Stud
Stud, also known as Seven-Card Stud, was a dominant game for many decades.
Forced Money
The game is played with antes. The low card on the board by rank first and then by suit brings it in. The 2♣ is the lowest possible card followed by the 2♦, 2♥, 2♠, and so on.
Dealing Procedure
Starting with the player in seat one, each player is dealt two cards face down then one card up, followed by a round of betting at the small bet limit, starting with the player with the bring-in.
A second up card is dealt to all active players. This is followed by a round of betting at the small bet limit. If a player shows an open pair a bet or raise may optionally be a big bet (but see below). In this case a small bet can be met by a big bet raise. A big bet may never be met with a small bet raise. Action starts with the highest hand showing.
A third up card is dealt to all active players. This is followed by a round of betting at the big bet limit.
A fourth up card is dealt to all active players. This is followed by a round of betting at the big bet limit.
A third down card is dealt to all active players. This is followed by a round of betting at the big bet limit. This is followed by a showdown.
Double-Bet on Fourth Street
Historically, a bet at the higher limit was allowed on fourth street if any player had an exposed pair.
However, many cardrooms no longer allow this, and it is not allowed in current TDA rules.
Evaluating the Showdown
The best high five-card hand wins the pot.