Cyberstud Poker Details Page

Software (9)

There is nothing like playing with a piece of Microgaming software, when it comes to safety and security. Of course, you're not looking at safety and security on the screen; what you are looking at, though, is a high degree of functionality and ease of navigating your way around the game. When you put that together with the winning graphics package, this software really comes up "aces," if you pardon the pun.

Easy to Understand (8)

If you are a newcomer to poker, you are going to have a hard time getting used to the rules at first, perhaps distinguishing between the ante bet and the progressive side bet, but you will get the hang of it without too much trouble. One good thing about the game (depending on how you look at it) is that your decision comes down to whether you want to fold or call. There are no playing decisions to be made. That simplifies things a little.

Graphics & Sounds (9)

Microgaming allows any player to create his or her own atmosphere when it comes to the sounds that are heard while the game is being played. That means the game sounds, win sounds and background sounds are all up to your discretion. If you don't want to hear them, you don't have to. If you want to hear some of them, you can adjust the controls to suit your taste. No other online software maker gives you as many options as Microgaming. As far as the graphics are concerned, they are clear, colorful and vivid. Most importantly, they help in the ease of play.

Game Speed (9)

You can go as fast as you want. Remember, you are at the controls. You are making the decisions. If you want to go at "light speed," you may be out of luck, but otherwise, you're in pretty good shape. Again, Microgaming comes up big when it comes to player options.

Game Features (9)

As for features about the game itself, the side bet that leads to the progressive is certainly what pulls a lot of players in. But let's talk about "PlayCheck" for a minute, because it allows you to track the results of your hands for a long period of time, and there are a lot of people who are very serious about this (who wouldn't be, with a million or more on the table?), and Microgaming can feed you with all the stats you want.

Fun Factor (9)

What makes this game a lot of fun, and adds intrigue to it, are two things in particular: one of them is the progressive jackpot itself, and knowing that because of the presence of the side bet (rather than a requirement that you have to bet the maximum coin size, which is the way it is with some progressive slot games), you are always in the running to win the big pot. Also, there is the head-to-head element with the house, a staple of Caribbean Stud, where you've got the mystery of not knowing what the dealer's hand is but knowing you have to beat it. Or to some extent, that HE has to beat YOU, because he must first qualify. There's some suspense in this game, and suspense equals fun.