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.
The Core Mechanics of the Game
The dealer then deals themselves five cards, but crucially, turns their very last card completely face up for the entire table to see.

They must either "Fold" and immediately lose their Ante, or "Call" (also known as "Play") by placing a bet exactly twice the size of their Ante.
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" Why the Dealer Must Qualify
However, before the hands are even compared, the dealer's hand must absolutely meet a minimum required strength known as "qualifying."

This qualification rule is the primary source of frustration for players, as getting a massive hand when the dealer doesn't qualify results in a tiny payout.
The Massive Jackpot Side Bet
The golden rule is incredibly simple: Always fold any hand weaker than Ace-King, and always play any hand containing a Pair or better.

While the house edge on this specific side bet is astronomically high (often over 25%), the lure of a multi-million dollar payout makes it incredibly popular.
Hand HeldOptimal Strategy DecisionAny Pair or BetterAlways PLAY (Call)Weaker than Ace-KingAlways FOLD
Caribbean Stud offers a fantastic, low-stress bridge between the intense strategy of the poker room and the pure luck of the casino pit.