If you want to play Seven Card Stud online, VIPpoker.com not only provides you with the fastest play and the best competition, but also the best game tutorials and simple instructions for play. When you sit down at an online table, one of the first things you need to know is the ante amount for each table. VIPpoker.com games range from two-cent antes to two-dollar antes. You can also use "play money" if you're not ready to commit actual funds at this time.

If you're new to the game or your skills are a little rusty, it's a good idea to play a lower-ante game to begin with. The ante is half the small blind, and the small blinds for VIPpoker.com online Seven Card Stud games begin at five cents and go all the way up to $15. A big-limit table isn't for everyone, but if you're up to the challenge, these tables can be quite rewarding.

A maximum of eight players can play Seven Card Stud at VIPpoker.com tables. Since there are five betting rounds, it's important to understand how to keep players in the game when you have a good hand and when it's time to get out of the game before you lose your shirt. Play begins in Seven Card Stud after each player is dealt two cards face down, the "hole" cards, and one card face up, "the door" card.

The player with the lowest door card starts the betting, and he must make a bet of at least half of the small blind. After this first round of betting, players receive four more cards face up, and one more card, the "river" card, face down. All betting after the initial forced bet occurs starts with the player at the table with the highest showing hand.