Caribbean stud is a casino card game that is very similar to the game of standard 5-card stud poker. The main difference between these two games is that players of Caribbean stud wager against the game’s dealer instead of against fellow players, changing the dynamic of the game.
The probable origin of Caribbean stud dates back to the 1980’s, where one David Sklansky claims to have popularised a card game of his own creation with players on cruise ships travelling around Aruba. Sklansky’s creation then evolved into the popular game of Caribbean stud poker that is featured in land-based casinos globally, and also online.
How to Play Caribbean Stud
A game of Caribbean stud poker begins by players placing their ante bets on the table, and also an additional, optional bet on the game’s progressive jackpot. Once players have placed their bets, the dealer will deal each player 5 cards facing down. The dealer will also receive 5 face-down cards, one which he will flip over to face upright. Players may now see their hand of cards, and may choose to play or fold, depending on their hands. If players wish to play their hand, they must raise their bets to double the value of their ante bets placed at the beginning of the game.
Once players have chosen to raise or fold their bets, the dealer will reveal his 4 face-down hole cards. The dealer must have a winning poker hand of at least an Ace-King combination or better in order to qualify. If a player holds a better hand, he or she will win the game and is automatically paid out accordingly.
Winning Card Hands
The winning hands in a game of Caribbean stud are the same as those in a standard game of poker. Winning hands include Pair, Two Pair, Three of a Kind, Straight, Flush, Full House, Four of a Kind, Straight Flush and Royal Flush hands.
Progressive Jackpot
Players will win the progressive jackpot by holding a hand of a Flush or better. If players wagered on the progressive jackpot at the start of the game, they must produce a Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House or Flush in order to qualify for an additional payout.
Caribbean Stud Poker Games Online
As well as being available for play at many land-based casinos, Caribbean stud is also available to online players, who can find the game at most online casinos offering table games. These games offer unique online features such as 3D animation and graphics, and can be accessed anywhere, provided that players possess a suitable laptop, computer or tablet and an internet connection.
Online players can play Caribbean stud for real money and for play money, with play money versions allowing them to test out the various Caribbean stud games available before choosing one to play for real money. Certified online casinos offer secure banking services protected by encryption technology and protected servers, ensuring safety of players’ information when funding their wagering online. There are also a number of bonus offers available to online Caribbean stud players, including welcome and deposit bonuses that may be awarded when registering to play with an online casino.
Mobile Poker Games
Additionally, mobile phone based players can also play Caribbean stud poker, as many online casinos offer mobile-friendly site versions and games, and even downloadable apps that are compatible with many mobile device brands.