Players can increase their odds of winning at Caribbean Stud Poker by applying concepts from probability theory. A player's ability to increase or surrender in response to a bet depends on his or her knowledge of the odds of various cards.
The Probability of Each Hand
One must first grasp the odds of being handed a specific hand. The odds on Caribbean Stud Poker of being given each hand are listed in the chart below:
- Royal Flush | 0.00001539
- Straight Flush | 0.00027851
- Four of a Kind | 0.00168067
- Full House | 0.02648571
- Flush | 0.03025492
- Straight | 0.00392563
- Three of a Kind | 0.02112845
- Two Pair | 0.04753902
- Pair | 0.42256903
- Ace-King or Less | 0.50117128
The odds of being given a good hand, such as a royal flush or straight flush, are extremely low, as shown in the chart. However, the likelihood of receiving a poor starting hand, such as Ace-King or lower, is significant.
The second information players need is the odds of successfully bettering their hand. After the ante is called or folded, players may increase the bet or drop out of the hand. To "raise," players must make a new bet double their stake.
The Probability of Improving a Hand
Here's a chart below for an estimate of the chances of success if a player decides to raise:
- Royal Flush | 0.00007708
- Straight Flush | 0.00138504
- Four of a Kind | 0.02405110
- Full House | 0.14330682
- Flush | 0.10941454
- Straight | 0.09000740
- Three of a Kind | 0.22183547
- Two Pair | 0.47160319
- Pair or Less | 0.54296723
If players have a set or less, the odds of winning are quite good. Players can win a hand even if they start with a poor hand by making a better one.
The third consideration is the dealer's likelihood of meeting qualification standards. To qualify, the dealer must have at least Ace-King, as we discussed previously.
Probability of Qualifying for an Upcard
Below is a chart detailing the dealer's odds of scoring given their upcard:
- Ace | 0.44444444
- King | 0.44285714
- Queen | 0.44117647
- Jack | 0.43846154
- Ten | 0.43636364
- Nine | 0.43333333
- Eight | 0.43023256
- Seven | 0.42696629
- Six | 0.42352941
- Five | 0.41991342
- Four or Lower | 0.41758242
The dealer's chances of winning are strong, mainly if their upcard is an Ace or King. Since the dealer is likely to have a powerful hand, it may be best to surrender rather than raise if the player has a poor hand.