Caribbean Stud Strategy

In Caribbean Stud, just like in any other casino game, you play against the house. And the house is a tough opponent always laying you odds that are slightly in its own favor.

So your best strategy is to reduce the house edge to a minimum and enjoy yourself while playing.

Raise or Fold in Caribbean Stud?

When you’ve posted your wager, have your five cards and see the dealer’s one exposed card, you’re faced with your only decision in a round of Caribbean Stud.

Should you raise or fold?

• If you have a pair or better you should always raise. Even a pair of deuces is a favorite in the long run (although small.)

• If you don’t have a pair or A-K in your hand, always fold.

This is pretty straightforward. The only time you need to really think through your move is when you have A-K high.

A good rule to follow, which is very close to optimal play, is to play A-K only when you match the dealer’s up-card.

Say that he shows a jack and you hold 2-3-J-K-A. In this situation, raising gives you a small advantage.

Should You Play for the Jackpot?

Caribbean Stud games often offer a progressive jackpot you can bet on in addition to the hand being played.

To win the jackpot, you must put this side bet in before the hand starts.

However, the jackpot only pays off very strong hands that are hard to hit. If you don't hit one of those huge hands, your side bet is collected, regardless of whether or not you won the hand.

Since the house edge is very high for the Jackpot side bet – it’s usually around 25% – you should avoid it if you're looking for a long and entertaining session of Caribbean Stud.

Conclusion

When you follow these strategy tips –raise with pairs or better (and sometimes A-K) and fold the rest of the unpaired hands – you will be close to playing perfect Caribbean Stud.

You could, however, lower the advantage a little more, but it would get very complicated and only earn you a fraction of a percent. In fact, for the recreational gambler, it would probably just give you a chance to make greater mistakes.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll reduce the house advantage to 5%, which is not the most player-friendly conditions you’ll find in the casino, but at least you’re maximizing the chance of making a profit.