Until the recent surge in the popularity of Texas Hold'em, 7 Card Stud was by far the most popular poker adaptation from the 1850's through to the 1970's. In fact, its core rules are actually the founding principles of most modern poker games.

Stud Poker was first seen during the American Civil War. Some attribute the invention of stud, or stud-horse as it was sometimes called, to cowboys around Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. 5 Card Stud was the first version played, achieving the height of its popularity circa 1864. Still, Draw Poker was the favored form until 7 Card Stud in the early 1900's. No one knows exactly who or where the variation came from though. 7 Card Stud High-Low is simply a common extension of 7 Card Stud that awards the pot to the highest and lowest ranking hand.

7 Card Stud remained the most popular form of poker until the 1980's, when 7 Card Stud evolved into Texas Hold'em and this became the preferred game in homes, casinos and at online gaming establishments. Still, 7 Card Stud enjoys a reputation as a challenging and enthralling game with poker aficionados everywhere.

Learn how to play 7 Card Stud and 7 Card High-Low.