Caribbean Stud

Though it carries the poker name, Caribbean Stud has become a sort of misnomer among class poker players. It isn't exactly a real poker game. This relatively new game started out being played on cruise ships in the Caribbean, which explains the exotic name.

The makers of Caribbean Stud likened it to five-card stud. One major difference is, instead of playing against other players, the shrewd player is wagering his money against the dealer. Caribbean Stud probably receives its shady name from heavy poker players because it requires no bluffing or other forms of deception on which many of them rely.

The Set-Up

The game begins when players place an ante bet on the layout of the poker table. Ante wagers must be placed prior to the dealer announcing “no more bets.” At this point, the dealer hands everyone, including himself, five cards face down. The dealer then turns over one of his cards and pushes it towards the other players.

After this is done, the players may look at their own cards. They should engage their brains as well, since from this point forward, they may not touch their cards again. Players also may not engage in any sort of table talk. Those who do run the risk of losing their hand and their ante. This way, they cannot tip off other players about their particular hands.

Betting in Caribbean Stud

After taking a good look at their cards, players may either fold and forfeit their ante or play. Players who continue on will then place a bet of twice the amount of their respect ante in the bet box. At this point, the dealer reveals his hole cards and settles up with the players.

Dealers have one particularly sticky rule that qualifies with all Caribbean Stud tables: the dealer must have an Ace/King or higher in his hand. If he doesn’t, then the entire hand is void and all bets go back to the players.

Players must keep a few other particular rules in mind as they tackle this game:

1. Players may play only one hand at a time, and they may wager only on that hand.

2. Players may not exchange or communicate information about their hands. Those who do forfeit their wagers.

3. An incorrect amount of cards to the player constitutes a dead hand for that player only. Other players may play on.

4. The table supervisor or casino supervisor has the final decision on all matters.

5. A player must keep his cards in full view of the dealer at all times.

6. Once a player examines his cards, he may not touch them again.

7. If a hole card somehow becomes exposed prior to the “no more bets” announcement, all hands are voided.

This game has the potential for some hefty payouts if a player has the right hand, ranging from a 100 to 1 to a 1 to 1 payout.

Pay Table For Carribean Stud

Hand Payback

Royal Flush 100 x 1
Straight Flush 50 x 1
Four of a Kind 20 x 1
Full House 7 x 1
Flush 5 x 1
Straight 4 x 1
Three of a Kind 3 x 1
Two Pair 2 x 1
One pair 1 x 1

As you can see, this game has some serious advantages for the player who stinks at bluffing but still enjoys the game of poker.