Caribbean Stud Poker combines five-card stud poker with table games. Instead of playing against random opponents, you’re against the dealer in a race to the better five-card hand. Standard poker rankings apply. If you’re unfamiliar with the game, we’ll give you a brief explanation of how to play before providing you with five rules that will give you a competitive edge.
Caribbean Stud Poker Rules
The dealer needs at least an Ace, King high to qualify for the round. If the dealer doesn’t qualify, you get a 1-1 payout for the Ante, and any Raises are returned as a push.
How to Win a Round of Caribbean Stud Poker
- If you raise, and the dealer doesn’t qualify, you win the Ante bet.
- If you raise and the dealer qualifies, and you have the better five-card hand, you win the Ante bet and the Raise bet.
- If you put $1 on the progressive jackpot side bet and get a flush or higher, you win a portion or all of the jackpot.
How to Play Caribbean Stud Poker
Start by placing a bet ($1-$500) on the Ante circle and hitting “Deal.” You’ll be dealt five cards face-up, and the dealer will be dealt four cards face-down and one card face-up.
If you like your hand, click “Raise” – the raise is 2X the amount of the Ante bet. Fold sub-par hands.
Five Tips to Improve Your Caribbean Stud Poker Strategy
- Raise with a pair or better.
- Fold when you have less than Ace, King high (the dealer’s minimum qualifying hand.
When you have Ace, King high, raise when:
- The dealer’s up-card matches one of your other three cards and is a Two through Queen.
- The dealer’s up-card is an Ace or King, and you have a Jack or Queen in addition to your Ace, King.
- The dealer’s up-card is worse than your fourth-best card and the rank doesn’t match any of your cards; one of your cards must be a Queen.