1. Starting the Game: Each player places an initial bet before the game begins.
2. Dealing the Cards: In a typical version of Stud Poker, such as Seven-Card Stud, each player is dealt a combination of face-up and face-down cards. For example, in Seven-Card Stud, players receive two face-down cards (hole cards) and one face-up card (door card) to start.
3. Betting Rounds: After the initial cards are dealt, a betting round takes place. The player with the lowest-ranking face-up card starts the betting (this is known as the "bring-in"). Subsequent betting rounds follow as more face-up cards are dealt.
4. More Face-Up Cards: In Seven-Card Stud, a total of three face-up cards are dealt to each player, interspersed with betting rounds. Each new face-up card is called a "street."
5. Final Face-Down Card: After the third face-up card is dealt and the corresponding betting round is completed, each player receives a final face-down card.
6. Final Betting Round: A final round of betting takes place after the last face-down card is dealt.
7. Showdown: If there are still multiple players remaining after the final betting round, a showdown occurs. Players reveal their hole cards and the best five-card poker hand wins the pot.
8. Hand Rankings: The standard poker hand rankings apply in Stud Poker. These include combinations like pairs, three-of-a-kind, straights, flushes, and more.
Stud Poker requires players to pay attention to their opponents' visible cards, as this information can influence their betting decisions and strategies. It's a game that combines skilful card play with psychological tactics, making it a favourite among poker enthusiasts.