Caribbean Stud Poker
Caribbean stud poker is a variation of regular five-card stud poker played on a standard blackjack-sized table. It is unique in that it is the first casino table game to offer a progressive jackpot.
As its name implies, this poker game originated in the Caribbean islands, and it soon spread to casinos in America and Europe.
Caribbean Stud Poker Game Play
This card game is played with one standard deck of cards. The game is initiated when the player places a wager called the ante.
Next, the dealer will deal five cards face down to each player. The dealer's own five-card hand is dealt, four cards face down and the final card face up. Now it is the player's choice to either stay in the game or fold. If the player chooses to fold, the ante is forfeited.
If the player decides to stay, the amount of the original ante must be doubled. The dealer's cards are then revealed. If the dealer does not have at least an ace/king combination, the player automatically wins even money on the ante and the wager is returned.
If the dealer does have at least an ace/king combination, then a comparison is made between the dealer's and player's hand.
If the player has the higher hand, the player wins even money on the ante and the original wager pays according to the payout table below:
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 100:1 |
| 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 |
| Ace/King | 1:1 |
Caribbean Stud Poker Playing Options
Players are also given the option of playing for the progressive jackpot. To be considered for the progressive, players must make an additional side bet of one dollar at the onset of the game.
The player is wagering that they will receive a hand of cards that equates to a flush or better. Regardless of the outcome of the regular table game, if the player has a hand that qualifies for the progressive jackpot, that player will win the amount designated in the payout table.
Players are usually rewarded with 100% of the pot for a royal flush, 10% of the pot for a straight flush, and a set monetary amount for a four of a kind, full house, or a flush. These amounts will vary from casino to casino.
Caribbean Stud Poker Strategy
Basic Strategy dictates that you should at least do the following:
- bet when you hold a pair or better
- bet when you hold an ace/king if your hand contains the same card as the dealer's upcard.
Caribbean Stud Poker Hint
- do not bet the progressive wager
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