The first thing to remember about Stud Poker is that you don’t need to be an experienced player to be in with a chance because you are playing against the dealer rather than the other players.

Begin Stud Poker by putting your bet (the ‘ANTE’) in the ANTE circle. Everyone, including the dealer is then dealt five cards face down, apart from the dealer’s last card which is face up to give you an indication of how good their hand may be.

If you don’t think your hand will beat the dealer’s, you can fold, and forfeit your ANTE. If you are feeling lucky, you can raise your bet by putting your cards face down in the RAISE box, and putting double your initial bet on top of your cards.

When all players have decided on their hands, the dealer will reveal his cards. If the dealer doesn’t have an ace, king or better, ‘NO HAND’ will be announced and even money paid to all hands still in play.

If the dealer does have an ace, king or better all hands in play will be turned over. If the dealer’s hand is better than yours, you lose all bets. If you have a tied hand, you keep your bet. And if your hand is better, you will be paid evens on your ANTE bet and the following odds on your raise:

• Straight Flush (Five consecutive cards of the same suit) 50 - 1
• Four of a kind (Four cards of the same denomination) 20 - 1
• Full House (Three of a kind plus a pair) 8 - 1
• Flush (All cards of the same suit) 6 - 1
• Straight (All cards running consecutively) 4 - 1
• Three of a kind (Three cards of the same denomination) 3 - 1
• Two Pairs (Two pairs of cards but of different denominations) 2 - 1
• One Pair or Less (Two cards of the same denomination or unconnected cards of higher ranking than the dealers hand) 1 – 1
• You may not exchange cards or communicate information concerning your respective hands with other players.
• It is your responsibility to establish the value of your hand.
• Your cards must be in full view at all times. Your hand may be deemed void if your cards are moved below the table.
• Incorrect numbers of cards dealt will result in a misdeal being called.