If you've played the 7 Stud Card game, you will find it easy playing Queen Poker. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about this poker variant.
Many poker variations were invented in the US in the mid-1900s. These games comprise the most popular and less known variations. Follow the Queen falls in the latter category. This game adds an exciting twist to the well-known 7-card stud. Though they have similarities in the gameplay, Queen Poker has wild cards that can be applied to certain rules.
If you are interested in a card game that changes fast and one that will keep you guessing, this variation is the best to check out. Reading our complete guide will provide you with all the relevant information you need to know before getting started.
What is Follow the Queen Poker?
As aforementioned, Follow the Queen is a variant of the classic seven-card stud but with a slight twist on the gameplay. These games follow the same rules, but the presence of wild cards can quickly change the course of the gameplay. Moreover, this game accommodates 3 to 7 players, and the objective is to get the best five-card hand. If you find the traditional 7-stud game quite repetitive, you should opt for Queen Poker for a thrilling experience.
How to Play Queen Poker
If you are familiar with the seven-card stud, you will find it easy to play Follow the Queen Poker. You don't need any other special skills or strategies to play this variant. Do understand that you can only win the pot by getting the best five-card hands. These simple steps will help you start playing:
Antes
Like most poker games, the game starts with the ante or blinds before the cards are dealt. The ante bets are small and mandatory wagers that are equivalent in size.
First Betting Round
Three cards are dealt to each player once the antes are in. The first two cards are dealt face down, and the third card is dealt face up. The dealing starts with the player on the left of the dealer, and it goes clockwise. The game begins with the player with the lowest card showing. This player must pay the bring-in or raise to a full minimum bet for the betting round to continue. Players can call, raise or fold before the next round.
Second Round of Betting
The next round starts with each player getting one card face up. This is followed by a round of betting that begins with the player with the best two-card poker hands. Likewise, the player can raise, call, or fold.
Showdown
The betting rounds continue until each player gets two face-down cards and four face-up cards. At this point, players can be dealt the seventh card, either facing up or down. The last round of betting is played after each player is dealt seven cards. This is followed by a showdown with the winner being the player with the best five-card poker hand.
Wild Cards in Follow the Queen Poker
The only difference between Follow the Queen and Seven Card Stud is the wild card. These cards change the game depending on the queen. All queens dealt face up are wild cards when you play Follow the Queen. Additionally, any card dealt after the queen is wild too. However, if a player receives another queen, the previous card ceases to be a wild card. But the card adjacent to the queen takes up the role of a wild. This process continues until the four queens are in play.
Pay Cards in Follow the Queen Poker
One thing you should understand is wild cards are considered to pay cards in Follow the Queen Poker. Thus, any player who is dealt a wild card must pay for it by putting chips in the pot. Note that the chips must be equivalent to the amount of the ante. Also, although the second set of wild cards changes, the player will be forced to pay for the cards.
Follow the Queen Poker Hand Ranking
As earlier mentioned, Quen Poker follows the same rules and hand rankings as the seven-card stud. The following are the hand combinations starting from the highest to lowest ranking:
- Royal Flush: The best hand in the game and can only appears where one card is a wild.
- Straight Flush: This hand consists of five cards of the same rank.
- Four of a Kind: It features four cards of the same kind.
- Full House: It consists of three cards of the same suit and two cards of a different rank.
- Flush: It has five cards of the same kind but not in a uniform sequence.
- Straight: Five consecutive cards but not in the same sequence.
- Three of a Kind: It has three cards of the same value and three cards of different ranks.
- Two Pair: It features two pairs of different ranks.
- Pair: Consists of two cards of the same rank.
- High Card: This is a hand without a combination, and it's only valued by its highest rank.
Conclusion
In Follow the Queen Poker, you must pay attention to the wild cards as they can change the course of the game instantly. Moreover, make sure you understand the rules of playing and use a strategy to maximize your winning opportunities. Also, find a reputable online casino with a valid license to try out Queen Poker and other popular variations.
