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How do you play Caribbean Stud?

Caribbean Stud Poker is one of the best-known poker variations played against the house. The origins of the game aren’t clear, although the well-known poker books author David Sklansky claims he is the one who created it back in the early 1980s.

Rules of the Caribbean Stud are simple as you’ll find out in this post, and they’re easy to learn. In terms of skill and strategy, this poker game isn’t demanding, and you’ll be able to play it close to the best with a few tips.

With that said, be warned that the house edge remains over 5% even if you play with the best possible strategy.

Caribbean Stud

Caribbean Stud – Poker Rules

If you’ve ever played any high poker game variation such as Omaha, Hold’em, Stud, or even Five Card Draw, you should be good to go. Hands rank from a high card to a royal flush.

Like other table games, this casino game is also played against the house. There can be more players at the table playing simultaneously, though their only goal is to beat the dealer.

So, gamblers can actually cheer each other on when someone is making a big hand helps them and doesn’t hurt you at all.

At the start of a hand, you need to place the ante in the designated box. After that, the game dealer will deal all bettors five cards each, face down.

They will also take five cards each, but one of their cards will be turned face up for everyone to see. After that, you’ll have the chance to look at your cards and make your decision.

Caribbean Stud Poker Payouts

Once the cards are on their backs, the game dealer will compare their hand with the hand of every player at the table.

If you have a hand that is stronger than the dealer’s, you’ll get paid 1 to 1 on your ante. However, you’ll get paid 1 to 1 on the ‘Play’ amount if the poker dealer “qualifies,” i.e., they have a hand that’s Ace-King or better.

  • Two pair pays 2 to 1
  • Three of a kind pays 3 to 1
  • Straight pays 4 to 1
  • Flushes pay 5 to 1
  • Full boats pay 7 to 1
  • Quads are paid at 20 to 1
  • Straight flushes pay 50 to 1
  • A royal flush pays 100 to 1

These bets will get paid if two conditions are met:

  • The poker dealer has a qualifying hand.
  • Your hand beats the dealer’s hand.


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