Caribbean Poker

Caribbean stud poker is a casino table game with rules similar to five card stud poker. However, unlike standard poker games, Caribbean stud is played against the house rather than against other players (and, like most such games, it cannot be beaten in the long run). There is no bluffing or other deception. For these reasons, most poker players do not consider it to be a form of poker. (They do not necessarily feel that it should not be called poker, but means merely that they will not refer to it as simply "poker". For instance, a gambler might say "I played poker" if he played seven card stud, but probably would not if he played Caribbean stud.) The following rules are typical of U.S. casinos, but some of the details (the payouts and limits) vary from casino to casino. To play, every player places his ante on the layout where indicated; all ante wagers must be placed prior to the dealer announcing "No more bets". Each player and the dealer will then receive 5 cards, face down. The dealer will turn over one of his cards, then push the cards toward the players, after which the players may look at their cards. They may only look at their own cards, and may not discuss what they have with any other player at the table. Players have the option to play or fold; if they choose to play, they place their bets (twice the amount of their respective ante) in the bet box. If they choose to fold, they forfeit their ante. After all the players have made their decisions, the dealer reveals his hole cards. The dealer only plays with an ace/king or higher; he then compares his cards to the players' cards (individually, right to left), and the best poker hand wins.