Abstract: A method of playing a stud poker game in a player-versus-dealer gaming table environment is disclosed. In a preferred method, the player places an "ante" wager whereupon he and the dealer receive a three-card portion of a five-card poker hand with two of the dealer's three cards face up. The player may then compare his partial three-card poker hand with the dealer's two up cards and exercise his option of either "surrendering" the original "ante" wager or placing an additional "challenge" wager to receive the remainder of his five-card poker hand. After he and the dealer have received their entire five-card poker hand, an ordinary showdown takes place. If the player's poker hand beats the dealer's, then the house pays even money on the original "ante" wager and on the challenge wager. In a preferred embodiment, the player must have at least an ace high hand to prevail.