A complete Caribbean Stud Poker guide covering rules, hand rankings, payouts, dealer qualification, gameplay structure, and odds. Learn how this popular casino table game works.
Introduction
Caribbean Stud Poker is a casino table game based on traditional five-card poker, but unlike regular poker variants, players do not compete against each other. Instead, each player competes solely against the dealer, making the game simple, structured, and easy to learn. The combination of poker-style hand rankings and fixed casino rules has made Caribbean Stud a popular choice in both land-based and online casinos.
This guide explains everything you need to know before playing Caribbean Stud Poker: how the game works, how hands are ranked, how the dealer qualifies, the payout system, and key differences from other poker-based casino games. By the end, you’ll understand the complete flow of the game from the first bet to the final reveal.
What Is Caribbean Stud Poker?
Caribbean Stud Poker is a table game played with a standard 52-card deck, where both the player and dealer receive five cards. The objective is to form a stronger five-card poker hand than the dealer. The game uses an Ante bet, an optional Progressive Jackpot bet, and a follow-up Call bet once the player’s cards are revealed.
Unlike poker against other players, there is no bluffing, raising, or community cards. Every round follows a fixed, predictable sequence.
How Caribbean Stud Poker Works: Step-by-Step
1. Ante Bet
Each player places an Ante to enter the round. This is the starting wager that determines participation.
2. Dealing the Cards
Players and the dealer receive five cards each:
- All player cards are dealt face-down
- The dealer receives four cards face-down and one card face-up
Players now evaluate their hand while seeing only one dealer card.
3. Player Decisions
After checking their cards, players must choose between:
- Fold — ending the round and forfeiting the Ante
- Call — continuing the round by placing a second bet equal to 2× the Ante
4. Dealer Qualification
After players make their decisions, the dealer reveals their cards.
To continue the round, the dealer must qualify with:
Dealer Qualification Rule
- Dealer qualifies with Ace-King or higher
(Example: A-K-4-7-2 qualifies; Q-J-9-6-3 does not)
If the dealer does not qualify:
- The player’s Ante wins (even money 1:1)
- The Call bet pushes and is returned
If the dealer qualifies:
- Player and dealer compare hands
- The stronger hand wins
5. Payouts
If the player wins:
- Ante pays 1:1
- Call bet pays according to the payout table
(Full table below)
If the dealer wins:
- Player loses both Ante and Call bets.
Caribbean Stud Poker Hand Rankings
Hands follow standard poker rankings:
| Hand | Description |
|---|---|
| Royal Flush | A-K-Q-J-10 suited |
| Straight Flush | Five consecutive cards of the same suit |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank |
| Full House | Three of a kind + a pair |
| Flush | Any 5 cards of the same suit |
| Straight | Five consecutive cards |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank |
| Two Pair | Two different pairs |
| One Pair | Two cards of the same rank |
| High Card | Highest individual card |
Payout Table for Call Bets
Different casinos may vary slightly, but the common payout table is:
| 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 |
| One Pair or High Card | 1:1 |
The Ante always pays 1:1 regardless of hand strength.
Dealer Qualification Explained
Dealer qualification is one of the defining rules of Caribbean Stud Poker:
- If the dealer does not qualify:
- Ante wins
- Call bet is returned
- If the dealer qualifies:
- Both hands are compared normally
- If the dealer has exactly A-K-X-X-X, this is the minimum qualifying hand
This rule increases the game’s house edge but also adds suspense and structure.
Odds and Probabilities in Caribbean Stud Poker
Approximate probabilities for the player receiving each hand:
| Hand | Probability |
|---|---|
| Royal Flush | 0.00015% |
| Straight Flush | 0.00139% |
| Four of a Kind | 0.024% |
| Full House | 0.144% |
| Flush | 0.197% |
| Straight | 0.392% |
| Three of a Kind | 2.11% |
| Two Pair | 4.75% |
| One Pair | 42.26% |
| High Card | 50.12% |
Additional notes:
- The dealer fails to qualify about 44% of the time.
- House edge for Caribbean Stud Poker is around 5.2% using standard rules.
Progressive Jackpot Option (Optional Side Bet)
Many casinos offer a progressive jackpot side bet, which:
- Is optional
- Is a fixed small wager (often $1)
- Pays based on a separate payout table
- Does not affect main game outcomes
Jackpot hands usually start from Flush or higher, with Royal Flush awarding the progressive prize.
Why Caribbean Stud Poker Is Popular
Players enjoy Caribbean Stud because:
- Rules are simple and structured
- There’s no bluffing or opponent pressure
- Hands resolve quickly
- It blends poker ranking familiarity with casino-style gameplay
- The progressive jackpot adds excitement
FAQ
Is Caribbean Stud Poker the same as regular poker?
No. You play directly against the dealer, not other players.
Does the dealer always need Ace-King to qualify?
Yes — A-K or any stronger poker hand qualifies.
Is the progressive jackpot required?
No, it’s totally optional and does not influence the base game.
Can players fold after seeing the dealer hand?
No. All decisions are made before the dealer reveals their cards.