From: reeves@oahu.cs.ucla.edu (John F. Reeves)
Subject: Re: California Aces? (for the FAQ)
Organization: UCLA, Computer Science Department
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 92 01:03:58 GMT

[First, a hail and hearty contrats to Steve `Gutshot' Jacobs for
winning the first world r.g net hold-em tournament.]

Here's the California Aces rules from the Bicycle Club's pamphlet:

Some fine print: Wisted California Aces \subscript{SM}, patent pending, 
copyright, 1990 by Roger L. Wisted.  This game is the sole property
of Wisted California Blackjack\subscript{SM}.  Any commercial use of
the game, rules, or servicemarks without the express written 
permission of the owner is strictly prohibited by law.

Welcome to Wisted California Aces\subscript{SM}

1. _We Play to 22._  The hand closest to 22 wins. 23 beats 20 because
it's closer to 22.  21 beats 23 because it's under 22.

2. _We Play with Jokers_.  They count the same as Aces, one or eleven.
There are four jokers in each 56 card deck.

3. _The best hand wins and collects the pot._ All action is between 
players, the house does not participate in the outcome.

_A ``Natural'' is 22 on the deal, two aces, two jokers, or one of each.
It is an instant winner, immediately turn it face up to get paid.

Playing a hand:

1. Up to eight players wager on the three circles in front of each
seat.

2. The dealer announces the end of wagering and players may not touch
or alter their bets until play is concluded.

3. Position for the ``dealer button'' is randomly determined by shaking 
the dice cup.

4. Each player is dealt two cards beginning to the left of the dealer
button.

5. Each player, in turn is given the option to ``hit'' (draw) or 
``stand'' (not draw).

6. Players reaching or exceeding 22 points may not draw any more cards.

7. Once play is completed, the dealer will expose the hands to locate
the winning hands.

8. The dealer will pay the winning player(s) from the main pot and 
sidebets. 

Rules:

1. Deuces through tens count face value. Face cards are ten points
each.  Aces and jokers are one or eleven.

2. The hand closest to 22 wins. 23 beats 20 because it's closer to 22.  
21 beats 23 because it's under 22.  Players reaching or exceeding 22 
points may not draw any more cards.

3. Players dealt a ``Natural'' must turn their hand face up before
any player begins drawing or their hand may be tied.   Players with
side bets not covered by a player with a ``Natural'' will play the
hand to it's {sic} conclusion.  

4. All players must bet circle one (the pot).  Sidebets are optional
and compete against each other.  Multiple winners are possible.  Pots
may be split.

5.  During the draw, hand signals to the dealer take precedence.  Once
a player has passed, cards may not be touched.  One hand per player
with sidebets.  During play of the hand, please speak English only.

6. Draw cards dealt or exposed inadvertently by the dealer do not
play.  Cards may not leave the table.

7. Floorman's decision is absolutely final.

Dealer position selection chart
Dice cup   Dealer
3,11       1
4,12       2
5,13       3
6,14       4
7,15       5
8,16       6
9,17       7
10,18      8

My notes: This game is even more mindless than Pai-Gow Poker.  I'm sure 
some rec.gambler will come up with the hit/stand threshold.  I'd guess 
that it's dependent on the number of players.  The deck is suffled for 
each game, so the only counting opportunity is off other player's hits.  
The house rake is $.50 per bet, and the minimum bet is $5.  I'm not
sure how the bet size for the pot and side bets is established.  When I 
was playing it was sort of a consensus affair, the main pot was 
always for $5, and when someone would put out a side bet other people
would call it.  
-- 
 John Reeves -----------------------------------------------------------
 UCLA AI Lab         Internet: reeves@cs.ucla.edu
 3531 Boelter Hall   UUCP: ...!(uunet,rutgers,ucbvax)!cs.ucla.edu!reeves
 UCLA LA CA 90024 ------------------------------------------------------