Abstract:
The present invention presents a method of conducting a poker game. The method includes a step of dealing at least one pocket card to each of a plurality of players. The at least one pocket card forms a pocket card pool for the player. The method also includes a step of dealing alternative community cards. Each of the players can choose between the alternative community cards. Each of the players may be allowed to switch their choice. The method also includes a step of dealing at least one non-alternative community card. The alternative community card, as chosen, and the non-alternative community card together form a community card pool for the player. At the showdown, each player can use a combination of the pocket card pool and the community card pool to make up a five-card poker hand.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention generally relates to card games, and more particularly to a poker game. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    Poker is one of the most popular card games. Texas Hold&#39;em (also called “hold&#39;em”) is a variation of the poker game. In Texas Hold&#39;em, each player is dealt two cards facing down, referred to as “pocket cards” (also called “hole cards”). The dealer also deals five cards facing up, referred to as “community cards” (also called “shared cards” or “window cards”). Any player can use the five community cards in combination with their two pocket cards to make up a five-card poker hand. 
         [0006]    There are betting rounds each time the dealer deals one of the five community cards. Betting begins with the player to the left of the dealer. The player can “bet,” “check,” or “fold.” Once the first bet is made, the remaining players may “call,” “raise” or “fold.” Until the first bet is made, each player in turn may “bet,” “check” or “fold.” “Checking” is to not place a bet. “Folding” is to drop out of the hand losing any bets they have already made. “Calling” is to match the highest bet so far made. “Raising” is to increase the previous high bet. In the end, the one who has the highest hand wins. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention provides a significant variation from known poker games, in which each player can choose between at least two flop cards (alternative community cards). 
         [0008]    According to the present invention, there is provided a method of conducting a poker game. The method includes a step of dealing at least one pocket card to each of a plurality of players. The at least one pocket card forms a pocket card pool, which the player will use to make a five-card poker hand at the showdown. The method also includes a step of dealing a first alternative community card to a first alternative community card area and a second alternative community card to a second alternative community card area. Each of the plurality of players is allowed to choose between the first alternative community card area and the second alternative community card area. The method also includes a step of dealing a first non-alternative community card to a first non-alternative community card area. The first non-alternative community and the alternative community card, as chosen, form a community card pool. At the showdown, each player can use a combination of the pocket card pool and the community card pool to make up a five-card poker hand. 
         [0009]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first alternative community card area is marked with a first color (for example, red), and the second alternative community card area is marked with a second color different from the first color (for example, blue). In a preferred embodiment, each player can be provided with a lammer having a first side marked with the first color (for example, red) and a second side marked with the second color (for example, blue) so that the player can make a declaration which community card area the player chooses by placing the first or second side of said lammer up. 
         [0010]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes a step of dealing a third alternative community card to the first alternative community card area and a forth alternative community card to the second alternative community card area. In this embodiment, each player therefore has a pair of alternative community cards (which can also be referred to as “flop cards”), as chosen (the first and third alternative community cards; or the second and fourth alternative community cards), in addition to the non-alternative community card in the community card pool. 
         [0011]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes a step of dealing a second non-alternative community card to a second non-alternative community card area. In this embodiment, each player therefore has two non-alternative community cards (which may be called “turn card” and “river card,” respectively) in addition to the alternative community card(s), as chosen, in the community card pool. 
         [0012]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each player is dealt three pocket cards, which form a three-pocket-card pool for the player. 
         [0013]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a betting round takes place prior to dealing the first and second alternative community cards (flop cards). Additionally or alternatively, a betting round can take place prior to dealing the third and fourth alternative community cards (flop cards). Additionally or alternatively, a betting round can take place prior to dealing the first non-alternative community card (which can also be referred to as “turn card”). Additionally or alternatively, a betting round can be had prior to dealing the second non-alternative community card (also referred to as “river card”). Additionally or alternatively, a final betting round can take place before the showdown, where each player can use a combination of the pocket card pool and the community card pool to make up a five-card poker hand. 
         [0014]    In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each player can have an option to switch between the first alternative community card area and the second alternative community card area. The switch can be made before the first non-alternative community card (“turn card”) is dealt. Preferably, the switch option can require a minimum bet. Additionally or alternatively, each player can have a chance to switch between the first alternative community card area and the second alternative community card area before the second non-alternative community card (“river card”) is dealt. Again, this switch option can also require a minimum bet. 
         [0015]    In an embodiment of the present invention, each player can have an option to make a bonus bet prior to the step of dealing pocket cards. In this embodiment, a bonus is paid, according to a predetermined bonus rate, to any player who made a bonus bet and whose pocket cards meet a predetermined condition. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined condition can include a situation where the player receives a Queen in three pocket cards. Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined condition can include a situation that the player receives an Ace in three pocket cards. Yet additionally or alternatively, the predetermined condition can include a situation where the player receives three pocket cards of a kind, a flush, or a straight. 
         [0016]    In an embodiment of the present invention, each player can make a choice between the first alternative community card area and the second alternative community card area when making up the five-card poker hand. In this embodiment, the player does not declare which alternative community card area he/she chooses to use until the showdown takes place. 
         [0017]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a playing table for an embodiment of poker game according to the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a flow chart of an embodiment of poker game according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    The present invention is a variation of hold&#39;em poker games. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, each player  50  chooses the best five cards from a pocket card pool consisting of three pocket cards (also called “hole cards”)  61 ,  62 ,  63  and a community card pool consisting of four community cards (also called “shared cards” or “window cards”) to make up a five-card poker hand. The community card pool consists of a turn card  68 , a river card  69 , and two flop cards  64 ,  66 ;  65 ,  67 . The two flop cards  64 ,  66 ;  65 ,  67  are a pair of cards as chosen by each player  50  between two pairs of flop cards  64 ,  66 ;  65 ,  67 . Accordingly, the flop cards  64 ,  66 ;  65 ,  67  can also be referred to as “alternative community cards” in this application. Meanwhile, with the turn card  68  and the river card  69 , each player does not have other options, and accordingly they can be referred to as “non-alternative community cards” in this application. 
         [0022]    Shown in  FIG. 1  is a system  10  in which an embodiment of the present invention can be practiced. The system  10  includes a playing table  20 , a dealer  40 , and players  50 . The playing table  20  has a community card area  30 . The community card area  30  includes a first flop card area  32 , a second flop card area  34 , a turn card area  36 , and a river card area  38 . Preferably, the first flop card area  32  is marked red and the second flop card area  34  is marked blue. Alternatively, other colors or indicia can be used to indicate the first flop card area  32  and the second flop card area  34 . 
         [0023]    Shown in  FIG. 2  is a flow chart of an embodiment of the present invention. The poker game rule shown in  FIG. 2  can be called “River Boat Switch” because each player  50  can switch between the two flop card areas  32 ,  34  as explained below. Upon START, the dealer  40  deals three pocket cards  61 ,  62 ,  63  to each player  50  facing down in a clockwise direction (Block  110 ). 
         [0024]    Then, the first round of betting begins with the player  50  to the left of the dealer  40  (Block  112 ). This player  50  may “bet,” “check,” or “fold.” Once the first bet is made, the remaining players  50  may “call,” “raise” or “fold.” Until the first bet is made, each player  50  in turn may “bet,” “check” or “fold.” “Checking” is to not place a bet. “Folding” is to drop out of the hand losing any bets they have already made. “Calling” is to match the highest bet so far made. “Raising” is to increase the previous high bet. 
         [0025]    Next, the dealer  40  deals a first flop card  64  to the first flop card area  32  (red area) and a second flop card  65  to the second flop card area  34  (blue area) (Block  114 ). 
         [0026]    Then, the second round of betting takes place (Block  116 ). When “betting,” “checking,” “calling,” or “raising,” each player  50  declares which one (red or blue) between the first flop card area  32  (red area) and the second flop card area  34  (blue area) they choose to play with. There could be provided a flop selection indicator  52  to each player  50 . The flop selection indicator  52  can be a flop lammer having a red side and blue side. Using this flop lammer, each player  50  can make a declaration by placing the blue or red side of their respective flop lammer up in front of their respective space. 
         [0027]    Next, the dealer  40  deals a third flop card  66  to the first flop card area  32  (red area) and a fourth flop card  67  to the second flop card area  34  (blue area) (Block  118 ). 
         [0028]    Then, the third round of betting commences (Block  120 ). When acting in turn, each player  50  may switch from the first flop card area  32  (red area) to the second flop card area  34  (blue area) or vice versa. The switch can be made, for example, by turning over their respective flop lammer  52 . The switch option may require a minimum bet. 
         [0029]    Next, the dealer  40  deals a turn card  68  to the turn card area  36  (Block  122 ). The turn card  68  is a community card (also called “shared card” or “window card”) shared by all players. 
         [0030]    Then, the fourth round of betting commences (Block  124 ). When acting in turn, each player  50  may switch again from the first flop card area  32  (red area) to the second flop card area  34  (blue area) or vice versa by turning over their respective flop lammer  52 . Again, the switch option may require a minimum bet. 
         [0031]    Next, the dealer  40  deals a river card  69  to the river card area  38  (Block  126 ). The river card is also a community card (also called “shared card” or “window card”) shared by all players. 
         [0032]    Then, the fifth round of betting takes place (Block  128 ). 
         [0033]    Next, players  50  reveal cards at the showdown (Block  130 ). Each player may use any combination of the three pocket cards  61 ,  62 .  63 , and four community cards (a turn card  68  and a river card  69  plus two flop cards  64 ,  66 ;  65 ,  67 , either red or blue) to make up a five-card poker hand. The player  50  can only choose either one between the first and second flop card areas  32 ,  34  (red or blue). In other words, the player  50  cannot take one from the first flop card area  32  (red) and one from the second flop card area  34  (blue). The player  50  with the highest poker hand wins the pot. If a tie occurs, the pot may be split. 
         [0034]    Various modifications could be made to the exemplary embodiment, as described above with reference to the corresponding illustrations, without departing from the scope of the invention. Examples of variations can include an optional bonus bet before the initial dealing of three pocket cards  61 ,  62 ,  63  of Block  110 . A bonus is paid to any player  50  who makes the bonus bet and receives pocket cards that meet a predetermined condition. The amount of bonus can be determined based upon the probability that the predetermined condition can be met. 
         [0035]    The predetermined condition can include a situation that the player  50  receives a Queen in his/her pocket cards  61 ,  62 ,  63 . Accordingly, this variation can be called “River Boat Queens.” In this variation, when a player  50  makes a bonus bet and receives a Queen in his/her three pocket cards  61 ,  62 ,  63 , the player  50  can be paid a bonus that, for example, equals his/her bonus bet. If the player  50  receives two Queens in his/her three pocket cards  61 ,  62 ,  63 , the player  50  can be paid higher odds, for example, 2-1 odds. If the player  50  receives three Queens, the player  50  can be paid highest odds, for example, 10-1 odds. Other predetermined bonus rates can also be employed. 
         [0036]    Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined condition can include a situation that the player  50  receives an Ace in his/her pocket cards  61 ,  62 ,  63 . Accordingly, this variation can be called “River Boat Aces.” In this variation, when a player  50  makes a bonus bet and receives an Ace in his/her three pocket cards  61 ,  62 ,  63 , the player  50  can be paid a bonus that, for example, equals his/her bonus bet. If the player  50  receives two Aces in his/her three pocket cards  61 ,  62 ,  63 , the player  50  can be paid higher odds, for example, 2-1 odds. If the player  50  receives three Aces, the player  50  can be paid highest odds, for example, 10-1 odds. Other predetermined bonus rates can also be used. 
         [0037]    Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined condition can include a situation that the player  50  receives three pocket cards  61 ,  62 ,  63  of a kind, a flush, and/or a straight. This variation can be called “River Boat Slam.” In this variation, when a player  50  makes a bonus bet and receives three pocket cards  61 ,  62 ,  63  of a kind, a flush, and/or a straight, the player  50  can be paid a bonus with a predetermined bonus rate. The bonus rate can be predetermined based upon the probability that the respective conditions can be met. 
         [0038]    Other examples of variations to the exemplary embodiment, as described above with reference to the corresponding illustrations, can omit the declaration during the second round of betting taking place of Block  116  and the switch option during the third and fourth rounds of betting of Block  120  and Block  124 . In other words, each player  50  does not declare which one between the First flop card area  32  (red) and the second flop card area  34  (blue) he/she chooses to use until the end of the game. Accordingly, the player  50  chooses which flop area he/she chooses at the showdown of Block  130 . This variation can be called “River Boat Slide.” 
         [0039]    The variation of “River Boat Slide” can be combined with the variations of “River Boat Queens,” “River Boat Aces,” and/or “River Boat Slam.” In other words, in the variation of “River Boat Slide,” each player  50  can make an optional bonus bet before the initial dealing of three pocket cards  61 ,  62 ,  63  of Block 1-10. If a player  50  makes the bonus bet and receives pocket cards  61 ,  62 ,  63  that meet a predetermined condition, the player is paid a bonus. The amount of bonus can be determined based upon the probability that the predetermined condition can be met. The predetermined condition can include a situation that the player  50  receives a Queen in three pocket cards  61 ,  62 ,  63  (River Boat Queens), a condition that the player  50  receives an Ace (River Boat Aces), and/or a condition that the player  50  receives three pocket cards  61 ,  62 ,  63  of a kind, a flush, and/or a straight (River Boat Slam). 
         [0040]    As various modifications could be made to the exemplary embodiment, as described above with reference to the corresponding illustrations, without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.