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 Core Mechanics of the Game

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

Players are now allowed to pick up their five cards and quietly examine their hand to determine its poker strength.

• 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

Why the Dealer Must Qualify

To mathematically qualify, the dealer's five-card hand must contain an Ace and a King, or any higher standard poker combination (like a Pair).

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.

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.

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.