How to Play Carribean Hold’em
Last week, we told you how to play Caribbean Draw Poker. This week, we will teach you how to play its cousin, Caribbean Hold’em. Caribbean Hold’em is a poker table game you’ll find at most well-known online casinos.
If you know the rules of Texas Hold’em, this game will be a breeze to learn. The main difference is you’re playing against a dealer rather than an opponent. The game is easy to learn, just like traditional Texas Hold’em. Today, you’ll learn how to play this fun poker table game along with some strategies to help you walk away a winner.
How to Play Caribbean Hold’em
If you know how to play Texas Hold’em, you’ll be a natural at Caribbean Texas Hold’em. The primary difference between this game and standard Texas Hold’em is that you cannot make a player fold. Hands will play to a conclusion unless you fold.
Before you receive cards, you must Ante. Place a bet on the Ante Circle, and you’ll get your two hole cards. The dealer will also get his hole cards. Also, the first three community cards are also dealt. This is the flop. Community cards are used by both you and the dealer.
On the flop, you’ll decide whether to play your hand or fold. When you decide to play, you’ll place a Call bet. This bet is double your Ante. Your other option is to fold your hand.
When you Call, the remaining community cards (turn and river) are dealt. At this point, the dealer’s cards are shown and the dealer’s hand is compared with yours. To pay all bets, the dealer’s hand must qualify. The dealer must make a pair of fours or better to qualify. When the dealer doesn’t qualify, you will get even money on your ante and the Call bet pushes.
If the dealer qualifies, and your hand is superior, you’ll get even money on your call bet. The Ante bet is then paid based on the following paytable:
- Royal Flush – 100 to 1
- Straight Flush – 20 to 1
- Four of a Kind – 10 to 1
- Full House – 3 to 1
- Flush – 2 to 1
All Other Hands – Even Money
Strategy for Caribbean Hold’em
Caribbean Hold’em is spread at many of the best online casinos. Prior to playing, you’ll benefit from learning some simple strategies for the game. Like in traditional Texas Hold’em, you need to be somewhat selective in which hands you play past the flop.
With that said, you’ll still play more hands in this game over traditional Hold’em. Here’s a simple strategy for when you want to Call after the flop:
- Made hand of at least a pair or better.
- Hole cards are an Ace or a face card (K,Q, J).
- Your hole cards are both higher than the cards on the flop.
- You have four cards to a flush or straight.
For all other scenarios, you need to fold your hand. Also, some of these games will offer a side bet or even a progressive jackpot. It may be tempting to play these games as they offer huge payoffs. However, they are generally sucker bets with a large house edge. You’ll do much better by sticking to the standard base game.
Caribbean Hold’em is great for those looking for games with a low house edge. The game has a low 2.16% house edge when you play using the strategy above. Some casinos offering this game include Ignition Casino, Casino Max, and Sloto Cash. Stakes range from $1 to $100 a bet. If you already play Caribbean Stud or Caribbean Draw, why not give this game a try. It is a fun poker table variant that can produce consistent wins.
