In the earliest days of poker, there were few draws (sometimes none at all) and only one or two betting rounds. The problem with that system was that opposing players did not have enough information about the other hands to be able to form intelligent betting strategies. Stud poker came along to provide that additional information in two ways: By dealing some of the cards face up, and by doling the cards out slowly, causing multiple betting rounds.

Five-Card Stud probably emerged before Seven-Card Stud, but without a draw and without extra cards, it was a challenge to develop very strong hands. Players quickly found that Seven-Card Stud permits more possibilities, particularly with "draw hands," like flushes and straights. Though Five-Card Stud is still occasionally played, and was even a WSOP event more than 35 years ago, today Seven-Card Stud dominates player preferences.

The "stud" in Seven-Card Stud is the subject of some debate. Many think the name comes from the fact that cards are turned face up, showing their pips, which may have resembled studs to the players in the American West of the 19th century.

Types of Seven-Card Stud

Seven-Card Stud comes in three varieties. In addition to the usual "high" form (referred to simply as "Seven-Card Stud"), there is also Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo, often called "Eights or Better," and there is Seven-Card Stud Lo, which is usually called "Razz." Each of these games is discussed separately.

Seven Card Stud Tips, Strategy, & Information

Seven Card Stud Rules
In seven-card stud, the highest hand wins. Aces count as high cards, but can also be low cards for purposes of straights. Prior to the deal, players make an ante, a bet made literally "before" the round. Usually it's very small, like a quarter of a bet or less, down to twenty-five cents. After the antes, each player receives two cards face down... more»
Seven Card Stud Strategy
Like Hold'em, seven-card stud favors high cards. It is not unusual for two players to go to a showdown with two pairs each. In such a case, the player with the highest of the four pairs wins the pot. Because high cards are rewarded, players should be aggressive only if they have high cards in the hole. Staying in the game is rarely justifiable... more»
Seven-Card Stud Probabilities
Example One I have a four and an ace in the hole and a four on the door. What are my chances of pairing the ace in the next two cards? Assume no one else is showing an ace on the board, for that could cause you to rethink your position. When cards you are looking for appear on someone else's board, they are dead to you. They are referred to as "... more»
Seven Card Stud Betting Structures
Stud poker of all three types is played in a "Limit" version (also called "Fixed Limit") and in a "Pot Limit" version. The designation of a Limit Stud game as "$2/$4" for example, means that the fixed size of all bets and raises is $2 in the early stages of the game (the "small bet") and $4 in the later stages of the game (the "big bet"). A table... more»