<< Back to Tutorials
How to Play: Cowpie
Description: HOW TO PLAY COW PIE STUD POKER:
Cow Pie Stud Poker is a split pot version of 7 card stud. Deal, play and bet exactly like 7 card stud. At the completion of 7th street betting, each player re-arranges their 7 cards into 2 separate hands. One is a regulation 5 card poker hand. The other is a 2 card poker hand. Up cards must remain up and down cards must remain down. In arranging the 2 hands, two important requirements must be met:
The 5 card hand must out rank the 2 card hand.
Each hand must include at least one down card.
Once so arranged, there is a final round of betting. The hands are revealed and the pot is split between the highest 5 card hand and the highest 2 card hand. The 2 card hands are ranked as high card(s) and pairs only. If a player misplays his hand by creating a 2 card hand that is better than his 5 card hand, both hands are disqualified.
SUMMARY of ACTION
Deal 2 hole cards and 1 up card to each player.
Bet
Deal 1 up card to each player ("4th street").
Bet.
Deal 1 up card to each player ("5th street").
Bet.
Deal 1 up card to each player ("6th street").
Bet.
Deal 1 hole card to each player ("7th street").
Bet.
Arrange cards into a 5 card poker hand and a 2 card poker hand.
Bet
Showdown.
PLAYING TIPS for COW PIE STUD POKER
Strategy for Cow Pie Stud Poker is similar to classic 7 card stud. The twist is that your 7 cards must be divided into 2 separate hands. For that reason, you are striving to get a hand that can be arranged into a winner in both the 5 card and 2 card hands. Examples of those hands include a full house, a straight or flush plus a separate high pair, 3 pair (preferably with 2 high pairs). Always keep in mind that both hands must include at least 1 down card and that could restrict how you are able to split your hand. Also critically important is that your 5 card hand must rank higher than your 2 card hand. More on this and what to consider when arranging your hands later.
STARTING HAND SELECTION
You can approach this game using your normal starting hand requirements for high only 7 Card Stud, but perhaps adjusted more toward favoring pairs and high cards. For your first 3 cards you would like to see:
3 high cards.
A pair with a high kicker (preferably an ace). If starting with a pair, it is preferable that it be a split pair as this gives your hand more versatility.
Straight or flush draw. Preferably these would include at least 2 high cards and should normally be avoided if they do not. If you do start with 3 to a flush or straight realize that you must complete those hands by 6th street. If it takes you until 7th street to complete your flush or straight, it will not qualify with the rules as it will require you to use all 3 down cards in your 5 card hand and you will have no down card left to use in your 2 card hand.
Overall, Cow Pie stud is a game where ending up with 2 big pairs probably gives you a better shot at scooping the entire pot than does a flush or straight.
ARRANGING YOUR HANDS
When arranging your cards into your 2 hands make 100% certain you follow both of these rules. If you violate either of these rules both of your hands are disqualified.
1. The rank of your 5 card hand must be higher than your 2 card hand.
2. Each hand must include at least 1 down card.
Your primary objective is to attempt to win both ways. That is often accomplished by splitting a very powerful hand into 2 medium strength hands. For example, a full house could be split into trips for the 5 card hand and a pair for the 2 card hand. You should also be aware of what hands other players may have and how they might split them and adjust your decision accordingly. If you feel you do not have hands strong enough to win both ways your objective should be to guarantee as much as possible you will win one way. As an example, if you suspect someone has a straight or flush and the pair of your full house is fairly low, you might end up losing both ways. In that case it is better to be nearly assured of winning half the pot with your 5 card full house and conceding the 2 card hand. On the other hand, if your pair were aces or kings, you could still make the split as originally suggested knowing you have a virtual lock for the 2 card hand and the hope that your trips hold up.
PROBLEM HANDS
Problem hands are those in which it is not possible to split your 7 card hand into qualifying 5 and 2 card hands. Problems result when 1 (or both) of these situations occurs:
1. To complete your 5 card hand requires the use of all 3 of your down cards. There are no down cards available to use in your 2 card hand.
2. The preferred split will result in your 2 card hand being ranked higher than your 5 card hand.
Examples of problem hands include: 2 pair - both exposed; 2 pair - lower exposed & higher hidden; straight or flush in which you must use all 3 down cards.
Often a low to mid pair will be needed to win the 2 card hand.
Game Type: Stud Style
Split Game: No
Cards Dealt: 7
Max Players: 7