Seven-Card Stud
A poker variant where each player receives seven cards (three down, four up) with no community cards, building the best five-card hand from their own cards.
iGaming Journalist & Crypto Casino Analyst
What Is Seven-Card Stud?
Seven-Card Stud was the most popular poker format in North America before Texas Hold'em took over in the 2000s. There are no community cards or blinds; instead, players post an ante and a bring-in, with betting rounds tied to each new card dealt (third street through seventh street). Because so many cards are exposed, strong stud players rely heavily on tracking opponents' visible cards to read hand strength and calculate outs.
Examples
A player's up-cards showing three hearts, signaling a possible flush draw to opponents.
Seven-Card Stud Hi/Lo, a popular split-pot variant often featured in mixed games like H.O.R.S.E.
Strategy Tips
Starting hand selection on third street is critical -- pairs, three flushes, and three straights with live cards (cards not visible in opponents' hands) are strongest. Pay close attention to opponents' door cards and subsequent up-cards to narrow their range and count how many of your outs remain live. Position is determined by the up-cards each round, so the player showing the strongest hand acts first, which changes dynamically street to street. Because stud rewards strong memory and observation skills, it's a favorite in mixed-game formats like H.O.R.S.E.