Category: Caribbean Stud Poker

Online Caribbean Stud Poker

Caribbean stud poker is becoming very popular nowadays. It is now one of the favorites even on online casinos. Even beginners find this game very exciting because of its payout. Just to give an idea to those who are just starting, this article will discuss the nature, rules and the how to’s of Caribbean stud poker.

It is a poker game that is consists of 5 cards per player with a deck of 52 cards. The difference between the regular poker and Caribbean stud poker is that the player is playing against the house or the dealer instead of playing against the other players. For that reason, there is no need for bluffing or in any manner deceive the opponent.

There is not much difference from playing in a physical casino and playing online. To start playing, you should place your initial bet or Ante in casino’s term. After which you will be given five cards facing down while one of the dealer’s card will be facing up. You then have to decide whether you will play or fold based on that single card and how good your cards are. If you choose the latter, you will lose your Ante immediately. On the other hand, if you opt to play against the dealer, you should click “Raise”. This will double your initial bet.

To be able to win the game, it is not enough that you outplayed the dealer’s hand. He/She should get any hand that has an Ace and a King or something better like pairs or any higher value. If the dealer fails to have these, he/she is not qualified, therefore, you will be paid one to one. In addition your raise will also be given back to you. On the event that beat the dealer’s hand and at the same time he/she qualifies, you will be paid both on the Ante and your Raise. Normally, the payment of the Ante is one to one. The payout of your bet will depend on how good your hand is. Of course, when the dealer beats your hand, you lose both your Ante and Raise. In case there is a tie, the kicker will conclude the winner. It means that whoever has the next highest card will have the victory.

The rules and details vary from casino to casino. For example, they have different payouts and limits on the bet. But you will know the particulars because they are specified in each online casino.

Read about the Cyberstud Poker (Caribbean Stud) games at Microgaming Casinos

• Microgaming have two different Caribbean Stud games. Most casinos have both.
• ‘Cyberstud Poker – Progressive’  has a progressive jackpot side-bet.
• Basic ‘Cyberstud Poker‘, or ‘Caribbean Poker’ as some casinos label it, has no side-bet.
• The main paytable is the same for both games. It is better than the standard one found in land casinos, with a house edge of just 5.01%.
• The side-bet has a compulsory wager of 1 credit, which is automatically deducted when you place your bet on the main game.
• The side-bet is independent of the main game and pays according to the table above. Check the current Microgaming Caribbean Stud jackpot.
• If the jackpot goes over $234,290 there is no house edge on the side bet and the odds start to tip in the player’s favour.

• Format: download and non-download formats available.
• Microgaming casinos do not accept US players.

About Microgaming

• Multi-award winning Microgaming software is one of the top choices for online casinos, with around 160 game sites using it at the time of writing.
• This is in spite of the fact that Microgaming elected to make their software unavailable to US players.
• Microgaming were established in 1994 and had the very first online casino.
• Their head office is in The Isle of Man (UK)
• Microgaming were co-founders of the eCOGRA regulation system, an independent, non-profit organisation ensuring operators act responsibly, treat players fairly and ensure winnings are paid out on time.
• Their online gaming products include over 450 casino games, multi-player poker and bingo, and live dealer casino games.
• Microgaming’s Progressive Jackpot Network is the world’s largest online progressive network.

Here’s our review of the Caribbean Stud Poker at casinos using  Digital Gaming Solutions (DGS) software

• DGS call their game ‘Stud Poker’ on the game menus, but it is Caribbean Stud.
• There are two versions of the game, one with a Progressive Jackpot and one with fixed jackpot.
• For those with the Progressive, it’s a particularly good one, which reaches the point of having no house edge at $136,558.93. This is the best we’ve seen online.
• The fixed jackpot side bet gives you 10k x your stake.
• The default pay table is the standard Caribbean Stud, with a house edge of 5.22%.  However, DGS casinos are allowed to vary their pay tables so some, including The Greek as shown below,  have the default payouts but some have a better version.  You’d need to check which one your preferred casino is using.
• Format: non-download Flash.
• Most DGS casinos are open to US players.

About DGS

• DGS casinos are generally part of a sportsbook site.
• At the time of writing there are around 40 online game sites using DGS software.
• The Digital Gaming Solutions head office is in Costa Rica.
• Their online gaming products include sports betting and casino games.

Recommended DGS casinos

You can play DGS Caribbean Stud at these recommended casinos:

• The Greek Casino  – has the fixed jackpot with improved paytable
• Diamond Sportsbook Casino – has a choice of fixed or progressive jackpot games, both with the default paytable.

Find out about Caribbean Stud Poker at Wager Works Casinos

• Wager Works Caribbean Stud pay table has an exceptionally low house edge of 4.82%.
• Two different side bet pay tables are also offered with a fixed 25k jackpot or Progressive Jackpot respectively.  Wager Works casinos vary in which they offer.  (May 2010 – Actually the progressive side bet doesn’t seem to be available anywhere any more. We haven’t been able to find a licensee that has it. )
• In reality the fixed jackpot side bet has better odds for the player at 9.2% house edge. You won’t win a million dollar jackpot as the limit is 25k, but the odds on the side bet paytable are way better than any of the online Caribbean Stud progressives unless their pots get extremely large.
• The Wager Works progressive jackpot needs to reach 218047.37  before there is no house edge.
• Both side-bets require a one credit wager.
• Game Format: non-download
• Wager Works casinos do not accept US players.

About Wager Works

• Wager Works are a UK company, owned by International Game Technology (IGT). Their head office is in London.
• Wager Works software powers many of the best known online gaming operators, including Virgin, Mecca, Coral, Gala, Blue Square and Paddy Power.
• They have cleverly built many of their games around licensing famous brands such as Monopoly, Cluedo, Dungeons and Dragons and even Elvis!
• The games are validated by two independent testing labs – Technical Systems Testing (TST) and Gaming Associates (GA) –  as well as certifying systems through the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGGC) and Isle of Man Government.
• Their online gaming products include casino and arcade games.
• The software runs in your browser and does not require a download.
• At the time of writing there are around 65 online game sites using Wager Works software.

Caribbean Stud Poker is a popular casino table game that combines elements of traditional poker with the fast-paced excitement of casino games. Originating in the Caribbean, the game has gained popularity worldwide, attracting both poker enthusiasts and casual casino players. This article will provide an overview of Caribbean Stud Poker, its rules, strategies, and tips for success at the table.

History of Caribbean Stud Poker

While the exact origins of Caribbean Stud Poker are unclear, it is believed to have emerged in the Caribbean islands during the 1980s. The game quickly gained popularity among tourists visiting the region and eventually made its way to the United States. Today, Caribbean Stud Poker can be found in casinos worldwide and has even become available for online play.

The Basics of Caribbean Stud Poker

Caribbean Stud Poker is played with a standard 52-card deck, and the objective is to have a higher-ranking poker hand than the dealer. The game is played on a semi-circular table, similar to that used for blackjack, with space for up to seven players. Each player places an initial ante bet and has the option to participate in a progressive jackpot side bet.

The dealer and each player are then dealt five cards, with the dealer’s cards placed face down except for one upcard. Players may not share or discuss their hands with other players at the table.

After examining their cards, players have two options: they can either fold, forfeiting their ante bet and any side bet, or they can raise by placing a bet equal to twice the ante. Once all players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals their remaining four cards.

Hand Rankings and Payouts

Caribbean Stud Poker uses standard poker hand rankings, with the highest-ranking hand being a royal flush and the lowest being a high card. The dealer must have at least an Ace-King hand to qualify. If the dealer does not qualify, players receive even money on their ante bet and a push on their raise.

If the dealer qualifies and the player has a higher-ranking hand, the player receives even money on their ante bet and a payout on their raise based on their hand:

• Royal flush: 100 to 1
• Straight flush: 50 to 1
• Four of a kind: 20 to 1
• Full house: 7 to 1
• Flush: 5 to 1
• Straight: 4 to 1
• Three of a kind: 3 to 1
• Two pair: 2 to 1
• One pair or less: 1 to 1

If the dealer’s hand is higher, the player loses both their ante and raise bets.

Caribbean Stud Poker Strategies

While Caribbean Stud Poker is largely a game of chance, there are a few strategies to keep in mind:

1. Always raise with a pair or better: Since pairs have a high probability of winning, it is generally a good idea to raise when you have one.
2. Fold with a hand lower than the dealer’s qualifying hand: If your hand is lower than Ace-King, you should fold, as the dealer is likely to have a qualifying hand.
3. Consider the dealer’s upcard: If the dealer’s upcard is an Ace or King and you have a low-ranking hand, folding may be the best option.

Caribbean Stud Poker offers an exciting blend of traditional poker strategy and casino-style gameplay. By understanding the game’s rules and employing basic strategies, players can increase their chances of success at the table. Whether you’re new to poker or an experienced player, Caribbean Stud Poker offers a unique and thrilling gaming experience that’s sure to keep you entertained.