Invented in the 1980s specifically to attract poker players to the main casino floor, Caribbean Stud is a fantastic, fast-paced table game.

Furthermore, Caribbean Stud is famous for offering a massive, life-changing progressive jackpot side bet that can reach millions of dollars.
How to Start a Game of Caribbean Stud
The dealer then deals themselves five cards, but crucially, turns their very last card completely face up for the entire table to see.

Players are now allowed to pick up their five cards and quietly examine their hand to determine its poker strength.
The game uses standard five-card poker rankings (e.g., Flush, Full House)Players only compete against the dealer, never against each otherThe initial mandatory bet is called the "Ante" The Dealer Qualification Rule
If the player decides to "Call" and double their bet, the dealer flips over their remaining four hidden cards to reveal their hand.

Crucially, if the dealer does not qualify, the player's massive "Call" bet simply pushes (ties) and is returned, regardless of how strong the player's hand was.
Optimal Strategy and the Progressive Jackpot
Because there is only one decision to make, the optimal mathematical strategy for Caribbean Stud is surprisingly rigid and easy to memorize.

Aside from the main game, Caribbean Stud is famous for its optional $1 progressive jackpot side bet.
Player ActionConditionResultFoldAlwaysLose Ante bet immediatelyPlay (Call)Dealer does NOT qualifyWin Ante 1:1, Call bet pushes
Caribbean Stud offers a fantastic, low-stress bridge between the intense strategy of the poker room and the pure luck of the casino pit.