Caribbean Stud Poker Strategy Guide: Rules, Tips, and How to Beat the House

Caribbean Stud Poker is a popular casino table game that combines elements of Five-Card Stud and traditional poker. Players compete against the dealer rather than each other, aiming to build a stronger five-card hand. With a house edge of approximately 5.2% (when played optimally), strategic decision-making can improve your odds. This guide covers rules, betting tactics, and advanced strategies to maximize payouts and avoid common pitfalls.  

Basic Rules & Game Flow  

1. Ante Bet: Place an initial bet to receive five cards (four face-down, one face-up for the dealer).  

2. Decision: After reviewing your hand, choose to Fold (lose your Ante) or Raise (bet 2x Ante).  

3. Dealer Qualification: The dealer must have at least Ace-King high to play. If not, Raise bets push, and Ante pays 1:1.  

4. Showdown: If the dealer qualifies, compare hands. Higher-ranked hand wins.  

Hand Rankings  

| Hand              | Payout (Raise Bet) |  

|-|--|  

| Royal Flush       | 100:1              |  

| Straight Flush    | 50:1               |  

| Four of a Kind    | 20:1               |  

| Full House        | 7:1                |  

| Flush             | 5:1                |  

| Straight          | 4:1                |  

| Three of a Kind   | 3:1                |  

| Two Pair          | 2:1                |  

| One Pair or Lower | 1:1                |  

Optimal Strategy: When to Raise or Fold  

Use the chart below to minimize the house edge. Base decisions on your hand strength and the dealer’s face-up card.  

Basic Raise/Fold Rules  

| Your Hand Strength | Action |  

|--|--|  

| Pair or Better | Always Raise. |  

| Ace-King High  | Raise only if dealer’s upcard is lower than your kicker (e.g., A♦K♠ vs. dealer’s Q♥). |  

| Ace-Queen High | Fold unless dealer’s upcard is 2–6 and your kicker is Q or higher. |  

| Lower than A-Q | Always Fold. |  

Dealer Upcard Considerations  

- If the dealer shows a weak card (2–6), be more aggressive with marginal hands (e.g., A-10).  

- If the dealer shows a strong card (A, K, Q), tighten your raising range.  

Progressive Jackpot Side Bet  

Many casinos offer a progressive jackpot for rare hands (e.g., Royal Flush). While tempting, the side bet carries a high house edge (~20%). Only play it for fun, not profit.  

Advanced Tactics  

1. Bankroll Management  

- Set a loss limit (e.g., 10x Ante bets) to avoid chasing losses.  

- Avoid doubling down on losing streaks.  

2. Card Memory  

- Track folded player cards (in live games) to estimate remaining deck strength.  

3. Table Selection  

- Choose tables with low minimum bets to extend playtime and practice strategy.  

Common Mistakes to Avoid  

1. Raising Weak Hands: Folding Ace-Queen or lower saves money long-term.  

2. Ignoring Dealer Upcard: Adjust decisions based on the dealer’s visible card.  

3. Overvaluing the Jackpot: The side bet is a sucker’s game.  

Online vs. Live Play Tips  

- Live Dealer Games: Mimic in-person play but avoid side bets.  

- RNG (Random Number Generator): Stick strictly to strategy charts.  

Final Verdict  

Caribbean Stud Poker rewards disciplined strategy. Memorize the Raise/Fold chart, avoid the progressive bet, and manage your bankroll. Practice free versions on [Casino Guru](https://casino.guru) or study books like "The Theory of Caribbean Stud Poker" by David Sklansky.