Now, as in pretty much every other poker game, although it may be called by a different name, you begin 7 Card Stud by paying up the ante. In other words, the players put a set amount into the pot. 7 Card Stud has six stages. They are called: third street; fourth street; fifth street; sixth street; the river; and, finally, the showdown. Following the ante, every player receives two cards face down, known as the hole cards, and one card face up. This is the third street.

Whichever player has the highest face up card starts the betting. He or she either checks or bets. Following that move, the rest of the players either call, raise, or fold. After this, the fourth, fifth, and sixth streets follow, which each player being dealt one more face up card for each street.

The river is marked by the seventh card, and it is face down as well. After it is dealt, the last betting round occurs, making for the showdown.