Abstract:
A poker type card game includes a betting structure that allows players an opportunity to choose between various denominations to be bet in a final round of wagering. The game shifts the pot odds such that a beginning poker player may more effectively participate against a more experienced player. The game is played such that a greater element of bluffing is introduced into the game.

Description:
[0001]     There are no related patent applications.  
         [0002]     This application did not receive federal research and development funding.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Poker is a game of chance that includes skill and psychology. A certain amount of uncertainty is realized during a hand of poker. However, players may employee mathematic skills to determine the probability of building a desired winning hand. This probability is known as the “pot odds”. Players may also observe and analyze the body language of another player in an attempt to read an opponent&#39;s hand. Many times unconscious actions by a player will give away the strength of the player&#39;s hand. Thus, psychology may come into play when bluffing or reading other players to determine the strength of their hand.  
         [0004]     Professional poker players not only use pot odds and an opponent&#39;s body language when deciding whether to continue with playing a hand, but they also conduct a risk assessment analysis to recognize opportunities where they can maximize their bet by calling more money into the pot than they are actually betting. Thus, professional poker players seek opportunities where they can potentially gain more from their placed bet than the amount of that they are risking. In other words, they search for favorable opportunities where their risk is small and the return is great.  
         [0005]     A game of poker is played with a pack or deck of fifty-two cards. The cards are ranked from high to low. Each deck of cards includes four suits: spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs. Poker hands comprise five cards with the highest hand winning. Wins are ranked from high to low and include a five-of-a-kind, straight flush, four-of-a-kind, full house, flush, straight, three-of-a-kind, two pairs, a pair, and a high card.  
         [0006]     A five-of-a-kind is the highest possible hand that includes five of the same rated cards. A five-of-a-kind is only possible when wild cards are introduced into the game. If more than one player has a five-of-a-kind, the higher cards win. For example, five aces beat five kings.  
         [0007]     A straight flush is a straight of five cards of the same suit in sequential numerical order, for example, 2-3-4-5-6 that are all spades. An ace-high straight flush is called a Royal Flush and is the highest natural hand.  
         [0008]     A four-of-a-kind is simply four cards of the same rank. If there are two or more hands that qualify as a four-of-a-kind, then the highest four-of-a-kind wins.  
         [0009]     A full house is a three-of-a-kind and a pair, for example, three kings and a pair of nines. If multiple hands qualify as full houses, the winner has the highest three-of-a-kind. If two three-of-a-kinds are the same rank, then the highest pair wins. For example, three aces and a pair of nines beat three kings and a pair of tens.  
         [0010]     Other hands include a flush, a straight, three-of-a-kind and pairs. A flush is a hand where all the cards are the same suit. The cards are not in sequential numerical order. A straight is a hand where cards are in numerical order, but the cards are not of the same suit. A three-of-a-kind is three cards of the same rank. Two pair is two pairs of cards of the same rank; whereas, a pair has one pair of cards that are the same rank. If none of the previously referenced hands is held by a player who has not already folded, the highest card is used to determine the winner of a hand.  
         [0011]     To understand the invention, some terms are defined hereinafter:  
         [0012]     “Bet” refers to a wager on an outcome of an event or contest. In this instance, chips or other token articles are wagered on the outcome of a hand.  
         [0013]     “Blind” refers to a forced bet (or partial bet) put in by one or more players before any cards are dealt. Typically, blinds are placed by players immediately to the left of the button. In most Hold&#39;em style poker games, wagering is started with one or two “blind” bets to the left of the dealer.  
         [0014]     “Button” is a white acrylic disk to indicate the dealer. In games hosted by casinos and poker rooms, typically the dealer is an employee of the host. In these games, the player left of the player with the button opens a round of betting.  
         [0015]     “Call” is to place an amount of chips in the pot equal to the previous amount bet.  
         [0016]     “Check” is a nonzero bet equaling a preceding bet to maintain a player&#39;s interest in the pot.  
         [0017]     “Community cards” are cards that are dealt face up and may be used by any participating player in building a hand.  
         [0018]     “No-limit” poker is played where the amount bet in each round is a minimum bet amount with no limit on the amount raised except what the player has on the table. In a no-limit poker game, a player may go “all in” and bet the entire amount of chips that he has on the table. Casinos want poker games to last for longer periods because they get a portion of the pot for each hand played. Thus, the more hands played yields more money for the host. Usually, this type of game is not played in casinos and poker rooms because of the likelihood that the players will lose all of their money quickly. However, many tournament structures use no-limit poker to eliminate players quickly.  
         [0019]     “Fold” means to not match the bet in the pot and forfeit the hand.  
         [0020]     “Hole” or “Pocket” cards are cards dealt face down to each player at the beginning of each hand.  
         [0021]     “Pot limit” poker is different from no-limit poker in that the maximum amount of money by which the player may raise the pot is the size of the existing pot after the player has called any previous bets. In this type of game, many players may lose their money quickly. It is therefore unfavorable for casinos to run this type of game.  
         [0022]     “Limit” poker is widely used by casinos because of the structured betting and simple rules. The game involves the same rounds of betting, but the rounds are limited in the amounts bet. For example, in a 10/20 game, the small blind would be $10 and the big blind would be $10. The first player to act would call $10, raise $10, or fold. This continues until the action reaches the first player that first bet the small blind. He has the same options. He may call, raise or fold; but, if he folds, he loses his first small blind to the pot. After three community cards are dealt, the betting begins again with the small blind acting first. His choices include checking, betting or folding, as previously discussed. If he chooses to bet $10, he could do so. He cannot bet any other amount than $10. This second betting round continues as the first round. The fourth card is then shown. This starts a third new round of betting but the amount that may now be bet can only be $20. After the round is completed and if any players are left, a fifth community card is dealt. A final betting round of $20 commences followed by a showdown wherein the players must show their hands. Since the betting rounds are $10 and $20, the game is called 10/20. The same would be true if the game is 4/8. The betting rounds are $4 and $8. The problem with limit poker is that you cannot readily bluff your opponent, thus the game is almost completely determined by the “pot odds”. In this instance, the players are more often playing against the pot odds than actually wagering against one another. Since the final bet is the same amount of units as the round before, bluffing is nearly impossible in this type of game.  
         [0023]     “Rake” is the amount of money that a poker room or casino receives from every pot for running the game.  
         [0024]     “Raise” means to make a bet larger than the previous bet. A raise causes the original bettor to call the difference or fold.  
         [0025]     “Pot odds” refers to the probability analysis to determine whether a player will remain in the game. In this analysis, the player compares the amount of money in the pot to the amount that he must contribute to the pot to continue playing a hand of poker. For example, after the community cards are dealt, a player will analyze his hand to determine an appropriate course of action. This is to say he will either have a winning, made hand or want cards to improve his hand. An example of a made hand would be if a player&#39;s hand has two kings and the community cards dealt are king, jack and three. In this instance, the player has a three-of-a-kind. If the player did not have a made hand, he would be drawing. The player uses the pot odds to determine whether he should call or fold. In determining the pot odds, he counts the number of outs that he has. An out is a card that makes his hand. For example, if his hand is a king, jack and the board includes a queen, ten and seven, then his odds of building a straight are four aces and four nines that equal eight outs. To calculate a player&#39;s percentage of hitting an out, the total number of outs is multiplied by 2 and 2 is added (# of outs×2+2). After calculating the percentage of hitting an out, a player multiplies the result by the size of the pot to obtain the maximum bet that he can call.  
         [0026]     In the above example, the player has eight outs and therefore about an 18% chance of receiving a favorable community card. If the pot is $100 and the player must call $10; he should because he can call up to $18 (18%×$100.00), but the cost is only a $10 bet. However, if the bet to the player is $25, he might fold, because that would require a 25% chance of hitting to have even odds on winning the hand. When having an 18% chance of receiving a helpful card with a pot size of $100.00 and a bet of $10.00, a professional poker player will call the $10.00 and remain in the game because he has recognized an opportunity to gain more than he is risking.  
         [0027]     “Flops” are the first three community cards shown face up in the middle of a poker table. All of the participating players may use community cards to build a hand.  
         [0028]     “Turn” is the fourth community card shown face up in the middle of the poker table and may be used by all of the participating players.  
         [0029]     “River” is the last community card shown face up in the middle of the poker table and may be used by all participating players.  
         [0030]     The following is an example of a limit Texas hold-em poker game. The game comprises several players. The dealer deals each player two cards face down. These cards are known as the hole cards. Each player can view only his own cards. One or more of the players to the left of the button or dealer may be required to place a blind bet before viewing their cards. Thereafter, a first round of betting ensues for the remaining players. The dealer then flops or throws three community cards face up onto the table. A second round of betting ensues among the participating players. The dealer then deals a fourth card face up on the table. A third round of betting ensues. The dealer turns over one final community card face up on the table. A fourth and final betting round ensues. The players then show their hands in the showdown. The best hand wins.  
         [0031]     During the four betting rounds for this game, each bet in the first two rounds of betting is set at the lower limit of the stakes structure. For example, in a 5/10 game, the denomination of all bets and raises are $5 for the first two rounds. The denomination of the last two rounds of betting are set at the higher limit of the stakes structure. In a 5/10 game, the denomination of all bets and raises are $10 for the last two rounds. Whatever amount bet in a game requires further calls or raises to be at least a multiple of the amount bet, since you cannot under bet in any structured poker game. That is to say, if a $10 bet is placed, then other participating players must call the betting player with a $10 bet or call and raise the player with a $20 bet.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032]     The invention is a new structure or manner of playing a poker-style game including wagering that involves a greater amount of skill and psychology than merely reading the pot odds as in prior art games. The rules of limit poker as described above, before the flop, apply to this game. Likewise, after the flop and with the turning of the fourth community card, the same rules still apply. However, the betting or stakes structure changes after the turning of the river card. In the present invention, a participating player has an option of choosing to bet various amounts or denominations in the final round of betting. For example, if the game is 10/20/100, then the first and second round of betting is $10. The third round of betting occurs after the flop of the fourth community card and requires a betting round of $20. The final card shown starts a round of betting of either $20 or $100.  
         [0033]     If a player chooses to bet $100 in the final round, then further bets and raises have to be $100, since an under bet cannot be placed in any structured poker game. This final option of allowing a participating player to select between different betting amounts achieves a synergistic effect that provides more excitement and dramatically changes the strategy of the game.  
         [0034]     For example, a participating player now has a choice of betting $20 or $100 in the final round of betting. He may be bluffing or simply betting a strong hand. By allowing an option of betting various amounts in the final round of betting, it is easily recognized that the pot odds may change drastically.  
         [0035]     There are now more chances to draw to a hand as the option allows a bigger reward at the end of action. There is a huge change in pot odds in the first three rounds of betting when considering the final option bet. In a normal limit game, on the turn a player might not draw to a flush, but in this game the player has a solid draw. In addition, players may now play more starting hands, and in particular drawing hands, whereas, in limit poker, using the previously described rules, a player is limited to a very few solid hands if he wants to win at the end of the session. The strategy is of the instant game is more like pot limit, but a player cannot be pushed out of a hand early, as there are no pot raises to overcome.  
         [0036]     The present invention is a method of playing a wagering card game, the object of which is to build the highest possible poker hand. The method utilizes a card-dealer to deal cards. Participating players wage sequentially place wagers. The method comprises the steps of dealing two cards face down to each player. Each one of the plurality of players places a wager of a first denomination. The card-dealer deals community cards face up. Typically, three community cards are dealt. Each one of the players performs one or more of the following actions that includes folding, calling, checking and raising an amount equal to a first denomination or wager amount. The card-dealer deals another community card face up. Each of the plurality of players performs one or more of the following actions selected from a group consisting of folding, calling, checking and raising a second denomination that is greater than the first denomination. The card-dealer deals a final community card face up. Each of said plurality of players performs a final round of one or more of the following actions selected from a group consisting of folding, calling, checking and raising an amount equal to or greater than the second denomination.  
         [0037]     The method may further include one or more of the plurality of players placing a blind bet after being dealt the two cards face down. The wagered amount of the second denomination may be double that of the first denomination. A third denomination of wagering might be a multiple of the second denomination. The third denomination may be five times greater than the second denomination or alternatively, ten times greater than that of the first denomination.  
         [0038]     The method of playing the wagering card game of the present invention might include building the highest possible poker hand. The method may include dealing two cards face down to each participating player. One or more of each participating places a first wager. Three community cards are dealt face up. One or more of each participating player places a second wager equal in denomination to the first wager. A fourth community card is dealt face up. One or more of each participating player places a third wager greater in denomination that the first wager. A fifth community card is dealt face up. One or more of each participating player places a final wager equal to or greater in value than the third wager. The method may further include each of said participating player performing one or more of the following actions selected from a group consisting of folding, calling, checking and raising a wager. The method may include one or more of said players placing a blind bet after being dealt two cards face down.  
         [0039]     The present game is unique in accomplishing four things. First, the strategy in the starting cards is drastically changed. Second, the present game allows a good player to overcome the casino rake to earn more money. Third, this game allows a casino or a poker room to run a game that is has a feel of no limit poker, without having the number of bust outs while raking like limit poker. Fourth, the instant game also contains a real bluffing bet, which keeps the flavor no limit poker in the game. The pot odds in the instant game can drastically change because of the implied options bet on the last card. That is to say, a player may now draw in more instances than if he were playing in a prior art type limit poker game.  
         [0040]     Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide of playing a wagering card game that introduces a greater amount of skill and bluffing than prior art wagering limit poker-style card games.  
         [0041]     It is also an object of the present invention to provide a poker game that reduces any advantages that a professional player may have over a nonprofessional player. The pot odds dramatically change with the introduction of multiple betting denominations in the final round of betting. Thus, professional poker players cannot rely upon the pot odds as in the past. Nonprofessional players who are unaware of the concept of using pot odds to determine whether to continue playing a hand are therefore less affected by another player&#39;s calculation of pot odds.  
         [0042]     It is a further object of the invention provide a limit type poker game that introduces a greater amount of skill into a poker game of the present invention by requiring players to concentrate more on other players&#39; abilities and less on the pot odds while playing a hand. The playing field is therefore leveled between professional and nonprofessional players.  
         [0043]     It is another object of the invention to provide a limit style poker game that increases the revenues of participating players without cutting the amount of rake that a casino or poker room realizes. The present game may be played in casinos without increasing the risk that players will bust out early and leave the poker game resulting in less revenues being generated. Players are more likely to stay in a game and continue betting since the pot odds are greatly influenced by the final bet.  
         [0044]     It is an additional object of the invention to provide a wagering card game which appeals to poker players and which encourages new players. Poker players are attracted to the game because it increases the amount of money that may be gained in a single hand of poker.  
         [0045]     It is a further object of the invention to provide a game that increases the revenues of players realized at each table by providing at least two different betting denominations in the final round of betting.  
         [0046]     Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part of the description which follow, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following specification and claims or may be learned by practice of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0047]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram representing the flow of play of a prior art game of limit poker.  
         [0048]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram representing flow of play of the instant game. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0049]      FIG. 1  illustrates a method of playing a prior art hold-em poker game. Each player places a low wager to start the game. In a 10/20 game, this wager is ten dollars for the first two hands and twenty dollars for the final two rounds. Next, the dealer deals two cards facedown to each player. The dealer then deals three community cards face up. Players then play a second low wager. The dealer then deals a fourth community card. Players place a high wager. The dealer deals the final card and the players place a final wager before laying their hands down. At any point during the wagering rounds, a player may fold his hand and discontinue participating in that round of poker.  
         [0050]      FIG. 2  depicts the method of playing the instant game. The steps of playing the game are similar to those of the game shown in  FIG. 1  until the river card is displayed. After the river card has been dealt, the opening player may opt to either chose a wager denomination equal to that of the previous round or alternatively choose a higher wager to bet. In other words, the opening player may bet the same amount bet in the previous round of betting after the fourth community card is displayed. Or, he may bet a higher denomination. Allowing the player this option causes the other players to rely less on pot odds when determining whether to remain in a hand. This is more easily realized when viewing table 1 wherein a 10/20/100 game is being played.  
                                                         TABLE 1                                   Number of Players   Betting Round   Pot Size   Can Call                                        5   1   $50.00   9.0           3   2   $80.00   14.4           3   3   $140.00   25.2           3   4   $200.00   36.0           3   4   $500.00   90.0                        
         [0051]     Table 1 is representative of a hand of poker played. As is shown above, the size of the amount that can be called changes dramatically by introducing the final betting options for the present game. For purposes of discussion, the table reflects the example used above with respect to the pot odds. In this example, the “Can Call” column represents the player mentioned previously who has eight outs and is sitting to the immediate right of the button. For ease in understanding changes associated with changing the final betting option, it is assumed that this player does not draw any favorable cards throughout the round of poker.  
         [0052]     The dealer deals each player two cards face down. The player to the left of the button looks at his hand to determine whether to place a wager. The player places a wager and a round of betting ensues. Each remaining player places a $10.00 wager to remain in the game. The total pot size is $50.00. At this point, player can call $9.00 into the pot with a $10.00 bet.  
         [0053]     Three community cards are dealt by the dealer face up on the table and a second round of betting ensues. Two of the participating players fold their hands; while the remaining three players each place a $10.00 wager. The pot size now equals $80.00. With a $10.00 bet, the player can call $14.40 so he continues to play.  
         [0054]     Next, the dealer deals a fourth community card that is displayed face up on the table. A third round of betting ensues. Each player now places a wager of $20.00 to remain in the hand. The pot now equals $140.00. The player can now call $25.20 into the pot for every $20.00 bet.  
         [0055]     The river card is dealt and the final round of wagering begins. The player is given the option of betting either $20.00 or $100.00. If each player remains in the game and no one raises, the player can call $36.00 into the pot for his $20.00 bet. If the player elects to place a wager of $100.00, then he is actually betting against himself in that he can now only call $90.00 into the pot for every $100.00 that he bets. By placing a larger wager, he may be able to force the other remaining players from the game.  
         [0056]     As can be readily recognized from the example above, the pot odds change dramatically when an option of placing a very high wager is presented. Thus, the professional poker player cannot rely as heavily on the pot odds when this option is presented as part of the game.  
         [0057]     While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, and that many obvious modifications and variations can be mad that will fall within the scope of the following claims.