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

The game moves incredibly quickly, relying purely on standard poker hand rankings and a few simple, rigid strategic decisions.

How to Start a Game of Caribbean Stud

Every round of Caribbean Stud begins with the player placing a mandatory initial wager known as the "Ante" bet.

They must either "Fold" and immediately lose their Ante, or "Call" (also known as "Play") by placing a bet exactly twice the size of their Ante.

• You cannot draw or exchange any cards; you play the five dealt to you
• Players are strictly forbidden from showing their cards to other players
• The entire game relies on one single "Fold or Play" decision

Understanding the Dealer's Hand

If the player decides to "Call" and double their bet, the dealer flips over their remaining four hidden cards to reveal their hand.

If the dealer fails to qualify (e.g., they only have Queen-high), the player instantly wins even money (1:1) on their Ante bet.

The Massive Jackpot Side Bet

If you hold exactly Ace-King, the strategy becomes slightly more complex, depending entirely on the dealer's single exposed "upcard."

While the house edge on this specific side bet is astronomically high (often over 25%), the lure of a multi-million dollar payout makes it incredibly popular.

Just be prepared for the agonizing frustration of holding a Full House right as the dealer turns over a miserable, non-qualifying Jack-high hand.