How to play Three-Straights - Seven Card Stud Poker

Three-straights are generally not as powerful as three-flushes, nonetheless, they can still be profitable hands. You must consider the following factors when deciding whether or not to play three-straights:

1. How high are your cards?
2. How many of your cards are live?
3. What is your upcard?
4. Do you also have a two-flush?
5. What are the other cards on the board?
6. Who and how many players are already involved in the pot?
7. How much will it cost you to play?
8. How well do your opponents play?

Obviously, the more factors working in your favor, the more correct it is to play the hand. When the pot has been raised and re-raised, only play three-straights if your cards are live, if you have high cards and/or a two-flush. When you hold smaller unsuited three-straights, such as (7c-8d) 9h, the most important factor to consider is how live the Sixes and T's are. In general, do not play gut-shot three-straights unless you have high cards and/or a two flush, and your gap card is live. For example, a hand like (Qs-Jc) 9d can be played if no Tens are out and it appears that you could win the pot if you paired one of your hole cards.