Five-Card Stud

  Does it cause you to ruin a perfectly good pair or pants when somebody leaps out from behind and yells boo? Do you avoid Indian restaurants because of an irrational fear of curry? If you have answered yes to any of these questions than you are person who doesn't like surprises. In this case, 5 card stud is your game.  As normal, all players ante. Each player is then dealt two cards, one face up, for all to see, and one face down. The betting begins with the person who has the lowest exposed card.  The third card is dealt to each player face up. This is followed by a round of betting. On this round of betting (and all following rounds), the player whose exposed cards make the best poker hand, starts the betting.  The fourth card is dealt face up to each player, followed by a round of betting.  The fifth, final card is dealt face down to each player. This will leave three visible cards on the table in front of each player and two hidden from sight as if they were the Holy Grail. Despite the fact that the three exposed cards take a good bit of the guesswork out of who is sitting on the strongest hand, some players still take the option of dealing the fifth card face up. These are the sort of competitors who not only dislike surprises, but are probably afraid of clowns as well.  Once the fifth card has been dealt (either face up or face down) a round of betting will follow. Those who have seen the cards in front of their computer, and don't like what they see, may give a statement like, "I shall return", and head off for the potty. Whoever is left will head off into the showdown. The winner will be the person who has the best five card poker hand.  The number of visible cards in 5 Card Stud makes it easier for Players to gauge the strength of their hands, and their opponents. With four rounds of betting and plenty of exposed cards there is plenty of time to plan and strategize.   Patience is a virtue in 5 Card Stud. Don't throw away money on a losing hand. Keep your head while your opponents lose theirs and your patience will be rewarded.