U.S. patent application number 10/658863 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-10 for bet withdrawal game with three card poker side bet.
This patent application is currently assigned to Shuffle Master, Inc.. Invention is credited to Snow, Roger M., Yoseloff, Mark L..
Application Number | 20050029744 10/658863 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31982672 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050029744 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoseloff, Mark L. ; et
al. |
February 10, 2005 |
Bet withdrawal game with three card poker side bet
Abstract
A casino-style wagering game is disclosed. The method includes
the steps of placing a first multiple-part bet to participate in a
first poker game against a pay table with predetermined winning
outcomes and payout odds. Players may place an optional side bet to
play a second poker-type game against a separate pay table, using a
partial hand of cards dealt to each player. After the side bet game
is resolved against the side bet pay table, additional cards are
provided and the base game is then resolved against the base game
pay table.
Inventors: |
Yoseloff, Mark L.;
(Henderson, NV) ; Snow, Roger M.; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark A. Litman & Associates, P.A.
York Business Center, Suite 205
3209 West 76th St.
Edina
MN
55435
US
|
Assignee: |
Shuffle Master, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
31982672 |
Appl. No.: |
10/658863 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10658863 |
Sep 9, 2003 |
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10016436 |
Nov 1, 2001 |
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6698759 |
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10016436 |
Nov 1, 2001 |
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09249118 |
Feb 12, 1999 |
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6345823 |
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09249118 |
Feb 12, 1999 |
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09170092 |
Oct 13, 1998 |
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6237916 |
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09170092 |
Oct 13, 1998 |
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08889919 |
Jul 10, 1997 |
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6056641 |
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08889919 |
Jul 10, 1997 |
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08504023 |
Jul 19, 1995 |
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5685774 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2001/005 20130101;
A63F 3/00157 20130101; G07F 17/3293 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of playing a wagering game, comprising: placing a first
multiple part wager to participate in a first poker-type game;
optionally placing a side bet wager to participate in a second
poker-type game played against a pay table; dealing a partial hand
for the first poker-type game consisting of multiple cards to each
player who placed a first wager, the partial hand for the first
poker-type game being a complete hand for the second poker-type
game; providing community cards to complete partial hands in the
first poker-type game; and resolving each player's multiple part
wager according to the rules of the first poker-type game and
resolving the second poker-type wager according to a predetermined
hierarchy of poker hands in a pay table.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein a payout is made to the player on
the side bet wager in the second poker-type game for one of a
plurality of predetermined winning outcomes.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the rules of the first poker-type
game allow at least partial withdrawal of a part of the multiple
part wager before a first community card is disclosed to the
player, with the player remaining in play in the first poker-type
game.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the partial hand is exactly three
cards, and a complete hand in the first poker-type game is five
cards.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the first part multiple wager and
the side bet wager are resolved according to a first pay table on
the multiple part wager and a second pay table on the optional side
bet wager.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the player is dealt a three-card
partial hand, there are two community cards, and the optional side
bet wager is against a pay table for three-card poker.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the player must make at least a
three-part multiple part wager, the two community cards are placed
face down, and the player may remove one part of the at least three
part wager before each community card is revealed from a face down
position.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein the game is a casino table card
game.
9. The method of claim 6 wherein the game is an electronic video
wagering game.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein each part of the multiple-part
wager must be equal to other parts of the multiple-part wager.
11. The method of claim 2 wherein each part of the multiple-part
wager must be equal to other parts of the multiple-part wager.
12. The method of claim 3 wherein each part of the multiple-part
wager must be equal to other parts of the multiple-part wager.
13. The method of claim 4 wherein each part of the multiple-part
wager must be equal to other parts of the multiple-part wager.
14. The method of claim 5 wherein each part of the multiple-part
wager must be equal to other parts of the multiple-part wager.
15. The method of claim 6 wherein each part of the multiple-part
wager must be equal to other parts of the multiple-part wager.
16. The method of claim 7 wherein each part of the multiple-part
wager must be equal to other parts of the multiple-part wager.
17. The method of claim 6 wherein community cards are revealed one
community card at a time, and each player is given an opportunity
to withdraw one part of the multiple part wager before each
community card is revealed.
18. A method of playing a live casino table card game with physical
cards comprising: placing a multiple part wager to participate in a
casino wagering first poker game against a pay table in which a
partial hand of at least two cards is first dealt and later
completed for each player; placing an optional single part wager to
play a second poker-type game against a pay table using all cards
in each player's partial hand; dealing a partial hand of cards to
each player; providing additional cards to complete each player's
hand; and resolving each player's wagers in the first poker game
and the second poker-type game against two different pay
tables.
19. The method of claim 16 wherein at least some payouts
proportional to the optional single part wager are available in
resolving hands for obtaining a predetermined rank of a hand.
20. The method of claim 16 comprising placing a three part wager as
the multiple part wager in the first poker game and receiving three
cards as the partial hand.
21. The method of claim 18 wherein the partial hand of a player is
completed with at least two community cards.
22. The method of claim 19 wherein proportional payouts for the
optional side bet wager include possible payouts of between at
least 1 to 1 and 100 to 1 against the optional single part
wager.
23. The method of claim 20 wherein the proportional payouts include
at least two possible payouts of at least 10 to 1.
24. The method of claim 18 where community cards are provided.
25. The method of claim 18 where additional cards are dealt to each
hand.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/016,436, filed Apr. 29, 2002, titled Player
Banked Three Card Poker and Associated Games, which in turn is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/249,118
filed Feb. 2, 1999 which in turn is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/170,092 filed Oct. 13, 1998, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,916 issued May 29, 2001, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/889,919
filed Jul. 10, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,641 issued May 2, 2000,
which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/504,023
filed Jul. 19, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,774 issued Nov. 11,
1997.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to games, more particularly to
card-type games that are suitable for use in gaming establishments,
and more particularly to combination poker-type card games with
side bets that are suitable for use in gaming establishments.
[0004] 2. Background of the Art
[0005] Casinos and leisure establishments continually require new
games to offer their clientele. Such games are generally required
to enable each player to play against a banker (who usually also
acts as dealer) provided by the casino, rather than against other
players. Alternatively, in a "card room" game each player may have
the option to act as banker, while the establishment runs the game
on behalf of the banker and takes fees from the players.
[0006] Players typically enjoy games which can be played rapidly
and which offer players a plurality of choices. A plurality of
choices heightens player interest in games. It would therefore be
desirable to provide card games comprising a plurality of new
wagering options.
[0007] LET IT RIDE BONUS.RTM. Poker, as disclosed in Breeding, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,334,614, entitled MULTI-TIERED WAGERING METHOD AND GAME,
the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference, and the
more basic play of LET IT RIDE.RTM. casino table poker game as
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,273,424 and 5,288,081 disclose a
primary card game in which the player plays a 5 card poker game. In
the base game, a player makes a three-part wager on the occurrence
of one of a number of predetermined winning hands. Each player is
dealt three cards, and the dealer is also dealt three cards. One
dealer card is discarded, and the other two cards are placed face
down on the table. The player may withdraw a first portion of his
bet after he has examined his partial three-card hand. The
community cards are used by each player to form a five-card hand.
After the dealer turns the first community card face up, the player
is given the opportunity to withdraw a second portion of his bet.
The third bet must remain at risk.
[0008] Standard poker rankings are used to determine the hierarchy
of payouts. The hands that pay (highest to lowest) in a typical LET
IT RIDE.RTM. basic game are: royal flush, straight flush, four of a
kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair, and a
pair. Each winning hand pays odds, and all winning outcomes and
corresponding payout odds are listed in a pay table. Optionally,
the player can place a side bet on the occurrence of certain high
ranking hands within the predetermined winning outcomes in the base
game. Both the player cards and the dealer's common cards are used
to define the player's hand and corresponding hand ranking in the
side bet game. Players are required to make a multiple part bet,
and can optionally withdraw part of the bet upon viewing some of
the cards.
[0009] There are many wagering games used for gambling. Such games
should be exciting to arouse players' interest and uncomplicated so
they can be understood easily by a large number of players.
Ideally, the games should include more than one wagering
opportunity during the course of the game, yet be able to be played
rapidly to a wager resolving outcome. Exciting play, the
opportunity to make more than one wager and rapid wager resolution
enhance players' interest and enjoyment because the frequency of
betting opportunities and bet resolutions is increased.
[0010] Wagering games, particularly those intended primarily for
play in casinos, should provide players with a sense of
participation and control, the opportunity to make decisions, and
reasonable odds of winning, even though the odds favor the casino,
house, dealer or banker. The game must also meet the requirements
of regulatory agencies. Wagering games, including wagering games
for casino play, with multiple wagering opportunities are known.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,861,041 and 5,087,405 (both to Jones et al.)
disclose methods and apparatus for progressive jackpot gaming,
respectively. The former patent discloses that a player may make an
additional wager at the beginning of a hand, the outcome of the
additional wager being determined by a predetermined arrangement of
cards in the player's hand. U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,553 (to Suttle and
Jones) discloses a modified version of a five card stud poker
game.
[0011] It is always desirable to provide alternative games with
different play ambience to the casino.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In one form of the invention, a casino wagering game is
provided that provides the player with a specific number of cards
to be used in an underlying bet withdrawal game such as the three
cards provided in LET IT RIDE.RTM. casino table poker game. The
underlying game is played in its normal manner. The player may make
a side wager on a fixed-number card game, such as Three Card Poker
game based on the specific number of cards provided the player or a
fewer number of cards (e.g., two card poker when three are provided
to the player for LET IT RIDE.RTM. casino table poker game). The
three cards in the player's hand making the side wager may be
evaluated to determine if there is a bonus hand present, and the
side bet is resolved for a bonus hand before the underlying game
continues.
[0013] The three card hand against a pay table must be played in
conjunction with another card game where three cards or more are
initially provided to the player. The side bet game is not played
against a dealer, but is played against a pay table. The preferred
method of play is where the underlying game is LET IT RIDE.RTM.
casino table poker game and exactly three cards are dealt to the
player and also where there are two community cards that are not
material to the Three Card Poker side bet event.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way
of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in
which:
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a playing surface for use in playing a card
game of one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The game according to the present invention includes an
underlying bet withdrawal game, particularly a variant of LET IT
RIDE.RTM. casino table poker game, a wild card variant thereof, or
the like in which a first number of cards is first provided to the
player as a partial hand for use in the underlying game, but in
which the player does not actually receive additional cards that
are deposited into the players hand. Rather, the underlying game is
played with community cards. A general description of the play of a
popular variant of this game, LET IT RIDE.RTM. casino table stud
poker game is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,288,081 and 6,273,424,
which are incorporated herein in their entirety for their
disclosure of the game and its components, apparatus, materials and
structures. A summary of that disclosure is a wagering game that
may be played with any convenient, traditional or non-traditional
gaming format or gaming elements.
[0017] For the purposes of this disclosure, "game elements" or
"gaming elements" means information used by a player or dealer to
participate in the game such as the face value of cards, the face
value of a die or dice, slot symbols, angular positions on a wheel
or reel game, cards (e.g., from a standard or non-standard playing
deck), symbols on a reel, dice, tiles or the like. A preferred
medium of play is with a single, typical (standard) fifty-two card
poker deck (with or without jokers, or with cards removed as with
Spanish Twenty-One.TM. where tens are removed from the deck and
other rules are instituted) and a specific preferred game broadly
involves the generally well recognized and accepted set of rules,
procedures and wager-resolving outcomes of five card poker. The
game method comprises each player placing an initial, multi-part
wager, such as a two-part, three-part, four-part, or more-part
wager to participate in the game. The game is initiated such as
with dice being rolled (some or all of the dice in a bar game, for
example) or cards are dealt by a dealer.
[0018] In a preferred game, a dealer deals three player's cards
face down to each player and two community cards face down to the
dealer. Players inspect or "sweat" their cards, and the dealer
asks, "take it or leave it?" with regard to a first part of the
initial bet. Players can choose to retrieve or remove from play the
first part of their initial bet, or leave the first part in play or
at risk, based on the value of the three cards in their hand. The
dealer then turns over one of the dealer's community cards and the
dealer's query is repeated with regard to the second part of the
initial bet. Players can choose to retrieve or remove from play the
second part of their initial bet or leave the second part in play
or at risk, based on the value of the four cards consisting of the
three cards in the player's hand and the exposed dealer's card.
Players have no option with the third part of the bet. Finally, all
cards are shown and the payouts and collections are resolved
according to the ranking of the poker hand of each player, i.e.,
the players are not playing against each other or the dealer. This
widely played game is known as LET IT RIDE.RTM. stud poker.
[0019] One aspect of the invention is a method of playing a
wagering game, comprising the steps of: a) placing a single part
first wager to participate in a casino three-card poker-type game;
b) each player optionally placing a side bet wager against a pay
table on attaining a predetermined rank in the first cards dealt to
each player, c) a dealer dealing a hand consisting of three cards
to each player who placed a first wager; d) resolving the side bet
wager either before or after play of the underlying game, and e)
resolving each player's hand according to a predetermined hierarchy
of poker-type game outcomes with respect to the underlying game
(e.g., LET IT RIDE.RTM. casino table game). Payouts are preferably
made on the side bet wager when the player obtains a predetermined
winning outcome. In one form of the game, all payouts on both the
side bet wager and the underlying game pay odds (and/or a jackpot
or progressive jackpot value). That is, all payouts are made in
proportion to the amount wagered, with the higher ranking poker
hands paying a higher payout multiple than the lower ranking hands.
Payouts are made to the player on the side bet wager for one of a
plurality of predetermined winning Three Card Poker game outcomes.
Preferably, all payouts are made in proportion to the first amount
wagered.
[0020] Payout odds typically are printed on the playing surface and
are referred to as a "pay table". An exemplary pay table for a
three card poker game of the present invention is outlined
below:
1 Hand Payout Odds Straight Flush 40:1 Three of a Kind 30:1
Straight 6:1 Flush 4:1 Pair 1:1
[0021] The standard poker rankings in the LET IT RIDE.RTM. casino
table poker game are presented in the following descending order:
Royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush,
straight, three of a kind, two pair and a pair. According to a
preferred form of the invention, four of a kind, full house and two
pair are not included in the three card poker pay table as those
outcomes require more than three cards. A royal flush beats a
straight flush in Five Card Poker. In three card poker, the order
of certain hands (flush, straight and three of a kind) is inverted.
The change in ranking is dictated by the frequency of occurrence of
those hands. Although the minimum winning card combination in this
example is a pair, the invention contemplates other minimum hands,
such as a single face card or a high ranking pair, such as a pair
of 10's or better. Proportional payouts are typically between 1:1
and 5000:1 against the individual parts of the three part wager in
a LET IT RIDE.RTM. casino table poker game, although other payout
schemes are contemplated.
[0022] In another form of the invention, at least one but fewer
than all payouts are proportional to the single part Three Card
Poker side bet wager and separately the underlying LET IT RIDE.RTM.
casino table poker game wagers. Payout methods may include fixed
amounts (regardless of the amount wagered), odds payouts (payment
of the amount wagered times the pay table multiple), or a
percentage of a jackpot or a jackpot amount. The pay table may
contain one or a combination of different payout methods, according
to the invention.
[0023] Alternatively, an aspect of the invention may be described
as a two-part casino wagering game comprising a first part of 1)
placing a single first side bet wager to participate in a first pay
table poker-type game (e.g., Three Card Poker game) and a second
Ante wager to play in an underlying game; 2) a dealer dealing a
partial hand (of three cards) to each player who placed an Ante
wager; 3) resolving the player partial hands against a plurality of
predetermined winning poker outcomes; and 4) resolving each
player's final hand (comprising the player's partial hand and
community cards) against a payout table providing payouts for
predetermined ranks of poker-type hands. It is usual for at least
some payouts to be proportional to the single part wagers (both the
side bet wager and each of the for example three part wagers in LET
IT RIDE.RTM. casino table poker game) in resolving hands for
obtaining a predetermined rank of hand. Predetermined winning poker
outcomes have proportional payouts pay odds. "Odds" in this context
means payouts that are proportional to the player's wagers (that
is, multiples of the wagers), not progressive payouts, fixed payout
amounts or payouts that are part of or an entire pot.
[0024] According to an example of the present invention, the
above-identified step defines some, but not necessarily all of the
entire game play method. Additional steps and wagers may be added,
such as progressive jackpot wagers, and wagers against the table
(e.g., player banked wagers for one-on-one player versus player
competitions).
[0025] The dealer may also act as banker. The player's cards may be
dealt unseen or seen. The cards preferably form a standard 52-card
deck, although one or more wild cards (such as a joker(s)) may be
used. The hand preferably consists of three cards, but in some
instances, it might be desirable to deal the players one or more
additional cards, and allow the player a discard to arrive at the
best three card hand, with appropriately lower pay table odds
provided. In another example of the invention, players receive
three cards, but have the option to discard one or more cards and
have them replaced with additional cards, forming a three card
"draw" hand. An additional wager to pay for the draw card may be
required.
[0026] In the case of one preferred three card version of the side
bet game, hands are preferably ranked as follows, where A=ace,
K=king, Q=queen, J=jack and numbers 10 to 2 designate the other
cards:
[0027] Highest:
[0028] STRAIGHT FLUSH: Three cards of one suit in sequence
[0029] AKQ highest ranking brag
[0030] KQJ next highest ranking brag
[0031] QJ10 next highest ranking brag, and so on until
[0032] 32A lowest ranking brag
[0033] TRIPS: Three cards of one Rank
[0034] AAA highest
[0035] KKK next highest ranking trips, and so on, until
[0036] 222 lowest ranking trips
[0037] RUN: Three cards of mixed suits in sequence
[0038] AKQ highest ranking
[0039] KQJ next highest ranking, and so on, until
[0040] 32A lowest ranking
[0041] FLUSH: Three cards of One Suit
[0042] AKJ highest ranking
[0043] AK10 next highest, and so on, until
[0044] 532 lowest ranking
[0045] PAIR: Two cards of the Same Rank
[0046] AAK highest ranking
[0047] AAQ next highest ranking, and so on, until
[0048] 223 lowest ranking
[0049] Lowest:
[0050] HIGH CARD (a hand comprising none of the above
combinations)
[0051] AKJ highest ranking
[0052] AK10 next highest ranking, and so on, until
[0053] 532 lowest ranking
[0054] Ace is high, but can be low in 3-2-A Sequence.
[0055] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other
names may be used for the hands in the illustrative hierarchy set
forth herein. Other hierarchy's are contemplated. For example,
TRIPS may also be known as three of a kind or PRILE; and a RUN may
also be known as a STRAIGHT.
[0056] The payout may be made in accordance with a predetermined
scale. For example, one possible payout scheme is as follows:
2 Straight Flush 40 to 1 (Range of 25 to 100 to 1) Three-of-a-kind
30 to 1 (Range of 10 to 50 to 1) Straight 6 to 1 (Range of 4 to 12
to 1) Flush 4 to 1 (Range of 3 to 12 to 1) Pair 1 to 1 (Range of 1
to 3 to 1) High Card Rank 0.5 to 1 (Range of 0.2 to 1 to 1)
[0057] The payouts may be at different rates that are proportional
to the original wager, but not necessarily whole number
multipliers, such as 2 to 1 or 14 to 5 for a pair. Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the payouts may be varied without
departing from the scope of the present invention. In other forms
of the invention, at least some of the payouts are fixed in amount
regardless of the amount wagered, are a percentage of a jackpot or
progressive jackpot amount. Payouts with multipliers that are not
whole integers are better suited for video game formats, where
payouts are automatically calculated and dispensed.
[0058] The method may further comprise the step of permitting or
requiring a player to place a wager on a fixed or variable extra
bonus jackpot, but this is a less preferred embodiment in some
instances. For example, when a game is offered in a California card
room, players bank the game. In order for players to feel they can
afford to bank a particular game, the payout odds must be kept low
enough to prevent players from avoiding their turn banking the
game. The bonus payouts are therefore preferably eliminated in
player-banked versions of the invention. Higher payout odds are
acceptable in a more traditional Las Vegas style casino where the
house banks the game.
[0059] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises the
steps of: designating at least one playing card indicia as a wild
indicia; placing a single part wager to participate in a casino
three-card poker-type game; a dealer dealing a hand consisting of
three cards to each player who placed a wager; and playing a
three-card poker-type hand wherein said wild indicia is used where
present in any of said hands; resolving each player's hand
according to predetermined poker rules, wherein at least some
payouts proportional to the single part wager are made for
obtaining a predetermined winning hand.
[0060] In an alternative three-card embodiment of the present
invention, each player receives two standard playing cards plus a
wild card that the player combines with the standard cards to make
a best three-card hand. The payout scale and predetermined ranks
may be chosen or modified to reflect the increased probability of a
high ranking hand being produced. A common wild card or a common
card may also be used, again with pay tables modified to reflect
the increased potential or at least changed potential for higher
ranked hands.
[0061] Such wild cards serve to add excitement and create higher
hand values. Wild cards could also be designed to be retained
permanently by players and if decorated appropriately by an issuing
casino or the like would serve the dual purpose of a playing card
and a promotional item. Wild cards may be used in this way in
conjunction with other forms of card games. Alternatively, the wild
card can be printed on the player area of the layout.
[0062] The invention also provides game apparatus for use in
playing the card-type games of the present invention. For example,
the games of the present invention are readily adaptable for play
on a video gaming device. For example, one aspect of the present
invention comprises an apparatus for playing a card-type game
comprising: display element (e.g., board, screen, table cards, play
sheet, etc.) for informing at least one player of a hierarchy of a
plurality of possible hands and a predetermined plurality of
winning card combinations and corresponding payout odds; an area or
position for receiving at least one wager selection from a
plurality of wagering options by at least one player, wherein the
wagering comprises whether a player's hand attains at least one of
said predetermined plurality of winning combinations; and a surface
or display area for displaying a plurality of indicia of playing
cards to form at least one player's three-card hand.
[0063] The apparatus may also incorporate a chip tray to receive
playing chips, the chip tray being placed in a position adjacent to
or otherwise convenient to the dealer. The apparatus may also
incorporate an area or receptacle for cards not in play and a
shuffler and card shoe. The apparatus may comprise a rigid playing
surface of board, plastic or other suitable material or may
comprise a cloth or other flexible material defining a playing
surface. A cloth playing surface is commonly referred to in the
industry as a layout.
[0064] In a preferred form, the surface is of generally
semi-circular form, the dealer's playing area being located
proximate the straight edge of the playing surface or centrally
thereof and the players' playing areas being disposed side-by-side
in arcuate array adjacent the curved edge of the playing
surface.
[0065] The various embodiments of the present invention are
directed to three-card poker-type games wherein indicia of playing
cards are displayed to at least one or more players. As used
herein, the phrase "indicia of playing cards" is meant to include
actual playing cards, as well as images of playing cards displayed
either mechanically, electro-mechanically, electronically or
otherwise. For example, it is well within the scope of the present
invention to display indicia of playing cards on an actual board
game, on a mechanical slot machine, on an electronic gaming device,
on another video screen, on video displays at individual player
positions (with cards generated by a random selection device, such
as a random number generator associated with a set of visual data
of card elements) or utilizing another form of image generation
such as holography. Similarly, the phrase "indicia of wild cards"
as used herein may include jokers from a standard deck of playing
cards but may also comprise other indicia that, according to rules
of the game, may be used for at least one other value.
[0066] FIG. 1 shows a playing surface or table layout 10 on which
one or more embodiments of the present invention may be played.
Either the game against the dealer alone, a game against the pay
table alone or both (either with both segments optional or
mandatory) may be played on the exemplary layout. The layout 10 may
be marked or placed on any suitable surface such as a gaming table.
For example, the layout may be in the form of a layout cloth
supported on a supporting surface. The layout provides a playing
area 12 for a plurality of players, for example seven players, and
a separate area 14 for the dealer. Each playing area 12 has a
marked section or zones 16 (a-g) for the placing of the first wager
by a player as will be described hereinafter.
[0067] Each player takes a place at one of the areas 16 (a-g). The
game is played as a round as will be described below. In an example
of the invention that includes the player placing a bet against a
pay table, each player wagers that the rank of his hand will exceed
a minimum predetermined value. On one example, the minimum value is
a pair. The game can be played with a standard 52-card deck, or a
modified deck, such as a deck with the lower ranking cards (2's,
3's, 4's and 5's) stripped out, for example. At the commencement of
the game, each player decides whether to play the particular round
by wagering against the "PAIR PLUS" (the first) wager. "PAIR PLUS"
is a designation meaning that the poker ranking of the hand must
include a pair or better. The gaming chips used in the Pair Plus
wager may be of any conventional kind and are available in a number
of denominations such as are well known within the art. If the
player wishes (alternatively or in addition) to make a wager based
on the value of his hand, he places an appropriate token or chip on
PAIR PLUS area (40a-g) of his playing area. In the present example,
the rules of the game provide that payouts will be made according
to a displayed payout schedule with "PAIR PLUS" payouts starting at
a pair or better. In a preferred three-card version of the side bet
game, hands are preferably ranked according to the following
hierarchy, though other rankings may be used:
[0068] Highest:
[0069] BRAG: Three of one suit in sequence
[0070] AKQ highest ranking brag
[0071] KQJ next highest ranking brag
[0072] QJ10 next highest ranking brag, and so on until
[0073] 32A lowest ranking brag
[0074] TRIPS: Three of One Rank
[0075] AAA highest
[0076] KKK next highest ranking trips, and so on until
[0077] 222 lowest ranking trips
[0078] RUN: Three of mixed suits in sequence
[0079] AKQ highest ranking,
[0080] KQJ next highest ranking, and so on, until
[0081] 32A lowest ranking
[0082] FLUSH: Three of One Suit
[0083] AKJ highest ranking
[0084] AK10 next highest, and so on, until
[0085] 532 lowest ranking
[0086] PAIR: Two of Same Rank
[0087] AAK highest ranking
[0088] AAQ next highest ranking, and so on, until
[0089] 223 lowest ranking
[0090] Lowest:
[0091] HIGH CARD (a hand comprising none of the above)
[0092] AKJ highest ranking
[0093] AK10 next highest ranking, and so on, until
[0094] 532 lowest ranking
[0095] ACE is high, but can be low in 3-2-A Sequence.
[0096] The payout schedule may be varied in accordance with rules
of the game and/or by the casino. For example, one preferred PAIR
PLUS payout schedule is as follows:
3 Straight Flush 40 to 1 Three-of-a-kind 30 to 1 Straight 6 to 1
Flush 4 to 1 Pair 1 to 1
[0097] Alternatively, in a gaming establishment or jurisdiction
where high odds payouts are not favored, a wager can be made solely
that the value of the hand will be a pair or greater, King high or
greater, Queen high or greater, and the like, and the payout may
be, for example, 14 to 5, or whatever other payout is found to be
appropriate or desirable.
[0098] The display area 22 may include a PAIR PLUS pay table and
other pay tables associated with the base game, if the rules of the
game require pay tables. Pay tables may appear on the playing
surface 12, on a "how to play" card (also known as a "rack card"),
or on a plaquard within the view of the players. It is also
desirable to position the pay tables proximate the dealer to assist
the dealer in resolving the hands. In an alternative arrangement,
details of payouts and any extra bonus payouts may be marked on
separate displays, such as vertical or supported signs on the table
top.
[0099] When the above wager is in place on area 40a-g, the dealer
preferably shuffles the cards (manually or with an automated
shuffling apparatus 32) and then deals a three-card hand to each
player position 19 (a-g) and two cards to the community positions
21. The cards may initially be dealt to the players face up or face
down, depending upon casino policy.
[0100] The side bet wager on Three Card Poker bonus event is placed
by each player in positions 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 40e, 40f and 40g,
respectively. The three equal bets to participate in the base game
are placed on positions 22a, b and c. Players may play the base
game, the side bet game, or both.
[0101] The novel methods of the present invention may be played
utilizing playing cards as illustrated above, or on an electrical
or electromechanical device such as a gaming machine. Those skilled
in the art will appreciate that suitable controls can be provided
for receiving the necessary input and therefore will not be
described in detail herein. While the gaming device is intended for
play by a single player against the playing device, it is also
within the scope of the present invention to provide a multi-unit
video format wherein a plurality of players may play against each
other and/or against a dealer Similarly, from the present
description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
novel games of the present invention are readily adaptable for play
either within a gaming establishment or at a remote location, such
as on a terminal provided in a commercial aircraft, in a hotel room
within a casino, or on the internet, for example. Furthermore, the
game is readily adaptable to a scratch card format.
[0102] From the present description, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that various modifications may be made without
department from the scope of the present invention. For example,
the naming of the wagers, the naming and/or ranking of any hand,
the payout schedule and predetermined winning or losing ranks may
be varied in accordance with the requirements of the casino. The
table layout may be varied from that described and shown. The rules
may be varied, or additional rules imposed, within the scope of the
invention.
[0103] In particular, there may be introduced a further option of a
player wagering on an additional high odds payout wager or on a
fixed or variable jackpot in either the Three Card Poker game or
the LET IT RIDE.RTM. casino table poker game which is paid out in
accordance with rules of the casino on a premium hand. Examples of
odds available could be 5000 to 1 or more against a royal
flush--ace, king, queen suited or up to 250,000 to 1 or more
against consecutive straight flushes.
[0104] If the game incorporates a jackpot or a numerical hand value
wager, separate designated wagering areas may be provided for these
wagers. These may be incorporated at any convenient position on the
players' playing areas. The display stand, the wild and promotional
card may also be modified or omitted as desired. Whilst the game is
described particularly for play in a gaming establishment, it is
not limited in this respect and may also be played for example in a
domestic environment or in the format of a video game, slot
machine, parlor game, lottery-style game or the like.
[0105] Although one preferred format of the present invention
permits the play of a three-card side bet game as part of a
five-card poker hand, other formats are possible. For example, if
the base game is a four-card poker game and the players are dealt
three cards each, the "PAIRS PLUS" side bet game would be played
with three of four car in the base game. Alternatively, a four card
base game might require the players to receive two cards each, and
in this case the "PAIRS PLUS" game would be played with two cards,
or the player's two cards plus one dealer card, community card or
other designated card. When the number of cards in the "PAIRS PLUS"
hand is changed, the winning payouts and winning card combinations
must be modified as is well known by those skilled in the art.
[0106] It is also not necessary that the base game utilize "common"
cards. A "PAIRS PLUS" game with two to five cards, preferably two
to three cards, can be combined with any poker-type game that
initially deals out partial hands. If, for example, the base was a
modified form of five-card stud poker, and the rules required the
dealing of two to three player cards prior to a round of betting,
the "PAIRS PLUS" game could be resolved before additional cards are
dealt. An important aspect of the present invention is that a
partial hand is dealt to the player and the "PAIRS PLUS" game is
played with the partial hand.
[0107] All of the apparatus, devices and methods disclosed and
claimed herein can be made and executed without undue
experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the
apparatus, devices and methods of this invention have been
described in terms of both generic descriptions and preferred
embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
variations may be applied to the apparatus, devices and methods
described herein without departing from the concept and scope of
the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain
elements, components, steps, and sequences that are functionally
related to the preferred embodiments may be substituted for the
elements, components, steps, and sequences described and/or claimed
herein while the same of similar results would be achieved. All
such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those
skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope and concept of
the invention as defined by the appended claims.
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