About - Caribbean Stud

Caribbean stud is a card game that is popularly played at casinos in the United States and is a variation of poker with rules akin to five card stud. Unlike most other poker games, Caribbean stud is not played against other players but the house instead. There is no deception or bluffing used in this game, and therefore generally cannot be beaten in the long run.

The rules of the game are much like other poker variations. Caribbean stud requires every player to place a bet or ante on the layout of the table where required. All bets have to be placed before the dealer says no more bets. Every player as well as the dealer will get 5 face down cards per hand. The dealer turns over one of his or her cards and then pushes the cards out to the players, so that all players are able to look at their own cards. No player is allowed to talk to other players about their hand during play. At this time a player can opt to play or fold their hand. If a player chooses to play their hand, their bet or twice the amount of the ante has to be placed in the bet box. If folding their hand, the ante is kept by the house. All players made their decisions and then the dealer reveals all his cards. The dealer will only play with an ace or king, and will compare their cards to all the other players’ cards from right to left. All the players’ hands that beat the dealer’s hand wins.

Major rules that generally do not change from casino to casino are as follows:

• A player can only play one hand at a time, and cannot bet on more than one hand at a time.

• Players that play a progressive payout are responsible for making sure their $1 bet is in the slot and their indication light is on.

• Players can’t talk to neighbors about their hands during play, or to the dealer. Any player that does so will be removed from the table and all bets are kept with the house.

• If a wrong number of cards are given to the player, this is called a dead hand or push for this player alone.

• The decision of the table is final, so do not argue the outcome.

If dealers are dealt 4 out of 5 cards, then the dealer must take another card to finish the hand. Any other type of misdeal regarding the dealer’s hand will cause all hands to be void and will call for a reshuffle and deal.

Every player has to keep all of their cards in full view during the game, and once the cards are seen, they are replaced face down and cannot be further touched. If a hole card is seen before the dealer calls for no more bets, all hands are voided on the spot.

Payouts will vary based on casino rules and regulations. If a player’s cards beat dealer’s hands, the player gets their money back on even money bet. A royal flush has 100 to 1 odds, with a straight flush having 50 to 1 odds. Four of a kind has 20 to 1 odds and payout, while a full house is worth 7 to 1 antes, and all other flushes worth 5 to 1 odds and payouts. Straights are worth 4 to 1 odds, three of a kind is worth 3 to 1, with two pair worth 2 to 1 and less than a pair being worth even money.