Lesser Known Casino Games: Asian Stud
One of the benefits of gaming in a casino is the sheer variety of games that you can play. Besides the typical standards (Blackjack, Poker, slots, roulette, etc) there always seems to be some twist on a classic formula of gameplay, and new variations seem to pop up all the time to keep things fresh and exciting. Plus, in the casino, there are lots of bells, whistles, shouts, cheers, shiny things, scantily clad… ok, we’ll stop. But yes, the casino is fun.And gaming variety is fun.
And speaking of variety and new games, one of the more “recent” card games is a unique little game that goes by the name of Asian Stud (and no, we’re not talking about some good looking fellow from overseas.) We are talking about a game that is here to play, not to be ogled. Asian Stud, which has roots in Blackjack, Poker, and even Baccarat, started life in the casinos around the Seattle, Washington area, and is starting to spread to other areas.
Asian Stud is pretty straightforward. The game utilizes a single card deck, using all 52 cards of the deck, and also includes Joker cards. The gameplay is set up in a style that is similar to Baccarat, meaning that the “Ace” card is worth a single point, the “2” through “9” cards are worth their respective face value, and “10” (naturally) and the Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points.
Players begin by making an ante wager, and then once completed, the Dealer will hand out five face-down cards to each player as well as themselves. Once the players have seen their hand, the business of playing begins. Players can now choose to raise, which an equal wager must be placed alongside their original wager, or fold, which the player gives up their hand and their original wager. Those players that remain should separate their cards into two sets: A three card hand, as well as a two card hand.
In order to qualify, the three card hand must have a value of either 10, 20, or 30 points. If the three card hand doesn’t cut it, then the two card hand isn’t going to matter, either. At the point, the only chance that the player has is if the Dealer does not qualify with a 10, 20, or 30 point hand (then it’s a push). If the Dealer does qualify, however, well, you’re out of luck, and lose the ante and raise.
If both player and Dealer’s three card hands are acceptable, then it’s up to the two card hands to decide who wins the round. Standard Baccarat values apply (meaning Modulo ten is the rule of the day – a 7 and 5 = 12, modulo 10 = 2.) A tie just pushes onto the next round.
Asian stud is a fast game, and is fairly intricate, as you have to get creative in making your 3-card hand. If you want to try a new game, then certainly check out Asian Stud. It’s something a little different that you may find enjoyable.
