Stud poker is another name for blackjack. It is played with at least two decks of cards and is the most popular table game in the world. Stud poker is similar to blackjack in the fact that the goal of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. However, there are some significant difference between the two games and must be discussed. The first difference is that in blackjack you play against the casino, while in stud poker you play against other players. Also, in stud poker, players can use their own cards against the other, instead of the dealer or the house. This change from blackjack to stud poker has diminished the house advantage, which means the player advantage has increased.Another common stud poker difference is that the bet is placed before the cards are dealt. Also called the opening bet, this bet is placed by one player to start the game. The player must choose a number that is within the stakes of the bet placed and the chosen number is the number by which the player will win in the event of a tie.
While playing blackjack and stud poker there are some methods that a player should follow. First of all, in blackjack, the player should reach the total of 21 or less, while in stud poker the total of the cards in the deck should be 21 or higher. Also, in both games the player has to beat the dealer’s hand, not the other players. This is important because in case the dealer has a lower hand than the player, he would be the loser. The player could win at both games, but if he beats the house in stud poker, he would be the winner at blackjack.
It is important to remember that in both games the dealer has to hit if his hand equals 17 or higher. In case the dealer has a lower hand, he should stay on a soft 17. The Ace is worth 1 or 11, depending on the player. When the player has an Ace and an Ace, he has a sure shot blackjack.
The highest hand in both games is the natural blackjack. This is an ace-two-three combination. It is an almost impossible hand to beat and so the player should always stay on top of 21. If the player has this hand, he should always double down. Players sometimes get this hand when they have an Ace and a Picture card. On these occasions, a player can’t bust, but he sure can lose.
Sports books in Las Vegas often have two versions of this hand. One is the high score version in which a player can bet for as little as $5 and win a guaranteed amount of $1500 if the hand is a tie. The other is the moneyline version in which a player can bet for as much as $200 to win $100. Because the ace and picture cards are worth 10 points, the $100 won would also be multiplied by 10, making the $500 hand worth $1000. Bets are typically placed before the hand starts.
Blackjack is the more difficult of the two to learn and win, though stud poker is more difficult than hold’em, if you don’t mind the rigors of that game. Many gamblers learn how to play each game well, but others are able to win only a pot at the stud poker table. The secret of winning is to learn what system is best for the individual player. Do the opposite of what the pros do and you will start to win money in casinos all the time.
Gambling can be a lot of fun, gambling is not always a win, but with the right knowledge of what to do in a situation it can be everything. Knowledge of statistics and careful betting can land you a lot of money in a hurry.
