All players must first ante before they receive their initial cards. There are five betting rounds in a complete game of 7 Card Stud, not including Antee.

The action is started by forcing the lowest upcard by rank and suit to bet the amount that corresponds to the bring-in for each limit. The action then rotates clockwise and players must either call the minimum bet forced by the low card, or make the first raise, which only completes the bet to the lower value of the limit structure. Raises thereafter are of the exact amounts of the fixed limits for each betting round.

On the first round of betting, the low card by rank and then by suit is required to initiate action with a minimum small bring-in bet. Suits are ranked: spades (highest), hearts, diamonds, clubs. On subsequent rounds, the high hand on board initiates betting action. If hands are tied, the player to the left of the dealer acts first. In all cases, the action prompts will inform the players as to who acts first.