Seven Card Stud is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century, with roots tracing back to the 1800s. Its exact origins are unclear, but the game gained popularity in the American frontier during the mid-1800s.
The game was a dominant poker variant once. Nevertheless, it has seen a decline in popularity with the rise of Texas Hold’em. Historically, it was widely played across the United States, especially in home games and casinos in the eastern regions. This poker variation is also played in South Africa, Macau, and Canada.
Nowadays, Seven Card Stud remains a staple in mixed game formats like HORSE, which are featured in various poker tournaments.
Several poker variants have evolved from or share similarities with Seven Card Stud:
- Razz: A lowball version of Seven-Card Stud where the objective is to achieve the lowest possible hand.
- Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo: Also known as Stud Eight or Better, this variant splits the pot between the highest and lowest hands.
- Mississippi Stud: A variation that modifies the betting structure and card dealing sequence to create a distinct gameplay experience.
- Roll Your Own: Players can reveal one card face-up after each round. This gradual unveiling of the hand adds anticipation, making each round more thrilling than the last.
- Baseball: This variation introduces wild cards in the form of 3s and 9s, adding extra excitement and opportunities for players to improve their hands. The inclusion of an extra card with a face-up 4 is akin to hitting a home run in the world of poker.
- Acey Ducey: Acey Ducey introduces a powerful twist with all aces and twos as wild cards. This variant opens up new possibilities for strong hands, giving players a fresh perspective on their strategic approach.
These variants, while not as globally popular as Texas Hold’em, maintain dedicated followings and contribute to the rich diversity of poker games available to enthusiasts.