Mexican Poker
Also known as: Mexican Stud, Stud Loco
A five-card Stud variant played with a stripped deck (standard 52 minus all 8s, 9s, and 10s, plus one joker = 41 cards). Players receive cards face down and choose which ones to expose. The joker substitutes as an ace or to complete a straight or flush. The stripped deck changes hand frequencies significantly.
Quick Rules
- Played with a 41-card deck: remove all 8s, 9s, and 10s; add one joker.
- Each player receives 2 cards face down. Betting round.
- Three more cards are dealt one at a time. Before each, player chooses which to expose face up.
- The joker can be used as an ace or to complete a straight or flush.
- Best 5-card hand wins.
- Straights can include A-2-3-4-5 through A-K-Q-J-7 (skipping 8-9-10).
Strategy Notes
The choice of which cards to expose and which to keep hidden is the key strategic element. Exposing strong-looking cards can scare opponents, while hiding them can build a bigger pot. The joker is extremely powerful and changes hand equities.
Home Game Tips
Prepare the deck in advance by removing all 8s, 9s, and 10s and adding a joker. Print the valid straight sequences for reference since the gaps cause confusion initially. A unique game that feels fresh to groups bored with standard variants.