5 Card Stud Poker - Winning Strategy

Five Card Stud is mostly a game of HIGH CARDS and PAIRS. Don't play for straights and flushes unless you have three cards to a straight flush on third street, or it looks like you might luck into a straight or flush on fourth. With only one down card, it is easier than most games to put your opponents on hands. Pay close attention to how they each play. Usually don't start without either a pair or at least one live card that
beats the board. Usually fold if you do not have at least a pair in the first three cards. Almost always fold when you are beaten on the board and do not have a good draw to the best hand.

Strategy Tips:
Usually Fold if you don't have a pair or better in the first three cards.
Remember the folded cards so that you know which cards are "live".
Play only live cards from the start and at least semi-live cards from the middle to the end.
Study your opponents. When he or she plays a low upcard, it is likely that the card is paired or just a loose starting hand of some sort. Does the player bluff? Can he or she be bluffed, etc.
Unless you are playing a strong draw hand, usually fold if your complete hand is beaten on the board by an opponent's upcards.
Don't play for straights and flushes, except for three cards to a straight flush.
Usually don't play low hole cards.
Don't fall in love with your Ace in the hole. If that's all you have, against apparent strong hands, usually
fold early.
Beware of the paired door card. This often means trips, especially if it is a low pair.
Get caught bluffing once in a while. It is a way to vary your play and not be too predictable. You win pots that you don't deserve when your bluff works. You lose a few chips when it doesn't work but it will get you calls from weaker hands down the line when you are strong and need the action.
Look for reasons to fold early. When someone else gets the card you wanted or you suspect that you are unprofitably chasing a better hand - fold it up. Trust your instincts and you will usually be right.
Make'em pay to try to draw out on you when you have a good hand.