U.S. patent application number 12/802853 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-22 for method for playing a poker game featuring dealer play and no folding of cards by the players.
Invention is credited to Gregory Sholes.
Application Number | 20110309579 12/802853 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45327966 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110309579 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sholes; Gregory |
December 22, 2011 |
Method for playing a poker game featuring dealer play and no
folding of cards by the players
Abstract
A method for playing a poker game involving a dealer and a
plurality of players includes the steps of: Each player placing the
same single ante bet amount to create a pot; The dealer dealing in
order first and second cards face-down to each player and to the
dealer; The dealer dealing three cards face-up, a fourth turn card
face-up, and a fifth river card face-up after dealing three burn
cards face-down; Each player and the dealer turning over their
respective two dealt cards; The dealer determining the best poker
hand for each player's two dealt cards and the best poker hand for
the dealer's two dealt cards in combination with the five face-up
cards; and The dealer paying to the player having the best poker
hand being higher than the dealer's best poker hand the pot amount
after deducting the casino rake amount and the bad-beat jackpot
rake amount.
Inventors: |
Sholes; Gregory; (Vernon,
NJ) |
Family ID: |
45327966 |
Appl. No.: |
12/802853 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20130101; A63F
3/00157 20130101; A63F 2001/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20060101
A63F001/00 |
Claims
1. A method for playing a poker game involving a dealer and a
plurality of players, said method comprising the steps of: Each
player placing the same single ante bet amount to create a pot; The
dealer dealing in order a first card face-down to each player and
to himself; The dealer dealing in order a second card face-down to
each player and to himself; The dealer dealing a first burn card
face-down; The dealer dealing three community cards face-up; The
dealer dealing a second burn card face-down; The dealer dealing a
fourth card face-up; The dealer dealing a third burn card
face-down; The dealer dealing a fifth card face-up; Each player and
the dealer turning over their respective two dealt cards; and The
dealer determining the best poker hand for each player's two dealt
cards and the best poker hand for the dealer's two dealt cards in
combination with the five face-up cards.
2. In the method of claim 1, the dealer paying to the player who
has the best poker hand higher than the dealer's best poker hand,
the pot amount minus the casino rake amount and minus the bad-beat
jackpot rake amount.
3. In the method of claim 1, the dealer paying to himself who
happens to have the best poker hand higher than all players' best
poker hands, one-half of the pot amount minus the casino rake
amount and minus the bad-beat jackpot rake amount; and the dealer
returning to each player one-half of each player's original single
ante bet amount.
4. In the method of claim 1, the dealer paying to the player who
has the best poker hand and the dealer paying to himself who also
happens to have such same best poker hand, each one-half of the pot
amount minus the casino rake amount and minus the bad-beat jackpot
rake amount.
5. In the method of claim 1, the dealer paying to the players who
have the same best poker hand higher than the dealer's best poker
hand, to each such player an equal share of the pot amount minus
the casino rake amount and minus the bad-beat jackpot rake
amount.
6. In the method of claim 1, the dealer paying to the player who
makes a poker hand of four-of-a-kind or a straight flush using his
two dealt cards in combination with the five cards face-up, up to
one-half of the bad-beat jackpot pool amount; The dealer paying to
the player who makes a better poker hand of four-of-a-kind, a
straight flush or a royal straight flush using his two dealt cards
in combination with the five cards face-up, a minority of the
bad-beat jackpot pool amount; The dealer paying to the other
players in the hand each an equal portion of the remainder of the
bad-beat jackpot pool amount; and The dealer not paying to himself
any portion of the bad-beat jackpot pool amount.
7. In the method of claim 1, the dealer paying to each player and
to himself, each an equal share of the divided pot amount minus the
house rake amount and minus the bad-beat jackpot rake amount,
should the five face-up cards display a poker hand that is better
than any players' best poker hand and better than the dealer's best
poker hand.
8. In the method of claim 1, the dealer not paying any bad-beat
jackpot amount to the player who makes a poker hand of
four-of-a-kind or a straight flush using his two dealt cards in
combination with the five cards face-up; The dealer not paying any
bad-beat jackpot amount to himself should he make a better poker
hand of four-of-kind, a straight flush or a royal straight flush
using his two dealt cards in combination with the five cards
face-up; and The dealer not paying any bad-beat jackpot amount to
the other players remaining in the hand.
9. In the method of claim 1, the dealer not paying any bad-beat
jackpot amount to himself should he make a poker hand of
four-of-a-kind or a straight flush using his two dealt cards in
combination with the five cards face-up; The dealer not paying any
bad-beat jackpot amount to the player who makes a better poker hand
of four-of-a-kind, a straight flush or a royal straight flush using
his two dealt cards in combination with the five cards face-up; and
The dealer not paying any bad-beat jackpot amount to the other
players remaining in the hand.
10. In the method of claim 1, the dealer paying to the player who
makes a poker hand of four aces using his two dealt ace cards in
combination with the five cards face-up, a minority of the super
bad-beat jackpot pool amount; The dealer paying to the player who
makes a poker hand of a royal straight flush in spades using his
two dealt cards in combination with the five cards face-up, up to a
majority of the super bad-beat jackpot pool amount; The dealer
paying to the other players in the hand each an equal portion of
the remainder of the super bad-beat jackpot pool amount; and The
dealer not paying to himself any portion of the super bad-beat
jackpot pool amount.
11. In the method of claim 1, the dealer surrendering his two dealt
cards; and the dealer not participating in any money distribution
whenever there are two to five players.
12. In the method of claim 1, the dealer playing his two dealt
cards; and the dealer participating in the money distribution
depending on his best poker hand whenever there are six to ten
players.
13. In the method of claim 1, utilizing manual hand shuffling by
the dealer whenever there are two to five players.
14. In the method of claim 1, utilizing a shuffling machine
whenever there are six to ten players.
15. In the method of claim 10, utilizing an insurance carrier to
insure the super bad-beat jackpot amount.
16. In the method of claim 1, the dealer paying to the player who
makes a poker hand of four deuces using his two deuces dealt cards
in combination with the five cards face-up, a minority of the super
bad-beat jackpot pool amount; The dealer paying to the player who
makes a poker hand of a royal straight flush in spades using his
two dealt cards in combination with the five cards face-up, up to a
majority of the super bad-beat jackpot pool amount; The dealer
paying to the other players in the hand each an equal portion of
the remainder of the super bad-beat jackpot pool amount; and The
dealer not paying to himself any portion of the super bad-beat
jackpot pool amount.
17. A method for playing a poker game involving a dealer and a
plurality of players comprising the steps of: Each player placing
the same single ante bet amount to create a pot; The dealer dealing
in order a first card face-down to each player and to himself; The
dealer dealing in order a second card face-down to each player and
to himself; The dealer dealing a first burn card face-down; The
dealer dealing three cards face-up; The dealer dealing a second
burn card face-down; The dealer dealing a fourth card face-up; The
dealer dealing a third burn card face-down; The dealer dealing a
fifth card face-up; Each player and the dealer turning over their
respective two dealt cards; and The dealer paying a pre-determined
bonus amount to the player who makes a hand of four-of-a-kind, a
straight flush or a royal flush using his two dealt cards in
combination with the first three community cards face-up.
18. A method for playing a poker game involving a dealer and a
plurality of players comprising the steps of: Each player placing
the same single ante bet amount to create a pot; The dealer dealing
in order a first card face-down to each player and to himself; The
dealer dealing in order a second card face-down to each player and
to himself; The dealer dealing a first burn card face-down; The
dealer dealing three cards face-up; The dealer dealing a second
burn card face-down; The dealer dealing a fourth card face-up; The
dealer dealing a third burn card face-down; The dealer dealing a
fifth card face-up; Each player and the dealer turning over their
respective two dealt cards; and The dealer paying a pre-determined
bonus amount to the player who makes a poker hand of
four-of-a-kind, a straight flush or a royal flush aces using his
two dealt cards in combination with the five cards face-up.
19. A method for playing a poker game involving a dealer and a
plurality of players comprising the steps of: Each player placing
the same single ante bet amount to create a pot; The dealer dealing
in order a first card face-down to each player and to himself; The
dealer dealing in order a second card face-down to each player and
to himself; The dealer dealing a first burn card face-down; The
dealer dealing three cards face-up; The dealer dealing a second
burn card face-down; The dealer dealing a fourth card face-up; The
dealer dealing a third burn card face-down; The dealer dealing a
fifth card face-up; Each player and the dealer turning over their
respective two dealt cards; and The dealer paying a pre-determined
bonus amount to the player who makes a poker hand of
four-of-a-kind, a straight flush or a royal flush aces using only
one of his two dealt cards in combination with the five cards
face-up.
20. A method for playing a poker game involving a dealer and a
plurality of players comprising the steps of: Each player placing
the same single ante bet amount to create a pot and placing an
optional same single side bet amount for the bonus payout; The
dealer dealing in order a first card face-down to each player and
to himself; The dealer dealing in order a second card face-down to
each player and to himself; The dealer dealing a first burn card
face-down; The dealer dealing three cards face-up; The dealer
dealing a second burn card face-down; The dealer dealing a fourth
card face-up; The dealer dealing a third burn card face-down; The
dealer dealing a fifth card face-up; Each player and the dealer
turning over their respective two dealt cards; and The dealer
paying a pre-determined bonus amount to the player who placed the
optional same single side bet amount and who makes a poker hand of
a straight, a flush or a full-house using his two dealt cards in
combination with the first three community cards face-up.
21. A method for playing a poker game involving a dealer and a
plurality of players comprising the steps of: Each player placing
the same single ante bet amount to create a pot and placing an
optional same single side bet amount for the bonus payout; The
dealer dealing in order a first card face-down to each player and
to himself; The dealer dealing in order a second card face-down to
each player and to himself; The dealer dealing a first burn card
face-down; The dealer dealing three cards face-up; The dealer
dealing a second burn card face-down; The dealer dealing a fourth
card face-up; The dealer dealing a third burn card face-down; The
dealer dealing a fifth card face-up; Each player and the dealer
turning over their respective two dealt cards; and The dealer
paying a pre-determined bonus amount to the player who placed the
optional same single side bet amount and who makes a poker hand of
a straight, a flush or a full-house using his two dealt cards in
combination with the five cards face-up.
22. A method of playing a poker game involving a dealer and a
plurality of players comprising the steps of: Each player placing
the same single ante bet amount to create a pot; The dealer dealing
in order a first card face-down to each player and to himself; The
dealer dealing in order a second card face-down to each player and
to himself; The dealer dealing in order a third card face-down to
each player and to himself; The dealer dealing a first burn card
face-down; The dealer dealing three cards face-up; The dealer
dealing a second burn card face-down; The dealer dealing a fourth
card face-up; The dealer dealing a third burn card face-down; The
dealer dealing a fifth card face-up; Each player and the dealer
turning over their respective three dealt cards; The dealer
determining the best poker hand for each player's two of their
three dealt cards and the best poker hand for the dealer's two of
his three dealt cards in combination with the five face-up cards;
The dealer paying to the player having the best poker hand higher
than the dealer's best poker hand the pot amount minus the casino
rake amount and minus the bad-beat jackpot rake amount; or The
dealer paying to himself who happens to have the best poker hand
higher than all players' best poker hands, one-half of the pot
amount minus the casino rake amount and minus the bad-beat jackpot
rake amount; and the dealer returning to each player one-half of
each player's original single ante bet amount.
23. A method of playing a poker game involving a dealer and a
plurality of players comprising the steps of: Each player placing
the same single ante bet amount to create a pot; The dealer dealing
in order a first card face-down to each player and to himself; The
dealer dealing in order a second card face-down to each player and
to himself; The dealer dealing in order a third card face-down to
each player and to himself; The dealer dealing in order a fourth
card face-down to each player and to himself; The dealer dealing a
first burn card face-down; The dealer dealing three cards face-up;
The dealer dealing a second burn card face-down; The dealer dealing
a fourth card face-up; The dealer dealing a third burn card
face-down; The dealer dealing a fifth card face-up; Each player and
the dealer turning over their respective four dealt cards; The
dealer determining the best poker hand for each player's two of
their four dealt cards and the best poker hand for the dealer's two
of his four dealt cards in combination with three of the five
face-up cards; The dealer paying to the player having the best
poker hand higher than the dealer's best poker hand, the pot amount
minus the casino rake and minus the bad-beat jackpot rake; or The
dealer paying to himself who happens to have the best poker hand
higher than all players' best poker hands, one-half of the pot
amount minus the casino rake amount and minus the bad-beat jackpot
rake amount; and the dealer returning to each player one-half of
each player's original single ante bet amount.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to a Method For Playing A Poker Game
and in particular to a poker game involving dealer play and no
folding of cards by the players.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The prior art discloses the following:
[0005] 1) Snow published patent application number 2006-0284376,
published on Dec. 21, 2006, and entitled "CASINO TABLE VARIANT OF
TEXAS HOLD'EM POKER", discloses:
[0006] "A variant game of Hold'Em poker allows for rules of play of
one or all of Players being allowed to remain in game with an
option of checking or making specific wagering amounts in first
Play wagers, being limited in the size of subsequent available Play
wagers or prohibited from making additional Play wagers if a first
Play wager has been made, being limited in the size of available
later Play wagers if a first or earlier Play wager has been made,
and having the opportunity for at least two and as many as three or
four distinct opportunities in the stages in the play of hand to be
able to make one or more Play wagers."
[0007] "A method of playing a wagering game using poker rankings
wherein a player places at least an Ante wager prior to seeing any
cards in play of a hand of the wagering game and is provided with
an opportunity to make at least one additional play wager
comprising at least one of a first play wager and a second play
wager in the game subsequent to the Ante wager and after seeing at
least a first one card in the play of the wagering game, wherein
when a player elects to make a first play wager or not make the
first play wager, that election changes options available to the
player on the second play wager."
[0008] "A method of playing a wagering game, comprising: A player
placing at least an Ante wager to participate in the game; A dealer
dealing at least one card to each player and at least one card to
the dealer, each at least one card forming a partial hand; A dealer
dealing at least one community card; Wherein after each player
views the at least one card, the player either checks or makes a
first Play wager that is a multiple of the amount of the Ante, at
the option of the player; The dealer revealing at least one
community card; and The players making a play bet that is less than
a maximum allowable multiple of the first play bet if the player
has not previously made the first Play bet or checking; and Paying
the players whose poker hand rankings exceed the dealer hand
ranking."
[0009] "An interactive video gaming platform for multiple players,
comprising: Multiple player stations; A first common video display
area that displays game play, including cards and wagers; A second
video display area displaying a video representation of a dealer;
Wherein each player station is equipped with controls and the
platform is programmed to execute a game, wherein the game rules
include the steps of: Each player placing an Ante to participate in
the game; Each player and the dealer receiving at least one card
and at least one card is dealt face-down as common cards; After
viewing the at least one player card, each player having an option
to place a play wager that is a multiple of the Ante; Revealing at
least one common card; wherein players who have not previously made
a play wager either make a play wager that is a smaller multiple
then a maximum multiple of the Ante of the first Play wager, or
check."
[0010] 2) Feola published patent application number 2007-0176364,
published on Aug. 2, 2007, and entitled "METHOD OF PLAYING A BONUS
WAGER FOR A HOLD'EM-TYPE POKER GAME", discloses:
[0011] "A method of playing a bonus for a Hold'em-type poker game
wherein at least one card is dealt to each player hand and at least
one card is dealt as community cards. A player wagering on the
bonus wins if a subset of the community cards has a predetermined
combination. Preferably, there are five community cards. In one
embodiment, the bonus is determined from three of the community
cards. In another embodiment, the bonus is determined from all five
community cards."
[0012] "A method of playing a bonus for a poker-type game with at
least one 52-card deck of playing cards, said method comprising the
following steps: (a) at least one player wagering on said bonus;
(b) dealing at least one playing card to a plurality of hands; (c)
dealing at least one playing card as community cards; (d) forming a
bonus hand from a subset of said community cards; and (e) paying
said at least one player a predetermined amount if said bonus hand
has a predetermined combination of playing cards."
[0013] "A method of playing a bonus for a poker-type game with at
least one 52-card deck of playing cards, said method comprising the
following steps: (a) at least one player wagering on said bonus;
(b) dealing two playing cards to a plurality of hands; (c) dealing
five playing cards as community cards; (d) forming a bonus hand
from a subset of said community cards; and (e) paying said at least
one player a predetermined amount if said bonus hand has a
predetermined combination of playing cards."
[0014] 3) Webb published patent application number 2007-0216097,
published on Sep. 20, 2007, and entitled "HOLD'EM TABLE GAME",
discloses:
[0015] "A method of playing a house-banked casino card game
includes dealing player cards to a player, dealer cards to a
dealer, and community cards to form a player hand and a dealer
hand. The players are provided with options to place wagers,
wherein a number of placed wagers in play is determined according
to a rank of the dealer hand. Moreover, not all wagers are required
for the player to stay in the game."
[0016] "A method of playing a house-banked casino card game, the
method comprising: (a) receiving an Ante wager from a player; (b)
dealing at least one player card to the player and at least one
dealer card to a dealer; (c) providing the player with an option to
place a Play wager, wherein the Play wager is not required for the
player to stay in the game; (d) dealing at least one community
card, wherein a player hand includes cards selected from the at
least one player card and the at least one community card, and
wherein the dealer hand includes cards selected from the at least
one dealer card and the at least one community card; and (e)
resolving the Ante wager and the Play wager if placed according to
a rank of the player hand versus a rank of the dealer hand."
[0017] "A method of playing a house-banked casino card game, the
method comprising: (a) receiving an Ante wager from a player; (b)
dealing at least one player card to the player and at least one
dealer card to a dealer; (c) alternately providing the player with
an option to place a subsequent wager and dealing at least one
community card; (d) repeating step (c) until a predetermined number
of wager options have been provided to the player and a
predetermined number of community cards have been dealt, wherein a
player hand includes cards selected from the at least one player
card and at least one of the predetermined number of community
cards, and wherein the dealer hand includes cards selected from the
at least one dealer card and at least one of the predetermined
number of community cards; and (e) resolving the Ante wager and all
subsequent wagers according to a rank of the player hand versus a
rank of the dealer hand, wherein the number of the subsequent
wagers in play is determined according to the rank of the dealer
hand."
[0018] "A method of playing a house banked casino card game, the
method comprising: (a) receiving an Ante wager from a player; (b)
dealing two player cards to the player and two dealer cards to a
dealer; (c) providing the player with an option to place a Play
wager, wherein the Play wager is not required for the player to
stay in the game; (d) dealing first, second and third community
cards; (e) providing the player with an option to place a Flop
wager, wherein the Flop wager is not required for the player to
stay in the game; (f) dealing a fourth community card; (g)
providing the player with an option to place a Turn wager, wherein
the Turn wager is not required for the player to stay in the game;
(h) dealing a fifth community card, wherein a player hand consists
of five cards selected from the two player cards and the first
through fifth community cards, and wherein the dealer hand consists
of five cards selected from the two dealer cards and the first
through fifth community card; (i) providing the player with an
option to place a River wager, wherein the River wager is not
required for the player to stay in the game; (j) determining which
of the Play wager, the Flop wager, the Turn wager and the River
wager are in play based on a poker rank of the dealer hand; and (k)
resolving the Ante wager, the Play wager, the Flop wager, the Turn
wager and the River wager if placed according to which of the
wagers are in play based on a poker rank of the player hand versus
a poker rank of the dealer hand."
[0019] "A method of playing a house-banked casino card game
comprising dealing player cards to a player, dealer cards to a
dealer, and community cards to form a player hand and a dealer
hand, and providing the player with options to place wagers,
wherein a number of placed wagers in play is determined according
to a rank of the dealer hand."
[0020] "A method of playing a house-banked casino card game
comprising dealing player cards to a player, dealer cards to a
dealer, and community cards to form a player hand and a dealer
hand, and providing the player with options to place wagers,
wherein only one wager is required for the player to stay in the
game."
[0021] 4) Webb published patent application number 2007-0216099,
published on Sep. 20, 2007, and entitled "HOLD'EM TABLE GAME",
discloses:
[0022] "A method of playing a house-banked casino card game
includes dealing player cards to a player, dealer cards to a
dealer, and community cards to form a player hand and a dealer
hand. After initial wagers, the players are provided with options
to place additional wagers, which are not required to stay in the
game. Competition wagers are resolved based on a comparison of the
dealer hand and the player hand, and a proposition wager is
resolved based on either the player hand or the dealer, or possibly
the better of the two, against a payout scale."
[0023] "A method of playing a house-banked casino card game, the
method comprising:(a) receiving an Ante wager, a Blind wager, and a
Two-Way wager from a player;(b) dealing two player cards to the
player and two dealer cards to a dealer;(c) dealing three community
cards to a center card area;(d) after step (c), providing the
player with an option to place a Flop wager, wherein the Flop wager
is not required for the player to stay in the game; (e) after step
(d), dealing two additional community cards; (f) after step (e),
providing the player with an option to place a River wager, wherein
the River wager is not required for the player to stay in the game,
wherein a player hand includes cards selected from the player
cards, the three community cards, and the two additional community
cards, and wherein the dealer hand includes cards selected from the
dealer cards, the three community cards, and the two additional
community cards;(g) resolving the Ante wager, the Blind wager, and
if placed, the Flop wager and the River wager according to a poker
rank of the player hand versus a poker rank of the dealer hand; and
(h) resolving the Two-Way wager according to the poker rank of one
of the player hand or the dealer hand against a scale."
[0024] "A method of playing a house-banked casino card game, the
method comprising:(a) receiving at least a competition wager and a
proposition wager from a player;(b) dealing player cards to the
player and dealer cards to a dealer;(c) dealing at least one
community card to a center card area; (d) after step (c), providing
the player with a first option to increase the competition
wager;(e) after step (d), dealing at least one additional community
card;(f) after step (e), providing the player with a second option
to increase the competition wager, wherein a player hand includes
cards selected from the player cards, the at least one community
card, and the at least one additional community card, and wherein
the dealer hand includes cards selected from the dealer cards, the
at least one community card, and the at least one additional
community card;(g) resolving the competition wager according to a
poker rank of the player hand versus a poker rank of the dealer
hand; and (h) resolving the proposition wager according to the
poker rank of one of the player hand or the dealer hand against a
scale."
[0025] "A method of playing a house-banked casino Texas Hold'Em
card game, the method comprising:(a) receiving compulsory wagers
from each player;(b) dealing two cards to each player and a dealer
in rotation;(c) dealing five community cards in a Flop round and a
River round;(d) providing additional wagering options after the
Flop round and after the River round, wherein no additional wagers
are required for the players to stay in the game; and (e) resolving
the compulsory wagers and any additional wagers according to game
rules, wherein all against dealer wagers in play give 1 to 1
symmetrical action."
[0026] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
Applicant's claimed invention is not disclosed by the above-cited
references.
Objects of the Present Invention are to Provide:
[0027] A poker game that is easy to learn; A poker game that is
easy to play; A poker game that does not require strategy; A poker
game that is attractive to players with no poker skills; A poker
game that provides for bonus, bad-beat jackpot and super bad-beat
jackpot payouts; A poker game that allows for social interaction; A
poker game that allows for many poker hands per hour; A poker game
that allows for increased casino revenue. A poker game that
involves dealer play and no folding of hands by the players.
FEATURES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, A
method for playing a poker game involving a dealer and a plurality
of players, said method-comprising the steps of: Each player
placing the same single ante bet amount to create a pot; The dealer
dealing in order a first card face-down to each player and to the
dealer; The dealer dealing in order a second card face-down to each
player and to the dealer; The dealer dealing a first burn card
face-down; The dealer dealing three flop cards face-up; The dealer
dealing a second burn card face-down; The dealer dealing a fourth
card face-up; The dealer dealing a third burn card face-down; The
dealer dealing a fifth card face-up; Each player and the dealer
turning over their respective two dealt cards; The dealer
determining the best poker hand for each player's two dealt cards
and for the dealer's two dealt cards in combination with the five
face-up cards; and The dealer paying to the player having the best
poker hand higher than the dealer's poker hand the pot amount after
deducting the casino rake amount and the bad-beat jackpot rake
amount.
Features of the Present Invention are Therefore that: The dealer
and the players are each dealt the same number of cards; The dealer
returns one-half of the pot amount to the players whenever the
dealer makes the best poker hand; The poker game allows for the
payment of bonuses, bad-beat jackpot amounts, and super bad-beat
jackpot amounts to the players;
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the
present invention will be further appreciated from a reading of the
following detailed description in conjunction with the drawing in
which:
[0030] FIGS. 1 through 5 are top views of poker table 20 showing
how a traditional limit Texas Holdem poker hand is played.
[0031] FIGS. 6 through 8 are top views of poker table 100 showing
how the two hole-cards are dealt in the limit Texas Holdem poker
hand according to the present invention.
[0032] FIGS. 9 through 11 are top views of poker table 100 showing
how the five common cards are dealt in the limit Texas Holdem poker
hand according to the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a top view of poker table 100 showing the various
designated regions of the table according to the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a top view of poker table 100 showing the various
designated regions of the table featuring optional bonus betting
according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1 Through 5
[0035] FIGS. 1 through 5 are top views of poker table 20 showing
how a limit Holdem poker hand may be played. Generally, a Limit
Holdem Poker Game is played by up to 10 players on an oval-shaped
poker table. The casino dealer sits in the middle of one of the
long sides of the table. The betting limits are set by the casino.
The most popular Holdem limits are: $5/$10; $10/$20; $15/$30;
$20/$40; $30/$60; and $50/$100. The first $ amount is the "big
blind" amount. In $10/$20 limit Holdem, the big blind is $10. The
"little blind" amount is $5. During the 1st and 2nd betting rounds
of a poker hand, the defined bet is $10 plus up to a possible 3
raises for a total maximum bet of $40. During the 3rd and 4th
betting rounds, the defined bet is $20 plus up to a possible 3
raises for a total maximum bet of $80.
[0036] The following detailed description relates to a $10/$20
limit Holdem game. Each hand of limit Holdem involves several steps
taken by the casino dealer and up to four betting rounds effected
by the players. The order of dealing by the casino dealer and the
order of betting by the players are controlled by the designated
player position called the "button". The player who is the button
is designated by a round white plastic button which is physically
placed in front of that player so that the casino dealer and all
the other players know which player is the button.
[0037] In $10/$20 limit Holdem, each player initially buys poker
chips for no less than the minimum amount set by the casino (such
as $100) and up to $1,000 or more at the discretion of the player
or at the discretion of the casino. Each player now has a stack of
chips for playing each hand of poker. Before the beginning of play
(before the first hand is dealt and played), the casino dealer
deals each player one card face-up in clockwise order starting with
the first player to the left of the dealer. The player who is dealt
the highest-ranking card face-up is designated the button for the
first hand. The plastic button is then physically placed in front
of that player who was dealt the highest ranking card face-up.
[0038] There are two ways by which the casino ("the house") makes
money from a poker game. In high limit Holdem, the casino usually
charges each player at the table a monetary amount ("time") during
each 1/2 hour. For example, in $10/$20 limit Holdem, the time
amount charged each player each 1/2 hour may be $5. In low limit
Holdem, the casino usually takes an amount ("the rake") being a
certain maximum percentage from each pot at the end of each
completed poker hand. For example, in $5/$10 limit Holdem, the rake
may be up to a maximum of $4.
[0039] The wager options or the wager actions that a player may
choose from are fold, check, call, bet or raise.
[0040] Fold means that a player does not want to meet the pending
bet or raised amount. Such player surrenders his two hole-cards;
and such player surrenders whatever moneys he has wagered so far up
to that betting round of the poker hand.
[0041] Check means that a player does not want to bet when there is
no pending bet or no pending raise amount.
[0042] Call means that a player puts into the pot the same amount
as the pending bet or raised amount.
[0043] Bet means that a player bets the amount allowed during that
betting round. Such bet amount may be the big blind amount or
double the big blind amount depending on the betting round.
[0044] Raise means that a player bets an amount greater than the
pending bet or pending raises amount. Such raise amount may be a
multiple of the big blind amount or a multiple of double the big
blind amount allowed during that betting round.
[0045] Side pots are created as follows. A player must either fold,
check, call, bet, or raise. Such player has a certain number of
chips in front of him at that time of play. If such player is not
able to call the whole pending bet amount or pending raises amount;
or if such player is not able to make a whole bet; or if such
player is not able to make a whole raise, then the dealer creates a
side pot in addition to the already existing main pot. The dealer
determines the reduced amount that such player can call, bet or
raise. Then the dealer places that amount into the main pot times
the number of active players still remaining in the hand at that
time. For example, if the all-in player has only $5 and there are 4
active players in the hand, then the dealer places $20 into the
main pot. The dealer then creates the side pot from the difference
that the other 3 active players further call, bet or raise. The
all-in player can only win the main pot. The other 3 active players
can win the main pot and/or the side pot.
[0046] Now refer to FIGS. 1 through 5 which are top views of poker
table 20 showing how a limit Holdem poker hand may be played. See
FIG. 1. Table 20 is shown as viewed from above. The positions of
casino dealer D and of players 1-10 are shown. For explanatory
purposes only, it is assumed that player 5 was dealt the
highest-ranking card face-up and is therefor designated the button
BU for the first hand. Therefore, round white plastic button BU is
physically placed in front of player 5. Before any hand of limit
Holdem is played, the most important questions asked by dealer D
and by all the players at the table are: Which player is the button
BU? Which player is the little blind LB? Which player is the big
blind BB? In this example, player 5 is the dealer button BU. Player
6 is the little blind LB and places a $5 chip on the table in front
of him before the first hand is dealt. Player 7 is the big blind BB
and places a $10 chip on the table in front of him before the first
hand is dealt.
[0047] Dealer D now knows that player 5 is the button. Dealing by
dealer D and betting by players 1-10 are performed in a clockwise
manner relative to player 5 who is button BU. Each hand of limit
Holdem comprises up to four betting rounds. The 1st betting round
is called the pre-flop betting round; the 2nd betting round is
called the post-flop betting round; the 3rd betting round is called
the post-turn betting round; and the 4th betting round is called
the post-river betting round. Button BU remains in place throughout
all betting rounds of a poker hand. Before the pre-flop betting
round, player 6 (who is the little blind LB) must place a $5 chip
in front of him. Player 7 (who is the big blind BB) must place a
$10 chip in front of him. Players 6 and 7 have not yet been dealt
any cards by dealer D. Dealer D now deals player 6 one hole-card
facedown; player 7 one hole-card face-down; and so on until player
(button BU) is dealt one hole-card face-down. Dealer D next deals
each player a second hole-card face-down in the same clockwise
order as before. Player 8 now has three options: he may call the
big blind amount of $10; he may raise by the big blind amount and
make the bet $20; or he may drop out of the hand and fold by
surrendering his two cards to dealer D. After player 8 exercises
one of his options, then it is up to player 9 to exercise one of
his options, and so on until player 5 (button BU) exercises one of
his options. Player 6 (the little blind LB who has already placed a
$5 chip in front of him) may now exercise one of the following
options. He may complete his bet to $10 by placing a second $5 chip
in front of him if no one before him has raised to $20 or higher.
He may call a higher bet if there was at least one raise before
him. He may drop out and fold his hand by surrendering his two
cards and his $5 chip. If player 6 still has an option to raise and
in fact does raise, then all subsequent remaining players must
either meet his raise or must fold their hands. Player 7 (the big
blind BB who has already placed a $10 chip in front of him) may now
exercise one of the following options. He may call if no one has
raised before him by pushing his $10 chip forward. He may call a
higher bet if there was at least one raise before him. He may drop
out of the hand and fold by surrendering his two cards and his $10
chip if there was at least one raise before him. If player 7 still
has an option to raise and in fact does raise, then all subsequent
remaining players must either meet his raise or must fold their
hands. The maximum number of raises allowed by the casino (usually
three raises) limits the aforementioned clockwise process. Once the
maximum number of raises is reached at a given player, then the
subsequent remaining players may only call the prior raises or may
fold their hands. The total amount or value of the chips in the
middle of table 20 after this 1st or pre-flop betting round is
called the pot. The monetary value of the pot is dynamic because it
increases each time a player calls, bets or raises. Those players
remaining in the hand after the pre-flop betting round are still
active players. In this example, the remaining active players after
the pre-flop betting round are players 6, 7, 9, 1, 3 and 4 in
clockwise order relative to button BU. Players 8, 10, 2 and 5
folded (dropped out of the hand) and are inactive players during
the rest of the hand. See FIG. 2.
[0048] After the 1st or pre-flop betting round is complete, dealer
D burns a card B1 face-down and places it on the table to his left
or right. Dealer D next places three cards F1, F2 and F3 face-up on
the center of the table in front of him. These three cards are
called the flop cards. The remaining active players in the hand now
commence the 2nd or post-flop betting round. During the post-flop
betting round, player 6 may check by not betting or may bet $10.
Player 7 may check if and only if player 6 checked, or may call $10
if player 6 bet $10, or may raise to $20 if player 6 bet $10, or
may fold if player 6 bet $10. Player 9 may exercise one of the same
options as player 7, and so on by players 1 and 3 until player 4
exercises one of his options. If player 4 still has an option to
raise and in fact does raise, then players 6, 7, 9, 1 and 3 must
meet the raise or must fold. Again, the maximum number of raises
allowed by the casino limits the aforementioned clockwise process.
Once the maximum number of raises is reached by a given remaining
active player, then the subsequent remaining active players may
only call or fold. The total amount or value of the chips in the
middle of the table after this 2nd or post-flop betting round is
the new pot amount. Those players remaining in the hand after the
post-flop betting round are active players. In this example, the
remaining active players after the post-flop betting round are
players 6, 9, 1 and 3 in clockwise order relative to button BU.
Players 7 and 4 folded (dropped out of the hand) and are now
inactive players during the rest of the hand. See FIG. 3.
[0049] After the 2nd or post-flop betting round is complete, dealer
D burns another card B2 face-down and places it on the table next
to or on top burn card B1. Dealer D then deals another card TU
face-up and places it on the table in line to the right of flop
cards F1, F2 and F3. The remaining active players (6, 9, 1, and 3)
now commence the 3rd or post-turn betting round. During the
post-turn betting round, player 6 may check by betting no amount or
may bet $20. Player 9 may check if and only if player 6 checked, or
may call $20 if player 6 bet $20, or may raise to $40 if player 6
bet $20, or may fold his hand if player 6 bet $20. Player 1 may
exercise the same options as player 9, and so on until player 3
exercises one of his options. If player 3 raises, then players 6,
9, and 1 must either meet the raise or must fold. Again, the
maximum number of raises allowed by the casino limits this
clockwise process. Once the maximum number of raises is reached at
a given player, then the subsequent remaining players may only call
or fold. The total amount or value of the chips in the middle of
the table after this 3rd or post-turn betting round is the new pot
amount. Those players remaining in the hand after the post-turn
betting round are active players. In this example, the remaining
active players after the post-turn betting round are players 6, 1
and 3 in clockwise order relative to button BU. Player 9 folded
(dropped out of the hand) and is now an inactive player during the
rest of the hand. See FIG. 4.
[0050] After the 3rd or post-turn betting round is complete, dealer
D burns another card B3 face-down and places it on the table next
to or top of burn cards B1 and B2. Dealer D then deals another card
RI face-up and places it on the table in line with and to the right
of cards F1, F2, F3 and TU. The remaining active players (6, 1, 3)
in the hand now commence the 4th or post-river betting round.
During the post-river betting round, player 6 may check by betting
no amount or may bet $20. Player 1 may check if and only if player
6 checked, or may call $20 if player 6 bet $20, or may raise to $40
if player 6 bet $20, or may fold if player 6 bet $20. Player 3 may
exercise one of the same options as player 1. If player 3 raises,
then players 6 and 1 must either meet the raise or must fold their
hands. Again, the maximum number of raises allowed by the casino
limits the aforementioned clockwise process. Once the maximum
number of raises is reached at a given remaining active player,
then the subsequent remaining active players may only call or fold.
The total amount or value of the chips in the middle of the table
after this 4th or post-river betting round is the final pot amount.
Those players remaining in the hand after the post-river betting
round are active players. In this example, the remaining active
players after the post-river betting round are players 6, 1 and 3
in clockwise order relative to button BU. See FIG. 5.
[0051] After the 4th or post-river betting round is complete, each
remaining active player (6, 1, 3) in clockwise order relative to
button B must expose his two cards face-up. Then, upon exposing his
two cards face-up, each player must declare to the dealer and to
the other players the best poker hand that his two cards make in
combination with the five face-up cards F1, F2, F3, TU and RI in
the middle of the table. In most casinos, the dealer must read and
declare out loud the best poker hand made by each player. In many
cases, a player will not expose his two cards because such player
concedes to himself that his best poker hand does not beat the
other exposed poker hands. After all the players' cards are exposed
and after all the best poker hands are declared, then the dealer
declares the winner or winners of the main pot and of any side
pots. If two or more players make the same best poker hand, then
the main pot and/or any side pots are split between/among such
winning players.
Poker Hands are Ranked as Follows:
[0052] Royal straight flush such a 10 Jack Queen King Ace all of
Spades or all Hearts or all Diamonds or all Clubs. Straight flush
such as Eight Nine Ten Jack Queen all of Spades or all Hearts or
all Diamonds or all Clubs. Four of a kind such as fours Aces or
four Kings. Full house such as three Aces plus two Kings. Flush
such as two five seven nine jack all of Spades or all Hearts or all
Diamonds or all Clubs. Straight such as four five six seven eight
of different suits. Three of a kind only such as ace ace ace. Two
pair such as ace ace plus two two. One pair only such as ace ace.
High card only such as ace of Spades or Hearts or Diamonds or
Clubs.
FIGS. 6 Through 8
[0053] FIGS. 6 through 8 are top views of poker table 100 showing
how the two hole-cards are dealt face-down by dealer D in this
limit Texas Holdem poker hand according to the present invention.
More specifically, FIG. 6 is a top view of poker table 100 showing
dealer D and players P1 through P8 in their respective positions at
the table before the hand is played. FIG. 6 also shows that player
P8 is designated the Button position B before the hand is played.
Finally, FIG. 6 also shows that each player P1 through P8 has
placed his single ante bet amount A in front of him before the hand
is played.
[0054] Further, FIG. 7 is a top view of poker table 100 showing
dealer D and players P1 though P8 in their respective positions at
the table each having been dealt by the dealer their respective
first hole-card C1 face-down. In this example, player 5 is dealt
first by the dealer because player 4 is designated the button B
position. Thereafter, the clockwise dealing sequence effected by
dealer D is players P6, P7, P8, dealer D, players P1, P2, P3 and
P4.
[0055] Still further, FIG. 8 is a top view of poker table 100
showing dealer D and players P1 though P8 in their respective
positions at the table each having been dealt by the dealer their
respective first and second hole-cards C1 C2 face-down. Card C2 is
dealt by dealer D in the same clockwise sequence stated above.
FIGS. 9 Through 11
[0056] FIGS. 9 through 11 are top views of poker table 100 showing
how the five common or community cards are dealt face-up by dealer
D in this limit Texas Holdem poker hand according to the present
invention. More specifically, FIG. 9 shows the first burn card B1
face-down plus the three flop cards F1 F2 F3 face-up. Dealer D
first deals burn card B1 face-down and then he deals the three flop
cards F1 F2 F3 face-up.
[0057] Further, FIG. 10 shows the first burn card B1 face-down, the
second burn card B2 face-down, the three flop cards F1 F2 F3
face-up, and the turn card T face-up. Dealer D first deals burn
card B2 face-down and then he deals the turn card T face-up.
[0058] Still further, FIG. 10 shows the first burn card B1
face-down, the second burn card B2 face-down, the third burn card
B3 face-down, the three flop cards F1 F2 F3 face-up, the turn card
T face-up, and the river card R face-up. Dealer D first deals burn
card B3 face-down and then he deals the river card R face-up.
[0059] At this point at the end of the dealing, each player and
dealer D each turns over his respective two hole-cards C1 C2
face-up. Each player may now declare his best poker hand utilizing
his two cards C1 C2 face-up plus the five common or community cards
F1 F2 F3 T R. Dealer D then confirms the best poker hand of each
player plus that of the dealer. The dealer then pays out the
combined antes totaling 8A to the respective winning player,
players and/or the dealer after deducting the casino or house rake
amount and the bad-beat jackpot rake amount as hereinafter
described.
FIG. 12
[0060] FIG. 12 is a top view of poker table 100 showing the various
designated regions of the table according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 shows players P1 through P8 seated in front of their
assigned positions on the table. For illustrative purposes only, in
front of player P1 is his designated circular region or area in
which player P1 places his ante bet before all cards C1C2 are dealt
by dealer D to all the players and the dealer. For illustrative
purposes only, also in front of player P1 is designated square
region or area 1 in which player P1 places his two hole-cards face
down after all cards C1C2 are dealt by dealer D to all the players
and the dealer. The same explanation applies to all other players
P2 to P8 with respect to their respectively assigned designated
circular regions or areas and assigned square regions or areas. The
same explanation applies to dealer D with respect to his assigned
designated square region or area 14 in which he places his two
hole-cards face down. For illustrative purposes only, FIG. 12 also
shows designated square regions or areas 9-10-11 in front of dealer
D wherein the dealer places the initial three-card flop face-up.
Also shown is designated square region or area 12 wherein the
dealer places the turn card face-up. Also shown is designated
square region or area 13 wherein the dealer places the river card
face-up.
FIG. 13
[0061] FIG. 13 is a top view of poker table 100 showing the various
designated regions of the table featuring optional bonus betting
according to the present invention. FIG. 13 shows players P1
through P8 seated in front of their assigned positions on the
table. For illustrative purposes only, in front of player P1 is his
designated circular region or area in which player P1 places his
ante bet before all cards C1C2 are dealt by dealer D to all the
players and the dealer. For illustrative purposes only, also in
front of player P1 is designated square region or area 1 in which
player P1 places his two hole-cards face down after all cards C1C2
are dealt by dealer D all the players and the dealer. The same
explanation applies to all other players P2 to P8 with respect to
their respectively assigned designated circular regions or areas
and assigned square regions or areas. The same explanation applies
to dealer D with respect to his assigned designated square region
or area 14 in which he places his two hole-cards face down. For
illustrative purposes only, FIG. 13 also shows designated square
regions or areas 9-10-11 in front of dealer D wherein the dealer
places the initial three-card flop face-up. Also shown is
designated square region or area 12 wherein the dealer places the
turn card face-up. Also shown is designated square region or area
13 wherein the dealer places the river card face-up. For
illustrative purposes only, also shown in front of each player P1
to P8 is a triangular area for placing the optional bonus bet
before all cards are dealt to all the players and the dealer by
dealer D.
FURTHER OBJECTS, ADVANTAGES AND FEATURES OF THE PRESENT
INVENTION
[0062] The poker game of the present invention may accommodate up
to 10 players at the table. Limiting the game from 2 to 8 players
instead of 10 players may make the bad-beat jackpot harder to hit
per table, thereby allowing the bad-beat jackpot prize pool to get
higher before it is hit. When the bad-beat jackpot pool gets to be
over $100,000, it may draw more players to the tables. Limiting the
game from 2 to 8 players instead of 10 players may also make the
$1,000,000 super bad-beat jackpot harder to hit per table, thereby
making it less expensive to insure.
[0063] Limiting the game to 8 players may also mean that more hands
may be dealt per hour per table and more tables may be opened up
and filled up more quickly.
[0064] Limiting the game to 8 players instead of 10 players may
also allow the casino to use a smaller "clamshell" type table to
save room on the casino floor. The tables may look like a poker
room table and may be lower to the ground so that players may sit
on chairs with their feet on the ground. This may allow onlookers
to comfortably watch the game in progress. The casino may utilize a
green cotton/polyester blend fabric AKA casino speedcloth on the
top of the table.
[0065] Bridge-size plastic playing cards may be used as in regular
poker room games.
[0066] When there are 2 to 5 players in the game, each hand may be
raked at 5% of the pot up to a $6 maximum rake. If the pot is not
in a multiple of $20 then the rake may be rounded up to the next
dollar. For example, if the pot is $25, then the rake may be $2.
There may also be a $1 drop for the bad-beat jackpot no matter what
the size of the pot is.
[0067] When there are 6 to 8 players in the game then there may be
NO rake per hand. The house may make money as is explained below.
These rake rates apply to land based casinos. On cruise ship
casinos, the cruise line operator may adjust the rake rates to
manipulate the house edge percentages any way it desires.
[0068] There is no big blind and no small blind posted by the
players. Players only ante EXACTLY the table ante and place it in
the ante circle in front of their seat. The ante may be any of the
following: $5, $10, $15, $20, $25 or any amount in increments of
$5. If the ante requires more than one chip then each player is
required to place his chips in the circle flat and next to each
other so that the dealer may easily determine that each player has
anted the correct amount (as opposed to stacking the chips on top
of each another in which case each ante would have to be counted
down every single hand by the dealer thereby slowing down the
game). There may be no minimum buy-in for a player to sit down and
play.
[0069] The dealer may then deal 2 cards face-down to each player
(starting with the player to the left of the player with the dealer
button) along with himself (the dealer/the house). There is no
betting other than the ante. If any card is exposed during the
course of dealing out the cards to any player or to the dealer (the
house), then the exposed card IS NOT replaced, nor will the hand be
declared a mis-deal. Since there are no actual betting decisions to
be made, an exposed card is irrelevant.
[0070] After the deal, the players look at their starting two cards
(if they choose to) and then may place their two cards face-down in
the square in front of them next to their ante circle. The dealer
then burns a card and deals out a 3-card flop of community cards in
the center of the table marked off by a rectangle to place the
cards in. The dealer then burns another card and turns a 4.sup.th
card, placing it in the appropriate box for the 4.sup.th card. The
dealer then burns another card and deals a 5.sup.th card, placing
it in the appropriate box for the 5.sup.th card. There is NO
BETTING during the course of the hand. There may be a 5-second or
so delay in between the flop and the 4.sup.th card and another
5-second or so delay in between the 4.sup.th and 5.sup.th cards to
create excitement as the players determine what hand they have made
and what cards they need to make their best poker hand.
[0071] If there are 2 to 5 players in the hand, then the dealer's
(house's) hand does not play and the dealer then mucks his cards.
The dealer then says "Showdown" and instructs the players to turn
their two cards over and place them face-up back into their card
square in front of them. The players' cards "speak for themselves"
no matter what the player claims to have. The dealer then
determines who has the best poker hand and awards the pot to the
player with the best poker hand (minus the house rake as determined
above and minus $1 for the bad-beat jackpot as explained
below).
[0072] If there are 6 to 8 players in the hand, then the dealer
exposes his two hole-cards, then says "Showdown", and then
instructs the players to turn over their two cards and place them
back face-up into their card square in front of them. The cards
"speak for themselves" no matter what the player claims to have.
The dealer then determines who has the best poker hand and awards
the pot to the player with the best poker hand (minus the $1 for
the bad-beat jackpot as explained below). If the dealer (the house)
has the best poker hand, then each player gets one-half of their
ante back and the house drops $1 for the bad-beat jackpot and the
remainder goes to the house. Players are allowed to throw their
cards face-down into the "muck" if they so desire, but if they do
so, then their hand is declared dead and they relinquish any rights
to the pot. After the hand is over, the dealer moves the "dealer"
button one player to the left and repeats the process over again.
The dealer button will never be in front of the dealer (house). The
dealer button will always move by the dealer to the first player to
his left.
[0073] If two or more players end up with the same best poker hand,
then the pot will be split equally (minus the house rake and minus
the bad-beat jackpot drop) between or among the players with the
same best poker hand. If there are any odd chips left over, then
the first extra chip is awarded to the player holding a Spade in
his winning best poker hand. The next extra chip (if any) is then
awarded to the player with a Heart in his winning best poker hand;
then to the Diamond; and lastly to the Club. If the board plays (in
which case no player has a best poker hand better than the board
poker hand), then the extra chips are awarded to the player with
the highest Spade in their two hole-cards. If no one has a spade
then to the highest Heart, then to the highest Diamond, and then to
the highest Club.
[0074] If the dealer is involved in a split pot, then the dealer
takes out the $1 bad-beat jackpot drop, and then divides the
remaining money evenly among or between the house and the player(s)
who tie for the best poker hand. In this case, there will be no
one-half refunding of the losing players' antes. Also, if there is
an extra odd chip, then the other player or players with the best
poker hand always gets the extra chip. The dealer (the house) is
never eligible to receive the extra chip.
[0075] The Bad-beat jackpot rake is $1 per hand from the pot. (Not
from each player). The casino seeds the bad-beat jackpot with
$5,000 to get it started. This amount will be recouped as the
bad-beat jackpot drops accumulate. A bad-beat occurs when a player
loses holding a minimum hand of 4 of a kind or a straight flush
(while holding a pocket pair or 2 suited cards that both play in
the straight flush) and losing to a higher 4 of a kind (with the
other player holding a pocket pair as well) or losing to a straight
flush (with the other player's 2 hole-cards both playing in the
straight flush). Payouts for the bad-beat jackpot may be as
follows: The player with the qualifying hand that loses the hand
may get up to 50% of the total bad-beat jackpot prize pool. The
player with the qualifying hand that wins the hand may get up to
25% of the total bad-beat jackpot prize pool. The remaining players
in the hand then divide up the remainder of the bad-beat jackpot
prize pool.
[0076] If the dealer (the house) has one of the 2 bad-beat jackpot
qualifying hands then the bad-beat jackpot is null and void and is
not awarded to any player. The house also does not get a table
share of the bad-beat jackpot if the dealer does not have one of
the 2 bad-beat jackpot qualifying hands. In other words, the dealer
(the house) cannot trigger nor partake in any portion of the
bad-beat jackpot prize pool or in the $1,000,000 Super Bad-beat
Jackpot prize pool as described below. Each player at the table
that did not have either the winning poker hand or the losing poker
hand in the bad-beat jackpot is eligible to receive a portion of
the bad-beat jackpot prize pool pot as long as they played the hand
and did not miss the button in their circle in front of them.
[0077] When a player sits out of any hand from any position on the
table, then such player gets a large "missed hand button" that is
the same size as the ante circle and is placed in their ante circle
to indicate that they did not play the hand.
[0078] 70% of each $1 dropped for the bad-beat jackpot may go
towards the current bad-beat jackpot; 20% of each $1 dropped may be
carried forward to seed the next bad-beat jackpot after the current
one is hit; and 10% may go towards insuring the $1,000,000 Super
Bad-beat Jackpot (through Lloyds of London or another insurer
carrier); and whatever is left over may go to the casino (the
house) for "administrative" fees. This % breakdown may be subject
to revision by the casino.
[0079] A $1,000,000 Super Bad-beat Jackpot may be awarded if anyone
loses with 4 aces while holding 2 aces as a pocket pair to a Royal
Flush in the suit of SPADES with the other player holding 2 cards
that comprise the spades royal flush. The payout may be as follows:
The player with the spade royal flush may win up to $500,000. The
player with the 4 aces may win up to $250,000. The remaining
players at the table may equally divide up the remainder All
payouts may be paid out over 20 years in the form of an annuity.
The requirements to be eligible for a "table sitter" share are the
same as they are for the regular bad-beat jackpot. If the dealer
(the house) has one of the 2 qualifying hands, then the $1,000,000
Super Bad-beat Jackpot is null and void. The house also does not
get a table share of the super bad-beat jackpot if the house does
not have either one of the 2 bad-beat qualifying hands.
[0080] The odds of the $1,000,000 Super Bad-beat Jackpot being hit
are as follows: [0081] 8-handed: about 62,768,380 to 1 [0082]
7-handed: about 83,678,528 to 1 [0083] 6-handed: about 117,132,240
to 1 [0084] 5-handed: about 175,671,816 to 1 [0085] 4-handed: about
292,742,136 to 1 [0086] 3-handed: about 585,395,848 to 1 [0087]
2-handed: about 1,755,922,348 to 1
[0088] Use of an automatic card shuffler. A three-deck shuffling
unit may be ideal when the game is short handed so that the hands
may play quickly. While a player may not want the pace of play to
get too fast, a player may also not want the pace of play to come
to a halt while waiting for the cards to shuffle. About one hand
per minute (perhaps one hand per 45 seconds when short handed) may
be ideal. This would allow for a comfortable pace of play. The
dealer may hand-shuffle when there are fewer than 5 players since
the shuffle machine may take about 50 seconds and would slow down
the pace of play too much.
[0089] The $1 drop for the bad-beat jackpot may allow the house to
know EXACTLY how many hands have been dealt because $1 is dropped
for the bad-beat jackpot every single hand no matter how many
players are in the hand.
[0090] The way that the rake is designed means that almost every
pot ends up with some $1 chips in it. This is ideal for creating
chips for tipping the dealer, thereby keeping the dealers happy and
not slowing the game down too often to make change after the pot is
awarded.
[0091] The floor-person in charge may try to maintain the tables
with an even-number of players so that the table with the fewest
players may get the next new player if more than one table is
running. But any player may sit at any table they so desire. Also,
the floor person may allow players who want to play together to sit
at the same table if they so desire, even if the tables have an
even number of players. People may be much more likely to play if
they can sit and play with their friends or spouse.
[0092] Comps for players may be $1 per hour for every $10 of
ante.
[0093] An alternative $1,000,000/$5,000,000 Super Bad-beat Jackpot
payout may be as follows: Quad 2's losing to a Royal Flush for a
$1,000,000 payout the same way as above. The odds of this happening
may be about 128,767,639-to-1 in a 10-handed game. The odds may
about 200,000,000 to 1 in an 8-handed game. Quad 2's losing to a
Royal Flush in Spades may qualify for a $5,000,000 pay out the same
way as above. The odds of this happening are about 515,070,556 to 1
in a 10-handed game. The odds in an 8-handed game are about
800,000,000 to 1.
[0094] Free Bonus Payouts: There is no extra side bet required, nor
is there any extra rake taken out of the pot for these free bonus
payouts when a player makes a straight, a flush, a full-house, four
of a kind, a straight flush, or a royal flush.
[0095] Bonus Payout Schedule A. This is suggested if there is not
going to be a $1 side-bet bonus payout schedule. [0096] $100 bonus
for making 4 of a kind (flopping quads) after only the first 3
community cards are exposed while holding a pocket pair. [0097]
$500 bonus for making 4 aces (flopping quads aces) after only the
first 3 community cards are exposed while holding a pocket pair of
aces. [0098] $125 bonus for making any straight flush. (with either
one or both hole-cards playing). [0099] $500 bonus for making a
straight flush (flopping it) after only the first 3 community cards
are exposed, while holding both hole-cards that help make up the
straight flush. [0100] $1,000 bonus for making any royal flush
(with either one or both hole-cards playing). [0101] $2,500 bonus
for making a royal flush (flopping it) after only the first 3
community cards are exposed while holding both hole-cards that help
make up the royal flush.
[0102] Bonus Payout Schedule B. This Free Bonus Payout Schedule is
designed to be used in conjunction with a $1 side bet Bonus
Multiplier. See below for the $1 side bet bonus payout schedule B1.
[0103] $25 bonus for making 4 of a kind (flopping quads) after only
the first 3 community cards are exposed while holding a pocket
pair. [0104] $150 bonus for making 4 aces (flopping quads aces)
after only the first 3 community cards are exposed while holding a
pocket pair of aces. [0105] $25 bonus for making any straight
flush. (with either one or both hole-cards playing). [0106] $150
bonus for making a straight flush (flopping it) after only the
first 3 community cards are exposed, while holding both hole-cards
that help make up the straight flush. [0107] $200 bonus for making
any royal flush (with either one or both hole-cards playing).
[0108] $2,500 bonus for making a royal flush (flopping it) after
only the first 3 community cards are exposed while holding both
hole-cards that help make up the royal flush.
[0109] This is the $1 side bet Bonus Payout Schedule B1: [0110] $5
for making any flush. [0111] $10 for making any full house. [0112]
$50 bonus for making any 4 of a kind. [0113] $250 bonus for making
4 of a kind (flopping quads) after only the first 3 community cards
are exposed while holding a pocket pair. [0114] $1,500 bonus for
making 4 aces (flopping quads aces) after only the first 3
community cards are exposed while holding a pocket pair of aces.
[0115] $250 bonus for making any straight flush (with either one or
both hole-cards playing). [0116] $1,500 bonus for making a straight
flush (flopping it) after only the first 3 community cards are
exposed, while holding both hole-cards that help make up the
straight flush. [0117] $2,000 bonus for making any royal flush
(with either one or both hole-cards playing). [0118] $25,000 bonus
for making a royal flush (flopping it) after only the first 3
community cards are exposed while holding both hole-cards that help
make up the royal flush.
[0119] Total Payouts Per 649,730 Hands Dealt: about 39,064 (or
about 16.63 to 1); Total Money paid out: about $509,879; House
Edge: about 21.52%. The house edge may be slightly smaller if the
bonus is to be paid out on straight flushes and royal flushes when
they make up the board.
[0120] Advantages: It will pay out many more times thereby giving
the players some kind of a payback about once every 16 hands or so.
The House edge is about 21.52% which will almost eliminate the
possibility of the house ever losing money over a large sampling of
hands even in the event of an abnormal standard deviation. The
House pays out a very small % of profits in the form of "Free
Bonuses", thereby making the house edge higher on the regular
playing of the game.
[0121] This is Bonus Payout Schedule C. This Free Bonus Payout
Schedule is designed to be used in conjunction with a $1 side bet
Bonus Multiplier. See below for the $1 side bet bonus payout
schedule C1, C2 & C3. [0122] $100 bonus for making 4 of a kind
(flopping quads) after only the first 3 community cards are exposed
while holding a pocket pair. [0123] $500 bonus for making 4 aces
(flopping quads aces) after only the first 3 community cards are
exposed while holding a pocket pair of aces. [0124] $50 bonus for
making any straight flush. (with either one or both hole-cards
playing). [0125] $500 bonus for making a straight flush (flopping
it) after only the first 3 community cards are exposed, while
holding both hole-cards that help make up the straight flush.
[0126] $1,000 bonus for making any royal flush (with either one or
both hole-cards playing). [0127] $2,500 bonus for making a royal
flush (flopping it) after only the first 3 community cards are
exposed while holding both hole-cards that help make up the royal
flush.
[0128] This is the $1 side bet Bonus Payout Schedule C1. It uses a
5.times. multiplier except that is uses a 10.times. multiplier for
flopping a Royal Flush and it also pays out for any 4 of a kind and
any full house. It does not pay out for making any flushes. [0129]
$10 for making any full house. [0130] $50 bonus for making any 4 of
a kind. [0131] $500 bonus for making 4 of a kind (flopping quads)
after only the first 3 community cards are exposed while holding a
pocket pair. [0132] $2,500 bonus for making 4 aces (flopping quads
aces) after only the first 3 community cards are exposed while
holding a pocket pair of aces. [0133] $250 bonus for making any
straight flush. (with either one or both hole-cards playing).
[0134] $2,500 bonus for making a straight flush (flopping it) after
only the first 3 community cards are exposed, while holding both
hole-cards that help make up the straight flush. [0135] $5,000
bonus for making any royal flush (with either one or both
hole-cards playing). [0136] $25,000 bonus for making a royal flush
(flopping it) after only the first 3 community cards are exposed
while holding both hole-cards that help make up the royal
flush.
[0137] Total Payouts Per 649,730 Hands Dealt: about 18,823 (or
about 34.52 to 1); Total Money paid out: about $508,307; House
Edge: about 21.77%.
[0138] Advantages: It will pay out many more times to give the
players some kind of a payback about once every 35 hands or so. The
House Edge is about 21.77% which will almost eliminate the
possibility of the house ever losing money on this over a large
sampling of hands even in the event of an abnormal standard
deviation.
[0139] This is the $1 side bet Bonus Payout Schedule C2. It uses a
straight 10.times. multiplier of the Free Bonus Payout Schedule C.
It does not pay out for making any flushes, full houses or 4 of a
kinds that are not flopped. [0140] $1,000 bonus for making 4 of a
kind (flopping quads) after only the first 3 community cards are
exposed while holding a pocket pair. [0141] $5,000 bonus for making
4 aces (flopping quads aces) after only the first 3 community cards
are exposed while holding a pocket pair of aces. [0142] $500 bonus
for making any straight flush. (with either one or both hole-cards
playing). [0143] $5,000 bonus for making a straight flush (flopping
it) after only the first 3 community cards are exposed, while
holding both hole-cards that help make up the straight flush.
[0144] $10,000 bonus for making any royal flush (with either one or
both hole-cards playing). [0145] 0 $25,000 bonus for making a royal
flush (flopping it) after only the first 3 community cards are
exposed while holding both hole-cards that help make up the royal
flush.
[0146] Total Payouts Per 649,730 Hands Dealt: about 403 (or about
1,613 to 1); Total Money paid out: about $535,710; House Edge:
about 17.55%.
[0147] Advantages: The winners of any bonus would be very obvious
so it would not slow the game down. The bonus payouts for these
hands are twice as big as the 5.times. multiplier.
[0148] This is the $1 side bet Bonus Payout Schedule C3. This is a
straight 5.times. multiplier of Bonus Payout Schedule C. It also
includes payouts for any 4 of a kind, any full house and any flush.
[0149] $5 for making any flush. [0150] $10 for making any full
house. [0151] $50 bonus for making any 4 of a kind. [0152] $500
bonus for making 4 of a kind (flopping quads) after only the first
3 community cards are exposed while holding a pocket pair. [0153]
$2,500 bonus for making 4 aces (flopping quads aces) after only the
first 3 community cards are exposed while holding a pocket pair of
aces. [0154] $250 bonus for making any straight flush. (with either
one or both hole-cards playing). [0155] $2,500 bonus for making a
straight flush (flopping it) after only the first 3 community cards
are exposed, while holding both hole-cards that help make up the
straight flush. [0156] $5,000 bonus for making any royal flush
(with either one or both hole-cards playing). [0157] $12,500 bonus
for making a royal flush (flopping it) after only the first 3
community cards are exposed while holding both hole-cards that help
make up the royal flush.
[0158] Total Payouts Per 649,730 Hands Dealt: about 39,064 (or
about 16.63 to 1); Total Money paid out: about $597,011; House
Edge: about 8.11%.
[0159] Advantages: It will pay out many more times to give the
players some kind of a payback about once every 16 hands or so.
[0160] The alternative $1,000,000 Super Bad-beat Jackpot would be
awarded to anyone who loses to a Royal Flush when holding four
deuces. So, the board must have a pair of deuces and three cards to
a royal flush such as Ah-2c-Jh-2s-10h
[0161] There are about 240 boards similar to that above shown which
may allow both quad deuces and a royal flush, out of about
2,598,960 possible, a probability of about 0.000092, or about
10,828-to-1 against. [p=C(4,2)*C(5,3)*4/C(52,5)]
[0162] The players' twenty cards must have among them the other two
deuces and the two royal flush cards, 2d-2h-Kh-Qh, a probability of
about 0.02716, or 36-to-1 against. [p=C(43,16)/C(47,20)]
[0163] Two of the ten players must hold those four cards in their
hands, a probability of about 0.000619, or about 107-to-1 against.
[p=3!!*15!!/19!!]
[0164] Those four key cards could be dealt Kh-2h and Qh-2d, Kh-2d
and Qh-2h, or Kh-Qh and 2h-2d. Only one combination wins the
jackpot, so that event has a probability of 1/3.
[0165] Multiply those probabilities and the hand odds are about
128,767,639-to-1 against anyone at the table losing to a Royal
Flush while holding quad deuces. For any one person in particular,
in a ten-handed game, the odds are ten times larger, more than a
billion-to-1 against.
Omaha Poker
[0166] The principles of the present invention may be applied to
the poker game called "Omaha poker" wherein each player and the
dealer are each dealt four hole-cards C1 C2 C3 C4 face-down. In
such case, each player and the dealer may use only two of their
respective four dealt hole-cards C1 C2 C3 C4 to make the best poker
hand in combination with three of the five community cards F1 F2 F3
T R. The best player hand and/or the best dealer hand may be paid
out as stated above.
Pineapple Poker
[0167] The principles of the present invention may be applied to
the poker game called "Pineapple poker" wherein each player and the
dealer are each dealt three hole-cards C1 C2 C3 face-down. In such
case, each player and the dealer may use only two of the three
dealt hole-cards C1 C2 C3 to make the best poker hand in
combination with the five community cards F1 F2 F3 T R. The best
player hand and/or the best dealer hand may be paid out as stated
above.
[0168] While the present invention has been described in terms of
specific illustrative embodiments, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that many other embodiments and modifications
are possible within the spirit and scope of the disclosed
principle.
* * * * *