There are a number of different variants of poker available to play, with some perhaps considered more popular than others for a variety of different reasons.
However, one game that should be considered within that bracket is Mississippi Stud. This game is arguably one of the easiest of all poker variants to learn to play and one that does not take the player too long to get to grips with as a few hands could be more than enough for individuals to get their heads around it.
However, one of the biggest things that players will need to try and get their head around is the fact that the game will provide a theoretical edge to the house and that there is an element of risk – just like every casino game – attached to it.
What is the house edge and what are the risk odds?
When looking to play Mississippi Stud online for the very first time, it would be worth taking a look at the house edge and risk odds that the game comes equipped with. By doing so, individuals who play this classic poker game will be better prepared when they sit at the table for a round or two.
Theoretically, the house edge of this poker game stands at 4.91%, which is something that bettors would be right to feel is a little high. However, when the element of risk is also considered, it actually works in their favor and is actually rather attractive compared to some other games that are available to play.
It is important to realize that whilst house edge and risk odds are very different, they do work together and complement each other but it is perhaps important to understand how the game works in order to fully appreciate why.
This is because bettors will have the ability to place a wager three times once they have placed their ante bet. This means, on average, a player will wager 3.59 times the ante each hand. Therefore, the element of risk will be calculated by dividing the house edge of 4.91% by the average betting units, which in this case is 3.59. Once the math has been done, it will show that the risk odds are just 1.37%. Therefore, this means that whilst the house edge may seem high, the risk is actually rather low and the chances of winning are actually better than what a player might initially think.
How is Mississippi Stud played?
As mentioned, to be able to fully appreciate the house edge and the risk odds that are attached to the game, it would be best to understand how to play Mississippi Stud poker as this will provide a clearer picture.
The game is rather simple and is arguably one of the easiest to learn compared to other forms of poker. To start, players will be required to place an ante bet to begin which will allow them to be dealt two cards that can be looked at to start the hand.
After these two hands are dealt, the dealer will place three cards face down on the table, with these being known as “Third Street”, “Fourth Street” and “Fifth Street”. Once this has happened, bettors are able to place a bet that is either equal, double or triple in value to the ante that was placed at the beginning of the round. Additionally, the player can fold if they do not like the hand that they have been given.
Once each player has taken an action, the dealer will then reveal the “Third Street” card, which will then see another betting round take place. After this, the “Fourth Street” card will be revealed before the same process is followed for the “Fifth Street” card. Once this final card has been flipped, players will have their hands evaluated and, if it meets the minimum requirements that the game’s payout system has, then they will be paid according to the rate provided.
What are the payout ratios of Mississippi Stud?
The strength of hand structure follows the same typical rules set out in other forms of poker, with a Royal Flush being the strongest, however Mississippi Stud poker requires a little more from players.
A pair of 6s through to a pair of 10s is the bare minimum that is required in order to trigger a payout although this will only return the wager as it is called a ‘Push’, whilst a pair of Jacks or better will provide a payout of 1:1.
