Welcome to the Pinnacle Sports Poker help section.
Terms And Conditions
is an online service, belonging to a network, whereby individuals play poker with each other, arranged and operated by B2B POKER NETWORK LTD; Company Number C37197 address: Tigne Place Block 12 Office 2/3, Tigne Street, Sliema, SLM11 Malta; conducting its business and acting fully in compliance with the applicable laws of Malta.
B2B POKER NETWORK LTD is wholly owned subsidiary of B2B POKER (SWEDEN) AB, Company Number 556657-0452; address: Box 3108, SE-169 03 Solna, Sweden; a company duly registered under the laws of Sweden on the 24th March 2004.
B2B POKER NETWORK LTD is the contractual party providing this service.
"PINNACLE SPORTS" is a registered trademark licensed to B2B POKER NETWORK LTD to be utilized in conjunction with this service.
is a partner of PINNACLE SPORTS.
is an individual with an existing contractual relationship with a Partner, being referred by the Partner, to PINNACLE SPORTS.
is an account within PINNACLE SPORTS supplied via the Partner on the Poker Player’s behalf.
is a unique identification, also called "Nickname" under which a Poker Player is registered with PINNACLE SPORTS, based on the same details as with the Partner.
is funds deposited with PINNACLE SPORTS from the Partner.
is funds withdrawn from PINNACLE SPORTS to the Partner.
is the total liability, at any given time, towards Poker Players.
is a fee charged to a Poker Player when using this service.
is a cash amount available on a Poker Player Account.
is a non-monetary currency utilised in a tournament and/or in a cash game converted from an amount debited to a Poker Player Account when entering a game, to be utilised when playing. The amount could increase and/or decrease and finally, if applicable, be converted to an amount credited to a Poker Player Account, when the Poker Player has finished playing.
is a cash amount and/or Chip put at risk while playing.
is a cash amount and/or Chips on the table rewarded to the Poker Player either for having presented the highest value of card combination, as determined in accordance with the "Playing Rules" that follows herein, or, if not applicable, having placed the highest and last Stake.
is any failure, disconnection, interruption, denial of service, and/or delay attributable to technical matters, such as, but not limited to: the Internet, hardware, servers, computers, hubs, databases, software, downloads, sites, applications, interfaces, platforms, systems, virus, capacity, connections, electricity and/or transmission.
3.2 The Terms and Conditions of PINNACLE SPORTS herein; and the SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT reached with B2B POKER NETWORK LTD when downloading software necessary to participate in the poker game.
For full text version of SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT click here
3.3 That the Terms and Conditions may, from time to time, be subject to changes and/or supplements at the sole discretion of PINNACLE SPORTS;
3.4 That such changes and/or supplements may be advised separately from this text;
3.5 That all Poker Games are settled and determined in accordance with the Playing Rules as follows herein, and in the event of ambiguity, ultimately settled and determined at the sole discretion of PINNACLE SPORTS;
3.6 That the Terms and Conditions constitute and/or govern the contractual relationship between PINNACLE SPORTS, the Partner and the Poker Player;
3.7 That the Place of the Contract is Malta;
3.8 That any legal disputes are subject to the Laws of Malta;
3.9 That the Partner is authorized to receive, hold and pay funds in relation to a transaction and/or settlement between PINNACLE SPORTS and a Poker Player;
3.10 That no financial and/or legal claims can be brought against PINNACLE SPORTS and/or the Partner for Technical Failure, Manifest Error, Force Majeure, and/or the outcome of a Poker Game, whatsoever;
3.11 That no financial and/or legal claims can be brought against PINNACLE SPORTS in the event that the Partner, for any reasons, whatsoever, fails to honor any funds held and/or settled with the Poker Player; and
3.12 The reserved right of PINNACLE SPORTS to take active measures necessary to prevent, and to investigate suspected cases of, all kinds of fraud, collusion, money laundering activities and/or other forms of behaviour contradicting the spirit of the Terms and Conditions herein. This includes but is not limited to the use of Anti-Cheating Software and the freezing of funds during investigation procedures.
5.2 Poker Player Funds do not generate interest.
7.2 If any provision of this Terms and Conditions or part thereof shall be or become invalid or found not liable by a court of law or similar authority, the remainder of the Terms and Conditions shall continue in full force and effect.
8.2 In the event that PINNACLE SPORTS and/or a Partner are found liable in any way, by a court of law and/or a similar authority, with legal competence and/or jurisdiction over PINNACLE SPORTS and/or the Partner then any liability arising is limited to the amount recorded on the Poker Player Account.
8.3 PINNACLE SPORTS and/or a Partner reserve the right at their own discretion to cancel reverse or adjust any transactions and/or forfeit and/or recover funds due to any:
8.4 PINNACLE SPORTS and/or the Partner do not acknowledge or accept any liability whatsoever for damage to a Poker Player and/or a third party caused directly and/or indirectly due to any:
8.5 The version of the Terms and Conditions of PINNACLE SPORTS as published, from time to time, in English constitutes the contract between the Poker Player, PINNACLE SPORTS and/or the Partner. Any translation from English is a service made available without any liabilities whatsoever. In the event that any ambiguity arises between the English version and a translation, the English version has priority over any translations.
may be suspended from gambling on PINNACLE SPORTS and have any winnings voided.
9.2 Any Poker Player who under any circumstances what so ever, openly and/or secretly, directly and/or indirectly:
will be suspended from gambling on PINNACLE SPORTS, and will have the funds on his/her Poker Player Account forfeited and/or recovered by PINNACLE SPORTS.
9.3 Forfeited and/or recovered funds due to Poker Players’ participation in credit card fraud will be returned to the credit card owner exposed to the fraud.
9.4 PINNACLE SPORTS reserves the right to share information of any fraudulent activity and/or attempting fraudulent activity such as, but not limited to, collusion, money laundering, credit card fraud and/or other criminal activities with appropriate authorities such as, but not limited to, Police authorities and courts of law.
10.1.1 Hand Rankings
The winning hand is always determined by the best five card hand. Aces counts as the highest card, Only in a straight A-2-3-4-5 does the Ace count as 1 (except in 2-7 Draw), and In High/Low games aces counts both as the highest and lowest card.
If two or more players are showing the same hand ranking the player with the higher cards wins. If the hands are still tied the Kicker(s) (the highest card(s) not held in common) will decide who's got the winning hand.
Examples: Q-Q-Q-6-6 beats Q-Q-Q-5-5 Kh-7h-5h-3h-2h -"- Qs-Js-Ts-8s-6s A-A-K-T-6 -"- A-A-Q-J-5 J-J-J-A-Q -"- J-J-J-A-9
If there is an odd (25 cent) chip in a split, it goes to the winning player to the left of the dealer. In Soko the player that was dealt cards first wins the odd chip. In High/Low games the odd chip goes to the player winning the high hand.
10.1.2 Buy-In
Our games are played with a table stake. That means that you are only playing with the chips you have in front of you at the table. There is a minimum buy-in at each table and on the PL and NL tables there is also a maximum buy-in.
Texas Hold'em/Omaha Fixed Limit
10.1.3 New player
A new player, who wants to join a game played with blinds, must either come in on the big blind or will be required to post the equivalent of the big blind to start playing from another position.
10.1.4 Missed blinds
A player that has missed a big blind can only come in on the big blind or will have to post this amount (live bet) to rejoin the game from another position. Players that have missed both the small and the big blind must also post the equivalent of the small blind, or wait for his turn to post big blind. This money is considered as "dead" and goes directly to the pot.
10.1.5 All-in
If you run out of chips in a pot, you are considered all-in. This means that you will remain in the pot until the showdown. A player that is all-in can only win as much chips from every other player as he has put into the pot. If other players put in more chips, a side pot will be created. More than one side pot can be created if several players are all-in.
10.1.6 Artificial All-In
A system has been created to protect players from losses due to connection problems. This system is used by most poker rooms on the Internet and works as follows: If a player cannot act he will be treated as all-in if he has put money into the pot; if no money has been put in the pot, his hand will be folded.
Every player will be allowed to be all-in artificially for a fixed number of times per 24 hours. The all-ins should not be misused. If the management discovers that a player uses the option to be all-in to gain advantages, he will be warned and if it happens again his account will be closed. It is only possible to become artificial all-in in Fixed Limit and Spread Limit games, not in PL , ½PL and NL games and only in cash games. We recommend that you only play higher limits if your internet connection is very good.
10.1.7 Server Crash
In case our server crashes, all players at the tables will have their money returned to their player accounts. All games that were running at the time of the crash will be cancelled and all the chips in the pot returned to the players who participated. We are aware that this can be frustrating for some players, especially if you hold a big hand, but this is the only way to resolve these kinds of situations.
10.1.8 Real money or Fun Money
At PINNACLE SPORTS you can choose if you want to play for real money or just for fun (with Fun Money). A good idea would be to start playing with Fun Money and only join the real money games once you feel confident with the software. All our real money games are played in €. To make a deposit or withdrawal, please go to the “My Poker Account” option in the Poker Lobby and follow the instructions.
10.1.9 Rake
All our FunMoney games are absolutely free of charge. If you play for real money a small charge - called rake - is taken from the pot. Only pots where there is a flop (in Texas Holdem or Omaha) or a third card is dealt (in Soko) or a fourth card is dealt (in 7-stud) or a draw is made (in 5-Draw) are raked. Only players who are dealt cards (active players) are counted as being seated.
Click here for detailed information on the rake.
10.2 Limits
10.2.1 General
In all Limits, a raise must be at least as high as the previous Bet/Raise, unless a player goes All-in.
10.2.2 Fixed Limit
There is a limit set for each table that determines the blinds and the betting. The big blind equals the lower limit (for example if the limit is €5/10 then the big blind is €5). The lower limit is used in the first two betting rounds and the higher limit in the final two rounds of betting. The maximum number of bets that can be made in one betting round is 4 (bet + 3 raises).
10.2.3 Spread Limit
In spread limit the minimum bet on all betting rounds is equal to the big blind. The maximum bet varies on the different rounds. In the limit that is called €1-2-3, the maximum bet on the first two betting rounds is €1, on fourth street €2 and on fifth street €3. All raises must match the previous raise except when the pot is being capped. The cap at each round is 3 x the limit.
10.2.4 No Limit
In No Limit games, players are allowed to bet any amount at any time. The only limitation is how much money you have at the table. The minimum bet is equal to the size of the big blind. 10.2.5 Pot Limit In Pot Limit games, players are allowed to bet any amount at any time up to the size of the pot. The minimum bet is equal to the size of the big blind or the bring-in. 10.2.6 Half Pot Limit In Half Pot Limit games, players are allowed to bet any amount at any time up to 50% of the size of the pot. The minimum bet is equal to the size of the big blind or the bring-in.
10.3 Texas Hold'em
10.3.1 Players
Up to 10 players are allowed to play in the same game.
10.3.2 Dealer
In Texas Hold'em a button (the "dealer button") indicates who the dealer is. The deal moves clockwise between players.
10.3.3 Blinds
Texas Hold'em is played with two blinds, the "small blind" and the "big blind". Before any cards are dealt the blinds must be posted. The player to the left of the dealer posts the small blind and the next player in turn posts the big blind. The blinds are considered to be "live" bets. If you have posted a blind you are only required to make up the difference, if any, between the blind and the current bet. The players in the blinds have the option to fold, call, check or raise in turn.
10.3.4 Deal
Each player receives 2 cards dealt face down. These 2 cards are called the "hole cards". After that there will be 3 community cards dealt face up on the board, "the flop". Then another community card, "the turn" or "fourth street" will be dealt. Finally the last community card, "the river" or "fifth street", will make it 5 cards showing on the table.
10.3.5 Betting order
There are 4 betting rounds in Texas Hold'em. The first betting round takes place after each player is dealt his hole cards. In this round the player to the left of the big blind is first to act. In the following betting rounds the first active player to the left of the dealer button starts the action.
10.3.6 Showdown
If no more betting takes place after all the cards have been dealt out, there is a showdown to determine the winner. The best 5 card hand wins the pot. The players are allowed to use 1 or 2 of their hole cards, but they can also "play the board" meaning that they use all 5 cards on the board. If two or more players show the same hand they split the pot. If there was betting on fifth street the player who made the last bet or raise must show his hand first. If there was no betting the first remaining player to the left of the dealer will be the first to show his hand.
10.4 Omaha
10.4.1 Players
Up to 8 players are allowed to play in the same game.
10.4.2 Dealer
In Omaha a button (the "dealer button") indicates who the dealer is. The deal moves clockwise between players.
10.4.3 Blinds
Omaha is played with two blinds, the "small blind" and the "big blind". Before any cards are dealt the blinds must be posted. The player to the left of the dealer posts the small blind and the next player in turn posts the big blind. The blinds are considered to be "live" bets. If you have posted a blind you are only required to make up the difference, if any, between the blind and the current bet. The players in the blinds have the option to fold, call, check or raise in turn.
10.4.4 Deal
Each player receives 4 cards dealt face down. These 4 cards are called the "hole cards". After that there will be 3 community cards dealt face up on the board, "the flop". Then another community card, "the turn" or "fourth street" will be dealt. Finally the last community card, "the river" or "fifth street", will make it 5 cards showing on the board.
10.4.5 Betting order
In Omaha there are 4 betting rounds. The first betting round takes place after each player is dealt his hole cards. In this round the player to the left of the big blind is first to act. In the following betting rounds the first active player to the left of the dealer button starts the action.
10.4.6 Showdown
If no more betting takes place after all the cards have been dealt out, there is a showdown to determine the winner. The best 5 card hand wins the pot. The players must use exactly 2 of their 4 hole cards and 3 community cards. If two or more players show the same hand they split the pot. If there was betting on fifth street the player who made the last bet or raise must show his hand first. If there was no betting the first remaining player to the left of the dealer will be the first to show is hand.
10.5 Omaha High/Low (8 or better)
10.5.1 Players
10.5.2 Dealer
In Omaha H/L a button (the "dealer button") indicates who the dealer is. The deal moves clockwise between players.
10.5.3 Blinds
Omaha H/L is played with two blinds, the "small blind" and the "big blind". Before any cards are dealt the blinds must be posted. The player to the left of the dealer posts the small blind and the next player in turn posts the big blind. The blinds are considered to be "live" bets. If you have posted a blind you are only required to make up the difference, if any, between the blind and the current bet. The players in the blinds have the option to fold, call, check or raise in turn.
10.5.4 Deal
10.5.5 Betting order
In Omaha H/L there are 4 betting rounds. The first betting round takes place after each player is dealt his hole cards. In this round the player to the left of the big blind is first to act. In the following betting rounds the first active player to the left of the dealer button starts the action.
10.5.6 Showdown
If no more betting takes place, after all the cards have been dealt out, there is a showdown to determine the winner. The best 5 card hand wins the high pot and the lowest 5 card hand wins the low pot if the hand qualifies (see below). The players must use exactly 2 of their 4 hole cards and 3 community cards. If two or more players show the same winning hand they split the pot. If there was betting on fifth street the player who made the last bet or raise must show his hand first. If there was no betting, the first remaining player to the left of the dealer will be the first to show his hand. The pot is split between the best hand for high and the best hand for low. Omaha H/L is played with an "8 or better" qualifier, which means that a hand must be, at worst, an 8 for low to be eligible to win the low portion of the pot.
10.6 Soko (aka Sökö or Canadian Stud)
10.6.1 Please be aware of the difference in Soko hand ranking compared to "normal" hand ranking as a 4-Flush and 4-Straight beats One Pair!
10.6.2 Players
10.6.3 Dealer
Cards are dealt clockwise starting with the first active player after the dealer box.
10.6.4 Ante
Soko is played with an ante. Before any cards are dealt an ante must be posted by every player in the game.
10.6.5 Deal
Each player receives 2 cards, one dealt face down and one face up. The card you are dealt first is your "hole card" and cannot be seen by the other players. This is indicated with grey background. After that there will be 3 more cards dealt face up to each remaining player.
10.6.6 Bring-In
The player showing the highest card after the deal must make a forced bet (bring-in) that usually amounts to 2 x the ante or make a bet higher than that if the limits allow it. For the purposes of determining the bring-in, ties in card rank are broken by suit, with the order being spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs (in descending order). After the initial bring-in or bet is made, action continuous clockwise until betting is completed for the round.
10.6.7 Betting order
In Soko there are 4 betting rounds. The first betting round takes place after each player is dealt his first two cards. Then a 3rd, 4th and 5th card is dealt to each player with a betting round between each new card and after the final card.
10.6.8 Showdown
If no more betting takes place after all the cards have been dealt out, there is a showdown to determine the winner (kickers count). The best 5 card hand wins the pot. If two or more players show the same hand they split the pot. If there is an odd chip it goes to the player nearest the dealer box. If there was betting on 5th street, the player who made the last bet or raise must show his hand first. If there was no betting the first remaining player to the left of the dealer is the first to show his hand.
10.6.9 Hand Ranking in Soko
Royal Flush Straight Flush Four Of a Kind Full House Flush Straight Three of a Kind Two Pairs 4-Flush 4-Straight One Pair High Cards
10.7 7-Card Stud
10.7.1 Players
10.7.2 Ante
7 Card Stud is played with an ante. Before any cards are dealt an ante must be posted by every player in the game.
10.7.3 Deal
Each player receives 3 cards, two dealt face down and one face up. The cards you are dealt first are your "hole cards" and cannot be seen by the other players. This is indicated with grey background. After that there will be 3 more cards dealt face up and one card dealt face down to each remaining player.
10.7.4 Bring-In
The player showing the lowest card in fixed limit and the highest card in pot limit after the deal must make a forced bet (bring-in) that usually amounts to 2 x the ante or make a bet higher than that if the limit allows it. For the purposes of determining the bring-in, ties in card rank are broken by suit, with the order being spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs (in descending order). After the initial bring-in or bet is made, action continuous clockwise until betting is completed for the round.
10.7.5 Betting order
In 7 Card Stud there are 5 betting rounds. The first betting round takes place after each player is dealt his first three cards. Then a 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th card is dealt to each player and another betting round starts after each card. The player showing the highest hand on the board is first to act in each round.
10.7.6 Showdown
If no more betting takes place after all the cards have been dealt, there is a showdown to determine the winner. The best 5 card hand wins the pot (kickers count). If two or more players show the same hand they split the pot in which case an odd chip goes to the player nearest the dealer box. If there was betting on seventh street, the player who made the last bet or raise must show his hand first. If there was no betting on seventh street, the player showing the highest hand on the board is the first to show his hand.
10.7.7 Special rules
If any player shows a pair on fourth street it is possible to bet/raise double the limit. A maximum of 3 raises is allowed, no matter the size of each raise.
If there are not enough cards left in the deck to deal every player his 7th card, a community card is dealt face up in the middle of the table. In this case all the players use the same card as their 7th card and no betting is allowed on this round.
10.8 7-Card Stud High/Low (8 or better)
10.8.1 Players
10.8.2 Ante
7 Card Stud H/L is played with an ante. Before any cards are dealt an ante must be posted by every player in the game.
10.8.3 Deal
10.8.4 Bring-In
The player showing the lowest card after the deal must make a forced bet (bring-in) that usually amounts to 2 x the ante or make a bet higher than that if the limit allows it. For the purposes of determining the bring-in, ties in card rank are broken by suit, with the order being spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs (in descending order). After the initial bring-in or bet is made, action continuous clockwise until betting is completed for the round.
10.8.5 Betting order
10.8.6 Showdown
If no more betting takes place after all the cards have been dealt, there is a showdown to determine the winner. The best 5 card hand wins the pot (kickers count). If two or more players show the same hand they split that part of the pot. If there is an odd chip it goes to the player winning the high hand and in case the pot is split between several high hands, the player nearest the dealer box gets the odd chip. If there was betting on seventh street, the player who made the last bet or raise must show his hand first. If there was no betting on seventh street, the player showing the highest hand on the board is the first to show his hand.
The pot is split between the best hand for high and the best hand for low. 7 Card Stud H/L is played with an "8 or better" qualifier, which means that a hand must be, at worst, an 8 for low to be eligible to win the low portion of the pot.
10.8.7 Special rule
10.9 5-Card Draw
10.9.1 Players
Up to 6 players are allowed to play in the same game.
10.9.2 Dealer
In 5 Card Draw a button (the "dealer button") indicates who the dealer is. The deal moves clockwise between the players.
10.9.3 Blinds
5 Card Draw is played with two blinds, the "small blind" and the "big blind". Before any cards are dealt the blinds must be posted. The player to the left of the dealer posts the small blind and the next player in turn posts the big blind. The blinds are considered to be "live" bets. If you have posted a blind you are only required to make up the difference, if any, between the blind and the current bet. The players in the blinds have the option to fold, call, check or raise in turn.
10.9.4 Deal
Each player receives 5 cards dealt face down.
10.9.5 Draw
After the first betting round is completed each player is allowed to discard 0-5 cards and draw new cards. Each player has 24 seconds to draw cards. If he fails to act within this time he will stand pat (draw 0 cards) and not be able to bet or raise the pot after the draw. To make the draw, you click on the cards you want to discard and press the "Discard" button. The cards you have chosen to discard will be grey. Before you press the "Discard" button, you can change your selection by simply clicking on the grey card again.
10.9.6 Betting order
In 5 Card Draw there are 2 betting rounds. The first betting round takes place after each player is dealt his 5 cards. In this round the player to the left of the big blind is first to act. In the next betting round, after the draw, the first active player to the left of the dealer button starts the action. All players are allowed to raise the pot, whether they are in the blinds or not.
10.9.7 Showdown
If no more betting takes place after all the cards have been dealt out, there is a showdown to determine the winner. The best 5 card hand wins the pot. If two or more players show the same hand they split the pot. If there was betting after the draw the player who made the last bet or raise must show his hand first. If there was no betting, the first remaining player to the left of the dealer is first to show his hand.
10.9.8 Insufficient cards
In the very rare event that insufficient cards remain to complete the draw, the mucked and discarded cards are shuffled and used to complete the draw. A player will never get back his own discards but may receive another player's discards.
10.10 Deuce to Seven (2-7) Triple Draw
10.10.1 Hand Rankings
In 2-7 Triple Draw the lowest 5 card hand wins the pot. The best hand is 2-3-4-5-7 off suit. Aces play for high only and straights and flushes count against you. Because Aces play for high, 2-3-4-5-A is not considered a straight but an "Ace high".
10.10.2 Players
10.10.3 Dealer
In 2-7 Triple Draw a button (the "dealer button") indicates who the dealer is. The deal moves clockwise between the players.
10.10.4 Blinds
2-7 Triple Draw is played with two blinds, the "small blind" and the "big blind". Before any cards are dealt the blinds must be posted. The player to the left of the dealer posts the small blind and the next player in turn posts the big blind. The blinds are considered to be "live" bets. If you have posted a blind you are only required to make up the difference, if any, between the blind and the current bet. The players in the blinds have the option to fold, call, check or raise in turn.
10.10.5 Deal
10.10.6 Draw
After the first betting round is completed each player is allowed to discard 0-5 cards and will draw new cards. After each draw there is another betting round. This is repeated and repeated until everyone still in the pot has had the option to draw a total of three times. Each player has 24 seconds to draw cards. If he fails to act within this time he will stand pat (draw 0 cards) and not be able to bet or raise the pot in the next betting round. If he acts in time during the next draw he will be able to bet in that round.
To make the draw you click on the cards you want to discard and press the "Discard" button. The cards you have chosen to discard will be grey. Before you press the "Discard" button, you can change your selection by simply clicking on the grey card again.
10.10.7 Betting order
In 2-7 Triple Draw there are 4 betting rounds and the same structure as in Texas Hold'em Limit is used. The first betting round takes place after each player is dealt his 5 cards. In this round the player to the left of the big blind is first to act. In the following betting rounds, after each draw, the first active player to the left of the dealer button starts the action. All players are allowed to raise the pot, whether they are in the blinds or not.
10.10.8 Showdown
If no more betting takes place after all the cards have been dealt out, there is a showdown to determine the winner. The lowest 5 card hand wins the pot. If two or more players show the same hand they split the pot. If there was betting after the last draw the player who made the last bet or raise must show his hand first. If there was no betting, the first remaining player to the left of the dealer is first to show his hand.
10.10.9 Insufficient cards
If insufficient cards remain to complete the draw, the mucked and discarded cards are shuffled and used to complete the draw. A player will never get back the cards he discarded in that draw but may receive another players discards.
10.11 Telesina
10.11.1 Please be aware that Telesina is played with a “French” deck with thirty-two cards from Ace to Seven.
10.11.2 Players
10.11.3 Dealer
Cards are dealt clockwise starting with the first active player after the dealer button. 10.11.4 Ante Telesina is played with an ante. Before any cards are dealt the antes must be posted by every player in the game.
10.11.5 Deal
Each player receives 2 cards, one dealt face down and one face up. The card you are dealt first is your "hole card" and cannot be seen by the other players. This is indicated with grey background. After that there will be 3 more cards dealt face up to each remaining player. After the fifth card has been dealt to remaining players and the betting round is over, one card is placed in the middle of the table. This is called the Vela community card and it can be used by all players to improve their hands and start a last round of betting.
10.11.6 Bring-In
The player showing the highest card after the deal must make a forced bet (bring-in) that usually amounts to 2 x the ante or make a bet higher than that if the limits allow it. For the purposes of determining the bring-in, ties in card rank are broken by suit, with the order being Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs and Spades (in descending order). After the initial bring-in or bet is made action continuous clockwise until betting is completed for the round.
10.11.7 Betting order
In Telesina there are 5 betting rounds. The first betting round takes place after each player is dealt his first two cards. Then a 3rd, 4th and 5th card is dealt to each player with a betting round after each new card. The last betting round takes place after the Vela card is revealed.
10.11.8 Showdown
If no more betting takes place after all the cards have been dealt out and the Vela card is revealed, there is a showdown to determine the winner. The best 5 card hand wins the pot. If two or more players show the same hand they split the pot. If there is an odd chip it goes to the player nearest the dealer box. If there was betting on 5th street the player who made the last bet or raise must show his hand first. If there was no betting the first remaining player to the left of the dealer is the first to show his hand.
10.11.9 Hand Ranking in Telesina High Card
One Pair Two Pair Three of a Kind Straight Full House Flush Four of a Kind Straight Flush
10.11.9.1 High Card
The ranking order of the cards are from Ace to Seven and according to the suits i.e. Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs and Spades. For example a player holding Ace of Hearts and Queen of Clubs beats a player holding Ace of Diamonds and King of Clubs.
10.11.9.2 One Pair
Two cards of the same numerical value. If two players have the same kind of pair, the one with the highest side card (kicker) wins. If the highest cards of both players are equal the suit of the highest kicker decides the winner.
10.11.9.3 Two Pair
Ranking of different Two Pair hands works as follows: With two players having Two Pair the player with highest numerical value of his highest pair wins. If both the highest pairs are equal, the player with the highest second pair wins. If even the second pair is of the same numerical value the highest fifth card will decide who wins. In case of the Vela card being the highest kicker in deciding between two equal Two Pair-hands the player holding the highest suit of the highest pair wins.
10.11.9.4 Three of a Kind
Three cards of the same numerical value. In case two or more players are holding Three of a Kind, the one with the highest numerical Three of a Kind wins.
10.11.9.5 Straight
Five cards in numerical sequence and with different suits. Ace can be used at the top of the straight (A, K, Q, J, T) and at the bottom of a low straight (T, 9, 8, 7, A).
In case two players are holding straights, the one with the highest card wins. If two players have straights with highest card of the same numerical value the player with the highest suit of the highest card wins.
10.11.9.6 Full House
Three of a Kind and a Pair. If two players hold Full House the one with the highest Three of a Kind wins.
10.11.9.7 Flush
Five cards of the same suit. If two players have flush the one with the highest suit (in order Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs and Spades) of the flush wins.
10.11.9.8 Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same numerical value. If two players have Four of a Kind the one with the highest numerical Four of a Kind wins.
10.11.9.9 Straight Flush
Five cards in numerical sequence and in the same suit. If two players have Straight Flush the one with the highest card in the Straight Flush wins. In case the highest card is equal in value the Straight Flush with the highest suit wins. There is one special rule: If there are only two players left in the pot the highest Straight Flush (A, K, Q, J, T in Hearts) is beaten by the lowest Straight Flush (T, 9, 8, 7, A in Spades).
10.12 Americana
10.12.1 Please be aware that Americana is played with a “French” deck with thirty-two cards from Seven to Ace. In Americana A-7-8-9-10 counts as the lowest Straight and A-K-Q-J-10 as the highest Straight. There is also a difference compared to "normal" hand ranking as a Flush beats a full house.
10.12.2 Players
10.12.3 Dealer
10.12.4 Ante
Americana is played with an ante. Before any cards are dealt an ante must be posted by every player in the game.
10.12.5 Deal
10.12.6 Bring-In
The player showing the highest card after the deal must make a forced bet (bring-in) that amounts to 2 x the ante or make a bet higher than that if the limits allow it. For the purposes of determining the bring-in, ties in card rank are broken by suit, with the order being spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs (in descending order). After the initial bring-in or bet is made, action continuous clockwise until betting is completed for the round.
10.12.7 Betting order
In Americana there are 4 betting rounds. The first betting round takes place after each player is dealt his first two cards. Then a 3rd, 4th and 5th card is dealt to each player and another betting round starts.
10.12.8 Showdown
If no more betting takes place after all the cards have been dealt out, there is a showdown to determine the winner (kickers count). The best 5 card hand wins the pot. If two or more players show the same hand they split the pot. If there is an odd chip it goes to the player nearest the dealer box.
If there was betting on 5th street the player who made the last bet or raise must show his hand first. If there was no betting the first remaining player to the left of the dealer is the first to show his hand.
10.12.9 Hand Ranking in Americana
Royal Flush Straight Flush Four Of a Kind Flush Full House Straight Three of a Kind Two Pairs One Pair High Cards
10.13 32-CARD DRAW
Please, be aware that 32-Card Draw is played with a deck of thirty-two (32) cards from Ace to Seven.
In 32-Card Draw A-7-8-9-10 counts as the lowest Straight.
There is also a difference compared to "normal" hand ranking as a Flush beats a Full House. Should two players hold the exact same hand, the suit of the cards come into play. The ranking order of the suits is Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs and Spades.
10.13.1 Players
Up to 5 players are allowed to play in the same game.
10.13.2 Dealer
In 32-Card Draw a button (the "dealer button") indicates who the dealer is. The deal moves clockwise between the players.
10.13.3 Blinds
32-Card Draw is played with two blinds, the "small blind" and the "big blind". Before any cards are dealt the blinds must be posted. The player to the left of the dealer posts the small blind and the next player in turn posts the big blind.
The blinds are considered as "live" bets. If you have posted a blind you are only required to make up the difference, if any, between the blind and the current bet. The players in the blinds have the option to fold, call, check or raise in turn.
10.13.4 Deal
10.13.5 Draw
After the first betting round is completed each player is allowed to discard 0-4 cards and will draw new cards. Each player have 30 seconds to draw cards, if he fails to act within this time he will stand pat (draw 0 cards) and not be able to bet or raise the pot after the draw. To make the draw you click on the cards you want to discard and press the “Discard” button. The cards you have chosen to discard will be grey. Before you have pressed the “Discard” button you can change your selection by clicking on the grey card again.
10.13.6 Betting order
In 32-Card Draw there are 2 betting rounds. The first betting round takes place after each player is dealt his 5 cards. In this round the player to the left of the big blind is first to act. In the next betting round, after the draw, the first active player after the big blind starts the action. Both players with and without a blind are allowed to raise the pot.
10.13.7 Showdown
If no more betting takes place, after all the cards have been dealt out, there is a showdown to determine the winner. The best 5 card hand wins the pot. As suits count there can not be an automatic split of the pot.
If there was betting after the draw the player who made the last bet or raise must show his hand first. If there was no betting or completed split, the first remaining player after the big blind shows his hand first. The same rules are applied when there are side pot(s) or one or more players are all-in before the draw.
In the event that there are insufficient cards remaining to complete the draw, the mucked and discarded cards are shuffled and used to complete the draw. A player will never get back his own discards but may receive another player’s discards.
10.13.8 Split Feature
32-Card Draw has a special feature which is a split (SPLIT) button which appears next to the regular FOLD, CHECK, BET buttons for the first player to act after the draw. If all players in a pot chose to split the pot amount is divided equally amongst the active players in that pot.
If the first player to act clicks split, the next player to act will have the split button as well but if he chooses any other action besides split, the next player will not have a split button. This applies to more players as well, unless all the players acting before have chosen split, the player will not have that option.
In case there is one side pot or more, a player always has the right to decline a split. However, his action only affects the pot(s) that he is involved in.
10.13.9 Hand Ranking
The rules determining the ranking of the hand are such that there NEVER will be a tie between two hands.
Highest type first:
Royal Flush Straight Flush Four of a Kind Flush Full House Straight Three of a Kind Two Pairs One Pair High Cards
Highest suit first:
Hearts Diamonds Clubs Spades
10.13.9.1 Royal Flush:
An Ace, King, Queen, Jack and Ten in the same suit.
When two or more players have a Royal Flush: The Royal Flush with the highest suit wins.
10.13.9.2 Straight Flush:
Five cards in sequence, of the same suit.
When two or more players have a Straight Flush: Highest rank at the top of the sequence wins. If the highest rank is the same, the highest suit of the Straight Flushes wins.
Aces can play for high or low, so a Straight Flush can be A-7-8-9-10 or 10-J-Q-K-A. A-7-8-9-10 is the lowest Straight Flush.
10.13.9.3 Four of a Kind:
Four cards of the same rank, and one side card.
When two or more players have four of a kind: Highest four of a kind wins.
10.13.9.4 Flush:
Five cards of the same suit.
When two or more players have a Flush: The player holding the highest ranked card wins. If necessary, the second-highest, third-highest, fourth-highest, and fifth-highest cards can be used to decide the winner. If the five cards all are of the same rank, the highest suit wins.
10.13.9.5 Full House:
Three cards of the same rank, and two cards of a different, matching rank.
When two or more players have a Full House: Highest three matching cards wins the pot.
10.13.9.6 Straight:
Five cards in sequence.
When two or more players have a Straight: Highest ranking card at the top of the sequence wins. If the highest rank is the same, the highest suit of the highest ranking card wins. Aces can play for high or low, so a Straight can be A-7-8-9-10 or 10-J-Q-K-A. A-7-8-9-10 is the lowest Straight.
10.13.9.7 Three of a Kind:
Three cards of the same rank, and two unrelated side cards.
When two or more players have three of a kind: Highest ranking three of a kind wins.
10.13.9.8 Two Pairs:
Two cards of a matching rank, another two cards of a different matching rank, and one side card.
When two or more players have two pairs: Highest pair wins. If players have the same highest pair, highest second pair wins. If both players have identical pairs, highest ranked side card wins. If they have identical pairs and the same rank of the side card, the highest suit of the side card wins.
10.13.9.9 One Pair:
Two cards of a matching rank, and three unrelated side cards.
When two or more players have a pair: Highest pair wins. If players have the same pair, the highest ranked side card wins, and if necessary, the second-highest and third-highest side card rank can be used to decide the winner. If both have the same pair and same ranked side cards, the highest suit of the highest side card wins.
10.13.9.10 No Pair:
Any hand that does not qualify under a category listed above.
When two or more players have no pair: Highest ranked card wins, and if necessary, the second-highest, third-highest, fourth-highest and smallest card rank can be used to decide the winner. If all the ranks of the cards are the same, the highest suit of the highest card will decide the winner.
11.2 All tournaments start at the time given in the Tournament Area. The clock used for the tournaments is the one displayed in the upper right corner of the Tournament Area. It is not possible to join an already started tournament. As soon as a tournament is announced in the Tournament Area, it is possible to register for that tournament unless other information is given in the description for the Tournament. When the player registers, the amount of the buy-in and entry fee is deducted from the player’s poker balance. The buy-in will go to the prize pool and the entry fee goes to PINNACLE SPORTS. If there is no entry fee stated, the site will charge 9 % of the buy-in and 4 % on re-buys in commission.
11.3 If more than the maximum amount of players registers for a tournament, the player will be placed in a waiting list. If another player removes his registration before the tournament starts, the player will move up on the waiting list and eventually into the playing list. If a player is still on the waiting list when the tournament starts, the player will be refunded the buy-in and entry fee.
11.4 If a player has registered for a tournament, the player could remove his registration before the tournament has started. By doing so, the buy-in and entry fee are returned to the player’s account. Tournament seats won in satellites can not be de-registered.
11.5 Table and seat number are assigned at random at the start of the tournament. It is not possible to change a seat manually during the tournament.
11.6 At the start of the tournament, one single card is given to each player at the table. The player with the highest card value receives the button. If two players or more receive the same card value, the suits are ranked in the following order: spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs.
11.7 The button moves so that no player will receive the big blind twice, and no player will miss the big blind. If a player is eliminated during the hand, or a new player arrives at the table, the same player might receive the dealer button twice. In some cases there will be no small blind.
11.8 All players participate in the hand. A new player might come in as dealer or in any of the blind positions.
11.9 A player is eliminated from the tournament when the player’s chip count is zero.
11.10 If more than one player is eliminated in the same hand, the highest prize will go to the player starting the hand with the most chips. If they start the hand with the same amount of chips, they will share the prize.
11.11 The software will balance the tables by moving a player from a table with many players to a table with few players.
11.12 To prevent people from stalling the game when a new prize level is coming up, a hand-for-hand procedure is used. This means that if there is more than one table running and the next prize level will be reached when the next player is eliminated the next hand is dealt only when all the other tables have finished their hands.
If more than one player is eliminated during the same hand-for-hand level the player with more chips at the start of the hand wins the higher prize.
11.13 As the play continues, and players are eliminated, tables will be broken starting with the table where a player was eliminated last. This will continue until it is only one final table left. When the final table is reached, the software will reshuffle the seats and select a new dealer by giving one card to each player.
11.14 When a player is moved from one table to another (either by table balancing or table breaking,) the player in the upcoming big blind position is moved to a seat as close to the dealer as possible on the new table.
11.15 In heads up play, the dealer has the big blind.
11.16 The tournament ends when one player has accumulated all the chips in the tournament.
11.17 If a player is disconnected or away, he will still post his blinds in turn. The player will be dealt cards and could come back into play anytime during the hand. There is no concept of automatic all-ins. If a player times out during the hand and someone has made a raise before him, the hand is folded.
11.18 In the unlikely event that there is a server crash, all hands currently in progress will be canceled, and there will be attempts to restart the tournament from where it crashed. If that can not be done within 20 minutes, the remaining players will be compensated in accordance to Pinnacle Sports Poker’s’ tournament clean up routines. Click here for detailed information. Players who have already received a prize will keep their prizes.
11.19 If there is a server crash before the tournament has started the registered players will get a refund of the buy-in and/or the entry fee within 24 hours. The tournament is started when the first hand of cards is dealt.
11.20 Please keep the game honest by only chatting in English, not discussing the hand in progress, and not engaging in soft play.
11.21 Pinnacle Sports Poker’s decisions are final.
11.22 General Tournament prize chart:
Players