Method of playing a poker-type card game

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of playing a poker-type card game where one or more players place an initial wager, receive three cards, discard one card, place optional side bets and one additional required bet prior to a five-card community flop, with the outcome being resolved by a predetermined payout schedule. Another aspect of the present invention involves the dealer assessing a player's hole cards in combination with the community cards, allowing a player's hole cards to match rank with the community cards, and awarding payouts according to a predetermined payout schedule based on whether one or both of the player's hole cards are included in the highest-ranking five-card poker hand using standard poker hand rankings.

1 . A method of playing a card game for one or more players involving wagering, the use of a standard deck of playing cards, standard poker hand rankings, a predetermined payout schedule, and comprising the steps of:
 (a) each player placing an initial wager to participate;   (b) each player being dealt three hole cards face down;   (c) each player having the option to fold and surrender his/her initial bet or continue;   (d) each player continuing to play must discard one hole card and retain the remaining two hole cards;   (d) each player being given the option to place one or two additional side bets;   (f) each player continuing to play being required to place one additional play bet prior to the flop by the dealer;   (g) the dealer flopping five cards face up as community cards;   (h) the dealer placing each player's hole cards, in turn, in the dealer area above the flop for comparison;   (i) the dealer determining the best possible five-card poker hand that can be made using each player's hole cards in combination with the community cards.   (i) the dealer resolving whether the best five-card poker hand of each player includes one or both of the player's hole cards;   (j) the dealer awarding payouts to those players whose poker hand:
 (1) includes one or both of the player's hole cards in the best five-card poker hand, and 
 (2) meets the minimum poker hand ranking requirement shown on a predetermined payout schedule for each bet wagered. 
   
     
     
         2 . The method of playing a card game according to  claim 1  wherein the dealer awards payouts to those players whose poker hand:
 (1) includes only one of the player's hole cards in the best five-card poker hand, and 
 (2) meets the minimum poker hand ranking requirement shown on a predetermined payout schedule for each bet wagered. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method of playing a card game according to  claim 1  wherein the dealer awards payouts to those players whose poker hand:
 (1) includes both of the player's hole cards in the best five-card poker hand, and 
 (2) meets the minimum poker hand ranking requirement shown on a predetermined payout schedule for each bet wagered. 
 
     
     
         4 . The method of playing a card game according to  claim 1  wherein a player may surrender his/her hole cards prior to the flop as an alternative version of play.