Also known as “Caribbean Stud Poker”, this game is very widespread on cruise ships sailing through the transparent waters of the Caribbean. The following rules will enable you to try your luck very quickly at a table.
Minimum wager : 10 euros.
Number of players : from 1 to 7.
Aim of the game : the player must have a hand (a “hand” is the five cards the player is dealt) with a combination of cards whose value is higher than that of the bank, represented by the croupier (dealer).
Before play can begin, the croupier shuffles a pack of 52 cards and places them in the card shuffling machine.
For the game to begin, each player must place his bet in the “Ante” box in front of him. Starting from his left, the croupier deals five cards face down to each player and the bank. The bank’s fifth card is dealt face up.
When the cards have been dealt, the player looks at his cards. He then has two options for play.
• If he thinks he has a good hand, he can decide to raise the stakes and thus play against the bank. He then places twice the amount of his initial wager on the “Raise” box.
• If he thinks his hand is too weak to play against the bank, he can decide to fold (abandon the game) : he then forfeits his wager and lays down his cards in front of him.
When all the players have made their decisions, the cards dealt to the bank are revealed. The bank’s hand can play against those of the other players only if the bank is qualified. Which means it must have at least an ace and a king in its hand.
• If the banks qualifies, you win if you have a better combination than the bank. Payouts : even money (the same amount as the initial wager) on the “Ante”, and depending on the combination for the “Raise” wager (see below).
• If the bank is not qualified, the croupier pays even money for wagers placed on the “Ante” but nothing on those placed on “Raise”.
MORE ADVANCED PLAY…
It is possible to “play blind” on boxes to one’s left and right if the seats next to you are empty (though you can’t “play blind” on more than two boxes). In this case, you place your wager, before the cards are dealt, on both “Ante” and “Raise” : you are not allowed to look at the cards until the croupier turns them face up.
WINNING COMBINATIONS AND PAYOUTS
The value of the cards in decreasing order is as follows : ace, king, queen, Jack, ten, nine, eight, seven, six , five, four, three and two. The ace is worth 1 for the straight and straight flush.
• 1 pair : two matching cards (even money).
• 2 pairs : two sets of two matching cards (2 to 1).
• Three of a kind : three matching cards (3 to 1).
• Straight : sequential suit of five cards (5 to 1).
• Suit : five cards of the same color (8 to 1).
• Full house : three matching cards and two other matching cards (10 to 1).
• Four of a kind : four matching cards (20 to 1).
• Straight flush : sequential suit of five cards of the same color (50 to 1).
• Royal flush : 10, Jack, queen, king and ace in the same color (100 to 1).
Where to play Stud Poker :
Sun Casino
