Caribbean Stud Poker rules explained

This popular variant of the traditional poker game is all about beating the dealer by exceeding his cards. The game has it's origin in the Caribbean's where it was often played on cruise trips. Nowadays, the game is well known around the globe. Caribbean stud poker is played with a standard 52-cards deck on a blackjack type table. Caribbean stud can be played with a maximum of 9 players per table. This is one of the most exciting table games for sure!

The start of a game of Caribbean stud poker

The game starts with the ante, this is how the first bet is called. This can be any amount within the table limits. The start of the game is also the moment at which players can choose to join the progressive jackpot by placing a bet on the jackpot section of the table.  Obviously, the actual chance one has to win the progressive jackpot is quite low but when you do so you will be happy that you made that bet! For most people the jackpot-bet feature makes Caribbean stud poker attractive because it provides you with a chance of leaving the casino as a BIG WINNER.

After placing the first bet both player and dealer will receive 5 cards. One of the dealer's cards will be dealt face-up, the other 4 cards will be dealt face-down. All players cards will be dealt face-down. After that, the player can choose to fold (quit and loose the original bet) or play (continue and double the ante bet, this is called the call bet).

If the player continues, the dealer will check his cards. The dealer has to have a King and an Ace (or higher) or the player will automatically win even money on the ante bet, the additional bet is returned then, the call bet will be a push. If the dealer does have a King and an Ace (or higher) the player's cards and the dealer's cards will be compared. If the player's hand exceeds the dealer's hand, the player wins even money (1 to 1) on the ante bet. For the payout on the call bet please see the following payout table:

Rules regarding payout in Caribbean stud poker

Cards Pay-off
Royal flush 200:1
Straight flush 50:1
Four of a kind 20:1
Full house 7:1
Flush 5:1
Straight 4:1
Three of a kind 3:1
Two pair 2:1
Pair 1:1

Final tip

Some Caribbean Stud players think it is smart never to bet on low pairs (twos, threes, etc.) because usually they loose with these cards. That's true of course, but don't forget that folding will cost you your Ante bet over and over again.

A progressive jackpot increases every time a player makes a bet on the game to which the jackpot is linked. Sometimes games of several online casinos are linked together to form one massive jackot.
Decision to equal the bet of the previous player/bettor.
Dropping a hand, declining a call. This means that you don't bet anymore and quit playing the current hand. By doing so you have no more chances on winning the pot.
The first bet.
We hope that our explanation of the caribbean stud poker rules will contribute to your succes when playing in online casinos!