How to Play Caribbean Poker

Caribbean Poker, also called Caribbean Stud Poker, is a bit of a misnomer. True, the game did originate in the Caribbean. But while the term stud poker is normally applied to varieties of the game in which some of the player's cards are dealt face-up and others face-down, all the player's cards in this game are face down; there is only one up card, and that belongs to the dealer. Furthermore, poker purists might question whether Caribbean Poker is really poker at all, since the player competes not against other players, but against a casino dealer as in blackjack.

Instructions

1. Make your ante bet. You also will have the option to bet a dollar on the progressive jackpot. The dealer will deal five cards face down to each player at the table. The players may not reveal their hands to each other or otherwise collaborate. The dealer also receives five cards, one of which will be turned face up.

2. Examine your hand and decide whether you wish to fold (thus forfeiting the ante) or call. If you call, you will place an amount twice your ante into the appropriate bet box.

3. After all players have folded or called, the dealer examines his or her hand. If the dealer does not have a qualifying hand of Ace-King or better, then you will win even money on your ante, and there will be no action on the call wager. If the dealer does qualify, then he/she will determine which of you has the better hand. If the dealer's hand is higher, you lose both of the main wagers (but not necessarily the optional progressive wager). If you have a better hand, then you will receive even money for the ante, and a payout for the call bet that can be up to 100 times your wager, depending on your hand. The typical payout schedule is as follows: One Pair, even money 2 pair, 2 to 1 3 of a kind, 3 to 1 Straight, 4 to 1 Flush, 5 to 1 Full House, 7 to 1 4 of a kind, 20 to 1 Straight Flush, 50 to 1 Royal Flush, 100 to 1

4. Collect on the optional progressive bet if you have a flush or higher. If you have one of the higher ranking hands, you'll win an amount that will vary from a flat bonus of $50 or so to a percentage of the accumulated jackpot--or even the whole thing if you get a royal flush. You can win it even if the dealer beats your hand. The progressive jackpot can offer a huge payoff for a small risk. If you're going to play the game at all, you should consider this option, especially if the jackpot has reached $30,000 or more.

Tips & Warnings

• Play any pair, since there is less than a 50-50 chance the dealer also will have a pair. Also consider playing with Ace-King, especially if you have a Jack or 10. There's a good chance such hands will win even without a pair.

• Before you risk real money, you might try playing Caribbean Poker for free online. Get a feel for the game and work out your strategy before you sit down in a real casino.

• Each player competes individually against the dealer. You do not have to beat the other players at the table in order to win the hand.

• Caribbean Poker has a house edge of over 5 percent, making it about as risky as Nevada roulette. You can't expect to overcome this edge for long, so use the hit-and-run strategy. Take advantage of a lucky streak, and once it ends, make your exit.

Resources

• Caribbean Poker