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.

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

• The game uses standard five-card poker rankings (e.g., Flush, Full House)
• Players only compete against the dealer, never against each other
• The initial mandatory bet is called 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."

Crucially, if the dealer does not qualify, the player's massive "Call" bet simply pushes (ties) and is returned, regardless of how strong the player's hand was.

How to Win at Caribbean Stud

Because there is only one decision to make, the optimal mathematical strategy for Caribbean Stud is surprisingly rigid and easy to memorize.

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.

By memorizing the simple "Pair or better" folding strategy, you can confidently sit at the table and enjoy hours of entertainment.