Caribbean Stud Poker rules and house edge
Caribbean Stud Poker is a house-banked game played against the dealer with a single 52-card deck. Each player and the dealer receive five cards. One of the dealer's cards is dealt face up.
How a hand is played
- Place an ante.
- Look at your five cards. Fold and lose the ante, or raise by betting twice the ante.
- The dealer qualifies with ace-king or better. If the dealer does not qualify, the ante pays even money and the raise is returned.
- If the dealer qualifies and you win, the ante pays even money and the raise pays according to the pay table. If the dealer wins, you lose both.
A common raise pay table is 1 to 1 for one pair, 2 to 1 for two pair, 3 to 1 for three of a kind, 4 to 1 for a straight, 5 to 1 for a flush, 7 to 1 for a full house, 20 to 1 for four of a kind, 50 to 1 for a straight flush, and 100 to 1 for a royal flush. Casinos may cap raise payouts.
House edge
The Wizard of Odds calculates a house edge of about 5.22 percent of the ante under that pay table with optimal strategy. The same source lists the progressive jackpot side bet's average house edge at about 26 percent, which makes it a much costlier wager.
Play safely, or not at all
This guide is educational. We do not offer games, accept bets, or link to casinos. In the U.S. states that currently license online casinos, you must be at least 21 and physically located in that state. Every casino game on this page has a built-in house advantage or a fee, so treat any money you play with as money you may lose. Set a budget and a time limit before you start. If gambling is causing harm, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) or see our responsible gambling help page.
Frequently asked questions
What does the dealer need to qualify?
Ace-king or better.
How much is the raise?
Twice the ante.
Sources
See also: all game guides, where online casinos are legal, and responsible gambling help.