Apparatus and method for playing cards with a unique betting format

Abstract

A method and apparatus for playing a poker game with a unique betting format is disclosed. The card game is somewhat similar to traditional games of poker and, more specifically, to Hold 'Em poker. The unique gameplay disclosed herein allows for two specific variations on the traditional gameplay associated with standard Hold 'Em. First, one variation of the present invention will incorporate one or more “wild cards” into the game, typically in the form of jokers. These additional cards, when added to the standard 52 card deck of playing cards, can be used to represent any other card in the deck. A second variation of the present invention incorporates at least one additional round of betting into the gameplay. In this version, after the betting on the “river” card has occurred, the next player in turn to bet can choose to “check” or initiate another round of betting. However, if the player wishes to initiate another round of betting, that player must also expose one of their hole cards by turning it face up on the table. Each of the remaining players can then choose to “call” the bet, “raise” the bet, or fold. However, if the other players choose to remain in the game by initiating a bet, or by calling or raising a previous bet, then they must also expose one of their hole cards as well. The initial player and each of the subsequent players may all simply elect to “check” and not initiate a new round of betting which will allow the game to conclude in a fashion similar to standard Hold 'Em. Finally, the use of jokers and the additional round of betting may be incorporated into a single preferred embodiment of the present invention.

1 . A method of playing a card game with a deck of cards, said method comprising the steps of: 
 dealing at least two face down cards from said deck of cards to each of a plurality of card players;    dealing at least one community card from said deck of cards;    providing at least a first round of wagering in conjunction with said at least two face down cards and/or the at least one community card; and    providing at least a second round of wagering wherein at least one of said plurality of card players exposes at least one of their said two face down cards in order to participate in said at least a second round of wagering.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of dealing at least one community card from said deck of cards comprises the step of dealing three community cards from said deck of cards.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said deck of cards comprises a deck of cards containing 54 cards in at least four different suits, including two unsuited wild cards.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of providing at least a third round of wagering after the completion of said at least a second round of wagering, said at least a third round of wagering being conducted by and between at least two of said plurality of card players who have each exposed at least one of their respective hole cards.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of requiring payment of a pre-set amount of money into a communal pot based upon the face-up appearance of a wild card.  
   
   
       6 . A gaming apparatus for conducting a card game, said gaming apparatus comprising: 
 a deck of playing cards, said deck of playing cards comprising a plurality of individual playing cards;    a plurality of wagering tokens; and    a playing surface, said playing surface being adapted for use in a card game wherein a supplemental betting round requires a bettor to expose at least one hole card in conjunction with a bet.    
   
   
       7 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said deck of playing cards comprises a deck of 54 separate playing cards, including two wild cards.  
   
   
       8 . The gaming apparatus of  claim 6  wherein said playing surface has been adapted to indicated a location where a payment of a pre-set amount of money is made based upon the face-up appearance of a wild card.  
   
   
       10 . A method of playing a game, said method comprising the steps of: 
 initiating a poker game in substantially the same manner as Texas Hold 'Em;    exposing a plurality of community cards;    adding an additional betting round after said plurality of community cards have been exposed; and    requiring each of a plurality of game players to expose at least one hole card in conjunction with participating in said additional betting round.