U.S. patent application number 10/859491 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-04 for multi-hand poker game.
Invention is credited to Tarantino, Elia Rocco.
Application Number | 20040219970 10/859491 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33312942 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040219970 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tarantino, Elia Rocco |
November 4, 2004 |
Multi-hand poker game
Abstract
A multi-hand poker game comprises the play of a plurality of
poker hands as part of the same game. The game includes the step of
selecting and assigning a set of poker rules to apply to each hand.
Each poker hand is formed and the outcome of each hand is
determined by comparison to the set of rules which was selected for
that hand. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of using
some of the same cards in each of the hands. In one embodiment, a
player may customize hold and draw strategies for each hand in an
attempt to obtain a winning result based upon the assigned poker
rules for each hand.
Inventors: |
Tarantino, Elia Rocco; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEIDE & MILLER, LTD.
7251 W. LAKE MEAD BLVD.
SUITE 530
LAS VEGAS
NV
89128
US
|
Family ID: |
33312942 |
Appl. No.: |
10/859491 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10859491 |
Jun 2, 2004 |
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10261365 |
Sep 30, 2002 |
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10261365 |
Sep 30, 2002 |
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09802515 |
Mar 8, 2001 |
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6474645 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20130101; A63F
2001/008 20130101; A63F 2001/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
1. Cancelled.
2. Cancelled.
3. Cancelled.
2. Cancelled.
3. Cancelled.
4. Cancelled.
5. Cancelled.
6. Cancelled.
7. Cancelled.
8. Cancelled.
9. Cancelled.
10. Cancelled.
11. Cancelled.
12. Cancelled.
13. Cancelled.
14. Cancelled.
15. Cancelled.
16. Cancelled.
17. Cancelled.
18. Cancelled.
19. Cancelled.
20. Cancelled.
21. A method of playing a game comprising: dealing a set of cards;
selecting a variation of game rules to apply to a first hand and
selecting a variation of game rules to apply to a second hand;
selecting cards from said set of cards to be used in said first
hand and displaying those cards as part of said first hand of
cards; selecting cards from said set of cards to be used in said
second hand and displaying those cards as part of said second hand
of cards; adding cards to said first hand to complete said first
hand of a predetermined plurality of cards; adding cards to said
second hand to complete said second hand of a predetermined
plurality of cards; and determining if said first hand comprises a
predetermined combination of winning cards by application of said
variation of game rules applying to said first hand and determining
if said second hand comprises a predetermined combination of
winning cards by application of said variation of game rules to
said second hand.
22. The method in accordance with claim 21 wherein a first
variation of game rules apply to said first hand and a second
variation of game rules apply to said second hand, said first and
second variations differing from one another.
23. The method in accordance with claim 22 wherein said first and
second variations define different winning combinations of
cards.
24. The method in accordance with claim 21 including the step of
placing a wager.
25. The method in accordance with claim 24 including the step of
paying an award if said first or second hand comprises a
predetermined combination of winning cards.
26. The method in accordance with claim 21 wherein said first and
second hands each have five cards.
27. The method in accordance with claim 21 including the step of
placing a first wager associated with said first hand and a second
wager associated with said second hand.
28. The method in accordance with claim 24 including the step of
paying a first winning amount for a predetermined winning
combination received in a hand on which a wager was placed and
paying a second winning amount for said predetermined winning
combination received in a hand on which a wager was not placed.
29. The method in accordance with claim 28 wherein said second
winning amount is less than said first winning amount.
30. The method in accordance with claim 21 wherein a first set of
predetermined hands comprises a winning outcome for said first hand
and a second set of predetermined hands comprises a winning
outcomes for said second hand and said step of determining said
first or second hands comprise a predetermined combination of
winning cards comprises determining if said first hand comprises
one of said first set of predetermined hands and determining if
said second hand comprises one of said second set of predetermined
hands.
31. A method of playing a game comprising the steps: placing a
wager; selecting a first variation of game rules defining a first
set of winning card combinations to a first hand and selecting a
second variation of game rules defining a second set of winning
card combinations to at least one additional hand; dealing a set of
five cards; selecting one or more cards from said set of five cards
to be used in said first hand and displaying the selected cards as
part of said first hand of five cards; selecting one or more cards
from said set of five cards to be used in at least one additional
hand and displaying the selected cards as part of at least one
additional hand of five cards; adding cards, as necessary, to said
first hand to complete said first hand of a five cards; adding
cards, as necessary, to each additional hand to complete each
additional hand of five cards; determining if said first hand
comprises one of said first set of winning card combinations; and
determining if said second hand comprises one of said second set of
winning card combinations.
32. The method in accordance with claim 31 wherein said dealt set
of five cards is dealt as said first hand and said step of
selecting comprises holding one, one or more cards from said cards
dealt as said first hand as cards to be retained in said first
hand.
33. The method in accordance with claim 31 including the step of
paying an award or winning for a predetermined combination of
winning cards.
34. The method in accordance with claim 31 wherein said set of
cards are dealt face up.
35. The method in accordance with claim 31 wherein said dealt and
additional cards are from a single deck of cards.
36. The method in accordance with claim 31 wherein said method is
implemented on a computer controlled gaming machine having a
display.
37. A method of playing a game of multi-hand poker comprising:
accepting a wager to play multiple hands of poker; assigning a
first variation of game rules to at least a first poker hand, the
first variation including a first paytable of winnings for winning
card combinations; assigning a second variation of game rules to at
least a second poker hand, the second variation including a second
paytable of winnings for winning card combinations; forming at
least one first poker hand; forming at least one second poker hand;
determining if said at least one first poker hand comprises a
winning card combination in accordance with said first variation of
game rules and paying winnings in accordance with said first
paytable for any winning card combinations; and determining if said
at least one second poker hand comprises a winning card combination
in accordance with said second variation of game rules and paying
winnings in accordance with said second paytable for any winning
card combinations.
38. The method in accordance with claim 37 wherein said step of
forming at least one first poker hand comprises dealing a plurality
of cards, selecting one or more cards to hold and replacing cards
which are not held.
39. The method in accordance with claim 38 wherein said step of
forming said at least one second poker hand comprises duplicating
each card held from said at least one first poker hand into said
second hand and adding any additional cards necessary to form said
at least one second hand.
40. A method of playing a game comprising the steps of: accepting a
wager; presenting a player with the opportunity to form multiple
poker hands; assigning a set of game rules to each poker hand, the
set of game rules selected from a number of different sets of game
rules; forming the multiple poker hands; and determining the
outcome of each of said multiple poker hands by comparison of each
hand to the set of game rules assigned thereto.
41. The method in accordance with claim 40 wherein said player is
presented the opportunity to play at least three poker hands.
42. The method in accordance with claim 40 wherein said step of
forming said multiple poker hands includes the opportunity to use
one or more of the same cards in more than one of said hands.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/261,365, filed Sep. 30, 2002, which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/802,515 filed Mar.
8, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,645.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to card games, and more
particularly to poker-type card games.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Poker is a popular card game which has many variations of
play. As is known, the game of poker has been adapted for play on
electronic gaming devices commonly referred to as "video poker
machines." In the game of video poker, a player attempts to obtain
a hand of cards which comprise one or more predetermined winning
card combinations. For example, the winning card combinations may
comprise a pair of Jacks or better. The player attempts to obtain a
hand including cards of at least a pair of Jacks or better.
[0004] In order to maintain the interest of players, a wide variety
of game options have been presented. For example, in some games the
amount which may be wagered or paid out varies. In other games, the
hands which comprise predetermined winning hands varies.
[0005] One video poker game variation which is currently popular is
known as TRIPLE PLAY.TM.. In accordance with one arrangement of
this game as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,873, a player is
dealt a hand of cards. The player elects which of the cards in that
first hand to hold. The cards held in the first hand are then
duplicated to other hands, the number of additional hands depending
generally on the amount bet by the player. This forms a number of
hands each containing the exact same cards. The non-held cards in
the first hand are then replaced to form a new first hand, and
cards are added to the additional hands to complete those hands.
The poker rank of each hand is then determined.
[0006] This poker game variation offers players the chance to
increase the excitement of play by playing several hands of cards
at the same time. On the other hand, a disadvantage of the game is
that the cards which form the base or initial set of cards of each
of the hands is always the same: the cards which were held from the
first hand. Thus, the player in essence plays two or more of the
same base hand and simply attempts to obtain additional cards which
will make one of those base hands a winner.
[0007] It is desired to provide a game of poker which offers
players the excitement of playing more than one hand of cards
simultaneously, with greater excitement than present games.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention comprises a method of playing a game.
In one embodiment, the game is a poker-type game which involves the
play of more than one hand of cards. The game includes the
opportunity to apply different poker rules or poker variations to
the various hands of cards.
[0009] The multiple poker hands may be formed in various manners.
In one embodiment of a method, a set of cards are dealt. Cards are
selected from the set of cards to be used in a first hand, the
selected cards displayed as part of a first hand of cards. Cards
are also selected from the set of cards to be used in a second
hand, and those cards are displayed as part of a second hand of
cards. Next, cards are added to the first and second hands to
complete first and second hands of a predetermined number of cards.
It is then determined if the first and/or second hands of cards
comprise a predetermined winning combination of cards.
[0010] In one embodiment, the set of cards are dealt as the first
hand and cards are selected from the first hand to be used in a
second hand. Cards are then selected to be held in the first hand.
The non-held cards from the first hand are discarded. The discarded
cards in the first hand are then replaced to complete the first
hand. Cards are also added, as necessary, to the second hand to
complete the second hand of a predetermined plurality of cards. In
one embodiment, the second hand also has five cards. In one
embodiment, the outcome of the game is determined by comparing the
first and second hands to predetermined combinations of winning
cards.
[0011] In one embodiment, none, one or more, or all of the cards of
the first hand may be used in the second hand, and none, one or
more, or all of the cards in the first hand may be held. The cards
which are selected for use/duplication and the cards which are held
may be different.
[0012] In one embodiment, a number of additional hands of cards
other than the first hand maybe played. The player is allowed to
select none, one or more, or all of the cards from the first hand
to be duplicated into each additional hand. The cards which are
duplicated into the additional hands may be different from one
another.
[0013] The multiple poker hands may be formed in other manners,
including where cards held in a first set of cards are duplicated
to all hands.
[0014] In one embodiment, different poker rules may be applied to
each hand. The rules may define different winning combinations of
cards. In accordance with one method, a selection is made, such as
by player, of the game variation or rules which apply to each
hand.
[0015] In one embodiment, the games of the invention may be
implemented on a computing device and a computer may select the
cards to be duplicated and the cards to be held.
[0016] One embodiment of the invention comprises a multi-hand card
game in which a player is required to place a wager for each hand
to be played. Winnings may be paid based on the amount wagered.
Greater winnings may be paid for higher ranked hands.
[0017] In another embodiment, the player is permitted to play a
plurality of hands based on a single wager. In this embodiment, the
payout for receiving a winning hand in other than the first hand
and/or the criteria for determining if a winning hand is received
in other than the first hand may be varied.
[0018] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed
description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the
attached figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming device of the type which maybe
used to implement a game in accordance with the invention for play
by a player;
[0020] FIG. 2A illustrates a first hand of cards dealt in
accordance with an example of a step of a method of the
invention;
[0021] FIG. 2B illustrates an example of cards selected from the
first hand illustrated in FIG. 2A for duplication into a second
hand and the discarding of non-held cards in the first hand in
accordance with steps of a method of the invention;
[0022] FIG. 2C illustrates resulting first and second hands after a
replacement card has been dealt for the discarded card in the first
hand and after additional cards have been dealt to complete the
second hand of FIG. 2B in an example of steps of the method of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 3A illustrates a dealt first hand of cards and a second
and third hand of cards into which cards from the first hand have
been duplicated in an example of a method of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 3B illustrates resulting first, second and third hands
after replacement and additional cards have been dealt to the hands
illustrated in FIG. 3A;
[0025] FIG. 4A illustrates a first hand of cards dealt in
accordance with an example of a step of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 4B illustrates an example of cards selected to be used
in a second hand and selected to be held in the first hand
illustrated in FIG. 4A in accordance with steps of a method of the
invention;
[0027] FIG. 4C illustrates resulting first and second hands after
additional cards have been dealt to the hands illustrated in FIG.
4B; and
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which a
player is permitted to select game rules or variations applicable
to each hand of a game.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The invention is a method of playing a game. 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.
[0030] In general, the invention comprises a method of playing a
card game, and more particularly a multi-hand poker-type card game.
In accordance with the invention, different poker rules may be
applied to each of the hands, thus potentially producing different
play strategies for each hand and different results or outcomes
associated with the play of the hands.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more games of the
invention are implemented or presented to a player with a gaming
machine. FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming machine 20 in accordance with
the invention. As illustrated, the gaming machine 20 includes a
housing 22 for enclosing/supporting various components of the
gaming machine. The gaming machine 20 includes a display 24 for
displaying images of cards or other indicia. Speakers (not shown)
or other devices may be provided for generating sound associated
with the game.
[0032] In one embodiment, the game is played as a wager-type game
which requires that a player place a bet or wager to play the game.
Preferably, if the player is a winner of the game, then the player
is provided an award, such as a monetary payout (such as coins) or
other prizes. As illustrated, the gaming machine 20 may include a
bill validator/acceptor 26 for accepting paper currency, and a coin
acceptor 28 for accepting coins. Other means of payment, such as a
credit card reader may be provided. An award of winnings in the
form of coins may be paid to the player via a coin tray 30.
Winnings may also be awarded in credits which are cashed out or
stored in association with a player card or printed receipt.
[0033] Preferably, the gaming machine 20 includes means for a
player to provide input. In one embodiment, this means comprises
one or more buttons. For example, a plurality of card "hold" or
"select" buttons 32 may be provided for permitting a player to
hold/select cards in a hand. A deal/draw button 34 permits a player
to indicate that they wish the game to start or to draw replacement
cards. A bet button 36 is provided for a player to select the
amount to bet on a particular game.
[0034] A game controller (not shown) is provided for controlling
the various devices of the gaming machine and for providing game
information. For example, the game controller may be arranged to
generate video and audio data for presentation by the display and
speakers of the gaming machine 20. The game controller may be
arranged to detect a signal from the coin acceptor indicating the
receipt of coins, and may be arranged to cause a coin delivery
mechanism to deliver coins from a coin hopper to the coin tray
30.
[0035] It will be appreciated that the gaming machine 20 may have a
variety of configurations and the gaming machine 20 illustrated and
described above is but an example of a device for implementing the
game of the present invention. In one or more embodiments, the
gaming machine 20 may be associated with a network and receive game
information remotely and may transmit information, such as payout
and game play information, to a remote location.
[0036] One aspect of the invention is a method of creating a
plurality of poker hands. As described herein, a plurality of
methods may be used for creating or generating the multiple poker
hands.
[0037] One embodiment of a method of generating multiple poker
hands in accordance with the present invention will be described
with reference to FIGS. 2A-C. In accordance with one method of
playing a game, a first hand of cards 100 is dealt to a player. The
cards may be dealt from a "deck" comprising a single deck of cards,
or a plurality of decks of cards. In the preferred embodiment, the
act of dealing comprises the generation of card information and the
display of the card(s) to the player with the display. In this
arrangement, the "deck" does not comprise a physical set of cards,
but simply data regarding such cards.
[0038] In one embodiment, the first hand of cards 100 comprises
five cards. Preferably, the cards are dealt face-up. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 2A, the player has been dealt the Jack of
Hearts, Jack of Diamonds, Queen of Diamonds, King of Diamonds, and
King of Hearts.
[0039] Next, a player is permitted to use none, one or more, or
all, of the cards of the first hand of cards 100 in a second hand
of cards 200. Referring to FIG. 2A, when the first hand of cards
100 is dealt, spots or spaces for the cards of the second hand of
cards 200 may be illustrated. In one embodiment, the second hand of
cards 200 will comprise five cards. The selected cards from the
first hand of cards 100 are displayed in the second hand of cards
200. In one embodiment, the card positions of the first and second
hand of cards 100,200 are aligned in vertical columns. The selected
cards from the first hand of cards 100 are duplicated or re-used
(such as by displaying) in corresponding card positions of the
second hand of cards 200. In other embodiments, the card positions
need not align, and the cards which are duplicated or re-used need
not be provided in matching or similar card positions. As
illustrated in FIG. 2A, the player has selected the Jack of
Diamonds, Queen of Diamonds and King of Diamonds.
[0040] It will be understood that by the terms duplicating or
re-using it is meant that the same card having the same rank/value
and the like is associated with the second (or other additional)
hand. In one embodiment, the card need not be "duplicated" in the
sense that it is reproduced, although this is the most convenient
method of illustrating to the player the association of that
particular card with a hand. For example, the hands need not be
displayed simultaneously, in which event, the duplicated card is
not visually duplicated.
[0041] The player is also permitted to hold none, one or more, or
all, of the cards of the first hand of cards 100. The held cards
may be entirely different from the cards which were duplicated or
re-used in the second hand of cards 200. As illustrated, the player
has selected to hold the Jack of Hearts, Jack of Diamonds, the King
of Diamonds, and the King of Hearts. The player has elected to
discard the Queen of Diamonds.
[0042] Next, any non-held cards from the first hand of cards 100
are discarded and replaced. Any cards needed to complete the second
hand of cards 200 are dealt or added to the second hand of cards
200. In the example illustrated, a single card is necessary to
replace the discarded Queen of Diamonds in the first hand of cards
100. In addition, three cards are necessary to complete the second
hand of cards 200. In one embodiment, the cards which are dealt in
this step are from the same deck of cards from which the cards were
dealt to the first hand of cards 100.
[0043] In the example illustrated, a King of Clubs has been dealt
to the first hand of cards 100 to replace the discarded Queen of
Diamonds. A Ten of Diamonds, a Jack of Diamonds, and an Ace of
Diamonds have been dealt to the second hand of cards 200 to
complete this hand.
[0044] The method of the invention may be extended to the play of
more than one hand of cards in addition to the first hand. FIG. 3A
illustrates such an example of this embodiment of the game. As
illustrated, the game includes three hands of cards, a first hand
of cards 100a, a second hand of cards 200a, and a third hand of
cards 300a.
[0045] The method of game play is similar to that described above,
except that the player is permitted to select none, one or more, or
all, of the cards from the first hand of cards 100a to be used in
the second hand of cards 200a. The player is also permitted to
select none, one or more, or all of the cards from the first hand
of cards 100a to be used in the third hand of cards 300a. The cards
which are selected to be used in the second hand of cards 200a need
not be the same as the cards which are selected to be used in the
third hand of cards 300a. Further, the cards which the player
elects to hold in the first hand of cards 100a need not be the same
as the cards selected to be used in either or both of the second
and third hands of cards 200a,300a.
[0046] In the example illustrated, the player has been dealt a
first hand of cards 100a comprising a Jack of Diamonds, Eight of
Diamonds, Ace of Diamonds, Ace of Hearts, and Seven of Diamonds.
The player has selected the Diamonds cards (the Jack, Eight, Ace
and Seven of Diamonds) to be re-used in the second hand of cards
200a. The player has selected the Jack of Diamonds, Ace of Diamonds
and Ace of Hearts to be used in the third hand of cards 300a. The
player may elect to hold none, one or more, or all of the cards
from the first hand of cards 100a. Referring to FIG. 3B, the player
elected to hold the Seven, Eight and Jack of Diamonds.
[0047] An example of the resulting hands after replacement cards
have been dealt to the first hand of cards 100a and additional
cards have been dealt to the second and third hand of cards
200a,300a is illustrated in FIG. 3B. As illustrated, the first hand
of cards 100a resulted in a straight (Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten and
Jack). The second hand of cards 200a resulted in a Flush (all cards
of the suit of Diamonds). The third hand of cards 300a resulted in
a Full House (a pair of Aces and three Jacks).
[0048] It will be appreciated that the principles of the invention
may be applied to games including more than three hands of
cards.
[0049] In one or more embodiments, the number of hands which a
player is permitted to play may be dependent upon the size of bet
or wager. As an example, a player may be required to place a first
bet amount to play a game including two hands of cards. The player
may be required to place a second, larger bet to play a game
including three hands of cards.
[0050] As one aspect of the invention, the first set of cards may
comprise a set from which card selections are made but which is
ultimately not completed into a poker hand. For example, in the
case of the game illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, after the player
has made card selections from the first set of cards 100a, that set
of cards may no longer be used. Instead, the game may continue with
the second and third sets of cards 200a,300a being completed into
final hands.
[0051] In this configuration, the set of cards from which
selections may be made may be more or less than 5 cards (such as 3
or 7). After selections have been made, that set of cards maybe
removed from the screen so that the player understands that the set
is for selection purposes only and does not form a hand which is
being played for a winning/losing result.
[0052] It will be appreciated that the multiple poker hands may be
formed in a variety of ways other than that described herein. For
example, the multiple poker hands may be formed in the manner
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,568 to Hachquet or U.S. Pat. No.
5,823,873, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. In a
preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more of the cards
used in one poker hand may be used, either by duplication at the
time cards are displayed or by holding and/or moving cards, into
the other hand(s) of cards.
[0053] In one or more embodiments of the methods, the first and/or
additional hands may comprise other than five cards. For example,
the first hand may comprise seven cards and the other hands five
cards. This provides a player with a greater number of cards to
select from for duplication into other hands. The outcome of the
first hand may be based upon the best five card hand.
[0054] In one embodiment, there may be no "draw" on the first hand.
For example, after the player has selected cards for duplication to
the additional hands, cards are added to those hand(s). The outcome
of the first hand is the best five card hand as originally
dealt.
[0055] In one embodiment, cards may be dealt face-down and then
turned over instead of being dealt face-up.
[0056] In one embodiment, one or more cards may be pre-dealt to the
second or other additional hands. The player may then select the
cards from the first hand which, when used with the pre-dealt cards
in the second hand, form the best second hand.
[0057] After the multiple hands of poker are created, it is
determined if the player is a winner of the game. Preferably, each
hand of cards is evaluated against a one or more winning hands or
combinations of cards. If any of the hands of cards comprises a
predetermined winning hand of cards, then the player may be
declared a winner. The combinations of cards comprising
predetermined winning hands of cards may be varied. The
predetermined winning hands may comprise one or more of the
well-known card combinations in poker, having the also well-known
hand rankings. As described in detail below, the determination of
whether a hand is a winning hand is preferably made against a set
of poker rules which have been selected to apply to the hand.
[0058] One embodiment of the invention comprises a multi-hand poker
game in which different rules apply to at least two of the hands.
In one embodiment, these rules define different sets of
predetermined winning combinations. In one embodiment, the
different rules are associated with different variations of poker.
Those versions may include the use of different cards or cards
having different values, such as wild cards including Jokers,
One-eyed Jacks or the like. The rules may correspond to well known
versions of poker such as, for example, Jacks or Better, Jokers
Wild, Bonus Poker, Double Bonus Poker, Double Double Bonus Poker,
Deuces Wild, Deuces Deluxe, Deuces and Jokers, Sevens Wild, Double
Joker, Tens or Better, Aces & Eights, and others.
[0059] In accordance with the invention, the outcome of each hand
is compared to the set of rules which apply to that hand, in order
to determine if the hand is a winning hand. For example, set forth
below are exemplary payout tables for winning hands in several of
the above-referenced game variations (for a maximum bet of 5 coins
or credits):
1TABLE 1 Jacks or Double Bonus Poker Hand Better Deuces Wild Bonus
Poker Poker Royal Flush 4000 4000 4000 4000 Royal Flush w 2 n/a 125
n/a n/a Straight Flush 250 45 250 250 5 of a Kind n/a 75 n/a n/a
Four Aces 125 25 400 800 Four 3's-4's 125 25 200 400 Four 2's 125
1000 200 400 Four 5's-K's 125 25 125 250 Full House 45 15 40 35
Flush 30 10 25 25 Straight 20 10 20 20 Three of a Kind 15 5 15 15
Two Pair 10 0 10 5 Jacks or Better 5 0 5 5
[0060] In this manner, the outcome of each hand may vary. For
example, if two hands were played and both resulted in a high hand
of a Pair of Jacks, if the rules of Jacks or Better applied to one
hand, that hand would be a winner with a payout of 5 credits. If
the rules of Deuces Wild applied to the other hand, that hand would
be a losing hand.
[0061] One aspect of the invention is a method of playing a game in
which each hand of a multi-hand poker game may have different rules
applied thereto. Another aspect is a method of playing a game in
which the method of creating each hand is customized based upon the
rules applicable thereto.
[0062] One example of an aspect of the invention will be described
with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B. In this version of the game, the
hands are created in a manner similar to that described above and
illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and 3A-3B. In addition, in this method,
a player may attempt to structure each of their hands with regard
to the particular version of poker or the rules which apply to that
hand.
[0063] In the embodiment, in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the rules of Jacks or
Better apply to a first hand 100b while any pair is a winning in a
second hand 200b. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the player has been
dealt a hand which provides no winning combination of cards in the
first hand 100b. The player has been dealt a pair of Sevens,
however, which define a winning hand if those cards were in the
second hand 200b. As such, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, the player
selects the Sevens and moves those cards to the second hand 200b.
As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the player has also discarded all but
the Jack of Diamonds from the first hand 100b.
[0064] Once the remaining cards are dealt to fill the first and
second hands 100b,200b, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, the player has
received a pair of Jacks in the first hand 100b, and still has a
pair of Sevens in the second hand 200b. As a result, the player has
obtained a winning combination of cards in both hands 100b,200b.
The winnings paid (if any) for these winning results may be the
same or may vary, depending on the paytable associated with the
different rules applicable to the hands.
[0065] In one embodiment of the invention, a set of rules may be
randomly assigned to each hand of the game. For example, the gaming
controller may be configured to assign the rules which are
applicable to each hand of the game.
[0066] In another embodiment, the player may be permitted to select
the rules which they wish to apply to each hand. As illustrated in
FIG. 5, in one variation, a plurality of buttons or input areas
area providing corresponding to particular game variations for each
hand. In the embodiment illustrated, a player is playing two hands
500a,500b. The player has the opportunity, preferably at the
beginning of game play before any cards are dealt or shown, to make
a selection of the particular variation of the game to apply to the
two hands 500a,500b. In the variation illustrated, input areas
600a,b,c,d are provided for the selections for the first hand 500a,
and input areas 700a,b,c,d are provided for the selections for the
second hand 500b. There may be any number of selections and the
selections may vary. The number of selections for each hand may
vary, as may the particular selections for each hand. As
illustrated, four selections are provided.
[0067] In accordance with a method, a player makes a selection of a
game variation or game rules to apply to each hand 500a,500b (or
more hands, if additional hands exist). Preferably, the play of the
game then proceeds as described above.
[0068] In one variation, a player may not make the same game
selection for any two hands. As an example, if the player selected
"Deuces Wild" 600a to apply to the first hand 500a, the player
could not make the same selection for the second hand 500b. In one
embodiment, once a particular selection is made in one hand, that
selection may be removed or otherwise indicated as not permitted in
all other hands (such as by shading the selection, etc.). In
accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the game
comprises the play of distinct hands having distinct rules applying
thereto.
[0069] Many unique and exciting aspects of the game will now be
appreciated. First, a game is provided which comprises the
generally simultaneous play of at least two hands of cards, and
which also provides the opportunity for more than one winning
event.
[0070] Second, in one or more embodiments, a game is provided which
allows a player to form a particular strategy for attempting to
form winning hands by varying the cards which are used in the
hands. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A-C,
the player elected to try for a Royal Flush in the second hand of
cards, and a Full House in the first hand of cards. In this manner,
the player attempted to try for a low percentage hand (Royal
Flush), and a higher percentage odds hand (Full House). It will be
appreciated that the ability to hold/select different cards for the
first and second hands also allows a player to avoid trying to
receive the same combination of cards in both hands, when once the
cards are dealt and the winning hand is received in one hand, the
other hand can not be the same. For example, if the player elected
to use the Jack, Queen and King of Diamonds in both hands
illustrated in FIG. 2B, then after the cards are dealt, both hands
can not result in a Royal Flush, since only a single Ace and Ten of
Diamonds remain (when using a single deck of cards). The remaining
cards dealt to the other hand would then not result in the other
hand comprising a Royal Flush.
[0071] The player may also adjust their play strategy based upon
the rules which are applied to each hand. For example, if the
player knows the rules of Deuces Wild is applied to a hand, they
should try for a minimum hand of a three of a kind in order to win
the hand, whereas if Jacks or better applied, a pair of Jacks or
better would be sufficient.
[0072] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the player is provided with an opportunity to see five of the cards
of the deck and select particular cards to use in a second hand and
to hold in a first hand to generate a plurality of optimized
winning possibilities.
[0073] In another embodiment of the invention when the game is
presented on a gaming machine including a controller/computer, an
"autoplay" game feature may be included. In accordance with this
feature, the computer may be configured to automate play by
employing a game strategy to select cards to be held (or other
selections to be made) in order to form the hands.
[0074] For instance, in the example game play described above, the
computer may be configured to select the games/rules to be applied
to each hand, and then be configured to select none, one or more
cards from the first hand to be duplicated into the second hand
(and cards to be duplicated into other hands, such as a third hand,
a fourth hand or the like if additional hands are being played).
The computer also selects the none, one or more cards from the
first hand which are to be held. Replacement cards are then dealt
in place of discarded cards in the first hand and additional cards
are dealt as necessary to fill the second or other additional
hands. In this embodiment, the method of play is generally the
same, except that the selection of cards to be duplicated and cards
to be held is automated and performed by the computer instead of
the player. In this embodiment, the computer may be programmed to
select cards in a variety of fashions, including based upon odds of
receiving hands, payouts for winning hands, or other criteria.
[0075] Of course, other variations of the method of play are
contemplated. For example, a player may not be required to place a
bet to participate in the play of hands other than the first hand.
However, the payout for receiving a winning hand in other than the
first hand and/or the criteria for determining if a winning hand is
received in other than the first hand may be varied.
[0076] In one embodiment, a player is only required to place a
single bet, but may participate in more than one hand, such as two
or three hands as desired. In such event, the play of the hands is
as described above. However, the determination of whether a winning
hand has been received differs. If the player receives a
predetermined winning hand in the first hand, i.e. the hand which
the player paid to play, then the player is paid an award in the
normal fashion. Any additional hands other than the first hand are
not deemed to comprise a winning hand unless the hand is a
predetermined winning hand and has a ranking greater than the
ranking of any cards which were duplicated in to that hand from the
first hand.
[0077] As an example, the player may be dealt a first hand
comprising Ace, Ace, Seven, Eight, King. The player may elect to
duplicate the two Aces into the second hand. After additional cards
are dealt to the player, the resulting second hand may comprise
Ace, Ace, Two, Three, Jack, or a hand rank of a pair of Aces.
However, this pair of Aces was received by duplication from cards
of the first hand, and therefore the second hand is not deemed a
winning hand. On the other hand, after additional cards are dealt
to the player, the resulting second hand may comprise Ace, Ace,
Jack, Jack, Jack, or a Full House. In such event, the resulting
hand is greater in rank than the rank of any hand which could be
formed from the cards which were duplicated (i.e. a Full House has
a greater rank than a pair of Aces). Therefore, the second hand is
deemed a winning hand.
[0078] In a preferred arrangement of this embodiment, when the
player receives a winning hand in other than the first hand, the
player is paid a winning which is reduced in comparison to a
winning which is paid for a hand of the same rank when received
when the player has placed a bet to play the additional hand. For
example, in one embodiment, a player may be paid a winning amount
of 100 coins for receiving a Four of a Kind in other than the first
hand when the player has placed a single coin bet on that
additional hand. In the embodiment where the player has placed a
bet on only the first hand and receives a Four of a Kind winning
hand in the second hand (i.e. not simply as a result of card
duplication from the first hand), the player may only be paid 50
coins.
[0079] In another embodiment, when the player has not placed a bet
on the additional hand, the combination of cards or the hands which
are deemed to comprise predetermined winning combinations may
comprise fewer combinations of cards. For example, when a player
has placed a bet on a hand, a hand having a rank as low as a pair
of Jacks may be deemed a winning hand. In the event a player has
not placed a bet, a winning hand may only be a hand having a rank
of two pair or greater.
[0080] In one or more embodiments, indicia other than cards may be
used in the play of the game. For example, a variety of symbols may
be used. In that event, the outcome of each "hand" or combination
of symbols may be made by comparison to combinations of symbols
which are deemed winning combinations.
[0081] It will be appreciated that the manner by which different
cards are used in the hands may vary. For example, in one
embodiment, the replacement or additional cards which are dealt to
each hand may be dealt from different decks or sets of cards. One
deck may include Jokers, for example, while the deck or sets that
another hand's replacement/additional cards are dealt may not.
[0082] Preferably, the rules which apply to each game (either by
selection or assignment) are displayed to the player before the
hands are played. In another embodiment, the rules may not be
displayed or may only be displayed once the hands are
completed.
[0083] As part of the formation of the multiple hands of cards,
other variations for forming poker hands may be implemented. For
example, the hands may simply be dealt "5-card stud" style. They
may also be dealt 7-card style, or in manners including house or
common cards.
[0084] 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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