The game of Caribbean Stud poker is arguably not really a poker
game, since it's played against a dealer and not against the other
players. But Caribbean Stud poker is based on five card stud poker
and uses the same hand rankings. Like almost all casino table games,
the house has a firm mathematical advantage in the long run, so this
is a game to play for fun, not profit.
Compared to such venerable
casino table games as blackjack and roulette, Caribbean Stud poker
is a real newcomer, but unlike most new casino games, this one seems
to have some staying power. Caribbean Stud was originally played in
the islands of the Caribbean, where it became popular on cruise
ships, and then later spread to casinos throughout the world. It's
still growing fast.
My guess is that the reason Caribbean Stud has
caught on in spite of its 5% house edge is the friendly atmosphere
at the tables among the players. (You're playing against the dealer
only, and unlike in blackjack, there's no illusion that your
decisions affect the other players.) Poker rules are pretty familiar
with most folks too, which probably adds to players' comfort levels
with the game.
This guide to Caribbean Stud poker covers the
following topics:
Caribbean Stud is like roulette in some ways - it's a
slow-paced game, and the house has a roughly 5.3% advantage,
similar to the house advantage in roulette. As such, it's also a
fairly social game, and a lot of fun for people who like to
socialize. Your first strategy when playing this game has to be
to determine whether or not the house edge is worth the relaxed
and friendly atmosphere this game offers. Because it's
definitely not going to be as profitable as playing Texas holdem
or Omaha.
Also like roulette, Caribbean Stud does offer the opportunity
of a big payoff if you're lucky.
