Table games using poker rules should not be confused with poker. In poker, there is betting and bluffing, and the players contend with each for the “pot.” In poker-like table games, the house plays against the players, there is no bluffing, no skill, and very little decision-making other than whether to play and how much to bet. Nevertheless, Caribbean Stud is a popular game of chance on the main floors of casinos. At the commencement of play, each player antes into the place in front of him or her on the game table layout. The dealer will then say, “No more bets” and deal the cards. Each player receives 5 cards face down. The dealer reveals one of the cards in the house hand, and pushes them into the table. Players then look at their cards. It is not permitted to discuss the cards or look at anyone else’s cards. This could result in forfeiture of all bets (a “Dead Hand”). If a player receives the wrong number of cards, they are not to be revealed. That player will then have to sit out that hand.

A player may then fold by pushing the cards face down under the ante, which is lost. If a player decides to play, a bet equal to twice the ante is placed in the betting square or circle in front of them. Then the dealer reveals the other four cards in the house hand. The lowest playable hand is an ace-king. If the dealer does not have that, the players are paid 1:1 on their antes, but the other bets are returned. If the dealer has a playable hand, it is compared with each player’s hand, in order clockwise, and the bets are settled.

There is a progressive payout in Caribbean Stud that rewards anyone who draws a particularly strong hand. The correct technique for entering the progressive jackpot may vary from casino to casino, but it is always up to the player to make that additional side bet in the matter prescribed prior to the dealer’s announcement of “No more bets.”

As in all casino card games, players are not permitted to remove cards from the top of the table. It is considered good form just to peek at the corners rather than lift them up off the deck. Players are not supposed to touch the cards after they have been examined. Just remember what they are.

Beating the dealer pays a minimum of 1:1. If, however, the player’s hand has a pair or better, a larger payoff will be made. A standard payout schedule is given below. These amounts may vary from casino to casino.

If dealer beats the cards in the player's hand, the dealer collects both the ante and bet. No bonus payouts are made.

The “progressive” aspect of Caribbean Stud is the contribution to a grand jackpot, which carries over from game to game and day to day until someone in the casino wins it. Usually the contribution is $1 into a chip acceptor at the table. A flush or higher will win part or all of the progressive jackpot, irrespective of the table bets.

The house edge is about -5.2% against the player's ante.