1. As per normal poker rules - playing and betting proceeds in a clockwise direction.

2. All Players must first ante before they receive their initial cards, except the $0.50/$1 game which has no ante.

3. There are five betting rounds in a complete game of Seven-Card Stud, not including the ante.

4. On the first round of betting, the Player with the lowest value door card "brings-in" and starts the betting - equal to at least half the minimum bet for the game. In proceeding rounds, the Player with the highest hand initiates the betting. If hands tie, the Player to the left of the dealer acts first.

5. Betting increments in the game determine the bets. In a game of $2 and $4 betting increments, the first two rounds of betting and raising are set at the lower level of $2, the other three rounds of betting and raising are set at the higher level of $4.

6. The exception to this rule is if any Player displays a pair with their 2 face-up cards on 4th Street. In this circumstance, all Players have the option to bet either the lower limit or the higher limit. If a Player bets the higher limit, then all subsequent raises must be made at the higher limit.

7. The maximum allowable number of bets per Player during any betting round is four. This includes a (1) bet, (2) raise, (3) re-raise, and (4) cap. The term cap is used to describe the 3rd raise in a round since betting is then capped and can't be raised further. Once capped, Players will have only the option of calling or folding.

8. In betting rounds where Players have folded, the first active Player left of the Disc/Dealer is first to act.

Remember, what we said in our introduction to Roulette, there is no beginning or end to a casino game. Casinos want you to play forever because, in the long run, they have the advantage. It is up to you to set up the criteria to make the game a real game with achievable goals and distinct rules on when the game is done. With measurable objectives, you will be able to track your results better and decide whether your strategy is working. With this feedback, you can adjust your strategy to optimize your gain when you are winning. So, here are some guidelines to use in preparing for your next gambling adventure:

• Establish your gambling pool
  Decide how much you are going to take with you. Separate the money you will use to gamble with from the rest of the money you will need for meals, entertainment, gas for returning home, etc.
• Establish how many sessions you will have
  Divide your gambling pool into equal parts for each session. Physically separate the money and only take one part with you to each session.
  
• Establish your bet start amount
  The driving force behind establishing your bet start amount will be the betting system you use. In addition, you should consider how long you want to play and how much risk are you willing to take. Of course, you could buy in at the table and bet the entire session amount on your first spin. If you lose, then you will be spending the rest of the night watching others gamble. A good rule of thumb for your initial bet amount is 1/10 to 1/20 of the session start amount.