Follow the Queen is a fun and unpredictable variation of Seven Card Stud poker that introduces an exciting twist: wild cards that change based on when a Queen is dealt face up. This dynamic rule can lead to massive hands, tricky decisions, and plenty of unexpected turns in the game. Understanding how wild cards work in Follow the Queen is crucial for making smart betting choices and adapting your strategy in real time.

The Basics of Follow the Queen

Follow the Queen is typically played with the same structure as Seven Card Stud. Each player receives seven cards — some face up and some face down — with betting rounds in between. The game’s unique element comes into play during the fourth street (the second face-up card dealt).

If a Queen is dealt face up to any player during this round, the next card dealt face up becomes wild — for everyone at the table.

For example:

• Player A is dealt a Queen face up.

• Player B is then dealt a 5♠ face up.

• All 5s are now wild for the rest of that hand.

If no Queen appears face up, then there are no wild cards in that hand.

The Power and Chaos of Wild Cards

Wild cards in Follow the Queen can dramatically alter the strength of hands at the table. With even one or two wild cards in play, full houses and four-of-a-kinds become far more common. This increases the potential value of strong draws and makes bluffing more dangerous.

Players must always be aware of:

• How many wild cards are in play (based on the number of matching cards seen).

• How those wild cards interact with their own and their opponents’ visible cards.

• The likelihood that an opponent is sitting on a monster hand when wilds are active.

What If Multiple Queens Are Dealt?

If more than one Queen is dealt face up during the fourth street, the last card dealt after the final Queen becomes wild. However, if a Queen is the last card dealt in that round, there is no wild card for that hand.

This rule adds another layer of suspense. Players may cheer or groan based on whether wild cards are triggered or not, which adds to the social and strategic dynamic of the game.

How to Play Smart with Wild Cards

Wild cards don’t just increase hand strength — they change how you should approach the entire hand. Here’s how to adjust:

• Don’t overvalue your hand before the wild is revealed. A strong two-pair could quickly become weak once wilds are active and opponents hit trips or better.

• Stay observant of other players’ boards. If someone shows two of the wild card rank, they may have a monster or be bluffing using the wilds.

• Fold more cautiously. If wild cards are active and you don’t have a hand that can compete with potential boats or quads, save your chips.

• Bluff with care. While wilds can support bold plays, your opponents may also be holding enhanced hands, especially if their board connects with the wild rank.

FAQ

1. What happens if a Queen is the last face-up card on fourth street?
If a Queen is the final card dealt face up during the fourth street round, there will be no wild cards for that hand. The wild mechanic only activates if another card follows a Queen in that round.

2. Are wild cards specific to each player or shared by all?
Wild cards are shared by all players once determined. For example, if 8♣ is revealed after a Queen, then all 8s become wild for everyone at the table for that hand.

3. Can there be multiple wild cards in a single hand?
No, only one wild card rank can exist in a single hand, and it’s determined by the first card dealt after the last Queen on the fourth street. If no Queen appears, there are no wilds.