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History of Seven Card Stud Poker

Seven-card Stud Poker is just one variety of poker. Today, the most widely played form of the poker is Texas Hold 'em. However, for most of the 20^th century right up until the 1980s, Seven Card Stud poker was played more than any other type of poker.

In fact, even today, 7 Card Stud is still the dominant form of poker on much of the east coast of America, and can lay claim to a dedicated following from around the world. For many, Seven Card Stud is poker in its purest form.

History of Seven Card Stud Poker – Origins

Having evolved from other branches of poker, it first appeared in “The American Hoyle”, (the definitive reference book of card games) in 1864. Its popularity is said to have been accelerated thanks to the upheavals of the American Civil War. “Stud-Horse”, as it used to be known, was invented by cowboys in the Ohio/Indiana area.

Considered to be an excellent limit-betting game, Seven Card Stud Poker was generally considered to have more mass appeal than its predecessors in the popularity stakes.

The game of 7 Card Stud Poker became popular with the armed forces during World War Two, and then continued to flourish in the fifties and sixties thanks to the booming American casino industry.

The transition from five-card poker varieties to a seven-card version early in the 20^th century is an important one. 7 Card Stud Poker became a great game for commentators and spectators due to the large number of up-turned cards on display.

The History of Seven-Card Stud Poker – The Modern Game

The “crowd pleasing” aspect of Seven Card Stud Poker in particular may well be the reason why poker is now thought of by many as a sport.

Now, as well as continuing to be played in real casinos, Seven Card Stud (along with all other varieties of poker), is enjoyed by a brand new audience. Millions of people are logging on and enjoying the sport on the internet at online casinos.

The image of poker in general has changed. Although it was once considered to be a pastime mainly for outlaws and cowboys, the game’s global appeal has produced professional poker player who are household names. The World Series of Poker is now a major televised event, with a top prize of $7.5 million!

If you are new to Seven Card Stud Poker and would like to know more about how to play it, visit our How To Play Seven Card Stud Poker page.

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