WOO logo

Wizard Recommends

  • Casino Infinity
    100 % up to
    2250zł +200 spins
    • Massive gaming platform
    • Crypto-friendly
    • Loyalty program
    Read Review
  • HellSpin Casino
    100 % up to
    400zł +100 spins
    • Bitcoin-friendly
    • Extra spins
    • Regular freebies
    Read Review
  • Verde Casino
    120 % up to
    1200zł +50 spins
    • Welcome bonus package
    • Loyalty Program
    • Join slot tournaments where contestants can win huge prizes from the prize pool.
    Read Review
  • Home ›
  • Games ›
  • Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em, specifically its Auckland variant.

On this page

Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em, specifically its Auckland variant.

Introduction

This webpage focuses on the Auckland version of the game. Ultimate Texas Hold \"Em® The primary adjustment in the rules stipulates that both the player and the dealer must utilize both their hole cards along with three of the community cards, differing from the standard rules where any two cards could be used.

Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em® is a casino game rooted in poker where players have the opportunity to raise their bets at any stage of the hand. The sooner a player raises, the more they can raise. In contrast to other poker variations, players can still raise after the ante, even if the dealer hasn't opened the hand. Roger Snow from Shuffle Master originally developed this game. Additionally, a similar game is available from Galaxy Gaming. Heads Up Hold \"Em .

The ULTIMATE TEXAS HOLD 'EM® name is a trademark belonging to Bally Gaming, Inc. and is presented on this site with their permission.

Rules

  1. The gameplay is conducted with a conventional 52-card deck.
  2. Players must make equal bets for both the Ante and Blind, and they also have the option to place a Trips bet.
  3. Initially, two cards are dealt face down to both the player and the dealer, allowing the player to view their own cards.
  4. Players have the choice to either check or place a Play bet that is equal to three or four times their Ante.
  5. The dealer then reveals three community cards.
  6. If the player opted to check, they can now make a Play bet that is twice the value of their Ante. However, if they have already made a Play bet previously, they cannot place any additional bets.
  7. Afterward, two more community cards are revealed.
  8. If the player has checked twice, they are required to either place a Play bet that equals their Ante or fold, which results in the loss of both the Ante and Blind bets. If a player has already raised, they cannot make further bets.
  9. Both the player and the dealer are tasked with creating the best possible hand using their two hole cards combined with three out of the five community cards.
  10. The dealer must have at least a pair to qualify for the opening.
  11. The table below outlines how the Blind, Ante, and Play bets are evaluated based on the winner and whether the dealer meets the qualifying criteria.

    Scoring Rules

    Winner Dealer Opens Blind Ante Play
    Player Yes Win Win Win
    Player No Win Push Win
    Dealer Yes Lose Lose Lose
    Dealer No Lose Push Lose
    Tie Yes or No Push Push Push

  12. Ante and Play bet wins payout at a rate of 1 to 1. The payouts for Blind bets follow a specific pay table as outlined below.

    Blind Bet Pay Table

    Player Hand Pays
    Royal flush 500 to 1
    Straight flush 50 to 1
    Four of a kind 10 to 1
    Full house 3 to 1
    Flush 3 to 2
    Straight 1 to 1
    All other Push

  13. The Trips bet rewards are determined by the poker strength of the player’s hand, independent of the dealer’s hand value, as per the defined Trips bet pay tables listed below.

Below you will find four established pay tables relevant to the Trips bet, with winnings expressed on a 'to one' basis.

Trip Bet Pay Tables

Event Pay Table 1 Pay Table 2 Pay Table 3 Pay Table 4
Royal flush 50 50 50 50
Straight flush 40 40 40 40
Four of a kind 30 30 30 20
Full house 9 8 8 7
Flush 7 6 7 6
Straight 4 5 4 5
Three of a kind 3 3 3 3

Analysis

There are a total of 52 potential outcomes for each hand. The subsequent table showcases the likelihood of each outcome and its contribution to the overall return, assuming optimal play. It is referred to as a 'large raise' when the player makes a 4X raise, a 'medium raise' for 2X, and a 'small raise' for 1X.

Return Table — Auckland Variant

Event Pays Combinations Probability Return
For a large raise, if the player holds three of a kind or lower and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 5 4,154,655,748,320 0.149374 0.746869
For a large raise, if the player gets a straight and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 6 178,818,546,360 0.006429 0.038575
For a large raise, if the player gets a flush and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 6.5 136,699,574,080 0.004915 0.031946
For a large raise, if the player has a full house and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 8 212,372,345,280 0.007635 0.061084
For a large raise, if the player achieves four of a kind and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 15 22,854,801,600 0.000822 0.012326
For a large raise, if the player makes a straight flush and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 55 881,828,960 0.000032 0.001744
For a large raise, if the player has a royal flush and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 505 333,380,880 0.000012 0.006053
For a large raise, if the player has three of a kind or lower and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 4 1,825,630,952,040 0.065638 0.262550
For a large raise, if the player makes a straight and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 5 70,504,500,240 0.002535 0.012674
For a large raise, if the player gets a flush and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 5.5 35,766,099,240 0.001286 0.007073
For a large raise, if the player has a full house and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 7 0 0.000000 0.000000
For a large raise, if the player achieves four of a kind and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 14 0 0.000000 0.000000
For a large raise, if the player gets a straight flush and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 54 242,960,160 0.000009 0.000472
For a large raise, if the player achieves a royal flush and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 504 94,695,120 0.000003 0.001716
Large raise, push 0 69,066,172,800 0.002483 0.000000
For a large raise, if the player loses while the dealer qualifies, the player does not win. -6 4,106,483,964,120 0.147642 -0.885851
For a large raise, if the player loses and the dealer does not qualify, the player does not win. -5 134,922,358,800 0.004851 -0.024255
For a medium raise, if the player has three of a kind or lower and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 3 2,328,748,656,060 0.083726 0.251179
For a medium raise, if the player makes a straight and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 4 121,147,927,116 0.004356 0.017423
For a medium raise, if the player gets a flush and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 4.5 91,859,867,620 0.003303 0.014862
For a medium raise, if the player has a full house and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 6 137,247,421,464 0.004935 0.029607
For a medium raise, if the player achieves four of a kind and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 13 17,201,079,108 0.000618 0.008040
For a medium raise, if the player gets a straight flush and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 53 1,320,287,588 0.000047 0.002516
For a medium raise, if the player achieves a royal flush and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 503 0 0.000000 0.000000
For a medium raise, if the player has three of a kind or less but the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 2 1,185,280,897,212 0.042615 0.085230
For a medium raise, if the player holds a straight and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 3 50,692,947,828 0.001823 0.005468
For a medium raise, if the player makes a flush and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 3.5 27,454,846,560 0.000987 0.003455
For a medium raise, if the player has a full house and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 5 0 0.000000 0.000000
For a medium raise, if the player has four of a kind and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 12 0 0.000000 0.000000
For a medium raise, if the player achieves a straight flush and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 52 382,314,648 0.000014 0.000715
For a medium raise, if the player achieves a royal flush and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 502 0 0.000000 0.000000
Medium raise, push 0 33,793,487,856 0.001215 0.000000
For a medium raise, if the player loses and the dealer qualifies, the player loses. -4 1,808,533,963,644 0.065023 -0.260092
For a medium raise, if the player loses and the dealer does not qualify, the player loses. -3 6,402,094,056 0.000230 -0.000691
For a small raise, if the player has three of a kind or lower and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 2 1,490,557,629,144 0.053591 0.107181
For a small raise, if the player holds a straight and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 3 236,132,887,884 0.008490 0.025469
For a small raise, if the player makes a flush and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 3.5 90,389,718,780 0.003250 0.011374
For a small raise, if the player has a full house and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 5 51,851,976 0.000002 0.000009
For a small raise, if the player achieves four of a kind and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 12 5,815,932 0.000000 0.000003
For a small raise, if the player gets a straight flush and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 52 742,442,652 0.000027 0.001388
For a small raise, if the player holds a royal flush and the dealer qualifies, the player wins. 502 0 0.000000 0.000000
For a small raise, if the player has three of a kind or lower, but the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 1 771,646,676,244 0.027743 0.027743
For a small raise, if the player gets a straight and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 2 89,783,345,532 0.003228 0.006456
For a small raise, if the player makes a flush and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 2.5 21,453,564,600 0.000771 0.001928
For a small raise, if the player holds a full house and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 4 0 0.000000 0.000000
For a small raise, if the player achieves four of a kind and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 11 0 0.000000 0.000000
For a small raise, if the player achieves a straight flush and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 51 184,074,552 0.000007 0.000338
For a small raise, if the player achieves a royal flush and the dealer does not qualify, the player wins. 501 0 0.000000 0.000000
Small raise, push 0 40,181,819,100 0.001445 0.000000
When a player makes a minimal increase in their bet but ultimately loses, the dealer successfully qualifies. -3 2,627,450,579,820 0.094466 -0.283397
If a player opts for a slight increase in their wager and doesn't win, the dealer fails to qualify. -2 62,015,192,784 0.002230 -0.004459
Player folds -2 5,623,820,706,240 0.202195 -0.404391
Total   27,813,810,024,000 1.000000 -0.079670

The lower right cell shows a house edge This translates to a loss rate of approximately 7.97% for each ante wagered. For instance, if you place a $1 bet on both the Ante and the Blind simultaneously, you can expect to lose about 7.97 cents on average. In terms of comparing this to other gambling options, I think it's important to consider the broader context. element of risk It’s crucial to examine the overall amount that is usually wagered by the conclusion of a hand, which typically is about 4.187692 times the initial Ante bet. Therefore, it's essential to keep this in mind. element of risk would be 7.97%/4.187692 = 1.90%.

High-stakes players need to be cautious regarding the maximum payouts. If your ante exceeds 1/500 of the maximum payout allowed, you may end up receiving less than expected for a royal flush. For every $100 that the effective payout for a royal flush decreases, the house edge increases by 0.308%. To put it differently, the house edge will rise according to the formula [500-(MP/500)]*0.0000308, where MP represents the maximum payout.

The subsequent table illustrates the typical bets placed and the expected returns associated with each wager.

Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em® Payout Table — Auckland Style

Bet Type Average
Wager 		Average
Pays 		Average
Win
Ante 1 -0.177763 -0.177763
Blind 1 -0.401446 -0.401446
Play 2.187691612 0.228341 0.499539
Total 4.187691612   -0.079670

Strategy

In the Auckland version of the game, I've primarily focused on defining the strategy applicable for the larger raises. Players should consider making such a raise if they are dealt any of the following starting hands:

  • Any ace
  • Unsuited K/5 or higher
  • Unsuited Q/8 or higher
  • Unsuited J/9 or higher
  • Suited king with anything
  • Suited Q/6 or higher
  • Suited J/8 or higher
  • Any pair

The primary distinctions from the standard U.S. rules include the incorporation of the J/9 off-suit and an additional pair of twos.

Trips Bet

According to Shufflemaster's documentation, four different pay tables for the Trips bet are suggested. However, I am uncertain which specific pay table is utilized in Auckland. I also believe the same requirement that a player's hole cards must be incorporated applies to the Trips bet.

Trips Bet — Pay Table 1

Player Hand Combinations Pays Probability Return
Royal flush 50 43,240 0.000015 0.000770
Straight flush 40 379,224 0.000135 0.005399
Four of a kind 30 4,047,264 0.001441 0.043217
Full house 9 35,914,320 0.012783 0.115050
Flush 7 41,883,800 0.014908 0.104356
Straight 4 79,953,072 0.028458 0.113833
Three of a kind 3 174,387,528 0.062071 0.186214
All other -1 2,472,867,312 0.880188 -0.880188
Total   2,809,475,760 1.000000 -0.311349

Trips Bet — Pay Table 2

Player Hand Combinations Pays Probability Return
Royal flush 50 43,240 0.000015 0.000770
Straight flush 40 379,224 0.000135 0.005399
Four of a kind 30 4,047,264 0.001441 0.043217
Full house 8 35,914,320 0.012783 0.102266
Flush 6 41,883,800 0.014908 0.089448
Straight 5 79,953,072 0.028458 0.142292
Three of a kind 3 174,387,528 0.062071 0.186214
All other -1 2,472,867,312 0.880188 -0.880188
Total   2,809,475,760 1.000000 -0.310582

Trips Bet — Pay Table 3

Player Hand Combinations Pays Probability Return
Royal flush 50 43,240 0.000015 0.000770
Straight flush 40 379,224 0.000135 0.005399
Four of a kind 30 4,047,264 0.001441 0.043217
Full house 8 35,914,320 0.012783 0.102266
Flush 7 41,883,800 0.014908 0.104356
Straight 4 79,953,072 0.028458 0.113833
Three of a kind 3 174,387,528 0.062071 0.186214
All other -1 2,472,867,312 0.880188 -0.880188
Total   2,809,475,760 1.000000 -0.324132

Trips Bet — Pay Table 4

Player Hand Combinations Pays Probability Return
Royal flush 50 43,240 0.000015 0.000770
Straight flush 40 379,224 0.000135 0.005399
Four of a kind 20 4,047,264 0.001441 0.028812
Full house 7 35,914,320 0.012783 0.089483
Flush 6 41,883,800 0.014908 0.089448
Straight 5 79,953,072 0.028458 0.142292
Three of a kind 3 174,387,528 0.062071 0.186214
All other -1 2,472,867,312 0.880188 -0.880188
Total   2,809,475,760 1.000000 -0.337771

Internal Links

External Links

Written by: Michael Shackleford