There has been some ongoing and feisty debate over the true origins of poker. Some say it was something that came from France under the name of Poque. Others trace the origins back to some of the most storied civilizations in history such as the Babylonians and Egyptians. Then there is that small minority of people who think these guys are all barking up the wrong tree and poker didn't really become the game we know until it was established here in the United States. Poker, as a game we would recognize, was played widely during the America Civil War. In fact members of the Union Army would sneak across their own picket lines to meet with soldiers of the Confederate forces to play poker at night. The game they played beared a resemblance to stud poker.

Pokers conversion from a European carpetbagger to a purely American game was complete in 1875 with the addition of the Joker. The game exploded in popularity, and during the Wild West period of American history, any saloon worth going to had poker tables and a number of colorful characters testing their skill at the game.

Over time the game evolved and developed a number of variations. 5 Card Draw, which was the most popular game in old west, gave way to Seven Card Stud in the early 20th century. There was not a casino or riverboat in the country where this game was not being played with enthusiasm. This game was top dog of the poker scene until Texas Hold'em came along and took over the entire industry.

Today Seven Card Stud still enjoys a rather broad following, but it sits behind Texas Hold'em and Omaha for overall popularity. This reality takes nothing away from the fact that Seven Card Stud is still one of the most enjoyable of all the poker variations in existence.