INTRO
Caribbean stud poker is a variation of regular five-card stud poker played on a standard blackjack-sized table. It is unique in that it is the first casino table game to offer a progressive jackpot.

As its name implies, this poker game originated in the Caribbean islands, and it soon spread to casinos in America and Europe.

GAME PLAY
This card game is played with one standard deck of cards. The game is initiated when the player places a wager called the ante. Next, the dealer will deal five cards face down to each player. The dealer's own five-card hand is dealt, four cards face down and the final card face up. Now it is the player's choice to either stay in the game or fold. If the player chooses to fold, the ante is forfeited. If the player decides to stay, the amount of the original ante must be doubled. The dealer's cards are then revealed. If the dealer does not have at least an ace/king combination, the player automatically wins even money on the ante and the wager is returned. If the dealer does have at least an ace/king combination, then a comparison is made between the dealer's and player's hand. If the player has the higher hand, the player wins even money on the ante and the original wager pays according to the payout table below:

PLAYING OPTIONS
Players are also given the option of playing for the progressive jackpot. To be considered for the progressive, players must make an additional side bet of one dollar at the onset of the game. The player is wagering that they will receive a hand of cards that equates to a flush or better. Regardless of the outcome of the regular table game, if the player has a hand that qualifies for the progressive jackpot, that player will win the amount designated in the payout table. Players are usually rewarded with 100% of the pot for a royal flush, 10% of the pot for a straight flush, and a set monetary amount for a four of a kind, full house, or a flush. These amounts will vary from casino to casino.

STRATEGY
Basic Strategy dictates that you should at least do the following:

hint: do not bet the progressive wager

Something you don't understand? Search through our glossary of gambling terms.