Caribbean
stud poker is a casino table game with rules similar
to five card stud poker. However, unlike standard
poker
games, Caribbean stud is played against the house
rather than against other players (and, like most
such games, it cannot be beaten in the long run).
There is no bluffing or other deception.
Rules
The
following rules are typical of U.S. casinos, but some
of the details (the payouts and limits) vary from
casino to casino.
To play, every player places his ante on the layout
where indicated; all ante wagers must be placed prior
to the dealer announcing "No more bets".
Each player and the dealer will then receive five
cards, face down. The dealer will turn over one of
his cards, then push the cards toward the players,
after which the players may look at their cards. They
may only look at their own cards, and may not discuss
what they have with any other player at the table.
Players have the option to play or fold; if they choose
to play, they place their bets (twice the amount of
their respective ante) in the bet box. If they choose
to fold, they forfeit their ante. After all the players
have made their decisions, the dealer reveals his
hole cards. The dealer only plays with an ace/king
or higher; he then compares his cards to the players'
cards (individually, right to left), and the players'
hands that beat the dealer's qualifing hand wins.
There are some major rules in Caribbean Stud Poker
that must be observed at all times while playing:
Only one hand per player. Players cannot hold or wager
on multiple hands at the table.
Players choosing to play the Progressive Payout feature
are responsible for ensuring their $1 wager has been
inserted into slot and the "Indicator Light"
is ON.
Players may not exchange or communicate information
regarding their hands to other players or the dealer.
Player violation will result in a dead hand and forfeiture
of all wagers.
Incorrect amount of cards to the player constitutes
a dead hand (or push) for that player only.
The decision of the table/casino supervisor is final.
If the dealer is dealt four cards of the five-card
hand, the dealer shall deal an additional card to
complete the hand. Any other misdeal to the dealer
shall result in all hands being void and the cards
shall be reshuffled.
Each player shall be required to keep the five cards
in full view of the dealer at all times. Once each
player has examined his or her cards and placed them
face down on the layout, they may not touch the cards
again.
If a hole card is exposed prior to the dealer announcing
No More Bets, all hands shall be void.
Caribbean
Stud Poker in the United Kingdom
Caribbean
Stud Poker differs slightly in the United
Kingdom, and most parts of Europe,
from the US.
The game is officially known as "Casino Five
Card Stud Poker", and not all casinos have the
jackpot prize. Those which do have the prize, usually
the large chain groups, officially call the game "Casino
Jackpot Five Card Stud Poker". In both instances,
the game is commonly referred to as "Casino Stud
Poker".
The basic rules are the same in the UK as the US,
although the payouts differ - the maximum bet is generally
£100 on the ante and £200 on the raise,
and all payouts are paid on the raise, meaning the
maximum payout can potentially be £10,000 (a
Royal Flush pays at the same odds, 50:1, as a Straight
Flush).
Casinos offering the jackpot generally have the card
shuffled by a card shuffling machine - the cards are
then removed and dealt out by the dealer, or croupier.
Independent and small casinos generally have the croupier
shuffle the cards by hand.
British
casinos do not use the chip dropper system; instead,
a £1 chip is placed on a small plastic circle
on the table, which lights up. The croupier then presses
a button on a panel in front of them, which keeps
the lights lit up once the chips are removed. The
dealer removes the chips, and can then tell which
players are playing the jackpot game and which are
not.
If the dealer does not show an Ace/King, hands playing
the jackpot must be turned over, face up, and shown
to the dealer and table. If the player is not playing
the jackpot prize, the cards are not shown.
Player
strategy
Using
optimal strategy the house edge is 5.224% of the player's
ante bet. This strategy can be complicated and does
not lend itself to practical use in a casino. Using
a strategy of raising with Ace/King/Jack/8/3 or better
the house edge is 5.316%, very close to the optimal
strategy house edge.
Knowledge of what other players hold can decrease
the house edge. It has been estimated with the knowledge
of six other player's hands (30 cards) and associated
optimal strategy the player can gain an edge of 2.3%.
