How To Play Caribbean Stud Poker: A Beginner’s Guide

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Caribbean Stud Poker, also called Caribbean Poker, is not like the usual poker games you know. In this game, you don’t play against other players you play only against the dealer. That’s why it feels more like Blackjack than Poker.

Even though the name has “Stud” in it, it’s not a real stud poker game. In true stud games, players bet after each card is dealt. But in Caribbean Stud, you get all 5 cards at once and then decide whether to bet or fold.

This game is usually played on a Blackjack-style table in land-based casinos. You can also play it easily online.

Why Play Caribbean Stud Poker?

• Simple rules
• You only play against the dealer
• A good mix of luck and strategy
• Big payouts possible (up to 100:1!)

If you’re a beginner or want to try something new in poker, Caribbean Stud is a great choice.

Caribbean Stud Poker Setup

Before starting, you should know two things: hand rankings and betting limits.

Hand Rankings – Best to Worst

These are the same as in other poker games:

• Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10 (same suit)
• Straight Flush: Five cards in a row, same suit (e.g., 9–8–7–6–5)
• Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same number (e.g., 5–5–5–5–K)
• Full House: Three of a kind + a pair (e.g., Q–Q–Q–9–9)
• Flush: All five cards of the same suit
• Straight: Five cards in order, different suits
• Three of a Kind: Three cards of same rank
• Two Pair: Two different pairs
• One Pair: Two cards of the same number
• High Card: No combination, highest card matters

Tip: Knowing these hand rankings helps you make better betting decisions.

Betting Limits in Caribbean Stud Poker

• Minimum Bet: Usually starts from $3 to $5 in casinos. Online, it can be lower.
• Maximum Bet: Set by the casino. Always check the table limits.
• Ante Bet: This is the starting bet you must place to join the hand.
• Side Bets (Optional): Some tables offer extra bets for jackpot or bonus payouts.

Note: There is only one main betting round in this game.

How to Play Caribbean Stud Poker

Let’s walk through the game step by step:

1. Place the Ante Bet
   Before cards are dealt, every player places an ante to join.
2. Get the Cards

• Each player gets five cards face-down.
• Dealer also gets five cards, but one card is face-up.
• You can look at your own cards but not others’.

3. Decide: Fold or Raise
   After checking your hand:

• Fold: Give up your ante and end your turn.
• Raise (Call): Place an extra bet that’s double your ante. Example: If you bet $5 ante, you raise $10.

Tip: Use hand rankings to decide.

4. Dealer Shows Cards – The Showdown
   All players who stayed in the game show their cards. Then the dealer reveals their hand.
5. Does the Dealer Qualify?
   For the dealer to “qualify,” they must have at least:

• An Ace and a King, OR
• Any pair or better

If the dealer does not qualify:

• You get your raise bet back
• Your ante is paid 1:1

If the dealer qualifies and:

• Beats you – You lose both bets.
• Loses to you – You win based on the payout table below.

Payout Table – Know Your Winnings

Note: The raise bet follows this table. Ante always pays 1:1 if you win.

Simple Caribbean Stud Strategy

Here are beginner-friendly strategy tips:

1. Raise if you have a Pair or higher.
2. Fold if you have less than Ace-King.
3. Raise with Ace-King if:
   • Dealer’s up card is a 2 to Q and matches one of your cards.
   • Dealer’s up card is an Ace or King, and you also have a Queen or Jack.

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