Caribbean Stud Poker– Everything About Features, RTP, and Wins

Before delving into the intricacies of Caribbean Stud Poker, we outline the fundamental flow and structure that make this live dealer game both accessible and deeply strategic for players.

1. Basic Game Rules and Objective
2. Betting Options and Round Flow
3. Side Bets Explained

Basic Game Rules and Objective

Caribbean Stud Poker is a variation of five‑card poker in which players are competing against the dealer and not against other players. In each round, the player places an Ante bet to begin, and both the player and dealer receive five cards. The player’s cards are dealt face‑up while the dealer’s cards remain mostly hidden except for one card shown face‑up.

After the initial deal, the player must decide whether to Call by placing a second bet equal to double the Ante, or to Fold, forfeiting the Ante bet and ending the round. This decision point is crucial because the strength of the player’s five‑card hand relative to the dealer’s potential hand determines the outcome.

The dealer’s qualification rule distinguishes Caribbean Stud Poker from many other poker variants, ensuring a balanced challenge between player skill and house control. Once the dealer has revealed all cards, hands are compared based on standard poker rankings — from high card through royal flush — and payouts are resolved accordingly.

Betting Options and Round Flow

Each round begins with mandatory Ante betting, after which the dealer distributes the cards and the player reviews the initial hand and the dealer’s visible card. The subsequent decision — fold or call — is the central strategic point of the game. A Fold results in immediate loss of the Ante, while a Call signals confidence that the player’s hand can beat the dealer’s final hand once revealed.

If the dealer’s hand does not qualify, the player automatically wins the Ante with even money and the Call becomes a push. If the dealer qualifies and has a weaker hand than the player, the Ante pays even money and the Call wager pays according to a predetermined payout schedule based on poker hand strength. In cases where the dealer wins, both Ante and Call are lost.

This clear and structured round progression makes Caribbean Stud Poker highly appealing to players who prefer straightforward, decision‑based gameplay with visible risk and reward thresholds. The lack of community cards or multi‑player bluffing dynamics also streamlines gameplay for both beginners and seasoned players alike.

Side Bets Explained

Beyond the central Ante and Call wagers, Caribbean Stud Poker introduces optional side bets that add thrilling additional layers to the game. The first is the 5+1 Bonus, which uses the player’s five cards plus the dealer’s up card to form a potential five‑card poker hand. If this six‑card combination forms a Three of a Kind or better, the player wins the side bet payout — with a top payout up to 1000:1 for a Royal Flush.

The Progressive Jackpot side bet is another optional wager that contributes a fixed stake to a growing jackpot pool. If a player hits a Royal Flush while playing this side bet, they can win a share of the jackpot, which continues to rise until it is hit. 

Players should be mindful that side bets typically carry lower RTP values compared to the main game, but they offer significant upside for those willing to take calculated risks within their bankroll strategies.