Card Games

Oasis Poker

Oasis Poker is a casino stud poker variant developed in the early 1990s that became extremely popular in Eastern European and Russian casinos before spreading to online platforms globally. It closely resembles Caribbean Stud Poker but adds a unique card-exchange mechanic: before the raise/fold decision, players may replace one or more of their cards (paying a fee equal to the Ante per card replaced). This exchange option adds a genuine strategic element — knowing when to pay to replace cards is the game's defining skill. With optimal strategy, the house edge is approximately 0.96%, one of the lowest among stud poker casino variants.

Rules & Gameplay

Player places an Ante and optionally a progressive jackpot side bet. Player and dealer each receive five cards; one dealer card is exposed. Before deciding to raise or fold, the player may exchange 1–5 cards by paying a fee equal to 1x the Ante per card replaced. After any exchanges, the player decides: Raise (place a bet of 2x the Ante) or Fold (forfeit the Ante). Dealer must qualify with Ace-King or better. If dealer doesn't qualify: Ante pays 1:1, Raise pushes. If dealer qualifies and player wins: Ante 1:1, Raise pays according to hand ranking (Pair: 1:1, Two Pair: 2:1, Three of a Kind: 3:1, Straight: 4:1, Flush: 5:1, Full House: 7:1, Four of a Kind: 20:1, Straight Flush: 50:1, Royal Flush: 100:1). Progressive jackpot side bet pays on Royal Flush (100%) and Straight Flush (10%).

Basic Strategy

The exchange mechanic is where Oasis Poker skill resides. As a general guide: exchange one card to complete a four-card Royal Flush, Straight Flush, or Flush draw; exchange to improve a one-pair hand when the free card significantly increases your win probability against the dealer's upcard. Raise without exchanging with any pair or better. Fold Ace-King or lower hands without any draw when the dealer's upcard does not match your cards. The key difference from Caribbean Stud: use the exchange proactively on strong draws — paying 1x the Ante to complete a flush or straight is often mathematically correct. Avoid exchanging more than one card unless going for a Royal Flush draw.

At a Glance

Category: Card Games
Sections: Rules + Strategy

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Deal cards to start

Dealer

Ante100

→

ExchangeN×100

→

Raise200

Raise Payouts (dealer qualifies, player wins)

Royal Flush100:1

Straight Flush50:1

Four of a Kind20:1

Full House7:1

Flush5:1

Straight4:1

Three of a Kind3:1

Two Pair2:1

One Pair1:1

Player

Oasis Poker: Like Caribbean Stud Poker with an added card exchange phase. After the deal, you may swap 1–5 cards at a cost of 1 ante (100) per card — or skip the exchange for free. Then choose to Raise (200) or Fold. The dealer qualifies with Ace-King or better; if qualified and you win, the raise pays a bonus based on your hand.