Third Street
Third Street is the term used in Seven Card Stud to refer to the first betting round. Each player gets three cards: two face-down (hole cards) and one face-up (door card). The player with the lowest face-up card starts the betting. It’s like the opening act in a play, setting the stage for the drama that follows.
The origin of Third Street in Poker
The term “Third Street” dates back to the early days of Seven Card Stud, which became popular in the mid-20th century. The “street” terminology was borrowed from the idea of a journey, with each betting round representing a new stage or “street” on the path to the final hand. It’s called “Third Street” because it’s the third card dealt to each player.
Examples of use:
“After seeing my opponent’s door card on Third Street, I knew I had the upper hand.”
Player 1: “I’m raising on Third Street. Feeling lucky!”
Player 2: “Well, my door card isn’t great, but I’ll call.”
You can use it in real life too…
- “Starting a new project feels like Third Street; you never know what the next card will bring.”
- “Just got my first assignment at the new job. It’s Third Street time!”
- “Meeting someone new is like Third Street in poker; you’re just getting started.”
When playing, be aware:
Do:
Pay close attention to your opponents’ door cards on Third Street. It gives you valuable information about their potential hands. If you see someone with a high card showing, they might have a strong hand, so proceed with caution. Knowing when to fold early can save you chips in the long run.
Don’t:
Don’t bet heavily on Third Street if your door card is weak. It’s tempting to bluff right away, but remember, there are still many cards to come. Betting big with a bad door card can lead to a quick and painful loss. Keep your bets conservative until you have more information.
Third Street means the same in other sports?
With the same meaning:
The term “Third Street” doesn’t really have the same meaning in other sports. It’s quite unique to poker, particularly Seven Card Stud.
With different meaning:
In baseball, “Third Street” isn’t a term at all. But in American football, “third down” might sound similar. It refers to the third attempt a team has to advance the ball ten yards. Different game, different stakes, but still all about strategy.
Trivia
Did you know that Seven Card Stud used to be the most popular form of poker before Texas Hold’em took over? Third Street was where the action started, and many old-school players still swear by the thrill of that first betting round.
