U.S. patent application number 10/982490 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for method and apparatus for playing a card game.
Invention is credited to Groves, Reginald.
Application Number | 20050098951 10/982490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34556336 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050098951 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Groves, Reginald |
May 12, 2005 |
Method and apparatus for playing a card game
Abstract
A system and method for playing a card game are disclosed. The
card game may be played with a real deck of cards and an associated
playing surface or with a virtual deck of cards as part of a
virtual card game on a processor-based platform. The method
comprises providing at least one deck of playing cards and
shuffling the deck such that the playing cards are put into a
substantially unknown random order. The method further comprises
placing at least one wager by betting a monetary amount and
attempting to correctly guess a number of points that will be
totaled during a current round of play. The method further includes
dealing each of the playing cards in an arrangement and revealing a
face of each of the playing cards. The method also includes
totaling a number of points associated with the dealt playing cards
based on at least a number of revealed pairs within the
arrangement. The method also includes paying any winning wager
according to the monetary amount bet and odds associated with the
winning wager.
Inventors: |
Groves, Reginald;
(Cleveland, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAHN LOESER & PARKS, LLP
One GOJO Plaza
Suite 300
AKRON
OH
44311-1076
US
|
Family ID: |
34556336 |
Appl. No.: |
10/982490 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60517676 |
Nov 6, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3293 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; A63F 3/00157 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of playing a card game, said method comprising:
providing at least one deck of playing cards or representations of
cards; shuffling said at least one deck of playing cards such that
said playing cards in said deck are put into a substantially
unknown random order; dealing each of said playing cards in an
arrangement and revealing a face of each of said playing cards;
totaling a number of points associated with said dealt playing
cards based on at least a number of revealed pairs within said
arrangement.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein each of said playing cards are
dealt consecutively face down to form said arrangement and
subsequently revealed sequentially maintaining said
arrangement.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the playing cards are dealt in a
overlapping arrangement, and selectively sequentially revealed from
a beginning card in the arrangement to an ending card
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the arrangement is a circular type
of arrangement, and the ending card is adjacent to the beginning
card.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising cutting said shuffled
deck at least once to change an order of said cards.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein said deck of playing cards
comprises a conventional deck of fifty-two playing cards.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein any one of said revealed pairs
comprises any two consecutive cards within said arrangement having
a same face number value.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein any one of said revealed pairs
comprises any two consecutive cards within said arrangement having
a same face value and color.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein any one of said revealed pairs
comprises any two consecutive cards within said arrangement having
a same suit.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of placing
at least one wager and attempting to chose the number of points
that will be obtained during a current round of play, and paying on
any winning wager.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said winning wager includes any
wager whose guessed totaled number of points corresponds to and/or
is greater than an actual number of totaled points for said current
round of play.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein a doubling or point increasing
feature is provided upon successive rounds of play wherein the same
point totals were obtained.
13. The method of claim 13, wherein the player places a wager, and
the wager is doubled in the event that successive rounds of play
result in the same point totals.
14. The method of claim 1 wherein said deck of playing cards is
virtual and said method is implemented as an electronic game.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein said deck of playing cards is
virtual and said method is implemented as a computer-based card
game.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein said card game is played
virtually on a processor-based apparatus, and wherein said
processor-based apparatus comprises a personal computer which is
programmed, via software, to implement at least said method.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein said card game is played
virtually on a processor-based apparatus, and wherein said
processor-based apparatus comprises a hand-held electronic device
which is programmed, via software, to implement at least said
method.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein said card game is played
virtually on a processor-based apparatus, and wherein said
processor-based apparatus comprises a standalone video-poker type
of electronic system which is programmed, via software, to
implement at least said method.
19. The method of claim 1 wherein said card game is played
virtually by accessing a software implementation of said card game
from a server, via the Internet, using a personal computer.
20. The method of claim 1 further comprising debiting an account
for each placed wager.
21. The method of claim 1 further comprising crediting an account
for each winning wager.
22. The method of claim 1 further comprising notifying a player of
said card game when said player wins a wager.
23. The method of claim 1 further comprising notifying a player of
said card game when said player loses a wager.
24. The method of claim 1 wherein said number of points includes
bonus points.
25. The method of claim 1 wherein said arrangement is provided on
an instant lottery ticket, which is initially covered and
selectively revealed by the user.
26. A processor-based system for implementing a virtual card game,
said processor-based system comprising: at least one processor to
execute playing of said virtual card game, and wherein said playing
of said virtual card game comprises the steps of providing at least
one virtual deck of playing cards, electronically shuffling said at
least one virtual deck of playing cards such that said playing
cards in said deck are put into a substantially unknown random
order, electronically placing at least one wager by betting a
monetary amount, electronically dealing each of said playing cards
consecutively to form an arrangement and revealing a face of each
of said playing cards, electronically totaling a number of points
associated with said electronically dealt playing cards based on at
least a number of revealed pairs within said arrangement, and
electronically paying any winning wager according to said monetary
amount bet and odds associated with said winning wager; a program
memory interfacing to said at least one processor to store software
associated with said virtual card game; a user interface connecting
to said at least one processor to allow a player of said virtual
card game to select various functional inputs of said virtual card
game; an image memory interfacing to said at least one processor to
store image data of said virtual card game to be displayed; a
display controller interfacing to said image memory to extract
image data from said image memory in a controlled manner and to
convert said image data to video data; and a display interfacing to
said display controller to accept said video data from said display
controller such that said video data is presented to said player on
said display.
27. The system of claim 26 wherein said wager is based upon the
user choosing how many points will be totaled during a current
round of play.
28. The system of claim 26 wherein said user interface comprises at
least one of a keyboard, a mouse, a touch-screen, and
push-buttons.
29. The system of claim 26 wherein said various functional inputs
include at least one of an ability to select a monetary amount per
wager, an ability to select a total number of points per wager, and
an ability to select that a virtual deck of playing cards be
shuffled and/or cut.
30. The system of claim 26 wherein each of said playing cards are
dealt consecutively face down to form said arrangement and
subsequently revealed sequentially maintaining said
arrangement.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein the playing cards are dealt in a
overlapping arrangement, and selectively sequentially revealed from
a beginning card in the arrangement to an ending card.
32. The method of claim 31 wherein the arrangement is circular, and
the ending card is adjacent to the beginning card.
33. The system of claim 26 wherein a notification of a winning
wager is displayed to a player of said virtual card game on said
display when said player wins a wager.
34. The system of claim 26 wherein a notification of a losing wager
is displayed to a player of said virtual card game on said display
when said player loses a wager.
35. An instant lottery card game system comprising: at least one
game piece on which to execute playing of said card game, wherein
the game piece has thereon a dealt representation of at least one
deck of playing cards which have been placed in randonmized order,
with said representation being selectively revealed by a player,
such that a face of each of said playing cards is revealed, wherein
upon revealing said playing cards, a total number of points
associated with said revealed cards is obtained, based on the
number of revealed pairs within said revealed playing cards
arrangement, upon which any winnings for the game are based.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY
REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional U.S. Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/517,676, filed on Nov. 6, 2003, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to
apparatus and methods for playing a card game. More particularly,
certain embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and
systems for playing a card game in conjunction with wagering. It is
to be appreciated, however, that the method of playing a card game
may find further applications in areas outside of the wagering
arena.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Oftentimes, to non-initiated players, casino games such as
roulette can be intimidating. For example, roulette incorporates
many alternate ways of wagering and these wagering alternatives can
confuse non-initiated players. Therefore, players unfamiliar with
roulette and other casino games may hesitate to play. Consequently,
there is a need for a casino-style game that provides easily
understood wagering principles while, at the same time, provides
the excitement associated with other casino games. Also, providing
a casino-style game in a format or using a media that is likely
already familiar to a player is desirable.
[0004] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional,
traditional, and proposed approaches will become apparent to one of
skill in the art, through comparison of such systems and methods
with the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the
present application with reference to the drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method and
apparatus for playing a card game. The method comprises providing
at least one deck of playing cards and shuffling the deck such that
the playing cards are put into a substantially unknown random
order. The method further comprises placing at least one wager by
betting a monetary amount and attempting to correctly guess a
number of points that will be totaled during a current round of
play. The cards or representation of cards are the dealt or
displayed in an arrangement whereby the cards are adjacent one
another and revealing a face of each of the playing cards. The
method also includes totaling a number of points associated with
the dealt playing cards based on at least a number of revealed
pairs, or adjacent cards having the same value or characteristic,
within the arrangement. The method also includes paying any winning
wager according to the monetary amount bet and odds associated with
the winning wager.
[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a
processor-based system for implementing a virtual card game. The
processor-based system comprises at least one processor to execute
playing of the virtual card game, and wherein the playing of the
virtual card game comprises the steps of providing at least one
virtual deck of playing cards, electronically shuffling the at
least one virtual deck of playing cards such that the playing cards
are put into a substantially unknown random order, electronically
placing at least one wager by betting a monetary amount and
attempting to correctly guess a number of points that will be
totaled during a current round of play, electronically dealing each
of the playing cards in an arrangement and revealing a face of each
of the playing cards, electronically totaling a number of points
associated with the dealt playing cards based on at least a number
of revealed pairs within the arrangement, and electronically paying
any winning wager according to the monetary amount bet and odds
associated with the winning wager. The system further comprises a
program memory interfacing to the at least one processor to store
software associated with the virtual card game and a user interface
connecting to the at least one processor to allow a player of the
virtual card game to select various functional inputs of the
virtual card game. The system further comprises an image memory
interfacing to the at least one processor to store image data of
the virtual card game to be displayed. The system also includes a
display controller interfacing to the image memory to extract image
data from the image memory in a controlled manner and to convert
the image data to video data. The system further includes a display
interfacing to the display controller to accept the video data from
the display controller such that the video data is presented to the
player on the display.
[0007] Alternative embodiments may implement the game in an instant
lottery ticket game format, wherein representations of cards are
selectively revealed. Such representations may typically be masked
or covered in some way, and subsequently selectively revealed to
play the game. In such an embodiment, the wager placed on the game
could also be selected by the player, or the odds of winning chosen
by a player, as a part of playing the game, or such variables may
be set by the game distributor, as desired. The placing of a wager
by the player may simply comprise buying the lottery ticket.
[0008] These and other advantages and novel features of the present
invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof,
will be more fully understood from the following description and
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exemplary flowchart of an embodiment of a
method of playing a card game, in accordance with various aspects
of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a playing
surface layout to accommodate betting for a non-virtual version of
the method of FIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of
an embodiment of a processor-based system for implementing a
virtual card game using the method of FIG. 1, in accordance with
various aspects of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary user interface image
displayed by the processor-based system of FIG. 3 showing an
arrangement of dealt cards face down, in accordance with various
aspects of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary image displayed by the
processor-based system of FIG. 3 after a current round of play, in
accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary image displayed by the
processor-based system of FIG. 3 after a current round of play, in
accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a further exemplary image displayed by
the processor-based system of FIG. 3 after a current round of play,
in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a further exemplary image displayed by
the processor-based system of FIG. 3 after a current round of play,
in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a further exemplary image displayed by
the processor-based system of FIG. 3 after a current round of play,
in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates a further exemplary image displayed by
the processor-based system of FIG. 3 after a current round of play,
in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] FIG. 1 is an exemplary flowchart 100 of an embodiment of a
method of playing a card game, in accordance with various aspects
of the present invention. In step 110, at least one deck of playing
cards or representations of cards is provided. In step 120, the at
least one deck of playing cards is shuffled, whether actually or
virtually, such that the playing cards or representations thereof,
are put into a substantially unknown random order. In step 130, at
least one wager is placed by betting a monetary amount and
attempting to correctly guess a number of points that will be
totaled during a current round of play. In step 140, each of the
playing cards are dealt in an arrangement and a face of each of the
playing cards is revealed. In step 150, a number of points
associated with the dealt playing cards is totaled based on at
least a number of revealed pairs within the arrangement. In step
160, any winning wager is paid according to the monetary amount bet
and odds associated with the winning wager.
[0020] As used herein, various terms are used, but are not intended
to be limiting in terms of the meaning thereof, with the concepts
according to the invention being implemented in any of a variety of
ways. For example, the term "playing cards" shall mean actual
playing cards or any other representation of playing cards, whether
electronically, printed or otherwise.
[0021] As used herein, the term "shuffling" shall mean any physical
or other representation or step of mixing playing cards in a normal
random fashion, whether electronically or otherwise.
[0022] As used herein, the term "dealing or dealt" shall mean any
physical or other representation or step of disposing the cards
into a desired format to be revealed and/or displaying the playing
cards or representations, whether electronically or otherwise.
[0023] As used herein, the term "wagering or placing at least one
wager" shall mean any physical or other representation or step of
placing monetary or psuedo-monetary bets in a normal gambling
sense, whether electronically or otherwise. It should also be
understood that no wagering is necessary to play or enjoy the game
as described according to embodiments herein.
[0024] As used herein, the term "paying" shall mean any physical or
other representation or step of paying on a monetary or
psuedo-monetary bet in a normal gambling sense, whether
electronically or otherwise. It should again be understood that no
payment is necessary to play or enjoy the game as described
according to embodiments herein.
[0025] As used herein, the term "cutting" shall mean any physical
or other representation or step of reordering playing cards in a
normal random fashion, whether electronically or otherwise. It
should also be understood that the cutting of the deck of cards may
be unnecessary as the cards could be suitably randomized by
shuffling alone.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a playing
surface layout 200 to accommodate betting for a non-virtual version
of the method 100 of FIG. 1. The playing surface 200 may be in the
form of a casino table or a board game, for example. As seen in
FIG. 2, the dealing circle 230 is equipped with fifty-two boxes,
generally indicated by the numeral 240. The dealer fills each of
the boxes 240 with a playing card until all fifty-two playing cards
of a standard deck have been dealt. As discussed hereinbelow, to
facilitate point variation, there may be a specific starting point
and ending point for the dealing of the playing cards. For example,
the dealer can begin dealing at starting box 250, and may deal the
playing cards in a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction around
the dealing circle 230. The dealer may first deal all cards face
down around the circle and then reveal the dealt cards one at a
time going around the circle or, to save time, the dealer may
simply deal each card around the circle face up directly from the
start.
[0027] Other non-standard decks may be used as well, in accordance
with various alternative embodiments of the present invention, in
which case the number of boxes on the playing surface to deal the
cards into may be other than fifty-two. Also, multiple decks of
playing cards may be used, in accordance with various alternative
embodiments of the present invention. Further, the cards may be
dealt in some other arrangement such as, for example, the Klondike
manner associated with the game of solitaire.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, players may place bets (i.e., wagers)
by positioning chips in any of the boxes 221-227, typically before
the cards are dealt. Placing chips in the box 221 indicates that a
player is betting that the total accrued points for the current
round of play will be one. Placing chips in the box 227 indicates
that a player is betting that the total accrued points for the
current round of play will be seven. The boxes 222-226 correspond
to bets corresponding to total accrued points of two through six.
The layout 200 of FIG. 2 accommodates players on two sides of the
betting circle 230. Other betting layout arrangements are possible
as well, in accordance with contemplated embodiments of the present
invention. At the same time, the circular type of dealing
arrangement as shown provides a unique display of the cards or
representations. As each card may be dealt consecutively, the
circular type of layout enables easy viewing and anticipation in a
player as the cards are dealt. Any winning pairs are easily
identified as the cards are dealt, as well as positions of bonus
points and the like. The circular type of configuration also is an
aesthetically pleasing arrangement, particularly as the cards are
being dealt in the configuration as shown, in that the cards
overlap one another slightly, but reveal the face values
sufficiently to view the cards easily.
[0029] During a round of play, after all bets are placed and the
cards have been dealt in a consecutive arrangement and the faces of
the cards are revealed, the resultant total number of points are
accrued and compared to the bets (i.e., wagers). In step 150 of
FIG. 1, the number of points accrued during the round is totaled
and a determination is made if the player has won the wager placed
on the round. The number of points accrued during a round depends
on the number of pairs that appear during the specific deal of the
cards.
[0030] For example, a pair is two cards of the same denomination in
consecutive order (i.e., contiguous to each other in the circle).
For example, the five of hearts being next to the five of clubs
constitutes a pair, the seven of diamonds being next to the seven
of spades constitutes a pair, the queen of clubs being next to the
queen of hearts constitutes a pair, etc.
[0031] Points are awarded, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention, when two cards of the same denomination appear
in consecutive sequence which have been dealt from a standard deck
of fifty-two playing cards placed around the dealing circle
arrangement 230, creating a pair. For example, if consecutively
dealt playing cards are a ten, a ten, and a ten, the player is
credited with two points because the first and the second ten
constitute a pair, and the second and the third ten constitute an
additional pair.
[0032] In addition, if consecutively dealt playing cards are, for
example, a seven of hearts, a seven of clubs, a six of hearts, and
a six of diamonds, the player in such an instance is credited with
three points. In such an instance, when two consecutive pairs
appear during the round, a bonus point may be awarded, thus
accounting for the extra third point in this case.
[0033] To facilitate point variation, bonus points may be awarded
in various ways. For example, the starting box 250 and the boxes
251 and 252 on either side of the starting box 250 may be
highlighted. Bonus points may be awarded when the combination of
playing cards placed in the starting box 250 and the box 251 and/or
the combination of playing cards placed in the starting box 250 and
the box 252 equals a pair. For example, when the dealer is dealing
in a counter-clockwise direction, the first playing card dealt is
placed in the starting box 250 and the second playing card dealt is
placed in the box 251. If the combination of the two playing cards
respectively positioned in the starting box 250 and the box 251
constitute a pair, a bonus point may be added to the total number
of points accrued. Furthermore, if during the round the combination
of the first playing card placed in starting box 250 and the last
playing card placed in the box 252 constitutes a pair, another
bonus point may be added to the total number of points accrued.
[0034] Additionally, if during a round the first two playing cards
dealt constitute a pair, and the first playing card and the last
playing card constitute a pair, another bonus point (in addition to
the two bonus points already awarded) may be added to the total
number of points accrued. It should be evident that many variations
of awarding bonus points could be provided, as well as allowing
other methods of accruing points and bonus points, in accordance
with various embodiments of the present invention.
[0035] Additionally, one ordinarily skilled in the art can
appreciate, and it is contemplated that the method of play
described herein may be adapted to a computerized format (i.e., a
processor-based system) including, but not limited to, the Internet
and servers, personal computers, and video games (e.g., a handheld
device or a video poker system). It is further contemplated that
the method of play described herein may be adapted to a mechanical
apparatus including, but not limited to, a slot machine-type
apparatus.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of
an embodiment of a processor-based system 300 for implementing a
virtual card game using the method 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance
with various aspects of the present invention. The system 300
comprises a processor 310, a program memory 320 storing virtual
card game software 325, a user interface 330, an image memory 340,
a display controller 350, and a display 360.
[0037] The processor 310 interfaces to the program memory 300 and
executes the virtual card game software 325. The user interface 330
connects to the processor 310 to allow a player of the virtual card
game to select various functional inputs of the virtual card game.
The image memory 340 interfaces to the processor 310 to store image
data to be displayed. The display controller 350 interfaces to the
image memory 340 to extract image data from the image memory in a
controlled manner and convert the image data to video data. The
display 360 interfaces to the display controller 350 to accept
video data from the display controller 350 such that the video data
is presented to a player on the display 360.
[0038] The virtual card game software 325 is the executable program
to run the virtual card game. The user interface 330 may comprise,
for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch-screen (i.e., the user
interface 330 is combined with the display 360), or push buttons.
The functional inputs controlled through the user interface 330
include, for example, an ability to select a monetary amount per
wager, an ability to select at least one guessed number of points
for wagering, and an ability to select that a virtual deck of
playing cards be shuffled and/or cut and dealt.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a user
interface image 400 displayed by the processor-based system 300 of
FIG. 3 showing an arrangement of dealt cards 410 face down, in
accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The
arrangement 410 is a substantially circular arrangement of
fifty-two playing cards. In an embodiment of the present invention,
the cards are electronically dealt and displayed in a clockwise
direction. The first card dealt is card 420 and the last card dealt
is card 430. In the non-virtual or virtual game according to the
invention, the manner of "dealing" the cards or representations
thereof in the circular form shown, provides an unique and visually
interesting manner of revealing the cards. In the circular form,
the cards are sequentially revealed in a slightly overlapping
fashion, similar to card trick presentations used by magicians. The
sequential revealing of cards also increase the anticipation and
excitement of the game, as a player reviews the cards as they are
revealed, searching for winning combinations.
[0040] Certain cards are in designated or highlighted bonus
positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. For example, the first and last cards 420 and 430 are in
bonus positions. The second card 421 is in a bonus position. The
cards 440, 441, and 442 on the right-hand side of the arrangement
410 are in bonus positions. The cards 450, 451, and 452 on the
bottom of the arrangement 410 are in bonus positions. The cards
460, 461, and 462 on the left side of the arrangement 410 are in
bonus positions. Other bonus positions can be selected as
desired.
[0041] Bonus points are awarded when pairs appear in predetermined
designated bonus positions. For example, if a pair appears in the
designated bonus positions 461 and 462, a point is awarded for the
pair and an extra bonus point is awarded since the pair is in
designated bonus positions. Similarly, if a pair appears in
designated bonus positions 440 and 441, a point is awarded for the
pair and an extra bonus point is awarded since the pair is in
designated bonus positions.
[0042] When a player uses, for example, a mouse to click on the
"Deal" button 470, the cards are electronically turned over one by
one, sequentially, starting with card 420 and ending with card 430
(when going clockwise). The total number of pairs and bonus points
are automatically (i.e., electronically) totaled and are displayed
to the player. If the total number of pairs totaled equals the
wagered number of pairs, then a won amount is credited to an
account of the player and is displayed to the player based on a bet
amount and odds associated with the bet, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates an example image 500 displayed by the
processor-based system 300 of FIG. 3 after a current round of play,
in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. As can
be seen from FIG. 5, three pairs appear in the revealed arrangement
of cards including a pair of sixes 510, a pair of Jacks 520, and a
pair of Queens 530. However, since the pair of Queens 530 appear in
the bonus positions 461 and 462 (see FIG. 4), an extra bonus point
is awarded. As a result, the total number of accrued points for the
current round is four 540, one point for each of the pairs and a
bonus point. If a player wagered on the total number of points
being four, then the player's wager is a winning wager. For
example, during the current round, a player may have wagered $20
that the total number of accrued points would be four for the
current round. If the odds of the total points being four are, for
example, 3-to-1, then the player will win $60 (based on the $20 bet
and the 3-to-1 odds). A wagered dollar amount is entered in box 550
and a wagered number of points is entered in box 560. The current
odds are displayed in box 570 and the resultant total winnings, if
any, are displayed in box 580, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. Other embodiments showing, for example, a
current account with a total dollar amount, are possible as well.
For example, the total account value may have a bet amount
automatically deducted (debit the account value) when placing a
bet, and have a winning amount credited to the account upon
winning.
[0044] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a
notification may be displayed to the player when the player wins a
wager. Similarly, a notification may be displayed to the player
when the player loses a wager.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a second example image 600 displayed by
the processor-based system 300 of FIG. 3 after a current round of
play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
As can be seen from FIG. 6, four pairs appear in the revealed
arrangement of cards including a pair of fives 610, a pair of Aces
620, a pair of Kings 630, and a pair of sixes 640, totaling to 4
points. However, the pair of sixes 640 appear in the bonus
positions 430 and 420 (see FIG. 4) accounting for a first bonus
point. The positions 420 and 430 are also the first and last
positions dealt, accounting for a second bonus point. Therefore,
the total number of accrued points is six 650 (i.e., a winning
wager for the current round corresponds to a bet of 6 points).
[0046] FIG. 7 illustrates a third example image 700 displayed by
the processor-based system 300 of FIG. 3 after a current round of
play. As can be seen from FIG. 7, no pairs appeared in the current
round and, therefore, the total number of pair hits is zero 710. In
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a player
may bet on zero pairs coming up.
[0047] FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth example image 800 displayed by
the processor-based system 300 of FIG. 3 after a current round of
play. As seen in FIG. 8, three fives 810 appear consecutively. The
first two of the three fives constitute a pair and the second two
of the three fives also constitute a pair. Therefore, the total
points accrued is two 820.
[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates a fifth example image 900 displayed by
the processor-based system 300 of FIG. 3 after a current round of
play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
As seen in FIG. 9, a pair of nines 910, a pair of Kings 920, and a
pair of twos 930 appear in the dealt arrangement. However, the pair
of nines 910 appear in the bonus positions 440 and 441 (see FIG. 4)
accounting for a first bonus point, and the pair of twos 930 are
immediately after the pair of Kings 920 accounting for a second
bonus point. Therefore, the total number of accrued points is five
940 (3 pairs plus two bonus points).
[0049] FIG. 10 illustrates a sixth example image 1000 displayed by
the processor-based system 300 of FIG. 3 after a current round of
play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
As seen in FIG. 10, there are a pair of eights 1010, three
consecutive twos 1020, a pair of nines 1030, three consecutive
Kings 1040, and a pair of Aces 1050 in the dealt arrangement. The
number of basic pairs is seven. However, the first pair of Kings of
the three Kings 1040 appear in bonus positions 451 and 452 (see
FIG. 4) and constitute a first bonus point. Also, since the pair of
Aces 1050 immediately follow the second pair of Kings of the three
Kings 1040, a second bonus point is awarded. Therefore, the total
number of points accrued is nine 1060.
[0050] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, which
may be incorporated into any of the embodiments discussed herein,
the game may provide a doubling feature, wherein the player's
payout on a given bet is doubled in the following circumstances. As
an example, in a processor-based system such as described herein,
the doubling feature may be automatically invoked upon the playing
of multiple game rounds by a player. In an embodiment, the player
doubles the winning from a previous hand or the bet on a current
hand in the event that successive rounds result in the same number
of winning pairs. Thus for example, in the round shown in the
example of FIG. 10, there were nine points based upon winning pairs
and/or bonus points. With the doubling feature, when the next hand
or round is played, if the points achieved equals none, the player
will obtain double winnings based on the current bet or another
basis. If desired, the game may be implemented such that the
doubling feature in only invoked if a player bets the last rounds
winnings, for example. Alternatively, the game may include a
doubling button, such as shown at 1070, which is selected by the
player to invoke this feature or may be a separate bet placed by
the player in a given round, related to a previously played
round.
[0051] Alternatively, the game may be played using representations
of cards, which may be "shuffled" or randomized for use in playing
the game. For example, the game may be played in the style of an
instant lottery game, where representations of cards are printed on
a ticket or other medium, such as in the format shown in prior
embodiments, and selectively revealed to play the game. Such
representations may typically be masked or covered in some way, and
subsequently selectively revealed, such as by scratching, to play
the game. In such an embodiment, the wager placed on the game could
also be selected by the player, or the odds of winning chosen by a
player, as a part of playing the game, or such variables may be set
by the game distributor, as desired. The placing of a wager by the
player may simply comprise buying the lottery ticket, or different
pricing for tickets could be provided for differing odds games. In
any event, the wagering scheme used may make instant winning
possible. Such an embodiment constitutes a non-virtual version of
the method of FIG. 1.
[0052] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the various wagering options may be implemented on a physical
playing surface layout where real playing cards and chips are used
to place wagers. Such an embodiment provides a dealer to shuffle,
cut, and deal the cards, and at least one player to place wagers.
Such an embodiment constitutes a non-virtual version of the method
of FIG. 1. In such an embodiment, a player "buys in" or purchases
chips of a specific color or pattern distinct from any other player
currently playing.
[0053] Certain embodiments of the present invention contemplate
distinct chip patterns for each player. However, another embodiment
includes standard color chips corresponding to a specific monetary
denomination. The rationale behind the distinct chip patterns of
certain embodiments is to permit the players, dealer and staff to
easily distinguish one player's wagers from the others.
[0054] It may be appreciated that numerous playing variations and
combinations could be applied to the fundamental principles of the
present invention. The method of the present invention may be
practiced by a single player or by multiple players, wherein the
player(s) play against a house dealer, against a player banker, or
each other in a no bank format.
[0055] Although certain embodiments suggests payoff odds for
specific wagers, it is contemplated that the odds may be modified
to accommodate variables and preferences of individual casinos or
houses. For instance, a specific casino may choose to structure the
odds to attract players where others may choose to hold back on the
odds giving the house an edge over the players.
[0056] It is further contemplated in another embodiment of the
present invention that a player may use other forms of wagers
including, but not limited to, cash and coins while playing the
game of the present invention.
[0057] In still another embodiment of the present invention, one
ordinarily skilled in the art would realize that the present
invention could be played using more than one deck of cards.
Additionally, it is understood that custom cards may be used in
lieu of standard conventional playing cards. Accordingly, the odds
of each wager would change to correspond to the probability of a
specific wager in light of the use of multiple decks or custom
cards.
[0058] As in the commonly known casino game of roulette, a
"red-black" betting option may also be added to increase the
wagering alternatives. This option will allow a player to bet
solely on the number of pairs of same colored cards. Similarly,
wagering could be performed based on pairs of the same suit.
[0059] In summary, embodiments of the present invention provide a
system and method for playing a card game based on revealed pairs
of cards. Normal points and bonus points are totaled based on a
number of revealed pairs in an arrangement of dealt cards and based
on whether or not the revealed pairs appear in pre-designated bonus
positions in the arrangement. The card game may be played manually
on a non-virtual playing surface, such as a game board or instant
lottery ticket, or may be played as an electronic game on a
processor-based platform.
[0060] While the invention has been described with reference to
certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the invention without
departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed,
but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *