We all know that – even though important to a certain degree – starting hands shouldn’t be something to guide your play by in Texas Holdem. We also know that in Omaha, these very same starting hands are much more important from a strategy point-of-view. Given the fact that both Omaha and Seven Card Stud are games of big edges, it makes sense to conclude that starting hands are very important in 7 Card Stud, as well.In Stud, you do want to act on starting hands, which are as good as possible, as they’ll directly increase your chances for success at showdown. When you prove to be a solid player by showing down many winning hands, your reputation at the table will hit a high, which will allow you to try to pull a few bluffs later on. Any way you look at it, a good starting hand selection will provide a lot of positive EV (expected value) for you during the later stages of a hand.The very first thing you should be on the lookout for, when making your starting hand selection is the following: make sure that the lowest card in your three-card pocket hand, is higher than any of the other cards showing at the table.This won’t necessarily mean that somebody is not hiding a higher pair somewhere in their pocket, but it will definitely give you a head start, and a good positive EV situation.Other starting hands that may turn out profitable are:

• Three-card flushes: In this case, you have to check how many cards of the same suit are showing around the table. If there are no more than two, your three-card flush is worth a call. If there are more than two out there, the chances of you making your flush will be seriously affected.
• Suited connectors also make for a starting hand you may want to consider. So are medium to high pocket pairs with high kickers, and trips of any kind.

Given the importance starting hand selection has in securing you an edge in 7 Card Stud, the above poker tips will hopefully help you create positive expected value situations in the hands that you play.