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4 best Caribbean stud poker strategies to use

Poker is one of the most entertaining card games in the casino industry, that is why a lot of variations have been made. Among the most popular poker variations is Caribbean Stud poker. It is like typical poker with a few key differences such as the lack of bluffing and draws. 

Unlike other poker variations like Texas hold ‘em and Omaha, you will be playing against the house all the time and not with other players in Caribbean Stud. This type of poker is simple to play but it doesn’t mean that it is easy to win in this game. Thus, various strategies have been developed to help players increase their chances of winning.

Before delving into the best Caribbean Stud poker strategies, you have to learn how to properly play the game first. Read on below to know how here at Casino Days India!

How to play Caribbean stud poker

Learn the rules and mechanics of Caribbean Stud poker to have a deeper understanding of how the game works below: 

  • To play, the dealer will deal 5 cards face down to all the players on the table that has placed an ante. 
  • Once all the players have the cards, the dealer will deal another 5 cards face down to themselves but they will flip 1 card over. This will give you the chance to decide your next move and see if you want to place another bet on top of your ante or fold. 
  • After everybody on the table has either upped their ante or folded, the dealer will reveal the full hand. The dealer will only ‘open’ their hand if they have an Ace-King or higher. Otherwise, the dealer must fold and you will get the original ante. 
  • Remember that Caribbean Stud poker players play against the dealer. Thus, even if your card is higher than other players, you may still lose your bets if the dealer’s hand is higher than yours.

Best Caribbean Stud poker strategies to use

Now that you know how to play the game, you can now use the following Caribbean stud poker strategies. Keep in mind that the tips below are designed to make your game more fun and increase your chances of winning but these do not guarantee a sure win.

  1. Fold any hand that has no Ace and a King

In poker, you can either ‘call’ by matching the highest bet so far, ‘fold’ by forfeiting and dropping out of the round or ‘raise’ by increasing the previous highest wager. If your hand has an Ace and a King, you can play on and even up your ante. Otherwise, you should fold since the dealer will beat any hand that does not contain an Ace and a King. Raising a hand without an Ace-King is a loss, that’s why it’s better to fold if you don’t have them. 

  1. Only play a hand that contains a pair or better

Play a hand that contains a pair or better by raising or paying an extra bet. Up your ante if you already have the Ace and King and the dealer’s up card is a Queen or lower. In general, here are the best scenarios where you can up your ante when holding an Ace-King:

  • If the up card is a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J or Q and matches one of the cards in your hand
  • If the up card is an Ace or King but you have a Queen or Jack in your hand
  • If the up card’s rank does not match any of your cards but it is lower than your 4th highest card and you have a Queen in your hand.

Many players think that it is better to fold when they have low pairs such as a five of a kind that consists of cards with the same rank of 5s or lower. In such cases, keep in mind that you can still win by playing low pairs as long as you have the Ace-King. Folding low pairs may gradually strip your bankroll since you will miss out on potential small wins.

  1. Use the Optimal Strategy

Many consider the Optimal Strategy as the best Caribbean Stud poker strategy. Although it can be quite difficult to master, this strategy can be extremely beneficial. Take a look at the chart below to see when you should Call or Fold:

One of your cardsDealer’s Up Card
2345678910JQKA
2CFFFFFFFFFFFF
3FCFFFFFFFFFFF
4FFCFFFFFFFFFF
5FFFCFFFFFFFFF
6FFFFCFFFFFFFF
7FFFFFCFFFFFFF
8FFFFFFCFFFFFF
9FFFFFFFCFFFFF
10FFFFFFFFCFFFF
JFFFFFFFFFCFFF
QFFFFFFFFFFCFF
KFFFFFFFFFFFCC
AFFFFFFFFFFFCC
Pair or higherCCCCCCCCCCCCC

For instance, you should fold if the dealer’s up card is a Jack and one of your last remaining cards is a Queen. But if the dealer’s up card is a Queen too, you should raise your ante.

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