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Carribean Stud Poker
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There are many different types of poker. The most popular forms of poker, such as Texas Hold ‘Em, are skill games where players face off against each other.
However, there are many “Casino poker” games, which are basically card games against the house.
One of the most popular of these is Carribean Stud Poker.
Carribean Stud Poker is common in many casinos, both real and online.
The basics of the game are very simple.
1. The player makes a non-optional “ante” wager. In some games there is a progressive side bet as well, which is optional.
2. The player and the dealer each get five cards. All players involved in the game get five cards, and they are all dealt face down. One dealer card is exposed. Players are allowed to look at their own cards but are discouraged from sharing information with each other.
3. A player must then fold and forfeit his or her ante and side bet, or raise, with the wager being twice the ante.
4. The dealer reveals his other four cards.
5. For the dealer to qualify, he must have an ace, king or higher. If he doesn’t, the player wins even money on his ante and the raise is a push. If the dealer qualifies and has a better hand than the player, the player loses both the ante and raise. If the dealer qualifies and the player wins, the ante pays even money and the raise pays odds based on the winning hand. If dealer and player tie, the ante and raise are a push. The progressive side bet is based solely on the poker value of the player’s hand.
The house edge is just over 5 percent, which is high. But a player who employs a sound raise strategy can cut that number in half.
There are very few absolutes in the game, but some of the general rules to follow: Always fold if you have less than the dealer’s qualifying hand (king high) and always raise if you have any pair or better.
Also, playing the progressive side bet is popular, but it is difficult to hit and the house edge is almost 30 percent. But when you do hit, the payoff is pretty good.
Caribbean stud poker is a game with one simple decision to make based on the cards you have in your hand and what the dealer is showing. On the whole, it is not a difficult game, and once you get the hang of it, you can really make progress as a player. The skill level is not nearly the same as traditional poker.
Online casinos offer free versions of the game, and this is a good way to get involved, learn about the game itself. Don’t really worry about your wins and losses in free play. This is really about getting comfortable with the game and how to play it so you will be familiar with it when you get to the real money.
Caribbean Stud is a fun, easy game that you will get the hang of quickly and it won’t take you long to find some success. Just remember it is not the same as traditional poker. It is designed to have the house win in the long run, as with any casino game. This is not to say you can’t get lucky and win some money, but you are playing a game of chance and it is true gambling.
Regardless, give the game a try and see how you do.
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