by A.Aguilar
As in any other game of poker, there are strategies that can help you become a better player in Caribbean Stud Poker. Here are some ways to help you improve your chances of winning and to minimize the house advantage the next time you pass by a table of this entertaining poker variation.
Playing for the progressive jackpot is not an easy decision, since it is a bit risky. If you want to minimize your losses, better not play for that pot since the probability of getting any hand that qualifies will be quite low. This does not mean playing for the progressive jackpot is a bad thing, but keep in mind that there is a low probability of winning. Our advice is that you should be cautious and play only if the pot is huge; at least 6 figures. Much of the house edge on Caribbean Stud Poker is precisely the progressive jackpot bets, and that's certainly a fact.
Other useful information you may need to know is that unlike many other poker games, bluffing is not the best approach in Caribbean Stud. If you have an ¨empty¨ hand, it´s better to fold since the dealer will qualify most of the time, which means you will lose. Moreover, if the dealer does not qualify, you will win, but hardly gain anything; you only get your bet back. So it is not an advantage for you to play hands that are ¨empty¨, just avoid this situation.
If you have a pair, you should be paying special attention to the exposed card from the dealer. The reason is very simple: if your pair is higher than the dealer´s up card then bet, though you can also retreat. This does not apply to all cases, of course, but for more than 50% of them.
As mentioned above, Caribbean Stud is quite different to the classic 5 Card Stud Poker, 7 Card Stud Poker and Texas Holdover, and even different from any other poker game where other players are involved. Do not use the bluff: you can not push someone out of the table. The dealer never retreats, so nothing positive will happen in the event that you lie.
Next time you see a Caribbean Stud Table at your favorite casino, apply these tips and you may get back home with some extra bucks in your pocket.