The following is a little information concerning the poker variant known as Caribbean Stud Poker, which is one of the most popular casino table games. This article will give an overview of the basic rules for how to play so you can join in on the action and know what the house edge is.
Caribbean Stud Poker Rules are easy to follow, especially if you know Five Card Stud. However, it is played on a traditional blackjack table and unlike regular poker games, it is played against the dealer (house).
The game commences by inserting your bets in the ante box. Once all bets are placed the dealer then deals 5 cards to each player face down and 4 down to himself with one face up. Then each player must decide to fold or play.
After all players have taken their turns by folding and forfeiting their bet or betting an additional amount, which is equal to exactly twice the ante amount, the dealer reveals his 4 hole cards.
If the dealer has an Ace-King or better in his hand he qualifies to carry on playing against each player. If he does not qualify with Ace-King or better, he must pay each player even money on their ante bets. If the dealer qualifies and his hand is higher than the player’s hand, then the player’s ante and second bet is collected by the house. If the dealer qualifies and his hand is worse than the player’s hand, then the player receives even money on their ante bet and an amount on the bet according to these payouts:
AK or Pair - 1:1
Two Pair - 2:1
Three of a Kind - 3:1
Straight - 4:1
Flush - 5:1
Full House - 7:1
Four of a Kind - 20:1
Straight Flush - 50:1
Royal Flush - 100:1
There is also a progressive side bet of $1 available for players, which pays for hands that are a flush or better. The payouts for side bets are different for each casino although typically they will payout 10% of the jackpot for a straight flush and 100% of the jackpot for a royal flush. Some casinos cap the straight flush payout.
The house edge for Caribbean Stud Poker is around the 5% mark, which is pretty much equal to double zero Roulette, making it a fairly high variance game, but with the addition of jackpot bets, giving the chance to win a considerable amount of money, it really adds to the excitement of playing!
So make sure to read up on the Caribbean Stud Poker rules before going to an online casino and playing for real money.
