U.S. patent application number 09/816596 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-26 for high-low card game.
Invention is credited to Tarantino, Elia Rocco.
Application Number | 20020135129 09/816596 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25221070 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020135129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tarantino, Elia Rocco |
September 26, 2002 |
High-low card game
Abstract
A method of playing a card game is disclosed in which a player
attempts to determine if the value of a card will be higher or
lower than another card. In one embodiment, the method includes the
steps of a player placing a wager, displaying to the player a first
card from a deck of cards, the player selecting whether a second
card from the deck of cards will have a value higher or lower than
the first card, displaying to the player the second card,
determining a result by comparing the second card to the first
card, comparing the result with the player's selection, and
declaring the outcome of the game a losing outcome if the selection
differs from the result and declaring the outcome of the game a
winning outcome if the selection is the same as the result. In the
event the outcome is a winning outcome, the player is permitted to
continue play by selecting whether a next card will have a value
higher or lower than another card. In one embodiment, cards are
arranged in two rows and a card from one row is displayed and a
card from the second row compared to the card from the first row.
In another embodiment, the cards are displayed in sequence, and
each successive card is compared to the last. In one embodiment, a
player is paid winnings if the player correctly determines the
outcome of the comparison of a predetermined number of pairs of
cards.
Inventors: |
Tarantino, Elia Rocco; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
R. Scott Weide
Weide & Associates, Ltd.
11th Floor, Suite 1130
330 South 3rd Street
Las Vegas
NV
89101
US
|
Family ID: |
25221070 |
Appl. No.: |
09/816596 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3262 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 001/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A method of playing a game comprising the steps of: placing a
wager; displaying a first indicia from a group of indicia, each
indicia of said group of indicia having a value associated
therewith; selecting whether a second indicia to be displayed from
said group of indicia will have a value higher or lower than said
first indicia; displaying the second indicia; determining a result
by comparing a value of said second indicia to said first indicia;
comparing said result with said selection; declaring the outcome of
said game a losing outcome if said selection differs from the
result and declaring the outcome of said game a winning outcome if
said selection is the same as said result; and awarding a winning
if said outcome is a winning outcome.
2. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said indicia
comprise cards.
3. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said group of
indicia comprises a deck of cards.
4. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein if said outcome of
said game is a winning outcome, the method including the steps of
selecting whether a third indicia to be displayed from said group
of indicia will have a value higher or lower than said first
indicia, displaying the third indicia, determining a result by
comparing a value of said third indicia to said first indicia,
comparing said result with said selection, and declaring the
outcome of said game a losing outcome if said selection differs
from the result and declaring the outcome of said game a winning
outcome if said selection is the same as said result.
5. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein if said outcome of
said game is a winning outcome, the method including the steps of
displaying a third indicia from said group of indicia, selecting
whether a fourth indicia to be displayed from said group of indicia
will have a value higher or lower than said third indicia,
displaying the third indicia, determining a result by comparing a
value of said fourth indicia to said third indicia, comparing said
result with said selection, and declaring the outcome of said game
a losing outcome if said selection differs from the result and
declaring the outcome of said game a winning outcome if said
selection is the same as said result.
6. The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein if said outcome of
said game is a winning outcome, the method including the steps of
selecting whether a third indicia to be displayed from said group
of indicia will have a value higher or lower than said second
indicia, displaying the third indicia, determining a result by
comparing a value of said third indicia to said second indicia,
comparing said result with said selection, and declaring the
outcome of said game a losing outcome if said selection differs
from the result and declaring the outcome of said game a winning
outcome if said selection is the same as said result.
7. A method of playing a game comprising the steps of: placing a
wager; displaying a first card from a deck of cards; selecting
whether a second card from said deck of cards will have a value
higher or lower than said first card; displaying said second card;
determining a result by comparing said second card to said first
card; comparing said result with said selection; declaring the
outcome of said game a losing outcome if said selection differs
from the result; declaring the outcome of said game a winning
outcome if said selection is the same as said result; and if said
outcome of said game is a winning outcome, permitting the selecting
of whether a third card from said deck of cards will have a value
higher or lower than said second card, displaying said third card,
determining a result by comparing said third card to said second
card, comparing said result with said selection, declaring the
outcome of said game a losing outcome if said selection differs
from said result, and declaring the outcome of said game a winning
outcome if said selection is the same as said result.
8. The method in accordance with claim 7 including the step of
permitting the stopping of said game and paying a winning if said
outcome of said game is a winning outcome.
9. A method of playing a card game comprising the steps of: placing
a wager; displaying a card from a sequence of cards of a deck of
cards; selecting whether a next card in said sequence of cards will
have a value higher or lower than the previously displayed card;
displaying said next card; determining a result by comparing said
next card to said previous card; and comparing said result with
said selection and if the result is the same as said selection,
permitting a selection as to whether a next card in said sequence
of cards will have a value higher or lower than a previous
card.
10. The method in accordance with claim 9 including the step of
paying a wining in the event said result is the same as said
selection.
11. A method of playing a card game comprising the steps of:
placing a wager; permitting a player to engage in a gaming event
comprising: providing a pair of cards; displaying a first of said
cards of said pair; selecting whether a second of said cards of
said pair will have a value higher or lower than said first card;
displaying said second card; and comparing said first and second
cards to determine if said selection is correct; and permitting
said player to engage in another event if said selection is
correct.
12. The method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said cards are
displayed in sequence and include a first pair having a first card
and a second card and, if another event is permitted, a second pair
comprising said second card from said first pair and an additional
card.
13. The method in accordance with claim 11 wherein said cards are
displayed in two rows and the first card of each pair is displayed
in a first row and a second card of each pair is displayed in a
second row.
14. The method in accordance with claim 11 including permitting
said player to stop playing said game and receive a winning if said
selection is correct.
15. The method in accordance with claim 11 including paying said
player a winning in the event said player is participates in a
predetermined number of events.
16. The method in accordance with claim 11 including the step of
awarding a winning if said selection is correct.
17. The method in accordance with claim 16 wherein said winning is
dependent upon the selection.
18. The method in accordance with claim 17 wherein a larger winning
is awarded for selection having lower odds of occurring and a
smaller winning is awarded for a selection having higher odds of
occurring.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method of playing a game
and a device for presenting a game for play by one or more
players.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Gaming is an industry which has grown immensely in the last
few decades. This growth has seen legalized gaming spread from just
a few locations to many throughout the world, and has resulted in
greater numbers of people than ever participating in gaming. Gaming
originally comprised mainly "table" games, such as poker, craps and
blackjack. Today, a wide range of machine based games exist,
including the well known mechanical reel-type slot machine and new
and more sophisticated video style slot and poker machines.
[0003] One problem facing game manufacturers is the need to
continually create new and exciting games to maintain the interest
of the public. This is more difficult than it appears at first
glance. Of course, to be successful, the new game must appeal to
the player to generate a profitable revenue. The gross revenue
generated by a game is based on a variety of factors, such the
length of time each player plays, the amount wagered, and the
average percentage "take" of the game. If the "take" is too high, a
player is generally unwilling to play. If the "take" is very low,
then it is necessary to ensure that the game is played nearly
continuously so that revenue is constantly being derived. When
players play a game for only short periods of time, the revenue of
the game is generally reduced because of "idle" time between
players. The amount wagered also contributes to the revenue. In
general, if the amount that a player is willing to bet can be
increased, either on each game or over time, then the revenue of
the game will generally increase. These and a variety of other
factors all contribute to the total revenue produced by a game.
[0004] The ability of a game to generate a profit is dependent not
only upon the gross revenue produced by the game, but the cost of
producing and operating the game device. A game may be very
appealing, but if extremely expensive to produce, its revenue may
not exceed its costs. Profitability is thus tied to both the cost
of the game and the ability of the game to generate revenue.
[0005] The appeal of a game and the length of time a player will
play a game are dependent upon a number of factors. These factors
include some of those described above, such as the odds or take,
and on a variety of other factors. For example, a game which is
very difficult to understand and play tends to draw a few long-term
players, while the majority of players are alienated. A few players
may take to the game, while most will be alienated and play once or
twice. A game which involves little skill may appeal to a wide
cross-section of the public because of its ease of play. On the
other hand, the length of time a player may play such a game may be
fairly short, with the player losing interest unless "luck" is on
their side and they see consistent winnings during a session of
play.
[0006] Thus, it is desirable to produce a game which attracts a
wide audience and which keeps the attention of a player for long
periods of time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A method of playing a card game is disclosed. In general,
the game is one in which a player attempts to determine if the
value or rank of a card will be higher or lower than another
card.
[0008] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of a player
placing a wager. A first card is displayed to the player. The
player then selects whether a second card will have a value higher
or lower than the first card. The second card is then displayed to
the player. A result is then determined by comparing the second
card to the first card, and this result is compared to the player's
selection. The outcome of the event is declared a losing outcome if
the selection differs from the result and declared a winning
outcome if the selection is the same as the result.
[0009] In the event the outcome is a winning outcome, the player is
permitted to continue play by selecting whether a next card will
have a value higher or lower than another card, such as the
previously displayed card. In one embodiment, the player may elect
to cease playing and be awarded a winning for the winning outcome.
In one embodiment, the winnings awarded increase as play continues.
In one embodiment, if the player continues to play and receives a
winning outcome over a predetermined number of consecutive events,
then the player may be awarded a bonus winning.
[0010] In one embodiment, cards are arranged in two rows and a card
from one row is displayed and a card from the second row compared
to the card from the first row. In one arrangement of this
embodiment, two rows of 10 cards are provided, such that there are
10 "pairs" of cards. A player is paid a winning bonus if the player
correctly determines the outcome of the 10 pairs of cards. In this
embodiment, all ten cards of a first row may be immediately
displayed and then the player compares each card of the second row
to the corresponding card of the first row. In another embodiment,
one card from the first row is displayed and then a comparison is
made regarding a corresponding card before the other card(s) in
that first row are displayed.
[0011] In another embodiment, the cards are displayed in sequence,
and each successive card is compared to the last. In one
arrangement of this embodiment, 10 cards are arranged in sequence,
and play begins with the first card being displayed and a selection
made as to the second card compared to the first. In this
embodiment, a player is paid a bonus winning if the player
correctly determines the outcome of all displayed cards.
[0012] In one embodiment, a player's selection is limited to "high"
or "low." The outcome of the comparison, however, may be that the
second card has a higher value, a lower value, or the same value.
In this manner, the house is provided with a betting advantage over
the player. In another embodiment, the player may be permitted to
select that the cards will have the same value or rank. In another
embodiment, the game may be declared a "draw" (i.e., no win/no
lose) if the cards have the same value (i.e. the player is not
awarded winnings nor does the player lose his bet), and the player
may be permitted to continue play. In another embodiment, in the
event the cards have the same value, the player may automatically
be declared the winner of the event (i.e. the player is given the
betting advantage).
[0013] In one or more embodiments, the cards are selected from a
standard deck of 52 cards comprising 13 cards of each of four
suits. In another embodiment, less than all of the cards of a deck
of cards may be used, or cards having indicia other than those of a
standard deck of cards may be used. In another embodiment, items
other than cards may be used in the game.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the game is presented on an
electro-mechanically controlled machine which includes a video
display on which the cards or other indicia are displayed.
[0015] In one embodiment, a player may be required to engage in a
qualifying event to begin play of the game.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming apparatus in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of playing a
game in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 3(a)-(c) illustrate an example sequence of game play
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of playing
the game in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates another arrangement of game play in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The invention is the method of playing a game and one or
more apparatus for presenting a game for play. In the following
description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It
will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the
present invention may be practiced without these specific details.
In other instances, well-known features have not been described in
detail so as not to obscure the invention.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming apparatus 20 arranged to present
such a game in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The
apparatus 20 may have a variety of forms and configurations. As
illustrated, the apparatus includes a cabinet 22 for housing and
supporting systems and apparatus necessary to present the game to a
player.
[0023] The apparatus 20 includes means for displaying game indicia.
In one or more embodiments the means comprises a video display 24.
The video display 24 may comprise a CRT, flat screen (such as LCD)
or other means for displaying indicia. As described below, means
are provided for causing the video display 24 to display images.
This means may include a video controller.
[0024] The apparatus 20 includes a mechanism for accepting a wager.
As illustrated, a coin accepting mechanism 26 is provided for
accepting coins. A bill acceptor 28 is provided for accepting
bills. Other mechanisms may be provided for accepting a wager, such
as card or ticket readers or input devices whereby a player may
have funds paid from a remote account. A "play credit" button 30
and a "bet max" button 32 may also be provided for permitting a
player to place wagers from a pool of credits won or paid by a
player. The gaming apparatus 20 may be adapted to accept a variety
of coins, such as dimes, quarters, or silver dollars. In one or
more embodiments, playing a single credit comprises playing an
amount of one of the accepted coins, and playing a maximum bet
comprises playing or betting an amount comprising a multiple of the
value of a single of the accepted coins.
[0025] The gaming apparatus 20 includes a means for paying a player
winnings. When a player wins a game, the player is preferably paid
in the form of stored credits, the amount of which is indicated to
the player. Preferably a "cash out" button 34 is provided for
permitting a player to be paid the winnings or any paid credits. In
one embodiment, the means for paying a player comprises a coin
dispenser for dispensing coins to a coin tray 36. A player may also
be paid their winnings on a player card, as described below, in
electronic form.
[0026] The gaming apparatus 20 preferably includes a controller
(not shown). The controller controls the game, including receiving
player input and sending output signals for controlling the various
components of the apparatus 20. The controller may be configured to
receive input in the form of a play credit signal when the play
credit button 30 is depressed, and a credits insert signal when a
player inserts bills or coins. The controller may also be
configured to send signals for causing the coin dispenser to pay
winnings and for causing a display to display winning information
amount. In addition, the controller is preferably configured to
determine if the result of the game, or portion thereof, has
resulted in a win, and if so, the amount to be paid to the player
for that win.
[0027] The number of winning combinations, the odds of receiving a
winning combination and the payout for each winning combination may
vary, as is well known in the art. It will also be appreciated that
a player may be paid more for a winning combination when the player
places a larger wager. In this regard, the player may be presented
with a pay table which indicates the payout for each winning result
based on the wager placed by the player.
[0028] The controller may comprise one or more than one element,
and may comprise hardware and/or software, such as code executable
by a processor. The code may be stored in the appropriate data
storage device, such as a hard drive or memory chip, or be
integrated into a micro-processor chip. The controller may be part
of an integrated system, or be self-contained. The arrangements of
such a controller and the principles of odds, payouts, and the like
are well known to those of skill in the art.
[0029] In one or more embodiments, the apparatus 20 includes one or
more other player input devices. For implementing one embodiment of
a method of the invention, the apparatus 20 is provided with a
"HIGHER" selector or input button 40 and a "LOWER" selector or
input button 42. As described below, a player may utilize these
buttons 40,42 to provide input for playing a game.
[0030] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the gaming
apparatus 20 may be provided with a player card (not shown). The
card may have a variety of features. In one or more embodiments,
the card may comprise a player tracking card as is known in the
art. In this regard, the card may be used to store player
identification information, or an identification code associated
with player information stored elsewhere. For example, a gaming
establishment may reward players for their play and continued play
over time. When a player begins playing a game in accordance with
the invention, the player may insert their card into a card reader
38 or similar device provided by the gaming apparatus 20. The
information associated with the card is transferred to the gaming
apparatus or system associated therewith for use by the gaming
establishment. In addition, the information may be transferred to
the card and stored thereon. The gaming establishment may provide
awards, such as food or money, to reward the player for their play.
The awards may be based upon a number of points generated by a
player associated with their play, such as the length of time of
play. The gaming establishment may update the points awarded to a
player at the end of each gaming session in which the player
participates.
[0031] A method of playing a game in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention will now be described. In one or more embodiments,
the game is presented for play on an apparatus 20 such as that
illustrated in FIG. 1, and reference is made herein to such an
apparatus. Of course, a game played in accordance with the
invention may be presented on a wide variety of gaming devices
other than that specifically illustrated and described herein.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment of the
invention, in a first step S1, a player provides monetary input,
such as by inserting coins to the coin acceptor 26, bills to the
bill acceptor 28, or the like. Next, in a step S2, the player
places a wager or a bet. In one or more embodiments, this may be
accomplished by the player depressing one or more times the play
credit button 30, or depressing the bet max button 32.
[0033] In a step S3, the player is shown a first indicia. In a
preferred embodiment, the first indicia comprises a playing card
illustrated in a face-up position. Preferably, the playing card is
selected randomly from a simulated deck or decks of playing cards,
such as the well-known grouping or deck comprising 52 cards having
the indicia 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K and A in each of
four distinguishing suits.
[0034] As will be appreciated, in the event the game is being
presented by an apparatus 20 such as that described above, an image
of a playing card is displayed on or by the display 24. In one
embodiment, each card has the value commonly associated with that
card, with the ranking of value in the order of lowest to highest
being 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K and A. In another
embodiment, "aces" (i.e. A) may have the lowest value instead of
the highest value.
[0035] In one embodiment, the controller of the apparatus 20 is
provided with a random number generator or other means for randomly
selecting the card to be displayed from the group of possible cards
to be displayed. In one embodiment, the group of possible cards to
display comprises only the cards of a single deck of cards. In
another embodiment, the group includes the cards of more than one
deck.
[0036] In a step S4, the player chooses whether a next card to be
displayed will have a value which is higher or lower than the first
card. In one embodiment, this selection may be made with the
"HIGHER" or "LOWER" buttons 40,42.
[0037] In a step S5, once the player has made a selection, the next
card is turned over (as detailed below, in one embodiment of the
method, a plurality of cards may be displayed back-side up at the
beginning of the game, and then the cards turned over to display
the card indicia) or displayed.
[0038] In a step S6, it is determined if the player's choice is
correct by comparing the value of the card just turned over or
displayed with the previously displayed card. A determination is
made as to whether the value of the most recently displayed card is
higher or lower than the value of the previous card. This result is
compared against the selection made by the player to determine if
the player's selection was correct.
[0039] In a step S7, if the player's selection was incorrect (i.e.
the player selected "LOWER" and the result was higher or the value
was the same, or if the player selected "HIGHER" and the result was
lower or the value was the same) then the player is declared a
loser of the game. In one or more embodiments, if the player is
declared a loser, then the player loses their bet and is not
awarded any winnings.
[0040] If the player has chosen correctly, then in a step S8 it is
determined if the most recently displayed card was the final card
of the game. In a preferred embodiment, a completed game comprises
a player correctly selecting the comparative values of ten
successive cards. In other words, a first card is displayed, and
then the player selects a comparative value of a second card, and
so on, until an eleventh card is displayed and its comparative
value to the tenth card is correctly determined.
[0041] If in step S8 it is determined that this was the final card
then in a step S9 the player is paid an award. In a preferred
embodiment, this award comprises a jackpot award, as described in
more detail below.
[0042] If in step S8 it is determined that the most recently
displayed card was not the last card of the game, then in a step
S10 it is determined if the player wishes to proceed with the game.
If not, then in a step S11 the player is paid any winnings to which
the player is entitled at that point of the game, and then the game
ends. A player may elect to continue the game or not by pressing
the stop/cash out button 34 or by providing other input. The
apparatus 20 may be configured to display a query to the player at
this point of the game to prompt the player for an input.
[0043] If in step S10 the player wishes to continue the game, then
the game continues back at step S4 where the player must make a
selection as to whether the next card to be displayed will have a
value which is higher or lower than the previously displayed card.
The next card is then displayed and the game continues as described
above.
[0044] An example of a sequence of play of a game in accordance
with this method will be described with reference to FIGS.
3(a)-3(c). As described above, a player first provides credits and
places a bet. The first card is then displayed. As illustrated in
FIG. 3(a), this card is the ace of spades (A). The player next
makes a selection as to whether the player believes the value of
the next card to be displayed will be higher or lower than this
first card. Presume that the player selects lower, and then the
next card is displayed. As illustrated in FIG. 3(b), this card may
be the eight of hearts (8). Thus, the player's selection was
correct, as the value of this card is indeed lower than the value
of the previous card (A).
[0045] Referring to FIG. 3(c), a player may then select whether a
next card will have a value higher than the previous displayed
card, i.e., the eight of hearts (8). If the player makes the
correct selections, the player may play the game until ten
successive cards are displayed after the first. As described above,
if the player's selections are correct, then the player is awarded
winnings.
[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, the player is only
permitted to select that the value of the next successive card will
be higher or lower than the value of the previous card. It will be
appreciated that the two cards may have the same value. In such
instance, the player may be declared a loser. In this arrangement,
the odds of the player winning the game are skewed in favor of the
house or operator. In another embodiment, in the event of a "tie"
where the values are the same, the player may be declared a winner
and the player permitted to continue the game.
[0047] In another embodiment, the player may be permitted to select
from the options of "higher," "lower" or "equal." In such event,
the apparatus 20 for implementing the game may be provided with one
or more input devices permitting such selections.
[0048] In one embodiment, all of the cards for the game are
displayed in their face-down position when the game begins. Each
card is turned over in succession as the game continues. This
embodiment has the advantage that the player is provided with a
visual indication of the total number of cards comprising the game.
In another embodiment, each card is displayed in succession.
[0049] In another embodiment of the invention, the player selects
whether the value of the next card to be displayed has a value
which is higher or lower than the first displayed card, and not the
previous card. For example, with reference to FIG. 3(a), in this
embodiment, the player would select whether each successive card
has a value higher or lower than the A(the first card).
[0050] Another embodiment of a method of the invention will be
described with reference to FIG. 4. In a first step S101, a player
provides monetary input, such as by inserting coins to the coin
acceptor 26, bills to the bill acceptor 28, or the like. Next, in a
step S102, the player places a wager or a bet. In one or more
embodiments, this may be accomplished by the player depressing one
or more times the play credit button 30, or depressing the bet max
button 32.
[0051] In a step S103, the player is shown a first card of a pair
of cards (or other indicia as described herein). Next, in a step
S104, the player chooses whether a second card of the pair of cards
to be displayed will have a value which is higher or lower than the
first card. In one embodiment, this selection may be made with the
"HIGHER" or "LOWER" buttons 40,42.
[0052] In a step S105, once the player has made a selection, the
mating or second card of the pair is turned over or displayed.
[0053] In a step S106, it is determined if the players choice is
correct by comparing the value of the card just turned over or
displayed with the previously displayed card. A determination is
made as to whether the value of the most recently displayed card is
higher or lower than the value of the previous card. This result is
compared against the selection made by the player to determine if
the player's selection was correct.
[0054] In a step S107, if the player's selection was incorrect
(i.e. the player selected "LOWER" and the result was higher or the
value was the same, or if the player selected "HIGHER" and the
result was lower of the value was the same) then the player is
declared a loser of the game. In one or more embodiments, if the
player is declared a loser, then the player loses their bet and is
not awarded any winnings.
[0055] If the player has chosen correctly, then is a step S108 it
is determined if the most recently displayed card was the final
card of the game. In a preferred embodiment, a completed game
comprises a player correctly selecting the comparative values of
ten successive pairs of cards.
[0056] If in step S108 it is determined that this was the final
pair of cards then in a step S109 the player is paid an award. In a
preferred embodiment, this award comprises a jackpot award, as
described in more detail below.
[0057] If in step S108 it is determined that the most recently
displayed card was not part of the last pair of cards of the game,
then in a step S110 it is determined if the player wishes to
proceed with the game. If not, then in a step S111 the player is
paid any winnings to which the player is entitled at that point of
the game, and then the game ends. A player may elect to continue
the game or not by pressing the stop/cash out button 34 or by
providing other input. The apparatus 20 may be configured to
display a query to the player at this point of the game to prompt
the player for an input.
[0058] If in step S110 the player wishes to continue the game, then
the game continues back at step S103, where the first card of the
next set or pair of cards is displayed, and where the player must
make a selection as to whether the second card of that pair to be
displayed will have a value which is higher or lower than the
previously displayed card. The next card is then displayed and the
game continues as described above.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the cards may
be displayed in two rows: a top row and a bottom row, with one card
from the bottom row corresponding to one of the cards of the top
row. In this method, the card of the top row may be displayed, with
the player then selecting whether the corresponding card in the
second row has a value which is higher or lower than that of the
first card. If the player's selection is correct, then the next
card from the top row may be displayed, with the player then
selecting whether the corresponding card in the second row has a
value which is higher or lower. In this arrangement, a plurality of
pairs of cards may be displayed.
[0060] In one embodiment of this method, all of the cards of the
top row may be displayed to the player at the beginning of the
game. In this arrangement, the player is able to see, for example,
ten of the cards used in the game, providing some indication to the
player of the values of the remaining cards and thus aiding in the
selection of the values thereof.
[0061] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the indicia
which are utilized to play the game may comprise other than playing
cards or images of playing cards. For example, squares, blocks or
other elements may be displayed, each having a numerical value.
Cubes having sides numbered 1-10 may be utilized. In other
embodiments, other items or indicia having values or rankings (i.e.
superior/inferior) may be used. For example, colored shapes may be
used, with the shapes having a ranking. Simple numbers may be used,
such as the numbers 1-100. Indicia that have known values such as
"poker hands" may also be used. For example, the player may be
shown a full house and has to decide if the next hand will be
superior or inferior.
[0062] As stated above, when cards are utilized, the cards may be
selected from a single deck or more than one deck. In one
embodiment, some but not all cards of a deck may be utilized. For
example, the cards 2-10 of a deck may be utilized (thus excluding
the cards J, Q, K, and A).
[0063] In one or more embodiments, there may be a wild card,
indicia (i.e. a joker). In such an embodiment the player would get
to choose the value of the card. In such even the odds of the
player winning are skewed in the player's favor.
[0064] In a preferred embodiment, a player with a winning outcome
is entitled to receive an award. The winnings awarded preferably
increase as play continues. In the event a player continues to play
and loses, the player loses their bet and is not awarded any
winnings. The amount of the award may also be dependent upon the
amount bet or wagered by the player.
[0065] In a preferred embodiment, a player who wins a predetermined
number of consecutive events (i.e. one row of ten cards or two rows
of ten cards) is entitled to/may be awarded a jackpot or bonus. In
one embodiment the bonus is a predetermined amount. In another
embodiment, the award of the bonus is dependent on an additional
bet, or may comprise a moving value jackpot (such as based upon the
amount of play and time from the payment of the last jackpot). In
another embodiment, the amount of the bonus is based on a
qualifying event as discussed below.
[0066] As described above, a gaming event comprises the providing
of indicia (i.e. playing cards), the display of the first indicia,
followed by a player selecting whether a second indicia will be
higher or lower than the first indicia, the display of the second
indicia (and finally) a comparison of the two indicia to determine
if the selection is correct (and finally the permitting of a player
to engage in another event if the selection is correct).
[0067] In one or more embodiments, a player may be required to
qualify to participate in the game. In one embodiment, a player
places a bet or ante. A player then selects whether the outcome of
the roll of two die will be "high" (comprising a die total 7-12) or
"low" (comprising a die total 1-5). Two die are then rolled (as in
a computer simulation displayed on the display), and the player's
selection compared to the result. If the player's selection is
correct, then the player is entitled to begin the game as described
above (i.e. the first card or cards are displayed as in step S3 of
FIG. 2 or step S103 of FIG. 4). If the player's selection is
incorrect, then the player loses his bet and must place a new bet
in an attempt to qualify to play the game.
[0068] It will be appreciated that a wide variety of qualifying
events may be provided. In general, the qualifying events are
arranged to generate a house "hold." This hold, or a portion
thereof can then be awarded as winnings to players who are
successful in the main game. In one embodiment, the hold (or a
portion thereof) is allocated to the bonus or jackpot which is
awarded in the event a player correctly wins all events of a
game.
[0069] In other embodiments, upon a player qualifying the player
may be required to place another bet or ante to begin the game as
disclosed. In such an instance the qualifying bet would be
allocated to the bonus or jackpot that is awarded and the
additional bet to begin play would be allocated to the
winnings.
[0070] In one or more embodiments of then invention, the game
includes the step of providing the player with information
regarding the winnings which will be awarded if the player's
decision or selection is correct. For example, when a card is
displayed and before the player makes a selection (such as higher
or lower), the player may be provided with information regarding
the value of the award for a correct selection. The information may
comprise information such as "10 credits awarded for correct
selection." If the player's selection is correct, then the player
is awarded the 10 credits (or at least is paid so long as the
player stops playing before making an incorrect decision, as
described above). In one embodiment, an indication is provided to a
player of accrued credits which the player is entitled to be paid
if the player ceases play before making an incorrect decision. For
example, information may be displayed such as "credits accrued." In
one embodiment, the award for each winning selection may increase
as the game continues. For example, a player may be awarded 2
credits for making the first correct selection, and 4 credits for
the next correct selection, and then 6 credits and so on.
[0071] In another embodiment of the invention, the award for a
winning selection may depend upon the selection. For example, the
award for selecting "higher" may be different than for selecting
"lower" or "equal." In one embodiment, the value of the award may
be associated with the odds of the outcome. For example, if the
first card displayed is a Queen (Q), then the award for a player
correctly selecting "higher" may be 10 credits, while the award for
the player correctly selecting "lower" may be 2 credits. Such an
arrangement serves as an incentive for a player to take risks,
since there is an associated reward.
[0072] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the game may be
presented on a gaming device controlled remotely. For example, game
data may be generated at a server computer and then transmitted to
one or more individual gaming devices. A wide variety of other
devices/systems may be arranged for implementing the game.
[0073] It will be understood that the above described arrangements
of apparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative of
applications of the principles of this invention and many other
embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
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