Progressive Cyberstud Poker

Microgaming’s Progressive Cyberstud Poker version is basically played just like ordinary Cyberstud Poker, with the only difference being fixed value bets on each hand played, thus qualifying players for the large progressive jackpot. These are a mandatory one credit side bet and a 1 coin ante bet, the value being determined by the chosen coin denomination.

The game is played using a standard 52-card deck, with no available wild cards. Cards are always drawn at random, as the deck is shuffled anew before every deal.

The rules are easy enough to understand even for Poker beginners and once the basic difference between the side and ante bets is understood, game play is simple and all players have to do is decide whether to call or fold.

The excellently clear, vivid and colourful graphics further add ease to the playing experience. Sound options can be adjusted to as much or a little as a player wishes to hear – there are few, if any, other software providers offering this amount of choice. This also goes for the choices of game speed. Another favourite feature for many serious players is Play Check, which allows hand results to be tracked for prolonged periods, including as many stats as a player wishes to see.

Controls for Hold, Call and Deal options are conveniently situated at the bottom of the screen. On clicking Deal, the player is dealt 5 cards, with the dealer receiving only one card. The player now decides whether to play the particular hand or not. Folding will lose the ante bet. If the hand is to be played, the player places a bet in front of the ante. The dealer will then be dealt an additional four cards and the winning hand is determined.

To qualify, the dealer’s hand must include at least a combo of Ace/ King (standard poker value). If he doesn’t qualify, the player automatically wins his bet. If the dealer holds a qualifying hand, the hand will be played out. If the player’s hand win, he will be paid out according to the payout table, as well as receiving double the amount of the ante bet.

The mandatory one unit bet made at the beginning is added to the progressive jackpot fund, continually displayed at the top of the screen. A Royal Flush will win the progressive jackpot.

The fact that the mandatory bet keeps players in with a chance to hit the jackpot at all times, without having to place a max. coin size bet, as well as not knowing the dealer’s hand (or if it will even qualify), fills this game with enough suspense to make it fun and exciting to play.