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

This completely eliminates the need to maintain a “poker face” or worry about someone aggressively raising your bets.

The Basic Rules: Ante and Deal

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

Based on the strength of their own hand and the single visible dealer card, the player must make one massive, critical decision.

• 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

Understanding the Dealer’s Hand

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

This qualification rule is the primary source of frustration for players, as getting a massive hand when the dealer doesn’t qualify results in a tiny payout.

Optimal Strategy and the Progressive Jackpot

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.