Caribbean Stud Poker rules As the name Caribbean Stud Poker already implies, this is one of the most popular games in south pacific clubs and aboard cruise ships. It is based on 5 Card Stud and is played on a special table similar to a Black Jack table. Before the game starts each player has to make a bet, which is called your ante. In addition to your ante you now have another option called the progressive jackpot, making the game much more interesting. As explained below this progressive jackpot offers additional payoffs but also demands another wager of $1. Five cards are dealt to each player, face down. The dealer himself will also receive five cards but he will turn over his fifth dealt card for all players to see. Now, seeing your five cards and one of the dealers, you have two choices. If you feel you can't beat the dealers hand and you decide to fold simply throw your cards on the table and you are out, hereby losing your ante. On the other side if you think you can beat the dealer's hand you must make an additional bet called a call bet. This bet has to be exactly double the amount of your ante, no more, no less. After the players have made their decision the dealer will flip over his remaining four cards. He must at least have an Ace-King combination or higher to even qualify for play. If the dealer can't open the players who did not fold, automatically win the ante but the call bet will simply be returned without any further payout. In case the dealer does qualify he will then start comparing his hand with the players. For you to win, you have to beat the dealers hand according to the regular poker ranks. If your hand beats the dealer's your ante is returned and your call bet is paid out depending on the strength of your hand. Losing the hand means losing your ante and your call bet. Payouts!