This variation of five card stud is
interesting in that players don't compete against the dealer or each
other. Instead they try to get a good hand by combining three cards
dealt to them with the dealer's two "hole" cards. To help their
cause players can remove up to two-thirds of their original bet
during play to reduce the risk when chances for a winning hand seem
bleak.
Here's how it works: Players make
three equal bets and are dealt three cards. Then the dealer receives
two cards face down. If the player's not happy with his deal he can
remove one of his bets or let it ride.
The dealer then turns over one of his
cards - which is counted as the player's fourth card - and the
player must decide whether to withdraw his second bet or let it
ride. In either case the dealer then turns over his second card and
all the players lay down their cards. The players' hands are
determined by combining their three cards with the dealer's two
cards. The minimum winning hand is a pair of tens or better which
pays even money. If the player has a winning hand he is paid on all
his remaining bets according to the following schedule:
Pair of tens or better 1-1
Two
pair 2-1
3 of a kind 3-1
Straight 5-1
Flush 8-1
Full
House 11-1
4 of a kind 50-1
Straight flush 200-1
Royal
flush 1000-1
The bonus, "Bet the Buck" side bet,
varies from casino to casino so I'm leaving out the pay outs
for this high house advantage side bet. (house has a 23% advantage
on this bet)
Strategy:
With three cards you should only "let
it ride" if you have:
- Any paying hand (high pair or
three of a kind)
- Any three cards to a royal flush
- Three suited cards in a row
except 2-3-4, and ace-2-3
- Three to a straight flush,
spread 4, with at least one high card
- Three to a straight flush,
spread 5, with at least two high cards
With four cards you should only "let
it ride" if you have:
- Any paying hand (high pair, two
pair, three of a kind)
- Any four to a royal flush
- Any four to a straight flush
- Any four to a flush
- Any four to an outside straight
with at least one high card
4 card situations with no advantage
or disadvantage:
- Any four to an outside straight
with no high cards
- Any four to an inside straight
with 4 high cards