Caribbean Stud Poker Rules

Caribbean Stud Poker is a skill-based card game that is played against the house. The good news is that the rules are really easy to learn.

Each player starts off by placing an ante on the table. Then the dealer will announce 'No more Bets' before play begins. Next up, each player is dealt 5 cards, face down. The dealer will also receive 5 cards, but 1 of these cards will be placed face-up.

During the game, the players may look at their cards, but they’re not allowed to discuss what they are holding with one another.

The game kicks into high gear once the player has examined the dealer’s face up card, and their own hand. Then a decision is made to either fold the hand, or place a bet of twice their original ante.

As soon as players have made their betting decisions, the dealer will reveal his/her pocket cards.  Note that the dealer can only play with an Ace/King combination, or higher. If the dealer does hold at least an Ace/King, he/she will compare his cards to the cards of the players, and the best hand wins.

In the event that the dealer does not have an Ace/King combination, the player’s wager will be returned. And the player will receive an amount equal to the ante too. Should the dealer holds an Ace/King or better, and the player’s hand still wins, then the player will receive even-money on the ante as well as fixed odds on the call bet. These odds range from evens (for a pair or high card) to 100-1 for a Royal Flush hand.  

The most common payouts are listed below:

Evens for a pair or high card

• 2-1 for Two Pair
• 3-1 for Three of a Kind
• 4-1 for a Straight
• 5-1 for a Flush
• 7-1 for a Full House
• 20-1 for a Four of a Kind
• 50-1 for a Straight Flush
• 100-1 for a Royal Flush

If the dealer holds an Ace/King or better, and the player's hand loses, then the player will lose the ante and the call bet.

Typically, the house has a 5%+ edge against the player’s ante. This can be reduced if players share details of their hands. Remember that players are not allowed to share information however. If – hypothetically speaking - you knew the value of all the other hands on the table; you could gain a 2% edge over the house. Note that this is considered cheating.

There are ways to boost your payout potential by playing progressive jackpot Caribbean Stud Poker. Take care to place your token into the progressive meter, and check that the indicator light is on at the same time as you place your ante. Enjoy the game!