The optimal strategy for Caribbean Stud poker is very complex and the number of people who actually know it perfectly is next to zero. There are, however, two generalizations that can be made about the strategy that cover most hands. They are as follows:

1. Always rise with a pair or higher.
2. Always fold with less than the dealer’s qualifying hand (ace/king).

The ace/king hands present the most difficulties. Generally, it is helpful if the three singletons are high or the dealer’s up card is a jack or lower and matches one of the player’s cards – which lessens the likelihood of the dealer forming a pair).

There is another strategy that states that you should always rise with a pair or higher, fold with less than an ace/king and rise on ace/king if of the three rules listed below apply:

1. Rise if the dealer’s card is a two through a queen and matches one of your own cards.
2. Rise if the dealer is holding an ace or a king and you are holding a queen or a jack.
3. Rise if dealer’s rank doesn’t match any of your and you are holding a queen and the dealer’s card is lower than your 4 th highest card.

What are the major differences between Seven-Card Stud and Hold'em?

While there are only four betting rounds in Hold'em, Seven card stud has seven betting rounds. Additionally, there are no community cards in seven hold stud. This means that it’s the players entire hand which decides the order of action.

In seven card stud the bring in bet is made by the player with the lowest card. Alternatively, on later betting rounds that player with the best hand showing, is expected to act first.

The game play goes as follows:

Firstly, players each receive two cards, face down. These are considered hole cards. The third card is dealt face up. These three cards are dealt one at a time.

Then, the player with the lowest card, from those turned up, is required to make his/ her bring in bet.

Following this, betting continues as normal in clockwise direction, starting with the player immediately to the left of the bring in.

A fourth card is then dealt – also facing up. Now, the player with the best upcards plays and then continues in clockwise direction.

A fifth card is then dealt. Play continues with the actions starting with the player with the best upturn card. This is followed by the sixth upturn card being dealt and play continuing as before.

The seventh card is dealt face down. The action commences with the player with the best upcard .

The final stage now takes place. Players have to make the best possible five hand card.