The object of the game is for the player to achieve a higher poker hand than the dealer, according to the standard rules of poker.
A single standard deck of playing cards will be used in dealing Boston 5. Players are not allowed to make an optional three card bonus bet without playing the core game.
To start the game, each player must ante and place a first wager. The ante amount will be half of the first wager. All optional bonus bets must be placed at this time. Each player and the dealer will be dealt three cards face down.
After the players view their cards, they have the option to fold, or place a second wager equal to their first wager. Players that have a three card bonus hand, will place their hand face up on the table so the dealer can award them their bonus. Players that made a second wager will receive their two final cards dealt face down.
If a player has paid for all five cards, the player's hand is then compared to the dealer's hand. The higher poker hand wins. In the event of a tie, players push, no winners. A player who does not pay for all five cards must fold and loses the ante and all wagers already paid.
When a player loses, the dealer collects the ante and all wagers. When a player wins, the player retains his ante and all wagers and an amount equal to the sum of his wagers is paid to the player. An additional bonus will be paid based on the ante for the following ranked hands:
Players receive their bonus even if dealer beats their hand.