Try your luck at a new online casino game with Caribbean stud poker — one of the best online poker variations for beginners, played against the house. Having gained a huge following in recent years, this poker variant features exciting gameplay and the potential for significant payouts. Ready to play poker online? Read on to unpack game rules, tips, and strategies for an exciting Caribbean stud game.

Caribbean Stud Poker Rules

Caribbean stud is a popular online poker variation that begins with each player making an ante bet to receive five cards, all dealt face-down. The dealer also receives five cards, but one of their cards is dealt face-up. Players then have to decide whether to fold or raise. If you choose to fold, you’ll lose your ante bet. If you believe your hand could beat the dealer’s, you opt to raise, which requires doubling your ante bet.

Here’s the catch — the dealer’s hand must qualify with an ace and a king or higher. If the dealer’s hand doesn’t qualify, you win even money on your ante bet, and your raise bet is a push. However, if the dealer’s hand qualifies and beats yours, you’ll lose both your ante and raise bets. If your hand is superior, you win.

Caribbean Stud Strategy

As with all poker variants, Caribbean stud isn’t just about having the best hand; the decisions you make play a critical role. Consider implementing some expert strategies to improve your odds.

Always Raise With a Pair or Higher

While it might feel risky, statistics show that a pair or higher will beat the dealer’s hand more often than not.

Always Fold With Less Than the Dealer’s Qualifying Hand

Remember, the dealer’s hand must contain an ace and a king or higher to qualify. If your hand doesn’t meet this benchmark, it’s better to fold.

Consider the Dealer’s Visible Card

The dealer’s upturned card can offer valuable insight into whether you should raise or fold. For instance, if the dealer’s visible card matches one of yours, it reduces the likelihood of them having a pair, making it wiser for you to raise.

Consider Your Bankroll

Remember, Caribbean stud is a fast-paced game, and it’s easy to burn through your bankroll if you’re not careful. Always keep an eye on your balance and consider it when making your bets.

Caribbean Stud Payouts

Every casino game has an inherent advantage for the house, known as the house edge. In Caribbean stud, the house edge is approximately 5.22%, meaning that over the long run, the house will win about 5.22% of all bets placed. This is slightly higher than some other casino games, but the allure of this variant lies in the potential for high payouts, especially with the progressive jackpot bets. Even so, it’s crucial to strategize carefully and manage your bankroll responsibly. 

When it comes to Caribbean stud odds, things can get a bit complex due to the numerous possible hand combinations. However, the odds of getting a royal flush, the highest possible hand, are +64,974,000. Meanwhile, the odds for a pair, the most common hand, stand at +136.

When it comes to payouts, the structure can greatly influence your game strategy, making it essential to understand the different payouts for different hands in order to maximize your winnings. A royal flush, the rarest and highest-ranking hand, has payout odds of +10,000, offering the largest potential winnings. A straight flush has payout odds of +5,000, four of a kind +2,000, and a full house +700. A flush has payout odds of +500, a straight +400, while three of a kind has payout odds of +300.

The lowest hands, one pair, or high card, pay out even money (±100 odds) if the dealer’s hand doesn’t qualify. If the dealer’s hand does qualify, however, the payouts can vary.

The progressive jackpot bet, an additional wager in Caribbean stud poker, offers another exciting avenue for potential winnings. If you’re lucky enough to hit a royal flush with your jackpot bet, you’ll win 100% of the progressive jackpot. But even hands as low as flushes will earn you a fixed payout from the jackpot pool.

Enjoy Caribbean Stud Poker Online at BetMGM

It’s time to take your newfound knowledge to the online poker table. Strategize wisely, enjoy the thrill, and may the cards be in your favor. To play Caribbean stud or a range of other exciting poker variants, including daily poker tournaments, register with BetMGM.

Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned pro, be sure to check out our dedicated poker blog. Here, you’ll find informative articles and how-tos to assist your game and understand the industry in greater depth. Check out tips and strategies to master mixed games in poker and how seven-card stud and Texas Hold’em compare for a jump-start lesson in all things poker.