Method of playing a card game with a non-standard playing card

Abstract

A method of playing a card game is provided. The method can include providing playing cards having standard cards and non-standard cards, the standard cards having their standard values and the non-standard cards each having a variable value in a hand of the card game. The method can further include providing a secondary bet in which at least some of the standard cards have different values and the non-standard cards each have a non-variable value.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 765,775, filed Mar. 3, 2025, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] This invention relates to games, and particularly to playing card games with a card deck.BACKGROUND

[0003] Card games are entertaining activities that can be enjoyed by one or more people. For example, some card games, such as solitaire, can be single-player games. Other games may require a group of players. Some popular card games include games that can be played in the home and at casinos, such as poker.

[0004] Card games can utilize a deck of cards, which can include a standard set of fifty-two cards with thirteen cards of each of suits clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades. Some games can assign values to cards based on standard values of cards. For example, a standard deck of cards can include cards numbered two through ten, each card having a value equal to its number. Certain games can assign values to combinations of cards, or a hand, as part of rules of a game. Accordingly, a player can have a higher-ranking hand, for example, to win against an opponent. In poker, for example, a hand having a straight flush, or five consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., an eight of hearts, nine of hearts, ten of hearts, Jack of hearts, and Queen of hearts), can be a higher-ranking hand than a hand having a pair, or two cards of the same rank (e.g., two Aces).SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments provide method of playing a card game by two players. The method can include providing playing cards. The playing cards can include forty-eight standard cards. The standard cards can include four suits, each suit different from the remaining suits, each suit including twelve standard cards including nine number cards numbered two through ten, one Ace card, and two first face cards. The playing cards can also include four second face cards, the second face cards being non-standard and having a variable value for a first hand of the card game. The method can also include determining a first player of the two players has a first advantage and a second player of the two players has a second advantage based on the first player drawing a higher card from the playing cards. The method can also include providing the first player with first player cards and the second player with second player cards for the first hand, each of the first player cards and the second player cards including five playing cards. The method can also include providing a first set of cards including five playing cards placed face up. The method can also include providing a second set of cards including three playing cards placed face down, two of the first set of cards replaceable by two of the second set of cards by the first player having the first advantage, and one playing card of the second player cards of the second player having the second advantage replaceable by the remaining one of the second set of cards. The method can also include providing a first secondary bet of the first hand in which the first player provides two playing cards from the first player cards placed face down and the second player provides two playing cards from the second player cards placed face down, for the first secondary bet, at least some of the standard cards having non-standard card values and the second face cards having a non-variable value. The method can also include revealing a first called hand of the first player and a second called hand of the second player for the first hand, the first called hand of the first player including at least one playing card of the first player cards and at least one playing card of the first set of cards, and the second called hand of the second player including at least one playing card of the second player cards and at least one playing card of the first set of cards. The method can also include revealing the playing cards in the first secondary bet. The method can also include determining if the first player or the second player has won at least one of the first hand and the first secondary bet.

[0006] In some embodiments, the two first face cards include a Queen face card and a King face card.

[0007] In some embodiments, each suit includes one of the second face cards. Each of the second face cards is configured to replicate one of the standard cards in the respective suit of the respective second face card for the first hand of the card game such that each of the second face cards has the variable value.

[0008] In some embodiments, if the first player cards includes five of the playing cards, the five of the playing cards being of one of the four suits and including the Ace card, the two first face cards of the standard cards, the second face card different from the two first face cards of the standard cards, and a ten number card of the nine number cards of the standard cards, the first player cards is a royal flush. If the first player cards includes five of the playing cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking, the first player cards is a straight flush. If the first player cards include four of the playing cards of the same rank, the first player cards is a four of a kind. If the first player cards includes five of the playing cards including three of a kind and a pair of the playing cards, the first player cards is a full house. If the first player cards includes five of the playing cards of the same suit but not in consecutive ranking, the first player cards is a flush. If the first player cards includes five of the playing cards in consecutive ranking but not of a single suit, the first player cards is a straight. If the first player cards include three of the playing cards of the same rank, the first player cards is a three of a kind. If the first player cards include four of the playing cards including two pairs of the playing cards of the same rank, the first player cards is a two pairs. If the first player cards include two of the playing cards including two of the playing cards of the same rank, the first player cards is a one pair.

[0009] In some embodiments, after the two of the first set of cards are replaced by the two of the second set of cards by the first player having the first advantage, the remaining one of the second set of cards is revealed such that the second player can decide whether to replace the one playing card of the second player cards with the remaining one of the second set of cards.

[0010] In some embodiments, in the first secondary bet, the non-standard card values include the Ace card having a value of eleven and the first face cards each having a value of one. In the first secondary bet, the non-variable value is zero for each of the second face cards.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first player or the second player wins the first secondary bet if a combined value of the two playing cards from the first player cards or the second player cards matches a predetermined value.

[0012] In some embodiments, the card game includes three possessions including a first possession, a second possession, and a third possession, the first player having the first advantage having two of the three possessions and the second player having the second advantage having one of the three possessions. Each possession includes three hands including a first hand, a second hand, and a third hand, the first hand of the card game being the first hand of the first possession. Each possession includes three secondary bets including a first secondary bet, a second secondary bet, and a third secondary bet, the first secondary bet of the first hand being the first secondary bet of the first possession.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first player having the first advantage has the first possession and determines how the first player cards and the second player cards in the first possession are dealt for each of the three hands of the first possession.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method further includes providing an optional opportunity for a first challenge to a player winning the called hand if an opposing player wins the secondary bet, wherein the player winning the called hand wins the first challenge if the player winning the called hand proves the opposing player could have played a higher-ranking hand in the first hand.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first player having the first advantage has the third possession. The second player having the second advantage may take the third possession if the score on the second hand of the third possession reaches a predetermined score.

[0016] In some embodiments, the standard cards include a four of clubs card, the four of clubs card is configured to replicate any one of the standard cards.

[0017] In some embodiments, the playing cards are digital cards.

[0018] Embodiments provide a method of playing a card game by two players. The method can include providing playing cards. The playing cards can include forty-eight standard cards. The standard cards can include four suits, each suit different from the remaining suits, each suit including twelve standard cards including nine number cards numbered two through ten, one Ace card, and two first face cards. The playing cards can also include four second face cards, each suit including one of the second face cards, and each of the second face cards having a variable value and configured to replicate one of the standard cards in the respective suit of the respective second face card for a first hand of the card game such that each of the second face cards has the variable value. The second face cards can have a non-variable value in a secondary bet of the first hand. The second face cards has a non-variable value in a secondary bet of the first hand. The method also includes providing each of a first player and a second player of the two players with at least two player cards for the first hand. If the player cards include five of the playing cards, the five of the playing cards being of one of the four suits and including the Ace card, the two first face cards of the standard cards, the second face card different from the two first face cards of the standard cards, and a ten number card of the nine number cards of the standard cards, the player cards is a royal flush for the first hand. If the player cards includes five of the playing cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking, the player cards is a straight flush for the first hand. If the player cards includes four of the playing cards of the same rank, the player cards is a four of a kind for the first hand. If the player cards includes five of the playing cards including three of a kind and a pair of the playing cards, the player cards is a full house for the first hand. If the player cards includes five of the playing cards of the same suit but not in consecutive ranking, the player cards is a flush for the first hand. If the player cards includes five of the playing cards in consecutive ranking but not of a single suit, the player cards is a straight for the first hand. If the player cards includes three of the playing cards of the same rank, the player cards is a three of a kind for the first hand. If the player cards includes four of the playing cards including two pairs of the playing cards of the same rank, the player cards is a two pairs for the first hand. If the player cards includes two of the playing cards including two of the playing cards of the same rank, the player cards is a one pair for the first hand.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method also includes providing a first set of cards including five playing cards; and revealing a first called hand of the first player and a second called hand of the second player for the first hand, the first called hand including a first combination of the first set of cards and the player cards of the first player and the second called hand including a second combination of the first set of cards and the player cards of the second player.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method also includes providing a second set of cards including three playing cards; and determining a first player of the two players has a first advantage and a second player of the two players has a second advantage based on the first player drawing a higher card from the playing cards. At least one of the first set of cards, for example two cards, is replaceable by at least one of the second set of cards by the first player having the first advantage. At least one of the player cards of the second player having the second advantage is replaceable by at least one of the second set of cards.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method also includes providing the first secondary bet in which the first player provides two playing cards and the second player provides two playing cards. For the first secondary bet, at least some of the standard cards have non-standard card values.

[0022] Embodiments provide a method of playing a card game by two players. The method can include providing playing cards. The playing cards can include forty-eight standard cards. The standard cards can include four suits, each suit different from the remaining suits, each suit including twelve standard cards including nine number cards numbered two through ten, one Ace card, and two first face cards. The playing cards can also include four second face cards, the second face cards being non-standard and having a variable value for a first hand of the card game. The method can also include providing each of a first player and a second player of the two players with at least two player cards for the first hand such that the first player has first player cards and the second player has second player cards. The method can also include providing a first secondary bet of the first hand in which the first player provides at least two playing cards from the first player cards and the second player provide at least two playing cards from the second player cards, for the first secondary bet, at least some of the standard cards having non-standard card values and the second face cards having a non-variable value. The method can also include revealing the playing cards in the first secondary bet. The method can also include providing a first draw game of the first secondary bet if a combined value of the playing cards of either the first player or the second player in the first secondary bet does not reach a predetermined value to win the first secondary bet.

[0023] In some embodiments, providing the first draw game includes providing a third set of cards including four playing cards placed face down; and revealing one of the third set of cards selected by the first player and one of the third set of cards selected by the second player. The first player or the second player wins the first draw game based on whether the first player or the second player selects the second face card of any of the suits, the second face card of any of the suits being one of the third set of cards.

[0024] In some embodiments, providing the first draw game further includes, if neither the first player nor the second player selected the second face card of any of the suits, revealing another one of the third set of cards selected by the first player and another one of the third set of cards selected by the second player, wherein the first player or the second player wins the first draw game based on whether the two playing cards of the third set of cards selected by the first player or the second player comprises two of the Ace cards of the standard cards, and if neither of the two playing cards of the third set of cards selected by the first player nor the second player comprised two of the Ace cards of the standard cards, the first player or the second player wins the first draw game based on whether a combined value of the two playing cards of the third set of cards selected by the first player or the second player reaches the predetermined value.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings various illustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a playing card according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a playing card according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a playing card according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a playing card according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a playing card according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows a method according to exemplary embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 7 shows the method of FIG. 6 according to exemplary embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 8 shows the method of FIG. 6 according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 9 shows a method according to exemplary embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 10 shows the method of FIG. 9 according to exemplary embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 11 shows a method according to exemplary embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 12 shows the method of FIG. 11 according to exemplary embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 13 shows a possession according to exemplary embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 14 shows the possession of FIG. 13 according to exemplary embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 15 shows the possession of FIG. 13 according to exemplary embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 16 shows the possession of FIG. 13 according to exemplary embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 17 shows the possession of FIG. 13 according to exemplary embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 18 shows the possession of FIG. 13 according to exemplary embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 19 shows the possession of FIG. 13 according to exemplary embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 20 shows the possession of FIG. 13 according to exemplary embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 21 shows a computerized system for playing the game according to exemplary embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In the following detailed description of embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Specific details disclosed herein are in every case a non-limiting embodiment representing concrete ways in which the concepts of the invention may be practiced. This serves to teach one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner consistent with those concepts. It will be seen that various changes and alternatives to the specific described embodiments and the details of those embodiments may be made within the scope of the invention. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concepts herein described and in the specific embodiments herein detailed without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not as limiting.

[0048] Some card games can utilize a deck of cards, which can include a standard set of fifty-two cards with thirteen cards of each of suits clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades. Poker is a card game played between players that ranks hands based on the standard value of cards. This can be exemplified by the high card ranking in poker, in which the hand with the highest-ranking card wins. For example, a hand with an Ace is ranked higher than a hand with a Jack, and a hand with a ten numbered card is ranked higher than a hand with a five numbered card.

[0049] Some versions of poker can use a joker card. The joker card can be included in a standard deck of cards such that the deck of cards has fifty-three cards. However, the joker card is not part of any of the four suits. In addition, the joker card is not typically used in a poker game. In a poker variant, the joker card can be used as a wild card, allowing players to substitute another card in the deck with the joker card. The substitution is unlimited such that the joker card can be substituted for any standard card of any suit to change or improve the rank of a hand. Accordingly, the addition of the joker card to the poker game can apply a set of rules to the poker game that materially changes the game and the strategy for playing the game.

[0050] As described herein, a method of playing a card game is provided. The card game can have at least non-standard playing card. In some embodiments, four non-standard playing cards of each suit can be included. The non-standard cards can be included in a standard deck of cards and can replace certain cards such that the deck of cards has fifty-two cards. If a joker card is also included, the deck of cards can have fifty-three cards. The addition of the non-standard playing card can materially change a card game and the strategy for playing the card game.

[0051] The card game can be a poker variant, for example. The method of playing the card game can include determining which of a first player and a second player has a first advantage and which has a second advantage. The first player with the first advantage can replace cards of a first set of cards with cards of a second set of cards. The second player with the second advantage can replace a card from their playing cards with a card of the second set of cards. The players can provide cards for a secondary bet from their playing cards and then select cards for their poker hand. The end of a hand can reveal which player has a higher-ranking hand and if one of the players has won the secondary bet. Multiple hands can be played along with secondary bets, with the player having the most points from winning hands and / or secondary bets winning the card game. The non-standard cards can have different values between the poker hand and the secondary bet. In addition, the standard cards can have different values between the poker hand and the secondary bet. Accordingly, the players must develop materially different playing strategy based on the non-standard cards and the method of play. The method of playing the card game will now be described with reference to the figures.

[0052] Playing cards 100 are shown in FIGS. 1-4 according to exemplary embodiments. Playing cards 100 for card games described herein can include standard cards 110. Standard cards 110 can include cards found in a standard deck of cards. These standard cards 110 can total forty-eight cards. Standard card 110 can include four suits 112. Each suit 112 can be different from the remaining suits 112. For example but not limitation, the four suits 112 used in the game can be the standard suits of an American deck of cards, that is, hearts, clubs, diamonds and spades as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. Other ways of assigning four different suits may use four different colors or four different symbols or combinations of colors and symbols. Each suit 112 can include a plurality of standard cards 110. For example, each suit 112 can include twelve standard cards 110 having nine number cards 122 (FIG. 13) numbered two through ten, one Ace card 124 (not shown) and two first face cards 126 (FIG. 13). In some embodiments, first face cards 126 can include a Queen face card and a King face card. As shown in FIG. 1, suits 112 can include hearts 114. As shown in FIG. 2, suits 112 can include clubs 116. As shown in FIG. 3, suits 113 can include spades 118. As shown in FIG. 4, suits 112 can include diamonds 120.

[0053] Another playing card 100 is shown in FIG. 5 according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 5 shows a second face card 130. Playing cards 100 for card games described herein can include a plurality of second face cards 130. For example, playing cards 100 can include four second face cards 130. Second face cards 130 can be non-standard. In other words, second face cards 130 can be cards that are not found in a standard deck of cards. Each suit 112 can include one second face card 130. Accordingly, playing cards 100 can include second face cards 130 of hearts 114, clubs 116 (FIG. 2), and spades 118 (FIG. 3). Second face card 130 can be different from first face cards 126 (FIG. 13). For example, if first face cards 126 can be a Queen face card or a King face card, second face card 130 is neither a Queen face card nor a King face card. First face cards 126 can be other face cards. In some embodiments, second face card 130 can be referred to as a “Jack Bandit card” and / or another name based on the card game being played. The example second face card 130 illustrated in FIG. 5 is a “Jack Bandit” of hearts, but a Jack Bandit card is included for each of the four suits.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, second face cards 130 can be combinable with standard cards 110 in some card games. However, second face cards 130 can have non-standard card values such that the combinations having second face cards 130 are modified.

[0055] Standard cards 110 can have standard card values. For example, in poker or a poker variant, standard cards 110 can have standard values. In this way, ranks between standard cards 110 can be standard. For example, a ten number card 122 can be a higher-ranking card than a two number card 122. A King first face card 126 can be a higher-ranking card than a Queen first face card 126, which can be a higher-ranking card than a ten number card 122. And Ace card 124 can be a higher-ranking card than a King face card 126.

[0056] In some embodiments, standard cards 110 can have standard card values during a portion of the card game, and non-standard card values during another portion of the card game. For example, for a first hand 140 (FIG. 13), standard cards 110 can have standard card values. For a first secondary bet 180 (FIG. 15) of first hand 140 that is a side bet played during first hand 140, at least some standard cards 110 can have non-standard card values. In some embodiments, for first secondary bet 180, the non-standard card values can include Ace card 124 having a value of eleven and first face cards 126 each having a value of ten. First secondary bet 180 can be referred to as a “blind side bet,” and / or another name based on the card game being played.

[0057] In some embodiments, second face cards 130 can have different card values between first hand 140 (FIG. 13) and first secondary bet 180 (FIG. 15). For example, each second face card 130 can be non-standard and can have a variable value for first hand 140. For first secondary bet 180, each second face card 130 can have a non-variable value.

[0058] In some embodiments, each second face card 130 can replicate one standard card 110. Second face card 130 can be part of one suit 112. In some embodiments, second face card 130 can replicate one standard card 110 in the respective suit 112 of second face card 130. Second face card 130 can replicate standard card 110 in hand 140 (FIG. 13) such that second face card 130 has a variable value in hand 130. In some embodiments, second face card 130 cannot duplicate cards in player hands 142, 144 (FIG. 13) or in a first set of cards 160 (FIG. 13). For example, a Jack Bandit of diamonds cannot be a ten of diamonds if a ten of diamonds is showing in any of card sets 142, 144 or 160.

[0059] In some embodiments, for first secondary bet 180 (FIG. 13), second face card 130 can have a value of zero. Accordingly, the non-variable value is zero for each second face card 130 in secondary bet 190.

[0060] FIG. 6 shows a method 200 of playing a card game according to exemplary embodiments. The card game can be poker or a poker variant, for example, or any other suitable card game.

[0061] Method 200 can include a step 202. Step 202 can include providing playing cards 100. As shown in FIG. 13 according to exemplary embodiments, the card game described herein can include playing cards 100. Playing cards 100 can include forty-eight standard cards 110. Standard cards 110 can include four suits 112, each suit 112 different from the remaining suits 112. Each suit 112 can include twelve standard cards 110. Standard cards can include nine number cards 122, Ace card 124, and two first face cards 126. Playing cards 100 can also include four second face cards 130. Each second face card 130 can have a variable value. Each second face card 130 can replicate one of standard cards 110 in the respective suit of the respective second face card 130 for first hand 140 of the card game such that each second face card 130 has the variable value. Second face card 130 can have a non-variable value in first secondary bet 180 of first hand 140.

[0062] In some embodiments, playing cards 100 can be physical cards. In some embodiments, playing cards 100 can be digital cards.

[0063] In some embodiments, standard cards 110 can include a four of clubs card 134 (not shown) that can replicate one of standard cards 110. Four of clubs card 134 can replicate any one of playing standard cards 110 in any suit 112. In other words, the four of clubs is a “wild” card that can replicate any of the standard playing cards 110 and is not limited to the clubs suit. In variants, the player having possession of the hands as described below can declare the four of clubs as wild or not wild.

[0064] Referring again to FIG. 6, method 200 can include a step 204. Step 204 can include providing each of a first player and a second player of the two players with at least two player cards, 142, 144 for the first hand. Accordingly, the first player can have first player cards 142 and the second player can have second player cards 144. Each of first player cards 142 and second player cards 144 can include a plurality of playing cards 100. In a typical game, the first player cards 142 and second player cards are provided “face down,” so their value cannot be perceived by the opposing player. However, for the purpose of illustrating game play, FIG. 13 shows first player cards 142 and second player cards 144 with both sides shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the first player has five first player cards 142 and the second player has five second player cards 144, but this is not limiting.

[0065] First player cards 142 and second player cards 144 can each include a plurality of playing cards 100. First player cards 142 and second player cards 144 can each include a combination of standard cards 110. First player cards 142 and second player cards 144 may also include second face card 130. Referring to FIG. 13, playing strategy can include the first player and the second player assessing their respective player cards 142, 144 to determine how to develop the highest possible ranking hand.

[0066] First player cards 142 and second player cards 144 can form ranked hands for the first player and the second player, respectively. Rankings may depend on the number and type of cards involved in the hand. A royal flush can be the highest-ranking hand. If player cards 142, 144 include five playing cards 100, the five playing cards 100 being of one of the four suits 112 and including Ace card 124, two first face cards 126 of standard cards 110, second face card 130 different from the two first face cards 126 of standard cards 110, and a ten number card 122 of the nine number cards 122 of standard cards 110, player cards 142, 144 define a royal flush for the first hand 140. In other words, a royal flush can include an Ace card 124, King and Queen first face cards 126, second face card 130, which can replicate a Jack card, and a ten number card 122 all from the same suit 112. The second face card 130 cannot replicate a jack if needed to complete any other straight, but can only replicate a jack to complete a royal flush.

[0067] The next ranking hand is a straight flush. If player cards 142, 144 include five playing cards 100 of the same suit 112 in consecutive ranking, player cards, 142, 144 define a straight flush.

[0068] The next ranking hand is a four of a kind. If player cards 142, 144 includes four playing cards 100 of the same rank, player cards, 142, 144 define a four of a kind.

[0069] The next ranking hand is a full house. If player cards 142, 144 include five playing cards 100 having three of equal rank, a three-of-a-kind, and a pair of playing cards 100 of another equal rank, player cards 142, 144 define a full house.

[0070] The next ranking hand is a flush. If player cards, 142, 144 include five playing cards 100 of the same suit 112 but not in consecutive ranking, player cards 142, 144 define a flush.

[0071] The next ranking hand is a straight. If player cards, 142, 144 include five playing cards 100 in consecutive ranking but not of a single suit 112, player cards, 142, 144 define a straight.

[0072] The next ranking hand is a three of a kind. If player cards, 142, 144 include three playing cards 100 of the same rank, player cards, 142, 144 define a three of a kind.

[0073] The next ranking hand is a two pairs. If player cards, 142, 144 include four playing cards 100 including a first pair of playing cards 100 of the same rank and a second pair of playing cards 100 having a same rank but different from the rank of the first pair, player cards 142, 144 define a two pairs.

[0074] The next ranking hand is a one pair. If player cards, 142, 144 include two playing cards 100 of the same rank, player cards, 142, 144 define a one pair.

[0075] FIG. 7 shows method 200 according to exemplary embodiments. Method 200 can include a step 206. Step 206 can include providing a first set of cards 160 including five playing cards 100, as shown in FIG. 13. First set of cards 160 can be referred to as “community cards” and / or another name based on the card game being played. First set of cards 160 can be placed face up so that their suit 112 and value are visible. Each of the first player and second player can select playing cards 100 from first set of cards 160 for their respective called hand, or hand to win first hand 140.

[0076] In the as-dealt example shown in FIG. 13, the first player can make a straight using the 7, 8 and 9 number cards in player cards 142, the 5 number card from the first set of cards 160 and the Jack Bandit 130 in the first set of cards 160 to replicate a six of hearts. The second player can make a Queens over tens full house by using the pair of tens in player cards 144, the two Queens in the first set of cards 160 and the Jack Bandit 130 in the first set of cards 160 to replicate a Queen of hearts.

[0077] Referring again to FIG. 7, method 200 can include a step 208. Step 208 can include revealing a first called hand of the first player and a second called hand of the second player for the first hand. With reference to FIG. 17 according to exemplary embodiments, each of the first called hand and the second called hand can include a combination of playing cards 100 from player cards and playing cards 100 from first set of cards 160. The players can utilize chips 150 to select playing cards 100 from first set of cards 160 for their called hand. In some embodiments, the second player having the second advantage can place chip 150, followed by the first player having the first advantage placing chip 150. Accordingly, chips 150 can be placed in alternating fashion.

[0078] Referring again to FIG. 7, method 200 can include a step 210. Step 210 can include providing a second set of cards 170 including three playing cards 100, as shown in FIG. 13. Second set of cards 170 can be referred to as a “roost cards” and / or another name based on the card game being played. Second set of cards 170 can be placed face down.

[0079] Referring again to FIG. 7, method 200 can include a step 212. Step 212 can include determining which player of the two players has a first advantage and which player of the two players has a second advantage, based on a draw from the deck to determine which player drew the higher value card. In the example illustrated, the player with cards 142 can make a straight by combining cards in his hand 142 with community cards from first set 160 and the player with cards 144 can make a full house. The player having the first advantage must replace two playing cards 100 from first set of cards 160 with playing cards 100 from second set of cards 170, as shown with reference to FIG. 14 according to exemplary embodiments. For example, the player having the first advantage may determine to replace playing card(s) 100 from first set of cards 160 that match suit 112 of the other player's player cards. In this way, the player with the first advantage can prevent the other player from achieving a higher-ranking called hand. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the player with the first advantage even though he has the lower ranked as-dealt hand has replaced the five of diamonds and the queen of diamonds respectively with the club and spade from the roost to remove the possibility of a diamond flush from the opposing player having player cards 144. As a result, the player with the first advantage now can make a nines over sevens full house using the 7 and 9 number cards from player cards 142 and first set of cards 160 and using the Jack Bandit in first set of cards to replicate a nine of hearts. The other player can no longer form a flush but can form a tens over nines full house by using the 9 and 10 number cards from player cards 144 and first set of cards 160 and using the Jack Bandit in first set of cards to replicate a ten of hearts.

[0080] In some embodiments, second face card 130 in first set of cards 160 cannot be replaced. Then, the third playing card 100 of second set of cards 170 can be revealed. This playing card 100 can be referred to as a “kickback card” and / or another name based on the card game being played. The player having the second advantage can replace one of their player cards 142 with the kickback card, as shown with reference to FIG. 16 according to exemplary embodiments. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 16, the king of diamonds in hand 144 is replaced with the Jack Bandit from the roost. However, if the player had replaced the 8 of diamonds with the Jack Bandit from the roost, he could have improved his ten over nines full house to a kings over tens full house.

[0081] FIG. 8 shows method 200 according to exemplary embodiments. Method 200 can include a step 214. Step 214 can include providing first secondary bet 180 in which the first player provides two playing cards 100 and the second player provides two playing cards 100, as shown in FIG. 15 according to exemplary embodiments. In first secondary bet 180, each player's playing cards 100 must equal a predetermined value to win the points of first secondary bet 180. For example, the predetermined value can be 11.

[0082] The game strategy to achieve the predetermined value for first secondary bet 180 can be modified by playing cards 100 having different card values in first secondary bet 180 versus in first hand 140. In first hand 140, standard cards 110 can have standard card values. For first secondary bet 180 of first hand 140 that is a side bet played during first hand 140, at least some standard cards 110 can have non-standard card values. For first secondary bet 180, the non-standard card values can include Ace card 124 having a value of eleven and first face cards 126 each having a value of one. In first hand 140, second face cards 130 can have a variable value. In some embodiments, each second face card 130 can replicate one standard card 110. For first secondary bet 180, second face card 130 can have a non-variable value of zero. As shown in FIG. 18 according to exemplary embodiments, neither the first player nor the second player won first secondary bet 180 as each of their combinations of playing cards 100 did not equal 11.

[0083] The predetermined value for the secondary bet 180 can be determined in a variety of ways. As one example, the predetermined value may be obtained by both players drawing cards or cutting the deck of cards to reveal two cards that are added to define the predetermined value. Cutting the deck may occur before game play begins, before each possession, or before each hand. The drawing or cutting may be the same drawing used to determine first advantage as described previously, or it may be a separate act of drawing.

[0084] FIG. 9 shows a method 300 of playing a card game according to exemplary embodiments. The card game can be poker or a poker variant, for example, or any other suitable card game.

[0085] Method 300 can include a step 302. Step 302 can include providing playing cards 100. As shown in FIG. 13, the card game described herein can include playing cards 100. Playing cards 100 can include forty-eight standard cards 110. Standard cards 110 can include four suits 112, each suit 112 different from the remaining suits 112. Each suit 112 can include twelve standard cards 110. Standard cards can include nine number cards 122, Ace card 124, and two first face cards 126. Playing cards 100 can also include four second face cards 130. Each second face card 130 can have a variable value. Each second face card 130 can replicate one of standard cards 110 in the respective suit of the respective second face card 130 for first hand 140 of the card game such that each second face card 130 has the variable value. Second face card 130 can have a non-variable value in first secondary bet 180 of first hand 140.

[0086] In some embodiments, playing cards 100 can be physical cards. In some embodiments, playing cards 100 can be digital cards.

[0087] In some embodiments, standard cards 110 can include a four of clubs card 134 (not shown) that can replicate one of standard cards 110. Four of clubs card 134 can replicate any one of standard playing cards 110 in any suit 112, including being able to duplicate a card showing on the board.

[0088] Referring again to FIG. 9, method 300 can include a step 304. Step 304 can include determining a first player of the two players has a first advantage and a second player of the two players has a second advantage. Determining the first advantage has the first advantage can be based on the first player drawing a higher card from playing cards 100. For example, the first player can draw a ten number card 122 while the second player draws a lower eight number card 122. Accordingly, the first player can have the first advantage and the second player can have the second advantage. Drawing a card may involve pulling a card from the deck or cutting the deck and showing the face of the card cut.

[0089] Referring again to FIG. 9, method 300 can include a step 306. Step 306 can include providing the first player with first player cards 142 and the second player with second player cards 144 for first hand 140. First player cards 142 and second player cards 144 can each include a plurality of playing cards 100. For example, each of first player cards 142 and second player cards 144 can each include five playing cards 100, as shown in FIG. 13. First player cards 142 and second player cards 144 can each include a combination of standard cards 110. First player cards 142 and second player cards 144 can also include second face card 130. Referring to FIG. 13, playing strategy can include the first player and the second player assessing their respective player cards 142, 144 to determine how to develop the highest possible ranking hand.

[0090] Referring again to FIG. 9, method 300 can include a step 308. Step 308 can include providing first set of cards 160. First set of cards 160, shown in FIG. 13, can be referred to as “community cards” and / or another name based on the card game being played. As shown in FIG. 13, first set of cards 160 can be placed face up. Each of the first player and second player can select but not remove playing cards 100 from first set of cards 160 for their respective called hand, or hand to win first hand 140.

[0091] Referring again to FIG. 9, method 300 can include a step 310. Step 310 can include providing a second set of cards 160. Second set of cards 170, shown in FIG. 13, can be referred to as a “roost cards” and / or another name based on the card game being played. As shown in FIG. 13, second set of cards 170 can be placed face down.

[0092] The first advantage can allow a player to modify the composition of first set of cards 160. Two of first set of cards 160 can be replaceable by two of second set of cards 160 by the player having the first advantage. In other words, the player having the first advantage can replace playing cards 100 from first set of cards 160 with playing cards 100 from second set of cards 170, as shown with reference to FIG. 14. For example, the player having the first advantage may determine to replace playing card(s) 100 from first set of cards 160 that match suit 112 of the second player's player cards 144. In this way, the player with the first advantage can prevent the other player from achieving a higher-ranking called hand. The third playing card 100 of second set of cards 170 then can be revealed. In some embodiments, second face card 130 in first set of cards 160 cannot be replaced.

[0093] One playing card 100 of second player cards 144 can be replaceable by the remaining one of second set of cards 170. This playing card 100 can be referred to as a “kickback card” and / or another name based on the card game being played. The player having the second advantage can replace one of their player cards 144 with the kickback card, as shown with reference to FIG. 16. In some embodiments, after two of first set of cards 160 are replaced by two of second set of cards 170, the remaining one of second set of cards 170 can be revealed such that the second player can decide whether to replace one of second player cards 144 with the remaining one of second set of card 170.

[0094] Referring again to FIG. 9, method 300 can include a step 312. Step 312 can include providing first secondary bet 180 of first hand 140. In first secondary bet 180, the first player must provide two playing cards 100 and the second player must provide two playing cards 100, as show in FIG. 15. Playing cards 100 are placed face down.

[0095] Referring again to FIG. 9, method 300 can include a step 314. Step 314 can include revealing a first called hand of the first player and a second called hand of the second player for first hand 140. With reference to FIG. 17, each of the first called hand and the second called hand can include a combination of playing cards 100 from player cards, 142, 144 and playing cards 100 from first set of cards 160. The players can utilize chips 150 to select playing cards 100 from first set of cards 160 for their called hand. In some embodiments, the second player having the second advantage can place chip 150, followed by the first player having the first advantage placing chip 150. Accordingly, chips 150 can be placed in alternating fashion.

[0096] Referring again to FIG. 9, method 300 can include a step 316. Step 316 can include revealing playing cards 100 in first secondary bet 180. In first secondary bet 180, each player's playing cards 100, shown in FIG. 15, must equal a predetermined value to win the points of first secondary bet 180. For example, the predetermined value can be 11. In other words, the first player wins first secondary bet 180 if a combined value of two playing cards 100 for first secondary bet 180 from first player cards 142 is 11. As described above, the player must play two cards in the secondary bet, even if it affects his called hand.

[0097] The game strategy to achieve the predetermined value for first secondary bet 180 can be modified by playing cards 100 having different card values in first secondary bet 180 versus in first hand 140. In first hand 140, standard cards 110 can have standard card values. For first secondary bet 180 of first hand 140 that is a side bet played during first hand 140, at least some standard cards 110 can have non-standard card values. For first secondary bet 180, the non-standard card values can include Ace card 124 having a value of eleven and first face cards 126 each having a value of one. In first hand 140, second face cards 130 can have a variable value. In some embodiments, each second face card 130 can replicate one standard card 110. For first secondary bet 180, second face card 130 can have a non-variable value of zero. Another variant may value an ace card 124 as one or eleven points, first face cards 126 as ten points and the number cards points corresponding to their numbers. As shown in FIG. 18 according to exemplary embodiments, neither the first player nor the second player won first secondary bet 180 as each of their combinations of playing cards 100 did not equal 11.

[0098] Referring again to FIG. 9, method 300 can include a step 318. Step 318 can include determining if the first player or the second player has won at least one of first hand 140 and first secondary bet 180. First player cards 142 and second player cards 144 can form ranked hands for the first player and the second player, respectively. As shown in FIG. 18, the second player won first hand 140 because the second player has a full house and the first player has a lower valued full house. The second player has a “10 over 9” full house by using second face card 130 in first set of cards 160 as a 10 of hearts card, and second face card 130 in second player cards 144 as a 9 of diamonds card. The first player has a “9 over 7” full house by using the seven of spades and the nine of clubs in player cards 142, the seven of clubs and the nine of spades in the first set of cards 160 and second face card 130 in first set of cards 160 as a 9 of hearts card.

[0099] A royal flush can be the highest-ranking hand. If player cards, 142, 144 include five playing cards 100, the five playing cards 100 being of one of the four suits 112 and including Ace card 124, two first face cards 126 of standard cards 110, second face card 130 different from the two first face cards 126 of standard cards 110, and a ten number card 122 of the nine number cards 122 of standard cards 110, player cards, 142, 144 is a royal flush for first hand 130. In other words, a royal flush can include an Ace card 124, King and Queen first face cards 126, second face card 130, which can replicate a Jack card, and a ten number card 122 all from the same suit 112. The next ranking hand is a straight flush. If player cards, 142, 144 include five playing cards 100 of the same suit 112 in consecutive ranking, player cards, 142, 144 is a straight flush. The next ranking hand is a four of a kind. If player cards, 142, 144 includes four playing cards 100 of the same rank, player cards, 142, 144 is a four of a kind. The next ranking hand is a full house. If player cards, 142, 144 include five playing cards 100 having three of a kind and a pair of playing cards 100, player cards, 142, 144 is a full house. The next ranking hand is a flush. If player cards, 142, 144 include five playing cards 100 of the same suit 112 but not in consecutive ranking, player cards, 142, 144 is a flush. The next ranking hand is a straight. If player cards, 142, 144 include five playing cards 100 in consecutive ranking but not of a single suit 112, player cards, 142, 144 is a straight. The next ranking hand is a three of a kind. If player cards, 142, 144 include three playing cards 100 of the same rank, player cards, 142, 144 is a three of a kind. The next ranking hand is two pairs. If player cards, 142, 144 include four playing cards 100 including two pairs of playing cards 100 of the same rank, player cards, 142, 144 is two pairs. The next ranking hand is a one pair. If player cards, 142, 144 include two playing cards 100 including two playing cards 100 of the same rank, player cards, 142, 144 is a one pair. A set of five cards without any of these combinations is a bust.

[0100] In some embodiments, if the players tie in first hand 140, another hand can be dealt to each player and new community cards face up and roost cards face down are dealt. Each player must replace one playing card 100 from first set of cards 160 with one playing card 100 from second set of cards 170. In some embodiments, the remaining playing card of second set of cards 170 is not used by either player in the tiebreaking hand. The higher-ranking hand determines the tie breaker.

[0101] Card games described herein can be played in multiple rounds. For example, poker or a poker variant can be played in multiple rounds. In some embodiments, the card game can include three possessions including a first possession, a second possession, and a third possession. FIG. 13 can show a first possession 10, for example. Each possession can include three hands including first hand 140, a second hand, and a third hand. Each possession can include three secondary bets including a first secondary bet, a second secondary bet, and a third secondary bet. First secondary bet 180 of first hand 140 can be first secondary bet of first possession 10.

[0102] The description of game play is described herein for a first hand 140 in first possession 10. A game typically includes more than one possession and more than one hand. Subsequent hands can be played as described above for the first hand 140, except, as can be appreciated, the cards provided or dealt to the players, the community cards and the roost cards will be different in each hand.

[0103] The card games described herein can be played on a point system. Each hand won can be worth one point, for example. The player that wins more hands in a possession can earn one bonus point. The winner of the third possession can win three bonus points. Any points not earned from secondary bets, such as by the players not meeting the predetermined value with their pair of playing cards 100, can roll over to the next hand or possession. In some embodiments, if the players tie, the points from first secondary bet 180 can roll over to the next possession.

[0104] As discussed, one player can have a first advantage. This player can be the “advan” or can be called another name based on the card game being played. The player with the second advantage can be the “edge” or can be called another name based on the card game being played.

[0105] The first player having the first advantage can have two of the three possessions. The second player having the second advantage can have one of the three possessions. In some embodiments, the second player having the second advantage can have the second possession. The player having the possession can determine how playing cards 100 are dealt for each of the three hands for the possession. This can be referred to as a “deal call” and / or another name based on the card game being played. For example, the first player having the first advantage in first possession 10 can choose to distribute playing cards 100 in a split, which can have playing cards 100 dealt alternating between the first player and the second player. Additionally or alternatively, the first player having the first advantage in first possession 10 can choose to distribute playing card 100 in a straight, which can have playing cards 100 dealt consecutively to each player. Accordingly, the player in possession can determine if playing cards 100 are dealt in a split and / or in a straight, e.g., split 5; split 1, straight 4; split 2, straight 3; split 3, straight 2; straight 5; straight 4, split 1; straight 3, split 2; and straight 2, split 3. In some embodiments, the player having possession may also specify other conditions for the hand, such as whether the four of clubs is a wild card.

[0106] The player having the second advantage can steal the last two hands if by the second hand of the third possession, the score reaches a predetermined score. For example, if the first player has seven points and the second player has two points, the second player can steal the last two hands. Accordingly, the player having the second advantage determines how the first player cards and the second player cards are dealt for the remaining hands. In addition, the player having the second advantage can replace playing cards 100 from first set of cards 160 with playing cards 100 from second set of cards 170, as shown with reference to FIG. 14. In other words, the player having the second advantage essentially takes the first advantage. Points earned during previous play are not stolen when hands are stolen.

[0107] FIG. 10 shows an additional step of method 300 according to exemplary embodiments. Method 300 can include a step 320. Step 320 can include providing an optional opportunity for a first challenge to a player winning the called hand if an opposing player wins the secondary bet. In the challenge, the challenging player must prove that the challenged player could have played a better ranking hand for the challenge to be successful. The higher-ranking hand the challenged player could have played does not need to upgrade the challenged hand to a winning hand, but it must be at least one rank higher than the called hand of the challenged player. For example, the challenged player may have a pair in their called hand when they could have had a three of a kind. The players can use at least one of first set of cards 160 and second set of cards 170 to make their argument for the challenge.

[0108] Points can be deducted if a challenge is successful. For example, the challenged player can lose one point if a challenge is successful. In addition, points from first secondary bet 180 can go to the challenging player. The challenged player may also be banned from winning the second secondary bet and the third secondary bet in subsequent hands, but they still must place two cards in the secondary bet category. In this circumstance, only challenging player can win the secondary bets. The ban can continue to the next possession if the challenge occurs on the last hand of the possession. The challenged player can challenge the other player even after losing a challenge.

[0109] The challenging player can lose a point if they lose the challenge. The challenging player can also forfeit the right to challenge for the remainder of the possession. The ban on challenging can continue to the next possession if the challenging player loses the challenge on the last hand of the possession.

[0110] If a player loses a challenge twice, they can be banned from challenging or from winning further secondary bets for the remainder of the card game, but they must put cards into the secondary bet as described previously. If the challenge occurs during the last hand of the last possession, two points can be deducted. Points can be deducted after the card game has concluded.

[0111] FIG. 11 shows a method 400 of playing a card game according to exemplary embodiments. The card game can be poker or a poker variant, for example, or any other suitable card game.

[0112] Method 400 can include a step 402. Step 402 can include providing playing cards 100. As shown in FIG. 13, the card game described herein can include playing cards 100. Playing cards 100 can include forty-eight standard cards 110. Standard cards 110 can include four suits 112, each suit 112 different from the remaining suits 112. Each suit 112 can include twelve standard cards 110. Standard cards can include nine number cards 122, Ace card 124, and two first face cards 126. Playing cards 100 can also include four second face cards 130. Each second face card 130 can have a variable value. Each second face card 130 can replicate one of standard cards 110 in the respective suit of the respective second face card 130 for first hand 140 of the card game such that each second face card 130 has the variable value, but cannot change suit. Second face card 130 can have a non-variable value in first secondary bet 180 of first hand 140.

[0113] In some embodiments, playing cards 100 can be physical cards. In some embodiments, playing cards 100 can be digital cards.

[0114] In some embodiments, standard cards 110 can include a four of clubs card 134 (not shown) can replicate one of standard cards 110. Four of clubs card 134 can replicate any one of playing standard cards 110 in any suit 112.

[0115] Method 400 can include a step 404. Step 404 can include providing each of a first player and a second player of the two players with at least two player cards 142, 144 for first hand 140. The first player can have first player cards 142 and the second player can have second player cards 144 for first hand 140. First player cards 142 and second player cards 144 can each include a plurality of playing cards 100. For example, each of first player cards 142 and second player cards 144 can each include five playing cards 100, as shown in FIG. 13. First player cards 142 and second player cards 144 can each include a combination of standard cards 110. First player cards 142 and second player cards 144 can also include second face card 130. Referring to FIG. 13, playing strategy can include the first player and the second player assessing their respective player cards 142, 144 to determine how to develop the highest possible ranking hand.

[0116] Method 400 can include a step 406. Step 406 can include providing first secondary bet 180 of first hand 140. In first secondary bet 180, the first player can provide two playing cards 100 and the second player can provide two playing cards 100, as shown in FIG. 15. Playing cards 100 can be placed face down.

[0117] Method 400 can include a step 408. Step 408 can include revealing playing cards 180 in first secondary bet 180. In first secondary bet 180, each player's playing cards 100, shown in FIG. 15, must equal a predetermined value to win the points of first secondary bet 180. For example, the predetermined value can be 11. In other words, the first player wins first secondary bet 180 if a combined value of two playing cards 100 for first secondary bet 180 from first player cards 142 is 11.

[0118] The game strategy to achieve the predetermined value for first secondary bet 180 can be modified by playing cards 100 having different card values in first secondary bet 180 versus in first hand 140. In first hand 140, standard cards 110 can have standard card values. For first secondary bet 180 of first hand 140 that is a side bet played during first hand 140, at least some standard cards 110 can have non-standard card values. For first secondary bet 180, the non-standard card values can include Ace card 124 having a value of eleven and first face cards 126 each having a value of one. In first hand 140, second face cards 130 can have a variable value. In some embodiments, each second face card 130 can replicate one standard card 110. For first secondary bet 180, second face card 130 can have a non-variable value of zero. As shown in FIG. 18 according to exemplary embodiments, neither the first player nor the second player won first secondary bet 180 as neither of their combinations of playing cards 100 equaled 11.

[0119] Method 400 can include a step 410 (FIG. 11). Step 410 can include providing a first draw game 190 of first secondary bet 180. First draw game 190 can be referred to as a “Jack Bandit draw,” and / or any other name based on the card game being played. First draw game 190 can be provided if a combined value of playing cards 100 of either the first player or the second player in first secondary bet 180 do not reach a predetermined value to win first secondary bet 180. In some embodiments, first draw game 190 is played at the end of a possession if points from secondary bets are remaining.

[0120] FIG. 12 shows additional steps of method 400 according to exemplary embodiments for playing a draw game 190 of step 410. Method 400 can include a step 412. Step 412 can include providing a third set of cards 192. Third set of cards 192 can include four playing cards 100. As shown in FIG. 19 according to exemplary embodiments, playing cards 100 of third set of cards 192 can be placed face down.

[0121] Method 400 can include a step 414. Step 414 can include revealing one card of third set of cards 192 selected by the first player and another card of third set of cards 192 selected by the second player. The first player can win first draw game 190 if the first player selects second face card 130 of any suit 112, if second face card 130 of any suit 112 is one of third set of cards 192. Similarly, the second player can win first draw game 190 if the second player selects a second face card 130 if it is present in the third set of cards 192.

[0122] Method 400 can include a step 416. Step 416 can include revealing another one of third set of cards 192 selected by the first player and another one of third set of cards 192 selected by the second player. Another one of third set of cards 192 can be revealed by each of the first player and the second player if neither the first player nor the second player selected second face card 130 of any suit 112, if second face card 130 of any suit 112 is one of third set of cards 192. A player can win first draw game 130 if two playing cards 100 of third set of cards 192 selected by that player includes two Ace cards 124 of standard cards 110. If neither of the two playing cards 100 included two Ace cards 124 of standard cards 110, the player wins first draw game 190 if a combined value of the two playing cards 100 of third set of cards 192 selected by that player reach the predetermined value. For example, the predetermined value can be 11.

[0123] In some embodiments, for combined values of playing cards 100 in first draw game 190, at least some standard cards 110 can have non-standard card values. For first draw game 190, the non-standard card values can include Ace card 124 having a value of eleven and first face cards 126 each having a value of one. As shown in FIG. 20 according to exemplary embodiments, neither the first player nor the second player won first draw game 190 as neither of their combinations of playing cards 100 equal 11.

[0124] In some embodiments, if no player wins first draw game 190, points from first secondary bet 180 can roll over to the next possession. If there is no winner at the end of the third possession, additional draw games played like first draw game 190 can be played until the deck has expired or there is a winner.

[0125] In some embodiments, if a game ends in a tie based on points from hands and secondary bets and any point deductions from challenges, a tiebreak including one additional possession can be played.

[0126] In some embodiments, if the game ends in a 7-7 tie and points from secondary bets have not been determined, three draw games can be played.

[0127] In some embodiments, if the game does not end in a tie and points from secondary bets have not been determined, then one game draw game can be played.

[0128] Game play does not require monetary wagering, but on agreement between players, wagering or monetary prizes can be envisioned. In some embodiments, wagering for card games described herein can include one game pot. Each player can ante equal amounts. Betting can occur before first possession 10. Bets for secondary bets can be a percentage of the player's ante. For example, if the player's ante is $20 for the game pot, the bet for secondary bets can be 10% of $20, or $2. In some embodiments, bets for secondary bets can be any amount that is less than the ante. In some embodiments, if a player loses a challenge, they must still wager for the secondary bet of the next hand. Alternatively, monetary amounts can be assigned to points earned during game play to be paid out after game play concludes. Points earned during different portions of the game may have different monetary values assigned. For example, points earned during the called hand phase of the game may have higher monetary values than points earned in the secondary bet phase.

[0129] As noted above, in some embodiments, the cards 100 may be physical cards and the playing surface illustrated in FIGS. 13 through 20 may be a physical surface such as a mat or board that can be placed between two players for playing the game.

[0130] In other embodiments, the cards 100 may be digital cards and the playing surface may be a digital surface displayed on an optical display such as an LCD screen. In some instances, the playing surface may be instantiated on two separate displays, one of which is visible to a first player and a second of which is visible to a second player, so that faces of digital cards 100 of the first player are not visible to the second player and faces of the of digital cards 100 of the second player are not visible to the first player. In such embodiments, some steps of the game may be carried out by a computer system 1300 as described further below. For example, steps of providing cards, revealing cards, determining first and second advantage, determining winners of the hand or the secondary bet, tabulating points, etc. discussed in methods 200, 300 and 400 may be carried out using software and hardware of a computer system.

[0131] In these embodiments, the game may be played using a computer system 1300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as shown in FIG. 21. In general, the computer system 1300 may include a computing device 1310, such as a special-purpose computer designed and implemented for receiving user inputs, determining and directing and controlling the output of signals. The computing device 1310 may be or include data sources, client devices, and so forth. In certain aspects, the computing device 1310 may be implemented using hardware or a combination of software and hardware. The computing device 1310 may be a standalone device, a device integrated into another entity or device, a platform distributed across multiple entities, or a virtualized device executing in a virtualization environment.

[0132] The computing device 1310 may communicate across a network 1302. The network 1302 may include any data network(s) or internetwork(s) suitable for communicating data and control information among participants in the computer system 1300. This may include public networks such as the Internet, private networks, and telecommunications networks such as the Public Switched Telephone Network or cellular networks using cellular technology and / or other technologies, as well as any of a variety other local area networks or enterprise networks, along with any switches, routers, hubs, gateways, and the like that might be used to carry data among participants in the computer system 1300. The network 1302 may also include a combination of data networks and need not be limited to a strictly public or private network.

[0133] The computing device 1310 may communicate with an external device 1304. The external device 1304 may be any computer, optical display, mobile device such as a cell phone, tablet, smart watch, game console, graphical user interface (GUI) or other remote resource that connects to the computing device 1310 through the network 1302. This may include any of the servers or data sources described herein, including servers, content providers, databases or other sources for information to be used by the devices as described herein.

[0134] In general, the computing device 1310 may include a controller or processor 1312, a memory 1314, a network interface 1316, a data store 1318, and one or more input / output interfaces 1320. The computing device 1310 may further include or be in communication with peripherals 1322 and other external input / output devices that might connect to the input / output interfaces 1320.

[0135] The controller 1312 may be implemented in software, hardware or a combination of software and hardware. According to one aspect, the controller 1312 may be implemented in application software running on a computer platform. Alternatively, the controller 1312 may include a processor or other processing circuitry capable of processing instructions for execution within the computing device 1310 or computer system 1300. The controller 1312, as hardware, may include a single-threaded processor, a multi-threaded processor, a multi-core processor and so forth. The controller 1312 may be capable of processing instructions stored in memory 1314 or the data store 1318.

[0136] The memory 1314 may store information within the computing device 1310. The memory 1314 may include any volatile or non-volatile memory or other computer-readable medium, including without limitation a Random-Access Memory (RAM), a flash memory, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Programmable Read-only Memory (PROM), an Erasable PROM (EPROM), registers, and so forth. The memory 1314 may store program instructions, program data, executables, and other software and data useful for controlling operation of the computing device 1310 and configuring the computing device 1310 to perform functions for a user 1330. The memory 1314 may include different stages and types of memory for different aspects of operation of the computing device 1310. For example, a processor may include on-board memory and / or cache for faster access to certain data or instructions, and a separate, main memory or the like may be included to expand memory capacity as desired. All such memory types may be a part of memory 1314 as contemplated herein.

[0137] The memory 1314 may, in general, include a non-volatile computer readable medium containing computer code that, when executed by the computing device 1310 creates an execution environment for a computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of the foregoing, and that performs some or all of the steps set forth in the various flow charts and other algorithmic descriptions set forth herein. While a single memory 1314 is depicted, it will be understood that any number of memories may be usefully incorporated into the computing device 1310 or within system 1300.

[0138] The network interface 1316 may include any hardware and / or software for connecting the computing device 1310 in a communicating relationship with other resources through the network 1302. This may include remote resources accessible through the Internet, as well as local resources available using short range communications protocols using, e.g., physical connections (e.g., Ethernet), radio frequency communications (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), optical communications (e.g., fiber optics, infrared, or the like), ultrasonic communications, or any combination of these or other media that might be used to carry data between the computing device 1310 and other devices. The network interface 1316 may, for example, include a router, a modem, a network card, an infrared transceiver, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver for receiving AM / FM or satellite radio sources, a near field communications interface, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag reader, or any other data reading or writing resource or the like.

[0139] The network interface 1316 may include any combination of hardware and software suitable for coupling the components of the computing device 1310 to other computing or communications resources. By way of example and not limitation, this may include electronics for a wired or wireless Ethernet connection operating according to the IEEE 802.11 standard (or any variation thereof), or any other short or long range wireless networking components or the like. This may include hardware for short range data communications such as Bluetooth or an infrared transceiver, which may be used to couple to other local devices, or to connect to a local area network or the like that is in turn coupled to a data network 1302 such as the Internet. This may also include hardware / software for a WiMax connection or a cellular network connection (using, e.g., CDMA, GSM, LTE, or any other suitable protocol or combination of protocols). The network interface 1316 may be included as part of the input / output devices 320 or vice-versa.

[0140] The data store 1318 may be any internal or external memory store providing a computer-readable medium such as a disk drive, an optical drive, a magnetic drive, a flash drive, or other device capable of providing mass storage for the computing device 1310. The data store 1318 may store computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the computing device 1310 or computer system 1300 in a non-volatile form for relatively long-term, persistent storage and subsequent retrieval and use. For example, the data store 1318 may store an operating system, application programs, program data, databases, files, and other program modules or other software objects and the like.

[0141] As used herein, processor, microprocessor, and / or digital processor may include any type of digital processing device such as, without limitation, digital signal processors (“DSPs”), reduced instruction set computers (“RISC”), complex instruction set computers (“CISC”) processors, microprocessors, gate arrays (e.g., field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”)), programmable logic device (“PLDs”), reconfigurable computer fabrics (“RCFs”), array processors, secure microprocessors, and application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”). Such digital processors may be contained on a single unitary integrated circuit die or distributed across multiple components.

[0142] As used herein, computer program and / or software may include any sequence or human or machine cognizable steps which perform a function. Such computer program and / or software may be rendered in any programming language or environment including, for example, C / C++, C#, Fortran, COBOL, MATLAB™, PASCAL, GO, RUST, SCALA, Python, assembly language, markup languages (e.g., HTML, SGML, XML, VoXML), and the like, as well as object-oriented environments such as the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (“CORBA”), JAVA™ (including J2ME, Java Beans, etc.), Binary Runtime Environment (e.g., “BREW”), and the like.

[0143] The input / output interface 1320 may support input from and output to other devices that might couple to the computing device 1310. This may, for example, include serial ports (e.g., RS-232 ports), universal serial bus (USB) ports, optical ports, Ethernet ports, telephone ports, audio jacks, component audio / video inputs, HDMI ports, and so forth, any of which might be used to form wired connections to other local devices. This may also include an infrared interface, RF interface, magnetic card reader, or other input / output system for wirelessly coupling in a communicating relationship with other local devices. It will be understood that, while the network interface 1316 for network communications is described separately from the input / output interface 1320 for local device communications, these two interfaces may be the same, or may share functionality, such as where a USB port 1370 is used to attach to a Wi-Fi accessory, or where an Ethernet connection is used to couple to a local network attached storage. The input / output interface 1320 may further output signals to displays of peripheral devices, as described herein.

[0144] As used herein, a user 1330 is any human that interacts with the computer system 1300. In this context, a user may be generally classed within one of two categories. One category is an administrator of the system, representing for example a supplier of the game software, offering the game to players for game play, etc. Another category is a player who interacts with the computer system 1300 to play the game.

[0145] In certain embodiments the I / O interface 1320 facilitates communication with input and output devices for interacting with a user. For example, the I / O interface may communicate with one or more devices such as a user-input device and / or a display 1350 which may be instantiated on the device described herein or on a separate device such as a mobile device 1322, which enable a user to interact directly with the controller 1312 via bus 1332. The user-input device 1320 may comprise one or more push-buttons, joystick, a touch screen, or other devices that allows a user to input information. In these embodiments, the computer system may further comprise a display to provide visual output to the user. The display may comprise any of a variety of visual displays, such as a viewable screen, a set of viewable symbols or numbers, and so on. One can appreciate that the inputs and outputs of the computer system would be different for administrators and players. Accordingly, the computing device 1310 may communicate with administrators and investors with different interfaces 1324 and 1328.

[0146] A peripheral 1322 may include any device used to provide information to or receive information from the computing device 1310. This may include human input / output (I / O) devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, a mouse pad, a track ball, a joystick, a microphone, a foot pedal, a camera, a touch screen, GUI, a scanner, or other device that might be employed by the user 1330 to provide input to the computing device 1310. This may also or instead include a display, a printer, a projector, a headset or any other audiovisual device for presenting information to a user. The peripheral 1322 may also or instead include a digital signal processing device, an actuator, or other device to support control of or communication with other devices or components. In one aspect, the peripheral 1322 may serve as the network interface 1316, such as with a USB device configured to provide communications via short range (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Infrared, RF, or the like) or long range (e.g., cellular data or WiMax) communications protocols. In another aspect, the peripheral 1322 may augment operation of the computing device 1310 with additional functions or features, or other device. In another aspect, the peripheral 1322 may include a storage device such as a flash card, USB drive, or other solid-state device, or an optical drive, a magnetic drive, a disk drive, or other device or combination of devices suitable for bulk storage. More generally, any device or combination of devices suitable for use with the computing device 1310 may be used as a peripheral 1322 as contemplated herein.

[0147] Other hardware 1326 may be incorporated into the computing device 1310 such as a co-processor, a digital signal processing system, a math co-processor, a graphics engine, a video driver, a camera, a microphone, additional speakers, and so forth. The other hardware 1326 may also or instead include expanded input / output ports, extra memory, additional drives, and so forth.

[0148] A bus 1332 or combination of busses may serve as an electromechanical backbone for interconnecting components of the computing device 1310 such as the controller 1312, memory 1314, network interface 1316, other hardware 1326, data store 1318, and input / output interface. As shown in the figure, each of the components of the computing device 1310 may be interconnected using a system bus 1332 in a communicating relationship for sharing controls, commands, data, power, and so forth.

[0149] The computing device 1310 is connected to a power source 1360 to provide electrical power for the computing device to run.

[0150] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the present disclosure may be implemented or performed with a processor specially configured to perform the functions discussed in the present disclosure. The processor may be a neural network processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array signal (FPGA) or other programmable logic device (PLD), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Alternatively, the processing system may comprise one or more neuromorphic processors for implementing the neuron models and models of neural systems described herein. The processor may be a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine specially configured as described herein. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or such other special configuration, as described herein.

[0151] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the present disclosure may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in storage or machine readable medium, including random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. A software module may comprise a single instruction, or many instructions, and may be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across multiple storage media. A storage medium may be coupled to a processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor.

[0152] The methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method for playing the game disclosed herein. The method steps and / or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the claims. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is specified, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0153] The functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in hardware, an example hardware configuration may comprise a processing system in a device. The processing system may be implemented with a bus architecture. The bus may include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges depending on the specific application of the processing system and the overall design constraints. The bus may link together various circuits including a processor, machine-readable media, and a bus interface. The bus interface may be used to connect a network adapter, among other things, to the processing system via the bus. The network adapter may be used to implement signal processing functions. For certain aspects, a user interface (e.g., keypad, display, mouse, joystick, etc.) may also be connected to the bus. The bus may also link various other circuits such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, power management circuits, and the like, which are well known in the art, and therefore, will not be described any further.

[0154] The processor may be responsible for managing the bus and processing, including the execution of software stored on the machine-readable media. Software shall be construed to mean instructions, data, or any combination thereof, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0155] In a hardware implementation, the machine-readable media may be part of the processing system separate from the processor. However, as those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the machine-readable media, or any portion thereof, may be external to the processing system. By way of example, the machine-readable media may include a transmission line, a carrier wave modulated by data, and / or a computer product separate from the device, all which may be accessed by the processor through the bus interface. Alternatively, or in addition, the machine-readable media, or any portion thereof, may be integrated into the processor, such as the case may be with cache and / or specialized register files. Although the various components discussed may be described as having a specific location, such as a local component, they may also be configured in various ways, such as certain components being configured as part of a distributed computing system.

[0156] The machine-readable media may comprise a number of software modules. The software modules may include a transmission module and a receiving module. Each software module may reside in a single storage device or be distributed across multiple storage devices. By way of example, a software module may be loaded into RAM from a hard drive when a triggering event occurs, such as a user input to start a hand or move cards to different locations. During execution of the software module, the processor may load some of the instructions into cache to increase access speed. One or more cache lines may then be loaded into a special purpose register file for execution by the processor. When referring to the functionality of a software module below, it will be understood that such functionality is implemented by the processor when executing instructions from that software module. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure result in improvements to the functioning of the processor, computer, machine, or other system implementing such aspects.

[0157] If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media including any storage medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another.

[0158] Further, it should be appreciated that modules and / or other appropriate means for performing the methods and techniques described herein can be downloaded and / or otherwise obtained by a user terminal and / or base station as applicable. For example, such a device can be coupled to a server to facilitate the transfer of means for performing the methods described herein. Alternatively, various methods described herein can be provided via storage means, such that a user terminal and / or base station can obtain the various methods upon coupling or providing the storage means to the device. Moreover, any other suitable technique for providing the methods and techniques described herein to a device can be utilized.

[0159] The computer program controls input and operation of the device. The computer program includes at least one code segment stored in or on a computer-readable medium residing on or accessible by the device for instructing the computing elements, and any other related components to operate in the manner described herein. The computer program is preferably stored within the memory and comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions in the device. However, the computer program may comprise programs and methods for implementing functions in the device that are not an ordered listing, such as hard-wired electronic components, programmable logic such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits, or other similar or conventional methods for controlling the operation of electrical or other computing devices.

[0160] Similarly, the computer program may be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, and execute the instructions. The computer-readable medium may even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted, or otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0161] In some embodiments, computer system 1300 may be a local system in which game software is loaded to enable a first player and a second player to play the game against each other, either in person or via a shared communication network. In other embodiments, computer system 1300 may be distributed across a network, enabling a first player to play against a second player remotely. The first player may select a second player from a defined list of players in a “games with friends” environment. Alternatively, a distributed network may match first and second players randomly selected from a plurality of users engaged to the distributed network at a given time.

[0162] In some embodiments, the first player may be a human user and the second player may be a virtual player instantiated in the computer system 1300 to allow the first player to play in a solitaire environment. The virtual player may interact with the operating software according to software instructions to read outputs related to card identification and location on the virtual playing surface and provide inputs for game play actions according to rules-based instructions in response to the outputs.

[0163] It should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or embodiments of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to include any specific characteristics of the features or embodiments of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. Terms and phrases used in this application, and variations thereof, especially in the appended claims, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing, the term “including” should be read to mean “including, without limitation,”“including but not limited to,” or the like; the term “comprising” as used herein is synonymous with “including,”“containing,” or “characterized by,” and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps; the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”; the term “such as” should be interpreted as “such as, without limitation”; the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to”; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, and should be interpreted as “example, but without limitation”; adjectives such as “known,”“normal,”“standard,” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass known, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future; and use of terms like “preferably,”“preferred,”“desired,” or “desirable,” and words of similar meaning should not be understood as implying that certain features are critical, essential, or even important to the structure or function of the present disclosure, but instead as merely intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment.

[0164] Likewise, a group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and / or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should be read as “and / or” unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0165] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, various mechanical and electrical connection elements and actuators may be used to achieve the disclosed function. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of playing a card game by two players comprising:providing playing cards comprising:forty-eight standard cards comprising four suits, each suit different from the remaining suits, each suit comprising twelve standard cards comprising nine number cards numbered two through ten, one Ace card, and two first face cards; andfour second face cards, the second face cards being non-standard and having a variable value for a first hand of the card game;determining a first player of the two players has a first advantage and a second player of the two players has a second advantage based on the first player drawing a higher card from the playing cards;providing the first player with first player cards and the second player with second player cards for the first hand, each of the first player cards and the second player cards comprising five playing cards;providing a first set of cards comprising five playing cards placed face up;providing a second set of cards comprising three playing cards placed face down, two of the first set of cards replaceable by two of the second set of cards by the first player having the first advantage, and one playing card of the second player cards of the second player having the second advantage replaceable by the remaining one of the second set of cards;providing a first secondary bet of the first hand in which the first player provides two playing cards from the first player cards placed face down and the second player provides two playing cards from the second player cards placed face down, for the first secondary bet, at least some of the standard cards having non-standard card values and the second face cards having a non-variable value;revealing a first called hand of the first player and a second called hand of the second player for the first hand, the first called hand of the first player comprising at least one playing card of the first player cards and at least one playing card of the first set of cards, and the second called hand of the second player comprising at least one playing card of the second player cards and at least one playing card of the first set of cards;revealing the playing cards in the first secondary bet; anddetermining if the first player or the second player has won at least one of the first hand and the first secondary bet.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the two first face cards comprise a Queen face card and a King face card.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein each suit comprises one of the second face cards, andwherein each of the second face cards is configured to replicate one of the standard cards in the respective suit of the respective second face card for the first hand of the card game such that each of the second face cards has the variable value.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, if the first player cards comprises five of the playing cards, the five of the playing cards being of one of the four suits and comprising the Ace card, the two first face cards of the standard cards, the second face card different from the two first face cards of the standard cards, and a ten number card of the nine number cards of the standard cards, the first player cards is a royal flush,wherein, if the first player cards comprises five of the playing cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking, the first player cards is a straight flush,wherein, if the first player cards comprises four of the playing cards of the same rank, the first player cards is a four of a kind,wherein, if the first player cards comprises five of the playing cards comprising three of a kind and a pair of the playing cards, the first player cards is a full house,wherein, if the first player cards comprises five of the playing cards of the same suit but not in consecutive ranking, the first player cards is a flush,wherein, if the first player cards comprises five of the playing cards in consecutive ranking but not of a single suit, the first player cards is a straight,wherein, if the first player cards comprises three of the playing cards of the same rank, the first player cards is a three of a kind,wherein, if the first player cards comprises four of the playing cards comprising two pairs of the playing cards of the same rank, the first player cards is a two pairs, andwherein, if the first player cards comprises two of the playing cards comprising two of the playing cards of the same rank, the first player cards is a one pair.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, after the two of the first set of cards are replaced by the two of the second set of cards by the first player having the first advantage, the remaining one of the second set of cards is revealed such that the second player having the second advantage can decide whether to replace the one playing card of the second player cards with the remaining one of the second set of cards.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, in the first secondary bet, the non-standard card values comprise the Ace card having a value of eleven and the first face cards each having a value of one, andwherein, in the first secondary bet, the non-variable value is zero for each the second face cards.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first player or the second player wins the first secondary bet if a combined value of the two playing cards from the first player cards or the second player matches a predetermined value.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the card game comprises three possessions comprising a first possession, a second possession, and a third possession, the first player having the first advantage having two of the three possessions and the second player having the second advantage having one of the three possessions,wherein each possession comprises three hands comprising a first hand, a second hand, and a third hand, the first hand of the card game being the first hand of the first possession, andwherein each possession comprises three secondary bets comprising a first secondary bet, a second secondary bet, and a third secondary bet, the first secondary bet of the first hand being the first secondary bet of the first possession.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first player having the first advantage has the first possession and determines how the first player cards and the second player cards in the first possession are dealt for each of the three hands of the first possession.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the first player having the first advantage has the third possession, andwherein the second player having the second advantage may take the third possession if the score on the second hand of the third possession reaches a predetermined score.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:providing an optional opportunity for a first challenge to a player winning the called hand if an opposing player wins the secondary bet,wherein the player winning the called hand wins the first challenge if the player winning the called hand proves the opposing player could have played a higher-ranking hand in the first hand.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the standard cards comprise a four of clubs card, the four of clubs card is configured to replicate any one of the standard cards regardless of suit.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the playing cards are digital cards.

14. A method of playing a card game by two players comprising:providing playing cards comprising:forty-eight standard cards comprising four suits, each suit different from the remaining suits, each suit comprising twelve standard cards comprising nine number cards numbered two through ten, one Ace card, and two first face cards; andfour second face cards, each suit comprising one of the second face cards, and each of the second face cards having a variable value and configured to replicate one of the standard cards in the respective suit of the respective second face card for a first hand of the card game such that each of the second face cards has the variable value,wherein the second face cards has a non-variable value in a secondary bet of the first hand; andproviding each of a first player and a second player of the two players with at least two player cards for the first hand,wherein, if the player cards comprise five of the playing cards, the five of the playing cards being of one of the four suits and comprising the Ace card, the two first face cards of the standard cards, the second face card different from the two first face cards of the standard cards, and a ten number card of the nine number cards of the standard cards, the player cards is a royal flush for the first hand,wherein, if the player cards comprises five of the playing cards of the same suit in consecutive ranking, the player cards is a straight flush for the first hand,wherein, if the player cards comprises four of the playing cards of the same rank, the player cards is a four of a kind for the first hand,wherein, if the player cards comprises five of the playing cards comprising three of a kind and a pair of the playing cards, the player cards is a full house for the first hand,wherein, if the player cards comprises five of the playing cards of the same suit but not in consecutive ranking, the player cards is a flush for the first hand,wherein, if the player cards comprises five of the playing cards in consecutive ranking but not of a single suit, the player cards is a straight for the first hand,wherein, if the player cards comprises three of the playing cards of the same rank, the player cards is a three of a kind for the first hand,wherein, if the player cards comprises four of the playing cards comprising two pairs of the playing cards of the same rank, the player cards is a two pairs for the first hand, andwherein, if the player cards comprises two of the playing cards comprising two of the playing cards of the same rank, the player cards is a one pair for the first hand.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:providing a first set of cards comprising five playing cards; andrevealing a first called hand of the first player and a second called hand of the second player for the first hand, the first called hand comprising a first combination of the first set of cards and the player cards of the first player and the second called hand comprising a second combination of the first set of cards and the player cards of the second player.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:providing a second set of cards comprising three playing cards; anddetermining a first player of the two players has a first advantage and a second player of the two players has a second advantage based on the first player drawing a higher card from the playing cards,wherein at least one of the first set of cards is replaceable by at least one of the second set of cards by the first player having the first advantage, andwherein at least one of the player cards of the second player having the second advantage is replaceable by at least one of the second set of cards.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising:providing the first secondary bet in which the first player provides two playing cards and the second player provides two playing cards,wherein, for the first secondary bet, at least some of the standard cards have non-standard card values.

18. A method of playing a card game by two players comprising:providing playing cards comprising:forty-eight standard cards comprising four suits, each suit different from the remaining suits, each suit comprising twelve standard cards comprising nine number cards numbered two through ten, one Ace card, and two first face cards; andfour second face cards, the second face cards being non-standard and having a variable value for a first hand of the card game;providing each of a first player and a second player of the two players with at least two player cards for the first hand such that the first player has first player cards and the second player has second player cards,providing a first secondary bet of the first hand in which the first player provides at least two playing cards from the first player cards and the second player provide at least two playing cards from the second player cards, for the first secondary bet, at least some of the standard cards having non-standard card values and the second face cards having a non-variable value;revealing the playing cards in the first secondary bet; andproviding a first draw game of the first secondary bet if a combined value of the playing cards of either the first player or the second player in the first secondary bet do not reach a predetermined value to win the first secondary bet.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein providing the first draw game comprises:providing a third set of cards comprising four playing cards placed face down; andrevealing one of the third set of cards selected by the first player and one of the third set of cards selected by the second player,wherein the first player or the second player wins the first draw game based on whether the first player or the second player selects the second face card of any of the suits, the second face card of any of the suits being one of the third set of cards.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the first draw game further comprises:if neither the first player nor the second player selected the second face card of any of the suits, revealing another one of the third set of cards selected by the first player and another one of the third set of cards selected by the second player,wherein the first player or the second player wins the first draw game based on whether the two playing cards of the third set of cards selected by the first player or the second player comprises two of the Ace cards of the standard cards,wherein, if neither of the two playing cards of the third set of cards selected by the first player nor the second player comprised two of the Ace cards of the standard cards, the first player or the second player wins the first draw game based on whether a combined value of the two playing cards of the third set of cards selected by the first player or the second player reaches the predetermined value.

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