The development of Seven-Card Stud has been well-documented.  It is richly concentrated in the pages of the history books on poker.  The rich history of Seven-Card Stud, however, is underappreciated by most poker players as many amateur poker players immediately turn to Texas Hold’em as their choice of poker variant.  Appreciating even a part of the history of Seven-Card Stud can help you understand its similarities and origins as well as how the game is supposed to be played.
The Roots of Seven-Card Stud
Contrary to popular belief, 7 Card Stud is actually one of the first poker variants ever established.  Its origins can be traced to two particular early card games – the French Poque and the Persian Nas.  The similarities of 7 Card Stud to these two games are glaringly obvious.  In fact, some of the nationals of both Iran and France still refer to 7 Card Stud as Poque and Nas, respectively.  The word itself – Seven Card Stud – originated from the word that means “to knock”.
From the games Nas and Poque, the game poker was formally established.  This transpired in the United States, particularly in New Orleans.  The first variant, Five-Card Stud, eventually developed into 7 Card Stud around the twentieth century.  For a long time, 7 Card Stud was the most popular poker variant, played for the variety and the chances it can offer to every poker player.  Until Texas Hold’em became very popular, 7 Card Stud was the reigning poker variant in casinos.
The Basic Rules
Most people don’t understand 7 Card Poker, inasmuch as they have a limited or ignorant understanding of what Stud Poker is all about.  As in all stud poker variants, the goal of the game is to get the highest hand value.  These hand values are commonly dubbed as the following: Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Straight, Flush, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, and High Card.  Each of the mentioned has a value greater or less than the other.
Also, in 7 Card Stud, you should understand how the game generally progresses.  The game goes through six rounds.  These rounds are known as: Third Street, Fourth Street, Fifth Street, Sixth Street, river, and the showdown.
As in all stud poker games, you are supposed to wager at the end of each round, until the showdown phase is finally reached.  You can call, fold, or raise.