Fifth Street

In Depth Look

Fifth Street plays a crucial role in the flow of a poker hand, particularly in Texas Hold'em and Seven-Card Stud, though it functions differently in each game. In Texas Hold'em, Fifth Street is also known as the river—the last of five community cards placed on the board. By this stage, players have seen the flop (three cards), the turn (fourth card), and now the river. With all community cards revealed, no more information is coming. Players must rely on what they’ve seen and how opponents have acted to make final decisions.

In Texas Hold’em, the river can complete a wide range of hands, both strong and weak. It can improve a player's draw, turn a good hand into a losing one, or simply confirm that nothing better is coming. Because of this, Fifth Street often sees significant betting, especially if the pot is already large. Skilled players use the river to pressure opponents or extract value from made hands. Bluffing is also common here, as there's no risk of being outdrawn by later cards. Decisions on Fifth Street are final and often determine the winner.

In Seven-Card Stud, Fifth Street marks the first round of big bets, which doubles the stakes compared to earlier betting rounds. Each player now has three cards showing and two hidden. The added information gives players a clearer sense of what hands others might be building. Strong upcards—like a visible pair or a three-card flush—can put pressure on others to fold. Since there's still more to come—Sixth and Seventh Streets—players often use Fifth Street to gauge commitment. Folding here can save chips, but staying in means facing higher bets going forward.