Caribbean Stud Poker

What is Caribbean Stud Poker?

Caribbean Stud Poker is a live dealer poker game from Evolution that combines classic poker rules with exciting side bets. Unlike Texas Hold’em, you don’t play against other players, only against the dealer.

The goal is simple: make a stronger five-card poker hand than the dealer using your own cards. You start each round with an Ante bet, and once you see your five cards, you decide whether to Play or Fold. If you play, you must place a second bet that’s double your Ante.

The dealer needs an Ace and a King, or better, to qualify. If the dealer doesn’t qualify, you automatically win on the Ante, and your Play bet pushes.

Caribbean Stud Poker also includes two optional side bets: the 5+1 Bonus Bet and the Progressive Jackpot Bet, which can award massive prizes, including a Royal Flush jackpot worth thousands.

This game is great for players who love poker but prefer a fast, easy format without bluffing or complex decisions. Every round is quick, clear, and full of excitement.

How to Play Caribbean Stud Poker

Game Features

In each round, the live dealer and the player get five cards each. The cards for the player are dealt face up. Only one of the dealer’s cards, on the other hand, is face up. The other four are face down.

It is during this stage of the game that the player can win the very enticing 5+1 Bonus side bet. The player’s five cards, together with the only face-up card that the dealer has, are considered here. If they form ‘three of a kind’ or better, then the player is eligible to win the bonus money.

This is also the period of the game in which the player has to decide whether to raise or fold. After this, the other four cards the dealer has are turned face up. This is when the player finds out whether he has a winning hand.

For the dealer’s hand to qualify, it has to contain an Ace and a King or better. The minimum qualifying hand contains an Ace, a King, a four, a three, and a two. Hands with a minimum of one pair and higher qualify as well.

If the player’s hand is better, he wins the Ante bet. If a player’s hand is better and the dealer qualifies, the player also wins the bet amount.

Side Bets Explained

Caribbean Stud Poker becomes even more exciting with its two optional side bets — the 5+1 Bonus Bet and the Progressive Jackpot Bet. These bets give you extra chances to win, even when you lose the main hand.

5+1 Bonus Bet

The 5+1 Bonus Bet combines your five cards with the dealer’s single face-up card to make a six-card poker hand.

If this hand forms Three of a Kind or better, you win the bonus payout. 5+1 Bonus Payouts:

• Royal Flush – 1,000:1
• Straight Flush – 200:1
• Four of a Kind – 100:1
• Full House – 20:1
• Flush – 15:1
• Straight – 10:1
• Three of a Kind – 7:1

This side bet is perfect for players who want frequent smaller wins or a shot at a big multiplier, regardless of what happens in the main game.

Progressive Jackpot Bet

The Progressive Jackpot Bet is your ticket to the biggest prizes in the game. When you place this bet, you qualify for a growing jackpot that increases with every player’s wager across all tables.

If you hit a Royal Flush, you win the entire jackpot. Smaller winning hands also pay fixed prizes. Progressive Jackpot Payouts:

• Royal Flush – Jackpot (progressive prize)
• Straight Flush – 2,500:1
• Four of a Kind – 250:1
• Full House – 50:1
• Flush – 25:1

Even though the jackpot bet has a lower RTP (81.84%), it offers life-changing potential and adds extra excitement to every round.

Both side bets are optional, so use them wisely. The 5+1 Bonus Bet is great for steady fun, while the Progressive Jackpot is all about taking a big risk for an even bigger reward.

Strategy and Tips for Caribbean Stud Poker

Caribbean Stud Poker is a mix of strategy and luck. You can’t bluff or influence other players, so your best edge comes from making smart Play or Fold decisions. Here are some simple tips that help you play better:

Know When to Play

You should always play when you have a Pair or better. Those hands win often enough to make it worth the extra bet.

Use the Ace-King Rule

If you don’t have a Pair, play only with Ace-King and one of these situations:

• The dealer’s visible card is a Queen or lower, and you have an Ace-King-Queen or higher.
• The dealer’s visible card is an Ace or King, and you have a Queen or Jack in your hand (which reduces their chance of pairing).
• If none of these apply, it’s usually better to Fold.

Play Smart with Side Bets

The 5+1 Bonus Bet pays often enough to keep it interesting but has a lower RTP (91.44%). The Progressive Jackpot Bet offers huge wins but pays rarely (81.84% RTP). Use them occasionally, not every round.

Manage Your Bankroll

Since you often place two bets (Ante and Play), your total wager doubles quickly. Set limits and stick to them.

Stay Focused and Have Fun

Caribbean Stud Poker is fast and exciting. Don’t overthink every hand, enjoy the flow, and trust the math over time.

Quick Facts

Feature	Details
Developer	Evolution
Game Type	Live Poker (Dealer vs Player)
Goal	Beat the dealer’s five-card hand
Dealer Qualification	Ace and King or higher
Side Bets	5+1 Bonus Bet, Progressive Jackpot Bet
5+1 Bonus Max Payout	Up to 1,000:1
Progressive Jackpot Max Win	Royal Flush – Jackpot prize
Main Game RTP	96.30%
5+1 Bonus RTP	91.44%
Jackpot Bet RTP	81.84%
Deck Used	Standard 52-card deck
Devices	Desktop, Mobile, Tablet
Players	Unlimited simultaneous players
Special Feature	Live jackpot, real-time dealer interaction

FAQs