If Caribbean poker is played correctly, the house edge is around 5%, depending on the rules. Interestingly, the risk factor of this card game is somewhere about 2.5%. While it is true that chances are still more on the casino side than craps or blackjack, for example, Caribbean Stud Poker can offer players high prizes and, above all, a lot of fun and excitement.

Winnings, however, do not come by themselves, but it is necessary to learn at least the basic rules, preferably the best strategy and of course avoid all the beginner's mistakes, which makes you unnecessarily lose hands.

Rules of Caribbean Stud Poker

As the name implies, Caribbean Stud is based on traditional poker. Knowing the general poker rules will help you a lot. One of the most important things that differ from poker is that players do not compete against each other but play against the casino instead. Then the game is more likely blackjack.

The game begins with all players placing a basic bet called ANTE that is at least equal to the minimum allowed bet. The player also can place a side bet to qualify for the jackpot game. Then, five cards are dealt face down to both players and the dealer. The Dealer's Card 5 is face up. Players then examine cards and decide whether to continue playing or fold. If the player folds, the ante bet is forfeited and the player ends the round.

If a player decides to continue playing, he must place a double ante bet on the BET field. This means that if you are playing a table with a minimum bet of $ 10, the ante will be $ 10 and the BET will be $ 20. Once all players have folded or placed a bet, the dealer turns all his cards face up and starts counting.

First of all, the dealer must qualify for the game. And for that, he must show at least Ace / King or higher. If they do not qualify for the game, players are paid an ante bet of 1 to 1 and the BET bet returns to the pot.

Once a dealer gets into play, his hand is compared to the player's hands and the stronger wins. Hands are based on traditional poker combinations. If a player wins, he is paid ante bet 1: 1 and BET bet according to the ratio:

Common Mistakes that Beginners Make

One of the most common mistakes made by not very experienced Caribbean Stud poker players is to think low pairs are not worth continuing. Just consider that, on average from 46 % the dealer does not qualify for the play.  The first useful tip for Caribbean Stud Poker is that even a weak pair has a 50% chance of winning.

Another mistake is to play unless you do not have at least an Ace / King. This is the limit for the dealer to qualify for the game. Once the dealer qualifies for the game, you automatically lose both the BET and the ANTE.

In principle, it is sufficient to remember two basic rules:

• Play whenever you have at least a pair or more
• Always fold unless you have at least Ace / King

Jackpot Side Bet

In addition to Ante and Bet bets, you have the option to bet one coin on the Jackpot, where you can win extra money if you have at least a flush or more on your hand. Specific winnings for individual combinations may vary by the table, but in general, the bet refers to a progressive jackpot is paid out in proportion:

• Straight Flush - 10% of the total jackpot value
• Royal Flush - 100% of the total jackpot value

Other winning combinations do not cut the jackpot value but are paid out according to the casino rules.

In most cases, you may encounter the following payouts:

• Flush - 50 to 100 coins
• Full House - 75 to 150 coins
• Four of a Kind - usually 500 coins

In general, however, just like with all side bets, this is a sucker bet. House Edge, in this case, is somewhere around 26%. However, some experienced players and mathematicians agree that betting a side bet may pay off statistically if the progressive jackpot is at least $ 260,000.