Rules & Strategy Caribbean Stud Poker

A popular spin-off of poker developed for traditional casinos more than a decade ago, Caribbean Stud has taken a front-row-seat in casinos, owing its success both to the drastic rise in poker popularity and to its overwhelming simplicity. The basic rules for the game are as follows:
• All players must make an ante wager according to the limits of the table. An optional $1 progressive wager is also made at this time.
• The dealer and all players are dealt five cards. All player cards are dealt face down. The dealer receives four cards face down. The fifth card is exposed.
• After looking at the hand, players must decide whether to fold or bet. Hands values are based according to traditional poker rules. Players may not share information about their hands.
• Any player that folds forfeits the current wager.
• Any player that bets must wager an additional amount equal to twice (2x) the value of the ante.
• After all players have made and acted on their decisions, the dealer will expose his remaining cards.
• The dealer must have a minimum hand of Ace/King to qualify. If the dealer does not qualify, players will win even money on their ante and push with their bet.
• If the dealer’s hand does qualify and loses to the player, then the ante will pay even money and the bet will pay according to the table’s payout schedule.

Common Caribbean Stud Pay Table (US)
Hand / Pays

Royal flush / 100 to 1
Straight flush / 50 to 1
Four of a kind / 20 to 1
Full house / 7 to 1
Flush / 5 to 1
Straight / 4 to 1
Three of a kind / 3 to 1
Two pair / 2 to 1
All other / 1 to 1
• If the dealer qualifies and wins, the player losses all monies wagered.
• The optional progressive side bet will be based entirely on the standard poker value of the player’s hand.
While the mechanics of the game are clearly easy to follow, optimal strategy for this game can get a little complicated. Unfortunately, providing a detailed strategy for each falls a little outside the scope of this book. However, at its most basic, the call strategy for this game involves two actions: always bet when dealt a pair, and Always fold with any hand below an Ace/King.
Finally, following optimal strategy, the best you can do with this game in terms of reducing the vigorish is about 5.2%.

Variations on a theme

Caribbean Stud is another game that has suffered few changes in overall structure after entering the online environment. In fact, the two biggest changes involve its name—which varies according to software provider–and the payout structure for both the bet and progressive jackpot. Alternative names include: Caribbean Poker, Island Progressive Stud Poker, and Cyberstud Poker.

Pay Table I

Payout structure variations for called hands
Hand / Pays 

Royal Flush / 100-1
Straight Flush / 50-1
Four of a Kind / 20-1
Full House / 9-1
Flush / 7-1
Straight / 4-1
Three of a Kind / 3-1
Two Pair / 2-1
Pair or Less / 1-1

Pay Table II
Hand / Pays 

Royal Flush / 200-1
Straight Flush / 50-1
Four of a Kind / 20-1
Full House / 7-1
Flush / 5-1
Straight / 4-1
Three of a Kind / 3-1
Two Pair / 2-1
Pair or Less / 1-1

Pay Table III
Hand / Pays 

Royal Flush / 800-1
Straight Flush / 200-1
Four of a Kind / 25-1
Full House / 10-1
Flush / 7-1
Straight / 5-1
Three of a Kind / 3-1
Two Pair / 2-1
Pair or Less / 1-1

The pay structures for the optional progressive jackpot wager include:
Progressive Payout Variations
Hand Payout

Table 1 / Table 2 / Table3 / Table4

Royal Flush / 100% / 100% / 100% / 100%
Straight Flush / 10% / 10% / 10% / 10%
Four of a Kind / $500 / $500 / $150 / $100
Full House / $250 / $150 / $100 / $75
Flush / $100 / $75 / $50 / $50
Straight or Lower / $0 / $0 / $0 / $0
As you can see, there are some drastic variations for payout tables from site to site, so if Caribbean Stud Poker is your game, be sure to verify the pay schedules from each casino you visit. If given the opportunity when narrowing down your search, opt for the site that offers the best possible schedule.

Winning at Caribbean Stud

Even though Caribbean Stud is a simple game to learn, the strategy can actually get quite involved. In fact, whole books have been written about the topic, including one by this author.
At its most advanced level, the best you’ll be able to lower the house edge on this game is 5.22%, making it far from one of the best games in the house. A simplified, yet not overly costly strategy—hovering with a vigorish of about 5.5%–involves two actions. First, always bet/raise when your hand contains a pair (no matter how small) or better. Second, fold any hands that do not contain at least the minimum qualifying hand for the dealer: Ace-King.
Slightly more advanced strategy involves paying close attention to the dealer’s upcard. For example, if you hold an Ace-King in your hand and the dealer’s exposed card is below a king and matches one of your other cards, you should bet. Other factors that you should keep an eye out for include the remaining cards in your Ace-King hand (do you have a queen as well, while the dealer shows garbage?) and the comparative rank of the dealer’s card to your remaining cards.
While it’s usually suggested that player’s learn and master the optimal strategy for any game they play, in this particular instance beginners may want to avoid the hours of tedious study needed to drop the edge such a small amount in an otherwise expensive game, and concentrate solely on these basics. If you find that you have a real taste for the game, then invest the time to drop that edge down to its optimal level.

Top 10 Craps Tips to improve your game

Craps tips 1: Place the bets with the best expected returns

To achieve this, you should do the following
• Place a bet on a 6 or 8
• When you make a point roll, place a maximum allowed odds bets
• When you make a point roll, place the maximum allowed odds bets

Craps tips 2: Learn the rules of the game

It is foolhardy to play craps before learning the rules of play. Learning the rules is the first step in winning the game of craps. Learning the rules is done through practice especially. If you are a novice, it is advisable to learn how the game is played online. Many online casinos have practice games where you can horn your skills free of charge.

Craps tips 3: Set a limit before playing

You should set a limit to control on time and money you spend while playing craps. Whereas, craps is an exciting game on the flip side if one is not careful it might lead to addiction. Being discipline with time and money should be part of your game.

Craps tips 4: Avoid preposition bets

Proposition bets are settled with one a single roll of the dice located at the centre of the craps table. You should avoid this bet because dealers are trained to tempt players into placing prepositional bets reason being that the prepositional bets have a higher house advantage.

Craps tips 5: Avoid taking advice from other players

As a rule of thumb, when playing craps, avoid the temptation to take advice from other players. Never assume that you will always be given the right advice or other players understand on how to calculate odds.

Craps tips 6: Placing of pass line and don’t pass line bets

To win a pass line bet, place your bet on the line along with shooter. You will win if the shooter rolls a seven or an eleven. By placing a bet on the Don’t pass line bet, your are implying that the dice will result in a 12, 3, or a 2. The bet is done by placing on the don’t pass line.

Craps tips 7: Sign up with online forums

Make a point to join online craps forums. Here, you will find ideas from players who have played the games for a long period. Such advices are invaluable as it comes from players who understand all the essentials of the game.

Craps tips 8: Learn craps etiquette

Craps etiquette will enable you to know how to carry yourself as you play the game of craps. It is important to note that some casino throws out players who do not have the required etiquette of craps.

Craps tips 9: Tip craps dealers

Craps dealers do not in any way dictate how the game moves. They are only there to guide you and other places through the paces of the game. Most dealers rely on tips from patrons to help them survive, tipping them creates a bond, and they will reciprocate with invaluable advice to help drive your game.

Craps tips 10: Have fun

Playing the craps is not all about winning. Fun should be a major part of your game. Make sure you have fun, winning should come as a reward, if you fail there will always be next time.

Roulette Rules

Casino roulette uses the same basic rules and procedures in all casinos throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in the Caribbean and other island gaming resorts on the North American continent.

A roulette table can seat up to 6 players. Each player is given their own colour roulette chips, this enables the dealer to identify who made a winning bet and pay off the correct player. The chips generally have a set value of 25 or 50 denominations, dependent on the currency you are playing in. A stack of twenty 25-cent chips is valued at $5.00, and a stack of twenty 50-cent chips is worth $10. Usually it takes a minimum of $20 to buy-in at the roulette betting table.

In roulette betting, a player may request whatever value he wishes for his chips, above the 25 cent or 50 cent standard amount. The dealer will specify the worth of that particular coloured chip by mating a sample chip which is placed upon the rim of the wheel. Players may also bet larger amounts by using $1, $5 and $25 regular.

It is important to note that these roulette chips must be cashed in at the table. They may not be removed from the table when the player leaves.

The betting layout starts with numbers 0 and 00 at the top, then extends from numbers 1 through 36 at the far end of the table. This area is referred to as the "inside" betting area. Inside bets consist of the following: single-number bets, including the 0, 00 and 1 through 36, are made by placing your chip in the centre of the number you select. If that number wins you'll receive 35 to 1 for every chip you have bet. Actually, you can pick up a total of 36 chips which includes your original bet. Additional combinations in this "inside" betting area are: one chip on a six number bet (pays 5 to 1); one chip on any four connecting numbers (pays 8 to 1); one chip on any connecting group of three numbers (11-1); one chip place between two connecting numbers (17-to-1).

The "outside" betting area consists of odd or even bets which pay even money. Red or black also pays even odds. A bet on 1 to 18, or 19 to 36, pays even money. You will get 2-to-1 odds if you select the winning number within the first, second or third dozen numbers. The same 2 to 1 odds are given for selecting any of the numbers in the three vertical columns of 12 numbers, located on one end of the betting surface

For outside bets, the dealer will lay your winning chips alongside your original bet. It is up to you to pick up both your winnings and your original bet after the payoff. All inside bets are paid by the dealer, directly to you. As mentioned. The dealer knows you are the winner by the colour of your chips. In many instances, more than one coloured chip is on a winning number. Again, your original bet is left on the number or combination of numbers and it is up to you to reclaim that bet. Naturally, you can let it ride again on the next roll or even add other chips from your winnings.

Understanding the Wheel

The perfectly balanced roulette wheel consists of 38 identical slots, individually numbered from 0, 00, 1 through 36. In total, 38 numbers are represented on the betting layout. Each game begins when the dealer (sometimes called croupier) spins the wheel in one direction, and then rolls a little ivory ball along the inner edge of the wheel in the opposite direction. As the wheel turns, the ball loses momentum. It bounces among the slots and finally falls into one of the numbered slots. That number is the declared winner for that game. Incidentally, there are about 90 spins or games played per hour, on average.

You will notice on our illustration of the standard roulette wheel that the numbers are not consecutively arranged around the wheel. By design, they alternate between red and black and exactly opposite each other number is the corresponding higher and lower number. Run a ruler or any straight edge across the diagram and you will see that the O is opposite the 00, 1 is opposite the 2, and so on up to the 35 being directly opposite the 36. All red numbers are opposite the black numbers.

The house edge is set at 5.26%, resulting from the player receiving odds of 35 to 1 rather than the true odds of 1 in 36 or 37 to 1. All in all, that edge is comparable to the "rake" in poker, and in some bets on the craps table, in baccarat and other games including sports betting. The single-0 European roulette wheel has a house edge of only 2.70%. The player has a 1 in 37 chance of winning and still gets 35 to 1.
Some casinos use the en prison rule where, when a zero or double zero occurs, all even- money bets are help (or only one-half taken) depending upon the outcome of the next spin.

Top 10 Craps Tips to improve your game

 

Craps tips 1: Place the bets with the best expected returns

To achieve this, you should do the following
• Place a bet on a 6 or 8
• When you make a point roll, place a maximum allowed odds bets
• When you make a point roll, place the maximum allowed odds bets

Craps tips 2: Learn the rules of the game

It is foolhardy to play craps before learning the rules of play. Learning the rules is the first step in winning the game of craps. Learning the rules is done through practice especially. If you are a novice, it is advisable to learn how the game is played online. Many online casinos have practice games where you can horn your skills free of charge.

Craps tips 3: Set a limit before playing

You should set a limit to control on time and money you spend while playing craps. Whereas, craps is an exciting game on the flip side if one is not careful it might lead to addiction. Being discipline with time and money should be part of your game.

Craps tips 4: Avoid preposition bets

Proposition bets are settled with one a single roll of the dice located at the centre of the craps table. You should avoid this bet because dealers are trained to tempt players into placing prepositional bets reason being that the prepositional bets have a higher house advantage.

Craps tips 5: Avoid taking advice from other players

As a rule of thumb, when playing craps, avoid the temptation to take advice from other players. Never assume that you will always be given the right advice or other players understand on how to calculate odds.

Craps tips 6: Placing of pass line and don’t pass line bets

To win a pass line bet, place your bet on the line along with shooter. You will win if the shooter rolls a seven or an eleven. By placing a bet on the Don’t pass line bet, your are implying that the dice will result in a 12, 3, or a 2. The bet is done by placing on the don’t pass line.

Craps tips 7: Sign up with online forums

Make a point to join online craps forums. Here, you will find ideas from players who have played the games for a long period. Such advices are invaluable as it comes from players who understand all the essentials of the game.

Craps tips 8: Learn craps etiquette

Craps etiquette will enable you to know how to carry yourself as you play the game of craps. It is important to note that some casino throws out players who do not have the required etiquette of craps.

Craps tips 9: Tip craps dealers

Craps dealers do not in any way dictate how the game moves. They are only there to guide you and other places through the paces of the game. Most dealers rely on tips from patrons to help them survive, tipping them creates a bond, and they will reciprocate with invaluable advice to help drive your game.

Craps tips 10: Have fun

Playing the craps is not all about winning. Fun should be a major part of your game. Make sure you have fun, winning should come as a reward, if you fail there will always be next time.

If you are getting started  in craps, you may be interested to check our craps guide for beginners and get further not-to-miss information to improve your chances to win.

 

Blackjack Game Rules

Blackjack is not only a fun game, but has had a long history.  Because of that, there are now many variations of the basic game.  The basic game of course is to get as close to 21 points as possible without going over and going "bust."  And of course a second important goal is to beat the dealer - that is, to do better than the dealer does at getting close to 21.

The single most common variation is that blackjack can be played with any number of decks - from 1 to perhaps 8 decks, and then of course there are also continuous card shufflers nowadays that can act like even more than 8 decks.

More Blackjack Variations of Game Rules

Because the odds in blackjack are not bad for the player, Casinos have invented some new blackjack variations that have decent odds  but of course not as good as the original blackjack game.    Some of these games are:  Spanish 21, Super Fun 21, Double Diamond, and 6:5 Blackjack.  What each of these games have in common is that they give you a feature, but then also take away a feature of normal blackjack.  Spanish 21 allows you to double down or surrender most any time.  However, the ten cards (but not face cards) are eliminated from the deck, lowering the players odds.  So, some gains, some losses.  The end result a little less good than the normal game of blackjack.  6:5 blackjack allows people to play with a single deck- generally more favorable to the players.  However, blackjacks there only pay 6:5 (1.2 to 1) and not 1.5 to 1 - so not as good.  Likewise, Super Fun 21 uses "Double Diamond" blackjack.  Again, it allows more rules such as double downs and surrenders later in the game.  However, blackjack pay is again lower.  In the case of double diamond blackjacks only pay 1:1 - unless both cards of the blackjack are diamonds - then it would pay 2:1.  All of these variations are slightly lower in odds than the normal game of blackjack.  However, since some of them offer some more play possibilities, some people do like playing them.

There are even more game variations.  There is something called "5-card charlie", where players can win if they are less than 21 points and hold 5 cards in a single hand.  There are other variations of that called "6-card charlie" and "7-card charlie".  You can guess how those work.  Most casinos do not offer those options anymore, but some might.  There are also variations of what is allowed - such as additional double down plays, or surrender plays or more.  The rpsoft 2000 blackjack game addresses many of the common blackjack rule variations - including of course the simple option for number of decks.

rpsoft 2000- blackjack game

One easy way to practice the game in a simple atmosphere and to also modify the games options as you wish is with the blackjack game available here from rpsoft 2000 software.  The game has many features that can help one learn to at least defend themselves a little in a regular blackjack game or one of the variations.  The game includes many options - including how many decks in play, dealer hitting on soft 17 or not, number of cards in a deck to be dealt, basic options of basic blackjack, Spanish 21, 6:5 single deck blackjack, Super Fun 21 and many more options.  The deal mechanism of the game has been gone over carefully to reflect the real odds of a deck of cards being dealt.

Basic Strategy Hint Charts

And as one plays the game, simple hint charts are provided by pressing the "f2" key during a game, or the more complete hint chart for that game by pressing "f3".  Several hint charts are provided - showing the differences in play between single deck blackjack, multiple deck blackjack, Spanish 21 and more.  And as you become familiar with the hint charts and best play, you will likely need the charts less and less.  Then, perhaps you are ready for the real thing.  However, always keep in mind that even if you are great at Basic Strategy and have close to even up odds with the house, that luck can bring large swings either for or against you for short periods of play.  That is perhaps why we call it gambling.  However, why not practice and learn basic strategy to get those odds as good as you can?  Or if you wish to not take any risks at all, simply enjoy the rpsoft 2000 blackjack game.  Even though we ourselves have played in many casinos in the US and internationally, we still enjoy the software game also.

Casino Brands Offer Skill Games and Bonuses

With more online casinos offering not just casino games but also sports books, poker and bingo rooms, etc., some of them having "games" or "skill games" section too. At first glance this seems redundant - after all, it's a casino, it's full of games, so why the need for a separate games area? Well, this is where online casinos offer some of their best light entertainment as an addition or even an alternative to the main casino floor.

Simple Play

Although there's some overlap between casino games and skill games (for example, slots) skills games generally don't require the preceding knowledge you need to succeed in certain casino games. For example, you might find skill games with a poker theme, but many of them don't require the level knack you need to do well in poker. You'll also find online scratch cards: a fun and quick way to play online without too much strategy involved.

Bet365 Games

One such skills games donor (although there several!) is Bet365. Anyone with a Bet365 account has access to bet365 Games and can dump or transfer money easily to his or her Games account. Once you do, you'll have access to the following out of Bet365's massive repertoire:

• Slots (includes: Mr. Cash back, Top Trumps Celebs, Beach Life)

• Sports and skill games (includes: Euro 2012, Bulls eye, Virtual World Cup)

• Table games (includes: Poker Dice, Pinball, Lucky Star)

• Scratch cards (Includes: Lucky Charms, Golden Fortune, Love Birds)

Most Famous Casino Games

1) Bingo


Bingo is a game in which players try to match randomly selected numbers to the numbers on their card. The card consists of a 5×5 matrix where each column is represented by the letters B-I-N-G-O. The middle square is typically a free square. The first person to form a specific pattern (usually a straight line) calls out “Bingo!”. The card gets checked for accuracy and the winner is announced. Then a new round begins.

2) Baccarat


In Baccarat each player has three options: Player, Tie, and Banker. When all players have placed their bets, the dealer deals out two 2-card hands, one is the banker hand while the other is the player hand. The hands are added up. If a hand totals over ten, the ten is dropped (I.E. 9+5=14=4). A hand equaled to 10 becomes a 0 or baccarat. The winning hand would be the higher of the 2 and anyone who placed a corresponding bet wins.

3) Wheel of Fortune


This game is played by placing your bet on one of 6 symbols on the game table. Then the wheel is spun. The wheel is divided into 52 equal sections that are separated by pins around the edge. When the wheel comes to a stop, the pointer will be between two pins. All bets placed on the symbol the wheel stops on, win.

4) Keno


Keno is a lottery game. The player get a card numbered 1 to 80. The player then picks up to 20 numbers and a wager. The card is then registered and the game begins. The caller announces 20 randomly drawn numbers. The player tries to match as many called numbers to their selected numbers. The more numbers matched the higher the winnings paid against their wager.

5) Pai Gow Poker


Pai Gow Poker is played against the house instead of the other players. The dealer deals out 7 cards to each player and himself in rotation. Everyone then looks at their cards and tries to make the best 5-card and 2-card poker hands. The 5-card hand must rank higher than the 2-card hand. The hands are then compared against the dealers. If both hands beat the dealer, the player wins. If both lose, the player loses. If both the dealer and the player win on a hand, it is a push.