasing all sorts of draws and calling with all kinds of bad hands hoping to catch the miracle river. I wouldn't think it'd be any different in any game, stud, razz, omaha etc.

If instead you're speaking about medium/higher limits well yeah its more surprising but I'm sure in the long run they can't be doing good so it must be your perception when you say they're doing ok. How long have you been playing/observing?

The general guidelines that you posted for starting hands seem to make sense, but again I'm not an expert. Keep researching but also look for some literature if you're planning on sticking with stud, I'm sure there are some books that can help you on this subject.

Thought: remember that stud gives you the opportunity to see some of your opponents' hole cards. This is much more useful in Razz, but it also helps when making decisions like whether or not to call with some broadway cards (you have KQT and you see two of your opponents have an A and one has a J - might lean towards folding)

[quote=joeeagles;583132]I'm not a stud expert Ron, but if you're playing low limits I wouldn't be surprised by the things you're saying.[quote]
limits are fixed and I range between $0.50/1.00 - $1.00/2.00

[quote]If instead you're speaking about medium/higher limits well yeah its more surprising but I'm sure in the long run they can't be doing good so it must be your perception when you say they're doing ok[quote]
I think it is my perception

[quote] How long have you been playing/observing?[quote]
Stud for about 3 months, holdem 18 months. I do play all forms of poker. I think I`m just going through a lean spell card wise.

However, its nice to get confirmation off good ppl

I do watch for this. However, when you are playing against `less experienced` players one of the worst hands you can get is something like [AA]3 - I`m sure they only look at the card showing, so when u put in a bet they just follow, thinking "I`ve got better than pair 3`s!!!. So u can get some major suck out this way, even if u hit your set and they are on runner runner flush or gutshot

If you are in a position where they need "some major suck out," then you are playing stud properly, and will soon reap the rewards of your good play.

Another reason people draw in Stud is that they are usually getting the odds to do it.

"They also keep chasing to the end when they have any straight draw, open or gutshot, flush draw, pair, 2 pair when its obvious they need a miracle."

Take an example where we are playing .50/$1, I have an open ended straight draw (8 outs). Say none of my 8 outs have been exposed. Say there are 3 people in the hand and we are on 6th street. You have a pair of Kings exposed and most likely have 2 pair since you've been betting since 4th and just made your Kings. Let's say we started with a full table.

We've seen 17 exposed cards at this point. My 4, your 4, the other guys' 4, plus one each for the other 5 players that folded on 3rd street. So it's 8/35 = almost 23% to hit the straight.

.05 ante * 8 = .40
3 players call .25 = .75
3 players call .25 on 4th = .75
3 players call .50 on 5th = 1.50
2 players call .50 on 6th = 1.00 action is on me with the straight draw...there is 4.40 in the pot and it's .50 for a call. I have the odds to make this call even though I'm obviously behind.

7th street, I make my straight. You lead out with your 2 pair because my straight is hidden, other guy folds, I reraise, you call. I win a nice pot.

This article might provide you with some answers.

http://www.cardschat.com/seven-card-stud.php