U.S. patent application number 10/637238 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-10 for methods and apparatus for playing a poker game.
Invention is credited to Sines, Randy D..
Application Number | 20050032563 10/637238 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34116559 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050032563 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sines, Randy D. |
February 10, 2005 |
Methods and apparatus for playing a poker game
Abstract
Representative embodiments provide a method for playing a poker
game, comprising defining a qualifying hand and dealing an initial
hand to each of one or more players. The method includes accepting
an initial bet into a pot from at least one of the players, dealing
at least one additional card to each betting player, and awarding
the pot to any betting player who has a best hand that comprises a
qualifying hand. In the alternative, if no player has a qualifying
hand, the method repeats the dealing of an initial hand, and the
accepting an initial bet, and the dealing of at least one
additional card, while including in the pot any previously
un-awarded pot or pots until the pot is awarded in accordance with
a qualifying hand. Also provided are a gaming table and individual
gaming machines for playing the poker games of the present
invention.
Inventors: |
Sines, Randy D.; (Spokane,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
REIDLAW, L.L.C.
1926 SOUTH VALLEYVIEW LANE
SPOKANE
WA
99212-0157
US
|
Family ID: |
34116559 |
Appl. No.: |
10/637238 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/00157 20130101;
G07F 17/3293 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/013 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A method for playing a poker game, comprising: defining a
qualifying hand; dealing an initial hand of at least one card to
each of one or more players; accepting an initial bet into a pot
from at least one of the players; dealing at least one additional
card to each betting player; and awarding the pot to any betting
player who has a best hand that comprises a qualifying hand, or, if
no player has a qualifying hand, repeating the dealing an initial
hand and the accepting an initial bet and the dealing at least one
additional card, and including in the pot any previously unawarded
pot or pots until the pot is awarded.
2. The method of claim 1, and wherein the qualifying hand is
defined by a house.
3. The method of claim 1, and further compromising collecting an
ante from each player before the initial hand is dealt.
4. The method of claim 1, and wherein the initial bet is predefined
as a minimum initial bet.
5. The method of claim 1, and further comprising extracting a
predefined percentage out of the pot by a house each time the
initial hand is dealt.
6. The method of claim 1, and further comprising extracting a rake
out of the pot by a house each time the initial hand is dealt.
7. The method claim 1, and wherein at least one of the players
plays the poker game by way of an individual gaming machine.
8. The method of claim 1, and wherein: at least two players play
the poker game by way of respective individual gaming machines; and
each of the individual gaming machines are coupled in signal
communication.
9. The method of claim 1, and further comprising: collecting an
ante from each player before the initial hand is dealt; extracting
a predefined portion from a sum of the antes; adding the predefined
portion to a progressive jackpot; and awarding one of the
progressive jackpot or a fixed jackpot to a player achieving a
corresponding predefined hand.
10. The method of claim 1, and wherein the initial hand and the at
least one additional card are respectively dealt in a face-up
condition.
11. The method of claim 1, and wherein at least two players play
the poker game by way of an electronic gaming table.
12. A method for playing a poker game, comprising: defining a
qualifying hand; dealing an initial hand of at least one card to
each of one or more players; accepting an initial bet into a pot
from at least one of the players; exchanging at least one card
between a house and each betting player electing to draw; and
awarding the pot to any betting player who has a best hand that
comprises a qualifying hand, or, if no player has a qualifying
hand, repeating the dealing an initial hand and the accepting an
initial bet and the exchanging at least one card, and including in
the pot any previously unawarded pot or pots until the pot is
awarded.
13. The method of claim 12, and wherein the qualifying hand is
defined by the house.
14. The method of claim 12, and further compromising collecting an
ante from each player before the initial hand is dealt.
15. The method of claim 12, and wherein the initial bet is
predefined as a minimum initial bet.
16. The method of claim 12, and further comprising extracting a
percentage out of the pot by the house each time the initial hand
is dealt.
17. The method of claim 12, and further comprising extracting a
fixed amount out of the pot by the house each time an initial hand
is dealt.
18. The method of claim 12, and further comprising accepting an
additional bet from at least one betting player placing an initial
bet.
19. The method claim 12, and wherein at least one of the players
plays the poker game by way of an individual gaming machine.
20. The method of claim 12, and wherein: at least two players play
the poker game by way of respective individual gaming machines; and
each of the individual gaming machines are coupled in signal
communication.
21. The method of claim 12, and wherein the initial hand and the
exchanging at least one card are respectively dealt in a face-up
condition.
22. The method of claim 12, and wherein at least two players play
the poker game by way of an electronic gaming table.
23. The method of claim 12, and further comprising: collecting an
ante from each player before the initial hand is dealt; extracting
a predefined portion from a sum of the antes; adding the predefined
portion to a progressive jackpot; and awarding one of the
progressive jackpot or a fixed jackpot to a player achieving a
corresponding predefined hand.
24. A gaming table, comprising: a plurality of user interfaces; and
an electronic controller coupled in signal communication with each
of the user interfaces, the electronic controller configured to:
define a qualifying hand; deal an initial hand of at least one card
to each of at least two players by way of the user interface
corresponding to the player; record an initial bet into a
collective pot from each of at least one of the players by way of
the corresponding user interface; deal at least one later card to
each betting player by way of the corresponding user interface; and
award the collective pot to any betting player who has a best hand
that comprises a qualifying hand, or, if no player has a qualifying
hand, repeating the dealing an initial hand and the recording an
initial bet and the dealing at least one later card until at least
one player has a qualifying hand and the collective pot is
awarded.
25. The gaming table of claim 24, and wherein the electronic
controller is further configured such that dealing the at least one
later card to each betting player is defined by exchanging a
respectively selected number of cards between the electronic
controller and each betting player electing to draw by way of the
corresponding user interface.
26. The gaming table of claim 24, and wherein the electronic
controller is further configured to record an additional bet into
the collective pot from each betting player by way of the
corresponding user interface before dealing the at least one later
card to each betting player.
27. The gaming table of claim 24, and wherein the electronic
controller is further configured to record an ante from each of the
at least two players by way of the corresponding user interface
before dealing the initial hand.
28. The gaming table of claim 27, and wherein the electronic
controller is further configured to: add a predefined portion of a
sum of the antes to a progressive jackpot; and award one of the
progressive jackpot or a fixed jackpot to an anteing player
achieving a corresponding predefined hand.
29. The gaming table of claim 24, and wherein the electronic
controller is further configured to extract a rake from the
collective pot for a house.
30. The gaming table of claim 24, and wherein the electronic
controller is further configured to extract a predefined fixed
amount from the collective pot for a house.
31. The gaming table of claim 24, and wherein the electronic
controller is further configured such that the initial hand and the
at least one later card are respectively dealt in a face-up
condition.
32. The gaming table of claim 24, and wherein each of the user
interfaces comprise a display screen configured to display
graphical images of the cards.
33. The gaming table of claim 24, and wherein each of the user
interfaces further comprise a chip sensor.
34. The gaming table of claim 24, and further comprising a display
configured to display a current amount of the collective pot.
35. A computer-accessible storage media including an executable
program code, the executable program code configured to cause a
processor to: define a qualifying hand; deal an initial hand of at
least one card to each of one or more players by way of a
respective user interface coupled to the processor; record an
initial bet into a collective pot from at least one of the players;
deal at least one later card to each betting player by way of the
respective user interface; and award the collective pot to any
betting player who has a best hand that comprises a qualifying
hand, or, if none of the betting players has a qualifying hand,
repeating the dealing an initial hand and the recording an initial
bet and the dealing at least one later card until at least one
player has a qualifying hand and the collective pot is awarded.
36. The computer-accessible storage media of claim 35, and wherein
the executable program code is further configured to cause the
processor to exchange a respectively selected number of cards
between the processor and each betting player electing to draw
during the dealing at least one later card.
37. The computer-accessible storage media of claim 35, and wherein
the executable program code is further configured to cause the
processor to record an additional bet into the collective pot from
each of the betting players before dealing the at least one later
card to each betting player.
38. The computer-accessible storage media of claim 35, and wherein
the executable program code is further configured to cause the
processor to record an ante from each of the one or more players
before dealing the initial hand.
39. The computer-accessible storage media of claim 38, and wherein
the executable program code is further configured to cause the
processor to: add a predefined portion of a sum of the antes to a
progressive jackpot; and award one of the progressive jackpot or a
fixed jackpot to an anteing player achieving a corresponding
predefined hand.
40. The computer-accessible storage media of claim 35, and wherein
the executable program code is further configured to cause the
processor to deal the initial hand and the at least one later card
in a face-up condition.
41. The computer-accessible storage media of claim 35, and wherein
the executable program code is further configured to cause the
processor to extract a rake from the collective pot for a
house.
42. An individual gaming machine, comprising: a user interface; and
an electronic controller coupled in signal communication with the
user interface, the electronic controller configured to be coupled
in signal communication with at least one other electronic
controller of another individual gaming machine, the electronic
controller configured to: define a qualifying hand; deal an initial
hand of at least one card to a player by way of the user interface;
record an initial bet from the player into a collective pot by way
of the user interface, the collective pot including an initial bet
from at least one of the player or one or more other players; deal
at least one later card to the player by way of the user interface;
and award the pot to the player upon achieving a best hand that
comprises a qualifying hand as compared to the one or more other
players, or, if none of the player or the one or more other players
has a qualifying hand, repeating the dealing an initial hand and
the recording an initial bet and the dealing at least one later
card until at least one player has a qualifying hand and the
collective pot is awarded.
43. The individual gaming machine of claim 42, and wherein: each of
the one or more other players are associated with respective other
individual gaming machines; and each of the other individual gaming
machines and the individual gaming machine are coupled in mutual
signal communication.
44. The individual gaming machine of claim 42, and wherein the
electronic controller is further configured to record an ante from
the player into an ante pool before dealing the initial hand.
45. The individual gaming machine of claim 44, and wherein the
electronic controller is further configured to: add a predefined
portion of the ante pool to a progressive jackpot; and award one of
the progressive jackpot or a fixed jackpot to the player upon
achieving a corresponding predefined hand.
46. The individual gaming machine of claim 42, and wherein the
electronic controller is further configured to exchange a
respectively selected number of cards with the player upon electing
to draw during the dealing at least one later card.
47. The individual gaming machine of claim 42, and wherein the
electronic controller is further configured to record an additional
bet into the collective pot from the player before dealing the at
least one later card to the player.
48. The individual gaming machine of claim 42, and wherein the
electronic controller is further configured to extract a rake from
the collective pot for a house.
49. The individual gaming machine of claim 42, and wherein: the
user interface includes a display; and the electronic controller is
further configured to indicate a current amount of the collective
pot by way of the display.
50. The individual gaming machine of claim 42, and wherein the
electronic controller is further configured to deal the initial
hand and the at least one later card in a face-up condition.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Various kinds of wagering games are known. Examples of such
wagering games include craps, blackjack (twenty-one), baccarat,
etc. Play of such a wagering game typically involves a player's
individual skill, playing strategy, and some degree of
probabilistic chance operating within the rules of the game to
determine a winner or winners. Commonly, wagering games are played
within a casino, card house, or similar establishment in which
players can enjoy numerous amenities such as beverage and food
services, cashier services, lines of credit, personal security, or
other resources that generally make for an attractive atmosphere in
which to play such wagering games.
[0002] Generally, players take significant interest in a particular
type of wagering game and the challenge offered in playing that
game well. As a result, some degree of variation in the rules
and/or other dynamics of play are sought by a number of players so
that the particular wagering game of choice continues to provide
interest and excitement. Furthermore, an increasing number of
wagering games can now be played in a manner that is, to some
extent, computerized or automated. In such a venue, certain tasks
such as, for example, the dealing of cards, accounting for wagers,
and the awarding of winnings is handled automatically so that
players are better able to concentrate on and enjoy the play of the
game.
[0003] Therefore, it is generally desirable to provide methods and
apparatus for playing wagering games that provide interest and
excitement to the players.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention provides for any number of different
poker games. Typical to each of the poker games of the present
invention is the use of a standard poker deck, including the use of
two jokers (wildcards). Various stud and draw versions of the game
are provided, wherein betting is a predefined amount. As betting
(wagering) during the particular poker game is performed
substantially simultaneously by each player, the overall progress
(play) of the game is generally faster than that of known styles of
poker game play.
[0005] Furthermore, the present invention provides for
substantially automated (i.e., electronic) venues for play of the
instant poker games. Such venues include a wager gaming table
configured to provide play for a plurality of players, as well as
individual gaming machines that can be played as a collective
network. Of course, the poker games of the present invention can
also be played in a more traditional environment on a known poker
table, through the use of conventional poker playing cards and
wagering chips, etc. Also, typical embodiments of the poker games
of the present invention include the dealing of all cards in a
face-up condition. However, other variations can be played in which
some or all of the cards are dealt in a face-down condition.
[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method
for playing a poker game, the method including defining a
qualifying hand, and dealing an initial hand of at least one card
to each of the one or more players. The method also includes
accepting an initial bet into a pot from at least one of the
players. The method then includes dealing at least one additional
card to each betting player, and awarding the pot to any betting
player who has a best hand that comprises a qualifying hand. If no
player has a qualifying hand, the method repeats the dealing of an
initial hand, and the accepting of an initial bet, and the dealing
of at least one additional card, while including in the pot any
previously un-awarded pot or pots until the pot is awarded in
accordance with a qualifying hand. The method can also include the
house accepting of an ante from each player prior to the dealing of
the initial hand.
[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
method for playing a poker game, the method including defining a
qualifying hand, and dealing an initial hand of at least one card
to each of one or more players. The method further includes
accepting an initial bet into a pot from at least one of the
players. The method also includes exchanging at least one card
between a house and each betting player electing to draw. Also, the
method includes awarding the pot to any betting player who has a
best hand that comprises a qualifying hand. In the event that no
player has a qualifying hand, the method includes repeating the
dealing an initial hand and the accepting an initial bet and the
exchanging at least one card, and including in the pot any
previously un-awarded pot or pots until the pot is awarded. The
method also includes the house accepting an ante from each player
prior to the dealing the initial hand.
[0008] Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides for
a gaming table, including a plurality of user interfaces, and an
electronic controller coupled in signal communication with each of
the user interfaces. The electronic controller is configured to
define a qualifying hand, and to deal an initial hand of at least
one card to each of at least two players by way of the user
interface corresponding to the player. The controller is further
configured to record an initial bet into a collective pot from each
of at least one of the players by way of the corresponding user
interface, and to deal at least one later card to each betting
player by way of the corresponding user interface. The controller
is further configured to award the collective pot to any betting
player who has a best hand that comprises a qualifying hand, or, if
no player has a qualifying hand, repeat the dealing of an initial
hand and the recording of an initial bet and the dealing of at
least one later card until at least one player has a qualifying
hand and the collective pot is awarded.
[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
computer-accessible storage media including an executable program
code. The executable program code configured to cause a
corresponding processor to define a qualifying hand and to deal an
initial hand of at least one card to each of one or more players by
way of a respective user interface coupled to the processor. Such
user interfaces can, include, for example, a touch-sensitive
electronic display. The executable program code is also configured
to cause to the processor to record an initial bet into a
collective pot from at least one of the players and then to deal at
least one later card to each betting player by way of the
respective user interface. Furthermore, the executable program code
is configured to cause the processor to award the collective pot to
any betting player who has a best hand that comprises a qualifying
hand. In the event that none of the betting players has a
qualifying hand, the executable program code is configured to cause
the processor to repeat the dealing of an initial hand, and the
recording of an initial bet, and the dealing of at least one later
card until at least one player has a qualifying hand and the
collective pot is awarded.
[0010] Still another embodiment of the present invention provides
an individual gaming machine, the individual gaming machine
including a user interface and an electronic controller coupled in
signal communication with the user interface. The electronic
controller is configured to be coupled in signal communication with
at least one other electronic controller of another individual
gaming machine. The electronic controller is further configured to
define a qualifying hand, to deal an initial hand of at least one
card to a player by way of the user interface, and to record an
initial bet from the player into a collective pot by way of the
user interface. The electronic controller is further configured
such that the collective pot includes an initial bet from at least
one of the player or one or more other players. The electronic
controller is also configured to deal at least one later card to
the player by way of the user interface, and award the pot to the
player upon achieving a best hand that comprises a qualifying hand
as compared to the one or more other players. In the event that
none of the players of the one or more other players has a
qualifying hand, the electronic controller is configured to repeat
the dealing an initial hand and the recording an initial bet and
the dealing at least one later card until at least one player has a
qualifying hand and the collective pot is awarded.
[0011] These and other aspects and embodiments will now be
described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a flowchart depicting a method of playing a poker
game in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting a method of playing a poker
game in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a plan view depicting a wager gaming table in
accordance with still another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is front elevation view depicting a gaming network in
accordance with the yet another embodiment of the present
invention
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view depicting an exemplary
display in accordance with still another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] In representative embodiments, the present teachings provide
methods and apparatus for playing a poker game including
wagering.
[0018] Certain terms are used and applied herein that are generally
defined as follows:
[0019] House: The house is a game administrator or host for playing
a game or games in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention. In some circumstances, the house can be generally
defined by a casino, or the agents thereof, which is/are authorized
to define particular rules or other aspects of playing the game or
games of the present invention. In other situations, the house can
be defined by one or more individuals hosting or otherwise
officiating the play of a game or games as provided herein. Such
individuals are commonly referred to as dealers.
[0020] Rake: The rake is a portion of the wagers or other
designated monies or valuables put forth by the player or players
of a game that is extracted (taken) by the house as charge for
playing the game. The rake may be a predefined percentage of the
wagers, a fixed amount taken from the wagers, or some other
function of the wagers or other monies or valuables put forth (bet
or risked) during the play of the game.
[0021] Turning now to FIG. 1, a flowchart 100 depicts a method for
playing a poker game in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. The embodiment described in the method depicted
by flowchart 100 is generally considered a "stud" version of the
poker game of the present invention. While the method depicted by
flowchart 100 describes particular steps and order of execution, it
is to be understood that other embodiments of the present invention
that respectively include other steps and/or orders of execution
can also be used in accordance with the teaching of the present
invention.
[0022] In step 102 of flowchart 100, the house defines a qualifying
hand for play of the poker game. The qualifying hand is generally
considered a minimum hand necessary for a player to qualify for
winning a collective pot (described hereafter). The qualifying hand
is ranked relative to other hands in accordance with typical rules
for playing poker. One of skill in the poker gaming arts is
familiar with such rankings (i.e., hierarchy of hands), and an
exhaustive elaboration is not required for purposes herein.
Qualifying hands can include, for example, two of a kind, three of
kind, two pair, a pair of jacks or better, etc. Other qualifying
hands can also be defined and used, for example, in accordance with
a consensus of the player(s) prior to the beginning of the poker
game.
[0023] In step 104, each of one or more players places (i.e., puts
forth) an ante so as to establish their initial participation in
the game about to commence. Typically, the ante is a fixed amount
of money predefined by the house. All of the antes put forth by the
players can be collectively considered an ante pool.
[0024] In step 106, the house collects the collective antes (i.e.,
ante pool) as its share for hosting, or officiating, the present
game.
[0025] In step 108, the house deals an initial hand of one or more
cards--in accordance with the present embodiment of poker game
being played--in a face-up condition to each of the players
participating in the game (i.e., those players that have anted;
also considered valid players for purposes herein). For purposes of
example, it is assumed that an initial hand of three cards is dealt
to each valid player and that a full hand constitutes five cards
total for the present embodiment of the game. Other card counts
corresponding to other initial hands and full hands can also be
used. Further, it is assumed that cards used during play are dealt
from a standard (fifty two card) poker deck or its equivalent.
Further still, the two standard jokers (wild cards) can also be
used.
[0026] In step 110, each player decides if they are to continue the
game or quit at this point without further play of the present
game. Those players who elect to quit, or `fold` continue to step
112 below. Those players that elect to continue play continue to
step 114 below.
[0027] In step 112, those players electing to quit in step 110
above, do so. The present instance of the game of flowchart 100 is
now ended for those players. However, players that fold at this
point are eligible to continue play in the next (sequential) game
and can therefore continue to compete with other players for the
same collective pot, should it not be awarded to a player or
players at the end of any current round of the poker game.
[0028] In step 114, each player that elected to continue play in
step 110 above now places a respective wager, or bet, into a
collective pot. For purposes herein, each of these wagers can also
be considered an initial bet. It is to be understood that each of
the wagers is of equivalent value, and is typically predefined by
the house as a minimum initial bet or wager. The amount of the
minimum initial bet can be fixed for all instances of playing the
game, or can change from time to time. In another embodiment of the
game, for example, the amount of the initial bet escalates
(increases) in value with each successive instance of playing the
poker game. Other strategies of establishing the minimum initial
bet can also be used.
[0029] In any case, the (initial) bet or bets from the player or
players are placed into a collective pot that includes any residual
bet or bets not yet awarded to a player or players from previous
play(s) of the poker game of flowchart 100. In another embodiment,
the house takes a rake (or a percentage) out of the collective pot
at this time, once betting following the dealing of the initial
hand in step 108 is complete. It is to be understood that the
betting players place their respective equivalent bets in a near
simultaneous fashion. In this way, the substantially traditional
system of call/check/raise is typically not applicable to the stud
poker game(s) of the present invention, although such
check/call/raise features are not precluded under poker games of
the present invention. Thus, the stud poker game of flowchart 100
results in a generally faster sequence of play relative to that of
substantially traditional poker. Furthermore, betting is typically
performed in equal amounts within each round of a poker game of the
present invention.
[0030] In step 116, the house deals an additional card in a face-up
condition to each of the presently valid players. In the present
example, each player now holds four cards of a five card full
hand.
[0031] In step 118, it is determined if each player now has a full
hand. In the present example, each valid player is due one more
card. In such a case (where one or more additional cards are due),
the flowchart 100 returns to steps 110 through 116 above,
repeatedly as needed, in accordance with the present embodiment of
the poker game in progress. During such repeat of step 114 above,
after each valid player has been dealt a final card in step 116
above (i.e., each valid player has a full hand), the flowchart 100
proceeds to step 120 below.
[0032] In step 120, the house determines if any of the valid
players has a qualifying (final) hand. If one or more players has a
qualifying hand, then the flowchart 100 proceeds to step 124 below.
If none of the players has a qualifying hand, then the flowchart
100 proceeds to step 122 below.
[0033] In step 122, the house sets the present collective pot aside
for use in the next instance of playing the game. In this way, the
collective pot can be considered a "progressive" pot. The flowchart
100 then proceeds to step 128 in which the present instance of the
poker game is ended without awarding the collective pot to any
player or players. The present instance (iteration) of the poker
game provided by flowchart 100 is considered complete.
[0034] In step 124, the house evaluates and compares any qualifying
hands held by one or more of the players in accordance with
standard (or other defined) hierarchical rules of poker, to
determine which is a superior (or "best") qualifying hand, or if
equivalent superior qualifying hands are held by two or more
players.
[0035] In step 126, the house awards the collective pot to a single
player (winner) holding the superior qualifying hand as determined
in step 124 above. If two (or more) players hold equivalent
superior qualifying hands, then the collective pot can be equally
split between them.
[0036] In step 128, the present instance of the poker game is
considered complete. If the collective pot has not been awarded
during the most recent instance of the game, the poker game of the
flowchart 100 is typically repeated, as one or more additional
instances of the poker game, until the collective pot is finally
awarded to one or more of the present players.
[0037] The flowchart 100 as described above generally provides for
one possible embodiment of playing a game of "stud" poker in
accordance with the present invention. Other embodiments
corresponding to other steps, procedures and/or orders of execution
can also be used. It is important to note that numerous aspects of
the flowchart 100 can be suitably varied, typically by the house
and/or in accordance with player agreement. For example, the ante
put forth by the players in step 104 above can be either fixed or
varying. Such a varying ante can be defined by an escalating ante
that increases with each successive instance of playing the poker
game of flowchart 100. Such a varying (e.g., escalating) ante is
desirable to the house as it usually corresponds to higher earnings
or profits in exchange for hosting the game. Other forms of varying
ante can also be used.
[0038] Furthermore, certain embodiments of the poker game of the
present invention can also include a jackpot or a progressive
(i.e., accumulating) jackpot that is awarded to a player that holds
a correspondingly predefined hand (for example, during step 126
above). For example, a progressive jackpot can be awarded to a
player whose final hand constitutes a straight flush (or better).
In another example, a jackpot can be awarded to a player whose
final hand constitutes four-of-a-kind (or better). Other types of
jackpots awarded for correspondingly predefined hands can also be
used.
[0039] Typically, the amount of a progressive jackpot is increased
by way of adding a portion from each of the antes (e.g., the ante
pool) put forth by the players during each game (for example, as in
step 104 above). This strategy can be attractive to both the
players and the house, as the house can charge an incrementally
higher ante while providing the progressive jackpot as an exciting
inducement to the players of the poker game. On the other hand, a
jackpot can be provided as a fixed value, house funded incentive
with no apparent bearing on a player's antes or wagers. Also, other
jackpot or progressive jackpot schemes can be used.
[0040] In yet another embodiment of the flowchart 100, the house
can offer a "bad beat" jackpot to a player that holds an otherwise
exceptional qualifying hand when that player loses to another
player with a generally very rare, superior qualifying hand. For
example, a player may qualify for a jackpot with a hand of
four-of-a-kind, only to lose to a player that holds a royal flush.
While the probability of such circumstances are quite rare, a bad
beat jackpot can provide additional inducement to players to
participate in the game despite such a possibility.
[0041] In yet another embodiment of the stud poker game of
flowchart 100, any player electing to `sit out` for a hand (not
participate) in the present instance of the game forfeits their
option to continue playing toward the present collective pot. Thus,
under such an embodiment, the collective pot at hand is particular
to the specific player or players whose poker play resulting in the
creation and perpetuation of the present collective pot, and such
collective pot will not be awarded to another player or other
players.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a flowchart 200 depicting a method of playing a
poker game in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention. The embodiment described in flowchart (method) 200 is
generally considered a "draw" version of the poker game of the
present invention. While the flowchart 200 describes particular
steps and order of execution, it is to be understood that other
embodiments of the present invention that respectively include
other steps and/or orders of execution can also be used in
accordance with the teaching of the present invention.
[0043] In step 202, the house defines a qualifying hand for playing
the poker game in accordance with the flowchart 200. As described
above in regard to step 102 of the flowchart 100 of FIG. 1, the
qualifying hand is generally considered a minimum hand necessary
for a player to qualify for winning a collective pot. As also
described above, the qualifying hand is ranked relative to other
hands in accordance with typical (or otherwise reestablished) rules
for playing poker.
[0044] In step 204 of flowchart 200, each player places or puts
forth an ante as an initial qualification for participating in the
present instance of the poker game.
[0045] In step 206, the house collects the collective antes (ante
pool) as its share.
[0046] In step 208, the house deals an initial hand of one or more
cards, to each of one or more valid (anteing) players, in a face-up
condition. The number of cards dealt in the initial hand is
determined in accordance with the particular embodiment of the
poker game in progress. For purposes of example, it is assumed that
an initial hand of five cards is dealt to each of the valid
players. Furthermore, the initial hand constitutes a full hand
within the context of the flowchart 200.
[0047] In step 210, each of the players decides either to place a
bet or to fold (quit). Those players electing to fold proceed to
step 212 below. Those players that elect to place a bet and
continue playing the poker game advance to step 214 below.
[0048] In step 212, each player electing to quit in step 210 above
does so at this point. The present instance of the poker game of
flowchart 200 is now considered complete for such a player or
players.
[0049] In step 214, those players that elected in step 210 above to
continue put forth a bet (i.e., initial bet). The house then adds
the bets to a collective pot. Generally, such bets (initial bets)
are of a fixed amount predefined by the house. Other bet
establishing strategies such as minimum betting, for example, can
also be used. In any case, all of the bets are typically of equal
amount and are placed by the respective players in a substantially
simultaneous fashion. In another embodiment, the house extracts a
percentage or rake for itself from the collective pot at this
time.
[0050] In step 216, each valid (betting) player elects to stand
with their initial hand, or to draw one or more cards in accordance
with the number of cards in the present full hand. Those players
electing to stand continue to step 220 below. Those players
electing to draw continue to step 218.
[0051] In step 218, the house exchanges one or more cards with each
of those valid players electing to draw. That is, each drawing
player individually selects what particular card or cards to
discard from their initial hand in exchange for a new card or cards
dealt, face-up, by the house. In another embodiment, the house
accepts an additional bet from each of one or more players placing
an initial bet (i.e., valid players). Typically, such an embodiment
includes the dealing (exchanging) of cards in a face-down condition
prior to the accepting the additional bet or bets.
[0052] In step 220, the house determines if any of the valid
players has a qualifying (final) hand. If one or more players has a
qualifying hand, then the flowchart 200 proceeds to step 224 below.
If none of the players has a qualifying hand, then the flowchart
200 proceeds to step 222 below.
[0053] In step 222, the house sets the collective pot aside for use
in the next instance of playing the game according to the flowchart
200. In this way, as described in the flowchart 100 above, the
collective pot can be considered a progressive pot. The flowchart
200 then proceeds to step 228 in which the present instance of the
draw poker game is ended without awarding the collective pot to any
winner or winners. The present instance (iteration) of the poker
game provided by flowchart 200 is then considered complete.
[0054] In step 224, the house evaluates and compares any qualifying
hands held by one or more of the players in accordance with
standard or other predefined hierarchical rules of poker to
determine which is a superior qualifying hand or if equivalent
superior qualifying hands are held by two or more players.
[0055] In step 226, the house awards the collective pot to a single
player holding the superior ("best") qualifying hand as determined
in step 224 above. In the alternative, if two (or more) players
hold equivalent superior qualifying hands, then the collective pot
can be equally split between them.
[0056] In step 228, the present instance of the draw poker game
according to the flowchart 200 of FIG. 2 is considered complete. In
the event that no player or players is/are awarded the collective
pot in step 226 above, play of the poker game of the flowchart 200
is substantially repeated until the collective pot is awarded to
one or more of the original players (associated with the creation
of the present collective pot).
[0057] The flowchart 200 as described above generally provides for
one embodiment of playing a game of "draw" poker in accordance with
the present invention. Other embodiments corresponding to other
steps, procedures and/or orders of execution can also be used. It
is to be noted that various aspects of the game can be altered from
those as described in regard to the flowchart 200 of FIG. 2 in
accordance with the present invention. For example, such aspects as
a varying (e.g., escalating) ante, and/or the offering of a
jackpot, progressive jackpot, and/or bad beat jackpot can also be
used substantially as described above (respectively) in regard to
the flowchart 100 of FIG. 1. Other embodiments of a draw poker game
can include, for example, those aspects or features substantially
as described above in regard to the stud poker game of the
flowchart 100.
[0058] It will be appreciated that, in variations of the methods
described above, cards can be dealt in any manner of face-up and/or
face-down initial orientation. For example, in a stud version
(similar to that described in flowchart 100) two cards can be dealt
face up, and a third card dealt face-down. Two additional cards can
be dealt in separate betting cycles, each face up. After the last
(e.g., fifth) card has been dealt and bets place, the face-down
card can be turned face up. In another example five cards can be
dealt all initially in a face-down orientation, and the cards
turned face-up, one at a time during each betting cycle, until the
last card has been turned face-up, at which time it is determined
if any player or players have qualifying hands and, if so, which of
the qualifying hands is the best hand.
[0059] The methods described above can also incorporate the use of
"wild cards", such as jokers or other special cards, which can be
designated by a player as whatever value the player chooses to
facilitate achieving a qualifying hand, or a best qualifying
hand.
[0060] As can be seen by the example depicted in flowchart 100, one
feature of a poker game in accordance with the present invention is
that play of the game among the players can be performed
essentially simultaneously. That is, each time cards are dealt to
the players, all players can bet simultaneously, verses betting
sequentially as in traditional poker games (i.e., where players
individually and sequentially elect to fold, meet a current bet, or
raise the current bet). This feature of the games of the present
invention allows for faster play.
[0061] Another feature of a poker game in accordance with the
present invention is that the house can take the ante, thus
ensuring a known income for the house. The house can establish the
ante to cover its costs of hosting the game, as well as making a
profit. Further, the house can elect to put some of the ante money
into a special jackpot to enhance attractiveness of the game.
Further, between games the house can change the amount of the ante
(e.g., increase the ante to cover higher costs or make additional
profit, or lower the ante to attract more players). One benefit of
this arrangement of the house taking the ante is that the players
know that they are essentially playing against one another, versus
playing against the house. Consequently, players may be more
inclined to play the game since there is essentially a guarantee
that all bets (excluding the ante) will eventually be won by one of
the players, and not by the house.
[0062] While the respective stud (flowchart 100) and draw
(flowchart 200) poker games described above can be played, for
example, within the context of traditional (discrete) playing cards
and wagering chips, it is to be understood that the games of the
present invention can also be played through the use of suitable,
substantially electronic wager gaming apparatus. Examples of such
apparatus as provided by the present invention are described in
detail hereafter.
[0063] FIG. 3 is a plan view depicting a wager gaming table
(hereafter, table) 300 in accordance with still another embodiment
of the present invention. The wager gaming table 300, substantially
as depicted in FIG. 3, is commercially available from DigiDeal
Corporation of Spokane, Wash. The table 300 includes a playing
surface 302. The playing surface 302 can be formed from any
suitable material such as, for example, felt, satin, etc. Other
materials can also be used to form the playing surface 302 of the
table 300.
[0064] The table 300 also includes an electronic controller 304.
The electronic controller 304 can be defined by any suitable
controller usable to control the play one or more embodiments of
the poker games of the present invention (e.g., the poker games of
flowcharts 100 and 200 above, or their corresponding variations,
respectively). As such, the controller 304 can be suitably defined
by a microprocessor-based controller, a state-machine, a
dedicated-purpose integrated controller, etc. The controller 304 is
commercially available in the form of a proprietary (DCS) platform
from DigiDeal Corporation of Spokane, Wash.
[0065] In one embodiment, the electronic controller 304 includes a
computer-accessible storage media (i.e., memory, storage disk etc.,
not shown) including an executable program code. Such an executable
program code (not shown) is configured to cause a corresponding
processor to perform various operations in accordance with one or
more embodiments of poker game of the present invention. One of
skill in the computer engineering and electronic arts can
appreciate that the electronic controller 304 can be defined by a
number of suitable different embodiments and that further
elaboration is not required for purposes of understanding the
present invention.
[0066] The table 300 also includes a plurality of user interfaces
306. Each user interface 306 is coupled in signal communication
with the electronic controller 304. Each user interface includes an
electronic display 308 that is coupled in signal communication with
the electronic controller 304. In the case of draw-poker type
games, the electronic display 308 can be a touch-sensitive
electronic display. Other embodiments of electronic display 308 can
also be used. In any case, the electronic displays 308 are
configured to display information to, and receive input from, a
player during play of a poker game at the table 308. Non-limiting
examples of such displayed information include images of playing
cards, present amount of a collective pot, present amount of a
jackpot and/or progressive jackpot, amount of credit available to
the player, etc. Examples of player (i.e., user) input include
selection of cards to discard during a draw, election to bet and/or
fold, etc. Other kinds of information can be displayed, and other
types of player input received, by way of the electronic display
308.
[0067] As further depicted in FIG. 3, each user interface 306
further includes one or more chip sensors 310. Each chip sensor 310
is configured to provide a signal to the electronic controller 304
indicative of the presence and/or total face value of any wagering
chips (not shown) resting upon the chip sensor 310. One of skill in
the electronic arts is aware of a number of suitable such
embodiments of chip sensor 310 and further description is not
needed for purposes herein.
[0068] In another embodiment of the table 300 (not shown), the chip
sensors 310 are not included. In such an embodiment (not shown),
"virtual" chips can be displayed to, and manipulated by (i.e.,
selected, put forth during a wager, etc.), players using associated
electronic displays 308. Thus, in such an embodiment, tangible
wagering chips are not used, and any antes and/or wagering
corresponding to the play of the present poker game are handled by
way of the electronic displays 308.
[0069] The table 300 can also includes a dealer display 312,
although in many embodiments no dealer display is used. The dealer
display 312 can be defined by any suitable electronic display for
displaying information to a dealer (typically representing the
house). In one embodiment, the display 312 is substantially the
same as one of the plurality of electronic displays 308. Other
forms of electronic display can also be used. In any event, the
dealer display 312 is coupled in signal communication with the
electronic controller 304 and is configured to display various
information relevant to a dealer (typically representing the house)
during play of the poker game at the table 300. Typical such
information displayed on the dealer display 312 can include, for
example, the amount of the various relevant collective pots and
jackpots, identification of player at the table 300 in possession
(i.e., holding) a qualifying or superior qualifying hand, etc.
Information provided to the dealer can be presented, for example,
in the form of an "ante meter", a "wager meter", etc., or as any
other desirable graphical representation.
[0070] The table 300 further includes a chip tray 314. The chip
tray 314 is configured to support a plurality of suitable wagering
chips for use during play of the poker game at table 300. The chip
tray 314 is generally positioned to be readily used by a dealer. A
more elaborate description of the chip tray 314 is not necessary to
an understanding of the present invention. In the variation
described above wherein "virtual" chips can be used with the table
300 the chip tray can be eliminated.
[0071] Typical use of the table 300 is a follows: to begin, it is
assumed that the house offers play of a poker game in accordance
with the present invention (e.g., stud poker according to flowchart
100 of FIG. 1, or draw poker according to flowchart 200 of FIG. 2,
etc.) to interested players by way of the table 300. Those players
interested in playing the poker game generally seat themselves, one
person each, within usable adjacency to the user interfaces 306. As
depicted in FIG. 3, the table 300 can accommodate up to six
players. Other tables 300 (not shown) having other player
accommodation capacities can also be used.
[0072] Next, a dealer begins play of the poker game at the table
300 by way of appropriate input (i.e., password entry, startup
actuation, etc.) to the controller 304 using dealer hands controls
(such as buttons, etc., not shown) or, if provided, the dealer
display 312. Thereafter, the controller 304 assumes general control
of the game in substantial accordance with the methods described
above in regard to the stud poker game of flowchart 100 of FIG. 1
or the draw poker game of flowchart 200 of FIG. 2, including, for
example, providing graphical displays of cards, collective pots
values, credit, etc., to each of the electronic displays 308
currently used by a player. In response, players provide their
desired respective inputs directly to the dealer who can then input
them into the electronic controller 304 (or, if a user input is
provided, via their respective electronic displays 308). Such
displays and player (user) inputs (if provided) are performed in
accordance with the currently used embodiment of poker game of the
present invention.
[0073] During such play, the players place their corresponding
antes and wagers in the form of wagering chips on their respective
chip sensors 310. These wagering chips are collected for the house
by the dealer, generally into the chip tray 314, while the
electronic controller 304 can keep track of (i.e., record) the ante
pools, discrete wagers from each player, the rake (if any), the
collective pot, a jackpot (if any), and/or any progressive jackpot,
exchanges cards during a draw, etc. In various alternate
configurations certain of these functions (e.g., keeping track of
the ante pool) can be performed by a live dealer and not by the
controller 304. Furthermore, the electronic controller 304 can
indicate to the dealer and/or players (by way of the electronic
displays 308 and/or dealer display 312) when a player or players
is/are to be awarded the collective pot, jackpot, bad beat jackpot,
and/or progressive jackpot corresponding to the poker game in
progress.
[0074] Other operations can also be performed by the electronic
controller 304 corresponding to the play and/or officiating of the
current instance of the poker game of the present invention. For
example, in an embodiment (not shown) of the table 300 in which
tangible chips are not used, the electronic controller 304 receives
antes and wagers, and awards the collective pot and/or any
jackpots, through the use of virtual chips displayed and
manipulated on the electronic displays 308. Still other operations
of the electronic controller 304 can be performed. For example, the
controller 304 can be used to provide audio output for
informational purposes, enhancing excitement of the play of the
game, or supplementing visual play of the game. In this way, the
table 300 provides for play of one or more poker games
(selectively), by two or more players, in accordance with the
present invention and in a manner that is substantially automated
by virtue of the electronic controller 304, the user interfaces 306
and the dealer display 312 (when provided).
[0075] It is to be understood that certain embodiments of the
controller 304 can be linked in communication with a central
computer or database (not shown) of the house so that information
regarding the present status of the poker game in progress can be
related to the central computer. Thus, for example, the current
value of the collective pot, the total amount of credit in use, the
current awarding of a jackpot, etc., for the table 300 can be
recorded and/or verified for security purposes using the central
computer (not shown).
[0076] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view depicting a gaming network
400 in accordance with the yet another embodiment of the present
invention. The gaming network 400 includes a plurality of
individual gaming machines (hereafter, gaming machine) 402. Each
gaming machine 402 includes an electronic controller 404. The
electronic controller 404 can be defined by any suitable electronic
controller usable to control the gaming machine 402 in accordance
with the poker games of the present invention (e.g., the stud poker
game of flowchart 100 of FIG. 1, the draw poker game of flowchart
200 of FIG. 2, etc.).
[0077] In one embodiment (not shown), the controller 404 includes a
processor and a computer-accessible storage media including an
executable program code. The executable program code (not shown) is
configured to cause the processor to perform numerous operations in
accordance with one or more embodiments of poker game according to
the present invention. Other forms of electronic controller 404 can
also be used. In any case, each of the electronic controllers 404
is configured to be coupled in mutual data communication thus
defining a network of gaming machines 402. In this way, the
electronic controllers 404 can communicate with each other so as to
conduct a multi-player instance of a poker game of the present
invention, wherein each player participates in the game by way of a
respective gaming machine 402. Although the gaming machines are
depicted as being directly connected to one another by
communication cables 403, it is appreciated that the gaming tables
can be placed in communication by other known means such as the
Internet or other network configurations. In another embodiment
(not shown), the individual gaming machines 402 are networked by
way of wireless communication. Other embodiments can also be
used.
[0078] Each gaming machine 402 also includes an electronic display
406. Each electronic display 406 is coupled in signal communication
with the corresponding electronic controller 404 of the particular
gaming machine 402. Each electronic display 406 can be defined by
any suitable such electronic display configured to display various
kinds of information in accordance with the present instance of a
poker game of the present invention. Such displayed information can
include, for example, images of playing cards, collective pot
amount, present jackpot amounts, available credit, etc. Other
information can also be displayed. Typically, each electronic
display 406 is defined by a touch-sensitive electronic display such
that each constitutes a user (player) interface to the respective
electronic controller 404. Other forms of electronic display 406
can also be used, and other user input devices (such as buttons,
keys, etc. not shown, can also be used.).
[0079] Each gaming machine can (optionally) include additional user
interface controls 408. Controls 408 are typically provided in the
form of pushbuttons. Other types of user interface controls 408 can
also be used. The electronic display 406 and controls 408 are
collectively referred to as a user interface 410 within a
particular gaming machine 402.
[0080] Operation of the gaming network 400 is generally as follows:
for purposes of example, it is initially assumed that all of the
gaming machines 402 of the gaming network 400 are presently
configured (selectively set) to play one embodiment (version, or
type) of a poker game of the present invention, for example the
draw poker game of the flowchart 200 of FIG. 2.
[0081] Next, each player deposits money into their respective
gaming machine 402 so as to establish a corresponding amount of
playable credit, referred to herein as prepaid credits. This can be
done, for example, by way of a conventional currency acceptor (not
shown) as is known in the art. The draw poker game in accordance
with the present invention then commences once all players have
secured their respective gaming credits.
[0082] Thereafter, the electronic controllers 404 operate in
cooperation with each other and with their respective electronic
displays 406 so as to carry out play of the current draw poker
game. Generally, play is conducted as a succession of such draw
poker games until at least one collective pot has been awarded.
Furthermore, any applicable jackpots (bad beat, progressive, etc.)
are also awarded during play under the control of the electronic
controller(s) 404. Typically, individual players can exit (depart
from) the game at any appropriate time of their choosing (e.g., at
the beginning of the next game, after folding, etc.), while other
(new) players can join at correspondingly appropriate times by way
of associated gaming machines 402 of the gaming network 400.
[0083] Thus, the gaming network 400 is generally configured to
provide for multi-user, substantially random-access (i.e.,
individually selected entry to and exit from) play of the poker
games of the present invention. In another embodiment of the gaming
network 400, each of the electronic controllers 404 is configured
to permit a player to select from a menu of different poker games
of the present invention (draw, stud, etc.) to play against other
corresponding players within the same gaming network 400.
[0084] For example, a gaming network 400 (not shown) can be
provided that includes twenty gaming machines 402, of which
fourteen are presently being used to play a draw poker game of the
present invention, while the remaining six are used to play a stud
poker game of the present invention. Other possible such poker game
playing combinations within a single gaming network 400 can also be
performed.
[0085] In yet another embodiment, the controller 404 of each gaming
machine 402 is configured to permit a player to selectively choose
to play a poker game of the present invention in a solitaire or
"individual play" mode. In such an embodiment, the player is
effectively playing against the controller 404, and there is no
interaction or competition against other players. Furthermore, such
an embodiment (not shown) typically includes simultaneous display
of both the player's cards and simulated opponent players cards.
Other various embodiments of playing the poker games of the present
invention can also be used.
[0086] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view depicting an exemplary
display 500 in accordance with still another embodiment of the
present invention. The display 500 can be provided by way of the
electronic displays 308 of FIG. 3, or the electronic displays 406
of FIG. 4. It is to be understood that the display 500 is intended
to show exemplary details that are provided to a player during play
of the poker games of the present invention, and that other details
(not shown) can also be displayed. Alternatively, certain details
as depicted in the display 500 of FIG. 5 can also be omitted in
particular embodiments of the poker games of the present
invention.
[0087] The display 500 includes a plurality of card images
(hereafter, cards) 502. As depicted, a total of five cards 502 are
provided. Other numbers of cards 502 can also be displayed. The
display 500 also includes the present values of a bet (wager) 504,
a collective pot 506, a progressive jackpot 508 and a prepaid
credits 510 available to the player, respectively, which are
defined substantially as described above in regard to the stud
poker game of flowchart 100 of FIG. 1, the draw poker game of
flowchart 200 of FIG. 2., and the gaming machines 402 of FIG.
4.
[0088] The display 500 also includes a plurality of controls 512
through 534, inclusive. As depicted in FIG. 5, it is assumed that
the controls 512-534 are provided as interactive icons on a
suitable touch-sensitive electronic display (e.g., the electronic
displays 308 of FIG. 3). In this way, a player activates a
particular control 512-534 simply by touching their finger (or a
stylus, etc.) generally on that area of the electronic display
occupied by the particular control 512-534. Each of the controls
512-534 provides for player actuation of a certain operation or
function as indicated by the indicia and/or form of the control
512-534.
[0089] For example, a HOLD control 514 permits a player to select
and retain the card 502 adjacent to the HOLD control 514 during an
election to draw cards 502 while playing a draw version of the
poker games of the present invention (e.g., the flowchart 200 of
FIG. 2). Once a player's selection of retained cards 502 is made
via the corresponding HOLD controls 514-520, a DRAW control 526 is
used to signal the associated electronic controller (not shown--see
the electronic controller 304 of FIG. 3) that the player is ready
to draw (exchange) those non-held cards with the house. Other
exemplary operations of other controls 512-534 can also be
performed.
[0090] In certain embodiments of the present invention, particular
of the (interactive icon) controls 512-534 can be associated with
other forms of controls provided to a player. For example, each of
the HOLD controls 512-520 can be associated with a respective
pushbutton control 408 of a gaming machine 402 of FIG. 4. Thus,
under such an embodiment, a player can have two (or more) ways in
which to actuate a given operation or to make a particular
selection during play of a poker game of the present invention.
[0091] In another embodiment (not shown), the display 500 can also
include meters (not shown) relating game play information
regarding, for example: the number of hands (games) played by the
player or players thus far; the frequency at which qualifying hands
have occurred, resulting in the awarding of the collective pot
(i.e., average number of games or hands per win); the frequency at
which applicable jackpots or progressive jackpots have been
awarded; etc. Such displays of information (meters) can include any
suitable graphics and/or indicia and generally tend to stimulate
player interest in relatively long-term play of the poker game.
[0092] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
gaming table for the play of at least one of the poker games of the
present invention. The gaming table includes a plurality of user
interfaces. The gaming table also includes an electronic controller
coupled in signal communication with each of the user interfaces.
Such a gaming table is described in regard to the table 300 of FIG.
3, which includes the electronic controller 304 and the plurality
of user interfaces 306. The electronic controller is configured to
define a qualifying hand, and to deal an initial hand of at least
one card to each of at least two players by way of the user
interface corresponding to the player. The electronic controller is
also configured to record an initial bet into a collective pot,
from each of at least one of the players, by way of the
corresponding user interface. The electronic controller is further
configured deal at least one later card to each betting player by
way of the corresponding user interface.
[0093] Furthermore, the electronic controller is also configured to
award the collective pot to any betting player who has a best hand
that comprises a qualifying hand. In the event that no player has a
qualifying hand, the electronic controller is also configured to
repeat the dealing an initial hand and the recording an initial bet
and the dealing at least one later card until at least one player
has a qualifying hand and the collective pot is awarded.
[0094] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an
electronic controller including a computer-accessible storage
media. The computer-accessible storage media includes an executable
program code. The executable program code can be configured to
cause a corresponding processor to perform the steps recited above
in regard to the electronic controller of the gaming table, as well
various of the steps described hereafter. Thus, such an electronic
controller can be used in conjunction with the gaming table or
other suitable apparatus of the present invention.
[0095] One variation of the electronic controller of the gaming
table is configured to exchange a respectively selected number of
cards between the electronic controller and each betting player
electing to draw, by way of the corresponding user interface,
during the dealing of at least one additional card. Another
variation of the electronic controller is configured to record an
additional bet into the collective pot from each betting player, by
way of the corresponding user interface, before the dealing of at
least one later card to each betting player. In still another
variation, the electronic controller is configured to record an
ante from each of the least two players by way of the corresponding
user interface, before dealing the initial hand.
[0096] Other respective variations of the electronic controller of
the gaming table described above can also be provided. In one such
variation, the electronic controller is configured to add a
predefined portion of a sum of the antes to a progressive jackpot,
and then to award the progressive jackpot (or, a fixed jackpot) to
an anteing player upon achieving a corresponding predefined
jackpot) hand. In another variation, the electronic controller is
configured to extract a rake from the collective pot for a house.
In still another variation, the electronic controller is configured
to extract a predefined fixed amount from the collective pot for a
house. In yet another variation, the electronic controller is
configured such that the initial hand and the at least one later
card are dealt in a face-up condition, respectively.
[0097] The present invention further provides for an individual
gaming machine. The individual gaming machine includes a user
interface, and an electronic controller. Such an individual gaming
machine is described above in regard to the individual gaming
machines 402 of FIG. 4, each of which includes a user interface 410
and an electronic controller 404. The electronic controller of the
individual gaming machine is coupled in signal communication with
the user interface, and is configured to be coupled in signal
communication with at least one other electronic controller of
another individual gaming machine.
[0098] In this way, a cooperative network (i.e., plurality) of such
individual gaming machines can be defined. The electronic
controller of each individual gaming machine is configured to
perform selective of the steps described above in regard to the
electronic controller of the gaming table, substantially as
described. Thus, various embodiments of the individual gaming
machine of the present invention can be defined.
[0099] In yet another embodiment the present invention provides for
a method of playing a card game of chance wherein one or more
players are each dealt an initial hand comprising at least one
card. A bet (either an initial bet or a side bet) is accepted from
at least one of the players and is added to a pot. A secondary
chance activity is then performed (such as dealing another card to
one or more of the players, or exchanging at least one card with
one or more of the players, or turning a card from a face-down
position to a face-up position). Following the secondary chance
activity a determination is made if one or more of the players has
a hand meeting a predefined criteria. If so, the pot is awarded to
that player. If not, the pot is maintained as a collective pot, and
the game is repeated until a player has a hand which meets the
predefined criteria, at which time the collective pot is awarded to
that player. Non-limiting examples of card games of chance to which
this method can be applied include blackjack, poker (all
variations), slot-jack, etc.
[0100] In a further embodiment the present invention provides for a
method of playing an electronic game of chance wherein one or more
players are each provided (by way of an electronic display) an
initial image set comprising one or more virtual images (such as
cards, slot machine-type images (cherries, lemons, etc), "blanked"
images (i.e., an obscured image) or other images which can be mixed
and matches with one another to thereby define a winning set of
images. A bet (either an initial bet or a side bet) is accepted
from at least one of the players and is added to a pot. A secondary
chance activity is then performed (such as providing another
virtual image to one or more of the players, or exchanging at least
one previously provided virtual image card with one or more of the
players, or uncovering a "blanked" virtual image. Following the
secondary chance activity a determination is made if one or more of
the players has an image set meeting a predefined criteria. If so,
the pot is awarded to that player. If not, the pot is maintained as
a collective pot, and the game is repeated until a player has an
image set which meets the predefined criteria, at which time the
collective pot is awarded to that player.
[0101] While the above methods and apparatus have been described in
language more or less specific as to structural and methodical
features, it is to be understood, however, that they are not
limited to the specific features shown and described, since the
means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the
invention into effect. The methods and apparatus are, therefore,
claimed in any of their forms or modifications within the proper
scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in
accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.
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