See also
As with hold'em, you are looking for hands that are either the best hand right now, or good draws. This article offers a starting hand guide that is slightly tighter than most. The goal is to turn you into a winning player quickly. Starting hand guides are essential for the beginner. Once you are more experienced and have a solid feel for the game, you can take a few additional liberties. In the meantime, start out holding rigidly to these tight starting requirements.
The following table lists a variety of 7-stud match-ups. These are Monte Carlo simulations so they have limited use in the heat of combat. Nevertheless, the table is a convenient way to illustrate the relative strength of hands.
| Title | Example | Percentage and Odds | Your Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trips v Under Pair | J -J -J v T -9-9 |
93% v 7% or 13.3-1 |
Huge Edge |
| Trips v 3 Flush | J-J-J v Q-7-4 |
86% v 14% or 6.1-1 | Huge Edge |
| Trips v Over pair | J-J-J v A-K-K |
85% v 15% or 5.7-1 | Huge Edge |
| Pair v Three random cards | J-J-T v X- X- X |
70% v 30% or 2.3-1 | Big Edge |
| Pair v Three straight with no over | J-J-T v 8-7-6 |
68% v 32% or 2.1-1 | Big Edge |
| Pair v Three flush with no over | J-J-T v 9-7-4 |
65% v 35% or 1.9-1 | Big Edge |
| Pair v Three over | J-J-T v A-K-Q |
64% v 36% or 1.8-1 | Small Edge |
| Pair v Smaller Pair with undercard kicker | J-J-T v 9-9-8 |
62% v 38% or 1.6-1 | Small Edge |
| Pair v Three flush with one over | J-J-T v Q-7-4 |
60% v 40% or 1.5-1 | Small Edge |
| Pair v Three straight with one over | J-J-T v Q-J-T |
60% v 40% or 1.5-1 | Small Edge |
| Pair v Smaller Pair with overcard kicker | J-J-T v 9-9-K |
58% v 42% or 1.4-1 | Small Edge |
| Pair v Three card straight flush | J-J-T v 8-7-6 |
56% v 44% or 1.2-1 | Negligible Edge |
Unlike hold'em, it is difficult to get a huge edge (defined as at least 4-1). You will only get a huge edge in 7-stud when you start with a set. You get a set once every 425 hands (referred to as being "rolled up"). Thus, you do not get a huge edge very often in 7-stud.
A big edge (defined as 2-1) arises when a pair goes up against either three random cards or a straight draw with all three cards lower than the pair. For convenience, (not quite 2-1 but close) a pair versus a flush draw with all three cards lower than the pair is also considered a big edge. The lesson is that you should not enter the fray indiscriminately. Some low-limit 7-stud players will routinely call on the cheap streets (3rd and 4th) looking to develop a hand. Do not get into this habit. If you are up against a pair, you are probably giving up a big edge. Similarly, you should not routinely play any three straight cards or any three flush cards because if all three of your cards are below your opponent's pair, you are giving up a big edge.
Finally, the majority of 7-stud confrontations will fall into the "small edge" category. You, or your opponent, has a pair and the other player has a smaller pair or a drawing hand with at least one overcard to the pair. The lesson, however, should be obvious. You want to be the player with the biggest pair. Regardless of whether you are against a smaller pair or a draw, you will have an edge between 1.9-1 and 1.4-1.
Also, note the importance of overcards. A pair versus a flush draw with no overcards to the pair will win 65% of the time. If the flush draw has one overcard, the pair is reduced to 60%. If the flush draw has three overcards, the pair only wins about 50% of the time. Overcards matter a great deal. You must pay attention to all three cards in your hand.
Finally, a negligible edge occurs anytime a pair goes up against a straight flush draw.
