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The odds in
Caribbean Stud Poker for the ante bets are similar to American
double zero roulette, which is to say, they are not kind to
the player. With proper strategy, the player is trying to buck
a house edge of about 5.25%, difficult odds to overcome for
players trying to beat the game. If the call bets are included,
the house edge drops to 2.56%. Let me explain this a bit further.
The call bets in Caribbean Stud Poker, similar to double downs
in blackjack or odds bets in craps, are only placed when the
player either has an even game against the house, or actually
has an edge. A player never wants to increase the size of a
wager or put additional money attached to a wager when there
are negative expectations involved. That is counter-intuitive
to a winning approach.
On average, with proper strategy, a player will make a call
bet half the time, actually about 52% of the time.
To look at it another way, every second hand will involve a
call bet, which is a double bet. For example, if the ante is
$5, the call bet is double that, or $10. Thus, if we simulate
a progression, the first bet will total one bet, the second
bet will total three bets (the ante and double call bet), the
third bet will be the ante bet, the fourth bet will be the three
bets again, and so on.
When we add together each set of bets, we average approximately
two bets per hand. Just looking at the ante bet by itself, a
player will lose at a 5.26% clip. However, when the call bets
are averaged in, which when played correctly are profitable
for the player, the overall house odds drop to 2.56% of the
money wagered.
If we compare these odds to baccarat, craps, and blackjack,
games which offer much superior odds - 1.36% in baccarat, on
banker and player wages, .08% or .06% in craps if the proper
bets are placed, or even an outright advantage in blackjack
with correct play - and you'll understand why I'm not so hot
on this table game.
At more than a 5% disadvantage on the ante bet, or 2.56% when
the call bets are averaged in, players will see their bankrolls
steadily bleed dry as the hours tick on and the hands get dealt.
It's a relatively large house edge the way I see it, and if
players try their hand long enough, they'll start to see things
the way I do.
However, if players enjoy the game, and are excited by the possibilities,
well, that's what gambling is all about. Gamblers could do much
worse at keno, Big Six and the slots machines. As long as players
realize that they're up against a big take compared to the other
table games, then the game can be approached with open eyes.
On the good side, Caribbean Stud Poker is like all other gambling
games; players will have their good streaks and bad streaks.
With a little luck and smart money management, players can emerge
with winnings in the short run. |
