Video Review of Ricochet Poker

Mike conducts an interview with Mike Silver regarding his new card game, Ricochet Poker.

Mike Shackleford: Hello, this is Mike Shackleford speaking from the 2018 Cutting Edge Table Gameshow at the Paris Casino in Las Vegas . I'm once again joined by Mr. Mike Silver, who you might remember from his innovative game, Red and Black from last year.

Mike, what do you have for us this year?

[00:00:39] Mike Silver: This year, we proudly present Ricochet Poker , an exciting new take on poker that features face-up cards and a dynamic single pot format.

[00:00:46] Mike Shackleford: You mentioned it's poker-like, which suggests it's a competition between players.

[00:00:52] Mike Silver: Exactly, it’s player versus player. Yet, one player can join in while the dealer also takes part in the game.

[00:00:58] Mike Shackleford: Without diving into all the specifics, what are the fundamentals of gameplay?

[00:01:05] Mike Silver: Basic play is each player antes The house establishes a set denomination. Each player receives two cards face-up, while the dealer's five cards are also dealt face-up from the very start.

The term 'ricochet' comes from how the game begins with the lowest hand and moves around or across the table to target the next higher hand.

Players can re-ante to boost the pot, enhancing their initial two-card hand into a five-card hand.

[00:01:38] Mike Shackleford: This reminds me of a game I used to enjoy called No Peeky back in Orange County. Has anyone ever compared Ricochet Poker to that?

[00:01:48] Mike Silver: I have not.

[00:01:48] Mike Shackleford: Perhaps it’s just the Seal Beach crowd that enjoys playing it. Regardless, I have fond memories of No Peeky and I'm excited to try this one out.

Can we play a few hands?

[00:01:58] Mike Silver: Sure, absolutely.

[00:01:59] Mike Shackleford: Thanks for sharing, Mike.

[00:02:00] Mike Silver: Alright, everyone, let's dive into Ricochet Poker! It's a $5 minimum bet in the center, with flexible side bets. Each player gets two cards, and the dealer has five. I dealt myself six cards because I’m quite skilled at this!

First, let’s explore the various side bets:

The hedge bet suggests that the dealer will have a strong hand, which they do. I’ve got aces and jacks, so that pays out at two to one. Now, regarding the quick draw side bet, it indicates that your two cards will outshine my five, but that won't happen today since I have two pairs, thus taking those away.

Now let\"s play the main game …

I’ll bring all chips into play for this scenario. It gets interesting since, with four players, I’m folding aces up, even though for this demonstration, I’ll pretend I have a queen high hand instead.

The action always begins with the lowest hand . It moves to the 8 deuce, where you have the choice to purchase additional cards with another bet or fold.

What would you like to do?

You’ve opted to draw three more cards, resulting in a pair of 8s, which beats my current hand, so I’m folding. The action then shifts to the king queen.

[00:03:31] Mike Shackleford: That’s me. I need to outdo her 8s, so-

[00:03:36] Mike Silver: Let’s see how this plays out. The king queen draws another queen, eliminating the 8s from contention. The ace 6, now on deck, what’s the plan? Ace 6 draws a pair of threes, which isn’t enough to win, and now the ace nine is the final hand.

[00:03:51] Mike Shackleford: [inaudible 00:03:51] ace?

[00:03:52] Mike Silver: And that’s pretty much the strategy here. No pair means the pot goes to the pair of queens, showcasing how Ricochet Poker operates.

[00:04:02] Mike Shackleford: Shall we deal another hand?

[00:04:03] Mike Silver: Absolutely! Let’s play again. Alright, everyone, place your bets as we start Ricochet Poker. I’ll hand out two cards to each player and five cards to the dealer. This time, I’ve drawn a pair of 10s, which definitely improves my starting position.

Your side bet , the red side bet known as the hedge bet, will yield one for one payout when the dealer holds a pair of 10s. I’ll pay those out first. As for the quick-draw bet, it bets that your two cards will win against the dealer's five cards. Most will lose, but actually, the pair of kings pays out five for one on that hedge-

[00:04:46] Mike Shackleford: Five to one.

[00:04:47] Mike Silver: Five to one. Thanks, Mike! Now it’s time for the main event. Let’s bring all the wagers to the center. The lowest hand has the first shot, and that’s the 5 deuce. You either fold or place another bet to complete your hand.

What would you like to do?

Naturally, we’re all keen on playing since it’s easy money. Unfortunately, a pair of 5s isn’t enough to surpass my 10s, so that hand is out. Next up is the jack 9, which presents a pair of kings—definitely superior to my 10s, so I’ll discard that hand. Following that is the ace king, which has a pair of aces, beating my kings.

Now it's back to the pair of queens. What do you wish to do? Let’s proceed with this hand. The queen didn’t draw another pair, resulting in aces taking the win. Well done!

That\"s how you play Ricochet Poker.

[00:05:40] Mike Shackleford: Thank you very much, Mike. Once again, this is Ricochet Poker.

[00:05:45] Mike Silver: Thank you for your time, Mike. I truly appreciate it.

[00:05:47] Mike Shackleford: My pleasure! I hope to see Ricochet Poker featured in casinos soon.

[00:05:49] Mike Silver: Absolutely.

[00:05:51] Mike Shackleford: Okay. Bye everyone.

Written by: Michael Shackleford