When to Raise

The obvious question in Caribbean stud is when to raise rather than fold. This is really the only strategy decision you must make once the game starts.

So, what's the answer? Some people are tempted to raise every hand, hoping that even if they have nothing, the dealer will not qualify and they will win anyway.

While this does not seem like a bad strategy, it is far from optimal. In fact, it confers a House edge of over 16 percent, possibly the worst odds in the casino. With that said, you should always raise if you have a pair or better. You should always fold if you cannot beat the qualifying hand (that is to say, you do not have at least ace king high).

How Much to Bet

The other decision you need to make involves the amount you should bet. What you need to keep in mind with Caribbean stud is that you will often be betting three units, unlike blackjack in which you usually bet one unit and sometimes two. Therefore, if you are accustomed to betting $15 a hand, you should probably put $5 in the ante circle, not $15.

Should you play the progressive jackpot?

In most cases, the odds are far from your favor on the progressive side bet. However, many players feel that the risk of hitting a royal flush without the dollar up, thus missing a potential six-figure payout, is not one they want to take on.

Furthermore, since the progressive jackpot is determined according to how long it has been since someone has hit it and how many people are paying in, it is possible for the odds to tilt in the player's favor. This usually happens when the jackpot pool has reached the vicinity of a quarter million dollars.