Caribbean Stud Poker Hands & Payouts
Caribbean Stud Poker has been gaining steam over the past few years. It's a fun twist on traditional five-card stud poker, but here in Canada, you're playing against the house, not against other players.
Simply put, if your hand isn't stronger than the dealer's, you lose. The great news is that you can quickly learn the ropes of this game and start playing in no time. To get you fully prepped before hitting the virtual felt, we've broken down the Caribbean Stud Poker hands.
How Caribbean Stud Poker Hands Work
In a game of Caribbean Stud Poker, the dealer gets four cards face down and one card face up. You, the player, receive five cards all dealt face down. Based on your hand and the dealer's visible card, you'll decide whether to fold (surrender) or raise. If you fold, your initial bet is lost. If you decide to raise, you'll need to place a bet equal to twice your original ante.
Here's the hand ranking for Caribbean Stud Poker, from the best possible hand down to the lowest:
- Royal Flush: 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, all of the same suit. The ultimate hand!
- Straight Flush: Any five cards of the same suit in sequential order. For example, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack of hearts.
- Four of a Kind: Four cards all having the same rank. Like four Kings.
- Full House: Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. Think three Queens and two 7s.
- Flush: Any five cards of the same suit, but not in sequence. For example, five spades that aren't sequential.
- Straight: Any five cards in sequential order, but of different suits. For instance, 6 of clubs, 7 of diamonds, 8 of spades, 9 of hearts, and 10 of clubs.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards all of the same rank. Such as three Aces.
- Two Pair: Two cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. For example, two 10s and two 4s.
- Pair: Any two cards sharing the same rank.
- High Card: The highest card in the hand when no other hand is made.
Payouts for Caribbean Stud Poker Hands
Caribbean Stud Poker payouts are somewhat variable and can change in different online casinos. Still, here are the standard payouts for poker hands:
- 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
- Pair: 1:1
It's worth noting that a progressive jackpot side wager may be available at some online casinos. Royal Flush wins a player the progressive payout in addition to the standard one for a Royal Flush in Caribbean Stud Poker.
The Royal Flush in Caribbean Stud Poker
In Caribbean Stud Poker, a Royal Flush is the best possible hand. This hand contains the 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of the same card. Players, who are exceptionally lucky, may receive the maximum payout the game offers by achieving a Royal Flush.
Most casinos offer a payment of 100:1 for a Royal Flush, translating to a $1,000 payout for a Royal Flush on a $10 wager.
The Straight Flush in Caribbean Stud Poker
In Caribbean Stud Poker, the Straight Flush is the best possible hand — five cards in sequence, all in the same deck. The Straight Flush is achieved by holding the 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of spades.
Typically, the payoff for a Straight Flush is 50 to 1. Therefore, a player who wagers $10 and receives a Straight Flush will collect $500.
The Royal Flush in Caribbean Stud Poker
In Caribbean Stud Poker, the reward for a Royal Flush is typically 100:1. Achieving this is the game's ultimate payout and why everyone is trying so hard to win. However, the reward for a Royal Flush varies between the gambling sites.
Before a player starts playing, he or she should always look at the reward chart to see how much can be won with different combinations of cards.
Winning with a Low-Ranking Hand in Caribbean Stud Poker
In Caribbean Stud Poker, players do have a chance to win with a weak hand. A low-ranking hand will typically receive a smaller payment than a high-ranking hand. A set of tens is the lowest-ranking winning hand. A player wins the hand if they have nine or higher.
When dealt a set of tens, the reward is typically 1 to 1. Put another way, if a player wagers $10 and draws a set of tens, he or she will collect a return of $10.
Conclusion
Caribbean Stud Poker is a thrilling and widely played gambling game with high stakes for the winners. The biggest payout in the casino game is given for a Royal Flush, the best possible hand, while the lowest is just a pair of tens.
Checking the payoff chart for Caribbean Stud Poker cards is a good idea before you play because it can differ from casino to casino. Caribbean Stud Poker can be fun if you know how to play and have a little chance.
FAQ
How important are low-ranking hands in Caribbean Stud Poker?
In Caribbean Stud Poker, players can still win with a weaker hand. The game proceeds only if the player has at least an Ace and a King. If the dealer doesn't have a qualifying hand, players get even money on their initial bet and their raise is returned. However, if the dealer qualifies and beats the player's hand, the player loses both the initial bet and the raise.
Do all Canadian casinos offer the same payouts for Caribbean Stud Poker hands?
Payout structures for Caribbean Stud Poker can vary between casinos in Canada. While the overall returns might be similar, some casinos may offer slightly different payouts for specific hands. Additionally, some online casinos feature a progressive jackpot, which depends on the provider and how recently it was won. Always check the specific payout table at the casino you're playing at.
What's the best strategy for playing Caribbean Stud Poker?
Knowing when to raise or fold is key in Caribbean Stud Poker. A good rule of thumb is to raise with a pair or higher, and fold anything worse than Ace-King. If you have Ace-King, raise if the dealer's up card matches one of your cards. However, fold if the dealer shows an Ace or King and you don't have either. Sticking to this basic strategy can improve your chances of winning. Remember to gamble responsibly and set a budget before you play.
