Apparatus and method for playing cards with a unique betting format

Abstract

A method and apparatus for playing a poker game with a unique betting format is disclosed. The card game is somewhat similar to traditional games of poker and, more specifically, to Hold 'Em poker. The unique gameplay disclosed herein allows for two specific variations on the traditional gameplay associated with standard Hold 'Em. First, one variation of the present invention will incorporate one or more “wild cards” into the game, typically in the form of jokers. These additional cards, when added to the standard 52 card deck of playing cards, can be used to represent any other card in the deck. A second variation of the present invention incorporates at least one additional round of betting into the gameplay. In this version, after the betting on the “river” card has occurred, the next player in turn to bet can choose to “check” or initiate another round of betting. However, if the player wishes to initiate another round of betting, that player must also expose one of their hole cards by turning it face up on the table. Each of the remaining players can then choose to “call” the bet, “raise” the bet, or fold. However, if the other players choose to remain in the game by initiating a bet, or by calling or raising a previous bet, then they must also expose one of their hole cards as well. The initial player and each of the subsequent players may all simply elect to “check” and not initiate a new round of betting which will allow the game to conclude in a fashion similar to standard Hold 'Em. Finally, the use of jokers and the additional round of betting may be incorporated into a single preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention generally relates to the field of gaming and more specifically relates to a method of playing cards. [0003] 2. Background Art [0004] Five card and seven card poker are games of chance and recreation that almost everyone knows how to play. As a leisure time activity, poker and other card games have fascinated the public for many years. A vast majority of the many developed poker variations use the same basic priority or ranking of winning poker hands (i.e., Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, and High Card(s) in a Hand). [0005] In an informal “family type” poker game, each player is dealt a poker hand by the “dealer” who is usually one of the players at the table. Frequently, each player / dealer has the option to choose what type of game (i.e.—five card stud, five card draw, seven card stud, hi-low, Texas Hold 'Em) is play...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] A method and apparatus for playing a poker game with a unique betting format is disclosed. The card game is somewhat similar to traditional poker and, more specifically, to Hold 'Em poker. The unique gameplay disclosed herein allows for two specific variations on the traditional gameplay associated with standard Hold 'Em. First, one variation of the present invention will incorporate one or more “wild cards” into the game, typically in the form of jokers. These additional cards, when added to the standard 52 card deck of playing cards, can be used to represent any other card in the deck. A second variation of the present invention incorporates at least one additional round of betting into the gameplay. In this version, after the betting on the “river” card has occurred, the next player in turn to bet can choose

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, this level of familiarity has also led to a certain amount of dissatisfaction for many players.

For many experienced Hold 'Em players, the odds of winning any given hand can be computed with almost mathematical precision, making the game less enjoyable as the game is reduced to a somewhat predictable series of events, based on the statistical probabilities underlying the cards played in a given hand.

While bluffing and other strategies can be employed, newer players are often at a distinct disadvantage in these scenarios and will simply “fold” or quit playing the game.

Even experienced players, who are used to employing highly involved bluffs and strategies during gameplay will often feel limited by the present constraints of the game.

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