tips on Mexican Poker

[Rich P.]

Does anybody have any tips on Mexican Poker. I'm proping at a small casino and must play. The only strategy I can figure out is to pay big pairs and jokers, or only play the joker. It seems like a stupid game to me. I need help!

[Al Mirpuri]

MEXICAN STUD - STRIPPED DECK

If you are playing Mexican Stud with a stripped deck then you should only play pairs; the big ones will win unimproved and the little ones will have to improve to two pairs or trips by the end to take the pot down. I would not play the Joker as you will nearly always be chasing and even if you do improve there is no reason why those pairs should not improve to two pairs or trips. Short handed and/or against weak players with poor starting hand requirements the Joker is worth playing.

MEXICAN STUD - 53 CARD DECK (INCLUDING JOKER)

If you are playing Mexican Stud with a 53 card deck then you should play all pairs; the big ones will win unimproved and the little ones will have to improve to two pairs or trips by the end to take the pot down. I would play the Joker if you appear to be leading as you are less likely to be chasing wired pairs.

TIPS COVERING BOTH VERSIONS

If a weak non-tricky player reveals strength; run like hell unless you have his very best hand beat. If a strong tricky opponent shows strength; be wary. Is he only showing strength to get you to drop or is he really strong? For example, is the pair of Sixes he is showing just a pair or is it trips? You'll have to judge the situation. What are you going to do with your hidden pair of Eights?

Mexican Stud is a deep game. It has revitalized many a five card stud session. Good Luck.

[Al Mirpuri]

MEXICAN STUD - STRIPPED DECK PLUS JOKER

If you are playing Mexican Stud with a stripped deck then you should only play pairs; the big ones will win unimproved and the little ones will have to improve to two pairs or trips by the end to take the pot down. I would not play the Joker as you will nearly always be chasing and even if you do improve there is no reason why those pairs should not improve to two pairs or trips. Short handed and/or against weak players with poor starting hand requirements the Joker/any Ace is worth playing if you figure to be leading.

MEXICAN STUD - 53 CARD DECK (INCLUDING JOKER)

If you are playing Mexican Stud with a 53 card deck then you should play all pairs; the big ones will win unimproved and the little ones will have to improve to two pairs or trips by the end to take the pot down. I would play the Joker/any Ace if you appear to be leading as you are less likely to be chasing wired pairs.

TIPS COVERING BOTH VERSIONS

If a weak non-tricky player reveals strength; run like hell unless you have his very best hand beat. Weak players hide strength. If a strong tricky opponent shows strength; be wary. Is he only showing strength to get you to drop (because he fears he's second best or just to narrow down the field) or is he really strong? For example, is the pair of Sixes he is showing just a pair or is it trips? You'll have to judge the situation. What are you going to do with your hidden pair of Eights?

Mexican Stud is a deep game. It has revitalized many a five card stud session. Good Luck.

[Al Mirpuri]

Assuming that you are using the Joker as the Bug rather than a completely wild card. You may have already assumed this but I just wanted to make it crystal clear.

Without the Bug, Aces become just a touch weaker in Mexican Stud.