A decade ago, you couldnt find a Caribbean Stud Poker table in a US casino if you tried. In the 21st Century, however, most casinos have at least one, if not two Caribbean Stud tables. Further, with the ever-burgeoning popularity of online casinos, which lure players to their sites by offering a very wide variety of games, Caribbean Stud Poker (and other poker variations) seems to have become part of the casino cannon.

Besides its proliferation through online play, Caribbean Stud has grown in popularity for several reasons. First, in this form of poker, players compete against the dealer. This eradicates the intimidation factor associated with stepping up to a conventional poker table to compete against stern looking, poker-faced gambling veterans. Second, Caribbean Stud offers a progressive jackpot that can reach over $100,000, and third, this form of poker is very simple and easy to play (but not necessarily easy to win!).

Caribbean stud poker is a casino table game similar to five-card stud poker. Its played with a single deck of 52 cards, and as mentioned before, its played against the house as opposed to against other players. There is no bluffing, and as a result, many poker purists dont consider it a form of poker at all. Participants place an initial bet, receive a hand, and choose whether to bet against the dealers hand. This decision is based on the ability to see one of the dealers cards that is dealt face up and on the strength of the bettors 5-card hand. To win, you not only have to beat the dealers hand, but the dealer must also qualify. This occurs when he or she receives a hand with an Ace, a King, or better. If your hand is triumphant, and the dealer qualifies, you are paid on the ante and your raise.

Caribbean Stud poker can be played online for real money or for free, and most online casinos will offer this poker variation at their sites. It uses a random number generator to simulate the shuffling of the cards found in regular casinos. The advantages to playing online are the same as playing any game online. Mainly, the gambler has increased control over his or her environment. Rather than being distracted by the constant stimulation inherent to a land-based casino, online players can sit in total silence, take their time, and carefully contemplate their next decision. This is particularly helpful for those who are new to the game. Playing online will give a Caribbean novice the time to get comfortable with the game and build an effective strategy. Owing to the simplicity of this game, it shouldnt take long to catch on and gain confidence. Its often recommended that new gamblers practice online for free prior to playing for real money.