Imperial Poker™ — five-card poker with strategic exchange

Imperial Poker is a five-card poker game built around revealed information, concealed potential, and one strategic exchange. Players act on what they can see, anticipate what remains hidden, and decide whether to fold, play, or raise. Two cards are revealed. Three remain concealed. Before committing, the player may exchange one open card with one of the dealer’s revealed cards — creating a dynamic advantage before the final hand is resolved. 

The Game 

Imperial Poker revisits classic five-card poker through a modern structure of revealed cards, concealed information, and player-controlled exchange.

The player and dealer each receive five cards. Two cards are revealed and three remain concealed. Based on the visible information, the player may exchange one revealed card with one of the dealer’s revealed cards.

After the exchange decision, the player may fold or commit by raising x1. A raise of x2 is available on a visible pair of Tens or better.

The remaining concealed cards are then revealed and the hands are compared. The player must hold One Pair or better and beat the dealer to win. Equal hand values push. There is no dealer qualification requirement.

Winning Hand      Definition

Royal Flush             A, K, Q, J, T, same suit

Straight Flush         Five cards in sequence, same suit

Four of a Kind         Four cards of the same rank

Full House                Three of a kind and one pair

Flush                         Five cards of the same suit

Straight                    Five cards in sequence, mixed suits

Three of a Kind       Three cards of the same rank

Two Pair                   Two different pairs

One Pair                   One pair with three unmatched cards 

House Edge

Imperial Poker™ has a house edge of approximately 2.10%, corresponding to a theoretical RTP of approximately 97.90% under optimal play. Actual outcomes vary according to individual decisions and strategy.