How to Play Caribbean Stud Poker
Caribbean Stud has more in common with Blackjack than it does with poker, though the hands are scored in the same manner as poker hands. So, ultimately, if you are familiar with the scoring techniques of Poker, then you will be equally familiar with the scoring techniques of Caribbean Stud Poker. Further, because of the similarity with Blackjack, some serious poker players do not consider this game as a variant of poker. The issue is that, unlike poker, the players all play against the house and not each other and there is no bluffing. To serious players this means that the game is pure luck and any hint of skill has been removed. Finally, because the game of Caribbean Stud Poker is based more on luck than skill, it becomes an increasing difficult game to win.
The Caribbean Stud Poker begins when all players’ lay out their ante and the dealer calls for no more betting. The dealer then hands out five cards, all face down to the players. Then the dealer deals his or her own hand, face down as well. The dealer then flips their last card and indicates that it is time for the players to decide whether to stay in or fold. The players then look at their cards. Even though they are only playing against the dealer, players cannot look at the other players’ cards, nor can they discuss them with each other. If the player folds, their ante is forfeited. Finally, if the player decides to stay, they then have to double their ante.
After all players have either folded or placed their bets, the dealer reveals his or her hole card. The dealer must have an ace/king combination or higher to play. If a player’s hand beats the dealer’s, the payoff is even money on the ante and his follow-up bet pays the following:
Royal flush pays 100 to 1
Straight flush pays 50 to 1
Four of a kind pays 20 to 1
Full house pays 7 to 1
Flush pays 5 to 1
Straight pays 4 to 1
Three of a kind pays 3 to 1
Two pair pays 2 to 1
One pair or less pays 1 to 1
Finally, if the dealer does not have an ace/king combination, all bets are void and the players who did not fold will receive even money on their antes.
By Adel Awwad
