Abstract: Texas Hold'em is played between human and virtual machine players on electronic equipment. The virtual players fold up and the human does not. This allows the human to see the hold cards of the opponents and adds excitement to the game. Optionally, the human player gets a bonus for having a good hand regardless of who wins the pot. The bonus also adds excitement and interest. Preferably the virtual players have personalities. By creating a minimum number of personalities and changing personalities with players, user interest is maintained. In particular, adding these features to a Texas hold'em game with fold up procedure for virtual opponents increases user excitement.

Abstract: Texas Hold-em poker games are described that optionally include three hole cards. By providing 3 hole cards and allowing a player to discard one, new winning possibilities are provide to hold and maintain enhanced player interest. Variations of the game may be played on slot machines, via the internet, cell phones and in other venues. The 3 hold card game scheme desirably may be combined with other variations such as folding up, bonus features, and use of personalities for virtual computer opponents.

Abstract: Poker players lose interest when a game is finished. Methods and devices are described that continue interest over longer series of games. Token rewards are given for long multiple hand playing that can be exchanged for drawing one or more cards in a later hand. Another reward for long term playing is to receive a free ante, free spin or free game. These methods are particularly useful for Texas Hold'em and other games that can be played electronically.

Abstract: Texas Hold'em is played between human and virtual machine players on electronic equipment. The virtual players fold up and the human does not. This allows the human to see the hold cards of the opponents and adds excitement to the game. Optionally, the human player gets a bonus for having a good hand regardless of who wins the pot. The bonus also adds excitement and interest. Perferably the virtual players have personalities. By creating a minimum number of personalities and changing personalities with players, user interest is maintained. In particular, adding these features to a Texas hold'em game with fold up procedure for virtual opponents increases user excitement.

Abstract: A variation of the poker card game known as Texas Hold'em provides for players folding their cards during a hand to fold the cards face-up. This provides the remaining players in the hand with more information and enables those players to make better decisions as they continue to play the hand.