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A Guide to Playing Caribbean Stud Poker

Invented in the 1980s specifically to attract poker players to the main casino floor, Caribbean Stud is a fantastic, fast-paced table game.

The game moves incredibly quickly, relying purely on standard poker hand rankings and a few simple, rigid strategic decisions.

How to Start a Game of Caribbean Stud

The dealer then deals themselves five cards, but crucially, turns their very last card completely face up for the entire table to see.

Players are now allowed to pick up their five cards and quietly examine their hand to determine its poker strength.

• The dealer always exposes exactly one of their five cards face up
• Folding immediately surrenders the Ante bet to the house
• Calling requires placing a bet exactly double the size of the Ante

The Dealer Qualification Rule

However, before the hands are even compared, the dealer’s hand must absolutely meet a minimum required strength known as “qualifying.”

If the dealer fails to qualify (e.g., they only have Queen-high), the player instantly wins even money (1:1) on their Ante bet.

The Massive Jackpot Side Bet

The golden rule is incredibly simple: Always fold any hand weaker than Ace-King, and always play any hand containing a Pair or better.

Aside from the main game, Caribbean Stud is famous for its optional $1 progressive jackpot side bet.

By memorizing the simple “Pair or better” folding strategy, you can confidently sit at the table and enjoy hours of entertainment.