U.S. patent application number 11/014382 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-16 for method of conducting a wagering game.
Invention is credited to Burgess, Simon, Cebulko, Ed, Lassiter, Richard.
Application Number | 20050130727 11/014382 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36588378 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050130727 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cebulko, Ed ; et
al. |
June 16, 2005 |
Method of conducting a wagering game
Abstract
A game method for providing a mid-game wager for a base game
includes designating at least one intermediate game point and at
least one qualifying intermediate holding corresponding to at least
one qualifying final result. Players optionally place a base game
wager and initiate the base game. The base game is played until an
intermediate game point is reached. A player holding a qualifying
intermediate holding at the intermediate game point may place an
optional mid-game wager. The base game is played to completion.
Players with a final holding that is a qualifying final result are
rewarded based on the mid-game wager. A multiple hand embodiment of
the game method is also disclosed in which a separate hand may be
conducted for each qualifying final result corresponding to a
qualifying intermediate holding at an intermediate game point.
Inventors: |
Cebulko, Ed; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Burgess, Simon; (Las Vegas, NV) ;
Lassiter, Richard; (Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Morishita Law Firm, L.L.C.
Suite 850
3800 Howard Hughes Pkwy.
Las Vegas
NV
89109
US
|
Family ID: |
36588378 |
Appl. No.: |
11/014382 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11014382 |
Dec 16, 2004 |
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10935021 |
Sep 7, 2004 |
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10935021 |
Sep 7, 2004 |
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10121517 |
Apr 12, 2002 |
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6817614 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/13 ;
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/00157 20130101;
G07F 17/3293 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/013 ;
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A method for conducting a base game played by a player according
to a set of rules using electronic representations of playing cards
to obtain a final holding of playing cards, comprising: designating
an intermediate game point, a qualifying intermediate holding of
one or more playing cards for said intermediate game point, and a
qualifying final result of one or more playing cards corresponding
to said qualifying intermediate holding; initiating the base game;
dealing at least one playing card to said player and conducting
said base game according to said set of rules until reaching an
intermediate game point; permitting said player to place a mid-game
wager if the player possesses at least one qualifying intermediate
holding at said intermediate game point; if the player placed a
mid-game wager, conducting a separate game hand according to said
set of rules for each qualifying final result corresponding to said
qualifying intermediate holdings possessed by said player such that
the player obtains a final holding for each said game hand; and
rewarding said player based on said mid-game wager for each final
holding only if the player's final holding matches a qualifying
final result corresponding to the qualifying intermediate holding
possessed by the player when said mid-game wager was placed.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said base game is video draw poker
in which a player is dealt an initial holding of playing cards,
discards zero or more playing cards, and receives replacements for
the discarded cards, and an intermediate point includes the point
prior to discarding zero or more cards.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said player separately places a
mid-game wager for one or more game hands conducted.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said player places a single
mid-game wager and allocates said mid-game wager among one or more
game hands conducted.
5. A method for conducting a base game played by a player according
to a set of rules using electronic representations of playing cards
to obtain a final holding of playing cards, comprising: designating
an intermediate game point, a qualifying intermediate holding of
one or more playing cards for said intermediate game point, and a
qualifying final result of one or more playing cards corresponding
to said qualifying intermediate holding; initiating the base game;
dealing at least one playing card to said player and conducting
said base game according to said set of rules until reaching an
intermediate game point; permitting said player to place a mid-game
wager if the player possesses at least one qualifying intermediate
holding at said intermediate game point; if the player placed a
mid-game wager, said player selecting at least one qualifying final
result corresponding to a qualifying intermediate holding possessed
by said player and conducting a separate game hand for each
selected qualifying final result such that the player obtains a
final holding for each said game hand; and rewarding said player
based on said mid-game wager for each final holding only if the
player's final holding matches a qualifying final result
corresponding to the qualifying intermediate holding possessed by
the player when said mid-game wager was placed.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein said base game is video draw poker
in which a player is dealt an initial holding of playing cards,
discards zero or more playing cards, and receives replacements for
the discarded cards, and an intermediate point includes the point
prior to discarding zero or more cards.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein said player separately places a
mid-game wager for one or more game hands conducted.
8. The method of claim 5 wherein said player places a single
mid-game wager and allocates said mid-game wager among one or more
game hands conducted.
9. A method of conducting a video draw poker game, comprising:
designating at least one qualifying intermediate holding of one or
more playing cards and at least one qualifying final result of one
or more playing cards corresponding to said qualifying intermediate
holding; dealing an initial holding of playing cards to said
player; permitting said player to place a mid-game wager if the
player possesses at least one qualifying intermediate holding in
the player's initial holding of playing cards; if the player places
a mid-game wager, conducting a separate game hand for each
qualifying final result corresponding to said qualifying
intermediate holdings possessed by said player by holding the
playing cards of the corresponding qualifying intermediate holding
and replacing cards not held such that the player obtains a final
holding for each said game hand; if said player placed a mid-game
wager, rewarding said player based on said mid-game wager for each
final holding only if the player's final holding matches a
qualifying final result corresponding to the qualifying
intermediate holding possessed by the player when said mid-game
wager was placed.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said player separately places a
mid-game wager for one or more game hands conducted.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein said player places a single
mid-game wager and allocates said mid-game wager among one or more
game hands conducted.
12. A method of conducting a video draw poker game, comprising:
designating at least one qualifying intermediate holding of one or
more playing cards and at least one qualifying final result of one
or more playing cards corresponding to said qualifying intermediate
holding; dealing an initial holding of playing cards to said
player; permitting said player to place a mid-game wager if the
player possesses at least one qualifying intermediate holding in
the player's initial holding of playing cards; if the player places
a mid-game wager, said player selecting at least one qualifying
final result corresponding to a qualifying intermediate holding
possessed by said player and conducting a separate game hand for
each selected qualifying final result by holding the playing cards
of the corresponding qualifying intermediate holding and replacing
cards not held such that the player obtains a final holding for
each said game hand; if said player placed a mid-game wager,
rewarding said player based on said mid-game wager for each final
holding only if the player's final holding matches a qualifying
final result corresponding to the qualifying intermediate holding
possessed by the player when said mid-game wager was placed.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein said player separately places a
mid-game wager for one or more game hands conducted.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein said player places a single
mid-game wager and allocates said mid-game wager among one or more
game hands conducted.
15. A device for conducting a video draw poker game, comprising: a
data processor; a display communicating with said data processor;
an input device communicating with said data processor; a bet
receiver communicating with said data processor; and a data storage
structure communicating with said data processor, said data storage
structure storing electronic representations of playing cards, a
schedule of winning poker hands, at least one qualifying
intermediate holding, at least one qualifying final result
corresponding to said qualifying intermediate holding, and
instructions executable by said data processor to conduct said
video draw poker game, comprising: in response to said bet receiver
receiving a base wager, said data processor randomly selecting an
initial holding of playing cards; said display displaying said
initial holding of playing cards; if the player does not possess a
qualifying intermediate holding in the player's initial holding of
playing cards, receiving input from said player at said input
device selecting to hold zero or more playing cards from said
initial holding and forming a final holding by discarding the
playing cards not selected to be held and replacing the discarded
playing cards; permitting said player to place a mid-game wager at
said bet receiver if the player possesses at least one qualifying
intermediate holding in the player's initial holding of playing
cards; if a mid-game wager was received at said bet receiver, said
data processor conducting a separate game hand for each qualifying
final result corresponding to said qualifying intermediate holdings
possessed by said player by holding the playing cards of the
corresponding qualifying intermediate holding, discarding the
playing cards not held, and replacing the discarded playing cards
such that the player obtains a final holding for each said game
hand; said data processor examining the final holding and rewarding
the player based on said base wager if the player has a winning
poker hand or collecting the player's base wager if the player does
not have a winning poker hand; and if a mid-game wager was received
at said bet receiver, said data processor rewarding said player
based on said mid-game wager only if the player's final holding
matches a qualifying final result corresponding to the qualifying
intermediate holding possessed by the player when said mid-game
wager was placed.
16. The device of claim 15 wherein said player separately places a
mid-game wager for one or more game hands conducted.
17. The device of claim 15 wherein said player places a single
mid-game wager and allocates said mid-game wager among one or more
game hands conducted through said input device.
18. A device for conducting a video draw poker game, comprising: a
data processor; a display communicating with said data processor;
an input device communicating with said data processor; a bet
receiver communicating with said data processor; and a data storage
structure communicating with said data processor, said data storage
structure storing electronic representations of playing cards, a
schedule of winning poker hands, at least one qualifying
intermediate holding, at least one qualifying final result
corresponding to said qualifying intermediate holding, and
instructions executable by said data processor to conduct said
video draw poker game, comprising: in response to said bet receiver
receiving a base wager, said data processor randomly selecting an
initial holding of playing cards; said display displaying said
initial holding of playing cards; if the player does not possess a
qualifying intermediate holding in the player's initial holding of
playing cards, receiving input from said player at said input
device selecting to hold zero or more playing cards from said
initial holding and forming a final holding by discarding the
playing cards not selected to be held and replacing the discarded
playing cards; permitting said player to place a mid-game wager at
said bet receiver if the player possesses at least one qualifying
intermediate holding in the player's initial holding of playing
cards; if a mid-game wager was received at said bet receiver,
receiving input from said player selecting at least one qualifying
final result corresponding to a qualifying intermediate holding
possessed by said player; if a mid-game wager was received at said
bet receiver, said data processor conducting a separate game hand
for each selected qualifying final result by holding the playing
cards of the corresponding qualifying intermediate holding,
discarding the playing cards not held, and replacing the discarded
playing cards such that the player obtains a final holding for each
said game hand; said data processor examining the final holding and
rewarding the player based on said base wager if the player has a
winning poker hand or collecting the player's base wager if the
player does not have a winning poker hand; and if a mid-game wager
was received at said bet receiver, said data processor rewarding
said player based on said mid-game wager only if the player's final
holding matches a qualifying final result corresponding to the
qualifying intermediate holding possessed by the player when said
mid-game wager was placed.
19. The device of claim 18 wherein said player separately places a
mid-game wager for one or more game hands conducted.
20. The device of claim 18 wherein said player places a single
mid-game wager and allocates said mid-game wager among one or more
game hands conducted through said input device.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/935,021, entitled "Method of
Conducting a Wagering Game," filed on Sep. 7, 2004 by Applicants
herein, which, in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/121,517, entitled "Method of Conducting a
Wagering Game," filed on Apr. 12, 2002 by Applicants herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to wagering games.
Specifically the present invention is a game method that may be
applied to a variety of wagering games to permit a separate
mid-game wager during game play for qualifying intermediate
holdings. The present invention may optionally be directed a game
method in which a player may place multiple mid-game wagers and
play multiple hands.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A game well known in the gambling industry is video poker.
In the conventional game of video poker known in the art, a gaming
machine with an incorporated data processor and display is
provided. The gaming machine receives a player's wager thereby
prompting the data processor to randomly select a hand of cards
from a data structure containing data representing a deck of
playing cards. The hand of cards, typically five cards, is
displayed face up to represent an initial hand.
[0004] The player selects which, if any, of the five cards of the
initial hand to hold and prompts the processor, through an input
device, to discard the remaining cards. The data processor replaces
the discarded cards with cards selected from the data structure
containing data representing a deck of cards depleted of the
initial hand. The replacements along with the held cards form a
final hand.
[0005] The video poker device compares the final hand to a set of
pre-determined winning combinations stored in the data structure.
Typically, these combinations represent the conventional ranked
Poker hands such as a pair of Jacks or better, two pair, three of a
kind, and so forth. If the player's final outcome matches a winning
combination, the player is rewarded according to a predetermined
fixed pay table. Otherwise, the final outcome is deemed to be a
loss and the player's wager is retained by the gaming machine.
Multiple hand versions of video poker exist in which the cards held
in a main hand are copied into one or more auxiliary hands which
are completed from the same depleted deck of cards. Such a video
poker game is intended to give the player multiple opportunities to
play the same hand using the same playing cards, but drawing
replacements from what the player hopes to be a differently
constituted deck.
[0006] It is known in the art that players are attracted to games
in which a larger payout is possible. Thus, several methods have
been developed to improve pay outs for video poker, slot machines,
and other wagering games. Two of these methods are secondary games
and jackpots.
[0007] Secondary games are separate games which are activated by
some triggering event occurring during or after the play of a
primary game. For example, one secondary game for slot machines is
triggered by a designated symbol appearing on the display. Upon
triggering, a bonus screen appears in which the gaming machine
randomly selects, or a player selects, one or more bonus symbols
from a bonus symbol set. Depending on the bonus symbols selected, a
bonus is awarded. Rather than a fixed bonus, it is also known to
provide a bonus multiplier that multiplies the winnings of the
primary game.
[0008] Secondary games have also been developed for video poker.
For example, one secondary game developed for video poker is
triggered if the player has a winning combination. The secondary
game is optional and requires no additional wager in exchange for
the chance to double the player's winnings.
[0009] In the secondary game, one dealer card is displayed face up
and four player cards are displayed face down. The player is
rewarded when the player selects a player card with a higher value
than the dealer card. When the player selects a player card with a
lower value than the dealer card, the player loses the amount won
from the primary game. The drawbacks of this system are that the
player must risk the player's winnings to play the secondary game
and the outcome of the secondary game is not tied to the outcome of
the primary game.
[0010] Progressive jackpots also encourage continued play by making
the game exciting, suspenseful, and entertaining. In such a
jackpot, a portion of each primary wager is allocated to a
progressive jackpot. The prize is generally awarded based on the
ultimate outcome of the primary game. However, the odds of
obtaining a progressive jackpot are very low.
[0011] Thus, it can be seen that there is a need in the art for a
method for increasing the pay outs of a game such as video poker,
slot machines, and other wagering games.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present method may be applied to any gaming game. The
game method begins with designating an intermediate game point, a
qualifying intermediate holding, and a qualifying final result.
[0013] In one optional embodiment, a player makes a base game wager
and initiates the base game. In another optional embodiment, a base
game wager is not required. The base game is played according to
the rules governing play of the base game until reaching a
predefined intermediate game point. If the player possesses at
least one predefined qualifying intermediate holding at the
intermediate game point, the player is permitted to place a
mid-game wager.
[0014] If the player does not place a mid-game wager, or the player
does not have an intermediate holding, the base game is played to
completion. In an embodiment in which the player placed a base game
wager, the player is rewarded, if at all, based on his base game
wager for his or her final holding.
[0015] If the player places a mid-game wager, at least one game
hand is conducted according to the base game rules to form a final
holding. Optionally, multiple game hands may be conducted if the
player's hand at the intermediate game point correspond to multiple
qualifying final results. The mid-game wager could be handled in
many different ways in such an optional embodiment. For example, a
player may place a single mid-game wager, place separate mid-game
wager for separate game hands, place a single mid-game wager and
allocate the wager among game hands, or the like. In one optional
embodiment, a separate game hand is conducted for each qualifying
final result corresponding to each of the qualifying intermediate
holdings possessed by the player. In another optional embodiment,
the player selects one or more qualifying final results
corresponding to a qualifying intermediate holding possessed by the
player. The player obtains a final holding for each game hand. If
the final holding is a qualifying final result, the player is also
rewarded based on his or her mid-game wager.
[0016] In an embodiment directed to video card games, such as video
draw poker, the present method utilizes electronic representations
of playing cards to obtain a final holding of playing cards. An
intermediate game point is designated. Optionally, multiple
intermediate game points are designated. At least one qualifying
intermediate holding of one or more playing cards is designated for
the intermediate game point and at least one qualifying final
result of one or more playing cards corresponding to the qualifying
intermediate holding are designated.
[0017] In an optional embodiment, a player places a base game
wager. In an alternate optional embodiment, a base game wager is
not required. The base game is initiated and at least at least one
playing card is dealt to the player. The base game is conducted
according to the rules of the game until an intermediate game point
is reached. In one optional embodiment directed to video draw
poker, an intermediate game point may include a point after an
initial holding of playing cards is dealt to a player but before
the player discards and replaces selected playing cards.
[0018] If, at the intermediate game point, the player has a
qualifying intermediate holding, the player is permitted to place a
mid-game wager. As above, in an optional embodiment, multiple
separate game hands may be conducted if the player's qualifying
intermediate holding corresponds to multiple qualifying final
results. In one optional embodiment, a separate game hand is
conducted for each qualifying final result; in another optional
embodiment, the player selects one or more qualifying final results
and a separate game hand is conducted for each selected qualifying
final result. The base game continues until the player obtains a
final holding. For example, in video draw poker, the base game
continues for each game hand by holding the playing cards of the
corresponding intermediate holding and replacing the playing cards
not held.
[0019] In an optional embodiment in which a base wager is placed,
the base wager is resolved. For example, in video draw poker,
resolving the base wager may include comparing the final holding to
a schedule of winning poker hands and rewarding the player based on
his base wager if the final holding is a winning poker hand.
[0020] If the player placed a mid-game wager, the player is
rewarded for each game hand based on the mid-game wager if the
player's final holding for a game hand matches a qualifying final
result corresponding to a qualifying intermediate holding possessed
by the player when the mid-game wager was placed.
[0021] Any number of optional variations could be conducted
including if the player has a winning holding and a qualifying
intermediate holding at an intermediate point, rewarding the player
on the winning holding prior to the player continuing play to
obtain a corresponding qualifying final result. The reward may
optionally be paid to the player, or the player may have to option
to use the reward to place a mid-game wager or supplement a
mid-game wager.
[0022] In another optional variation, at an intermediate point, the
player's holding is examined and the strategies needed to obtain
final holdings possible based on the player's holding are
projected. One of the strategies is designated an optimal strategy.
If the player places a mid-game wager and, by doing so, deviates
from the designated optimal strategy, the player is rewarded with a
supplemental award to a mid-game wager reward if the player
receives a qualifying final result corresponding to the player's
qualifying intermediate holding. It is noted that the supplemental
award may be grouped with, or separate from, any other award.
[0023] A device for conducting a video draw poker game includes a
data processor communicating with a display, an input device, a bet
receiver, and a data storage structure. The data storage structure
stores electronic representations of playing cards, a schedule of
winning poker hands, at least one qualifying intermediate holding,
at least one qualifying final result corresponding to the
qualifying intermediate holding, and instructions executable by the
data processor to conduct the video draw poker game. The
instructions include randomly selecting an initial holding of
playing cards in response to the bet receiver receiving a base
wager. The display displays the initial holding.
[0024] If the player does not possess a qualifying intermediate
holding, the input device receives input from the player selecting
to hold zero or more playing cards from the initial holding. A
final holding is formed by discarding playing cards not held and
replacing discarded playing cards.
[0025] If the playing cards of the initial holding include one or
more qualifying intermediate holdings, the player is permitted to
place a mid-game wager at the bet receiver. As above, in an
optional embodiment, multiple separate game hands may be conducted
if the qualifying intermediate holding(s) of the playing cards
initially dealt correspond to multiple qualifying final results. In
one such optional embodiment, a separate game hand is conducted for
each qualifying final result. In another such optional embodiment,
the player selects through the input device one or more qualifying
final results and a separate game hand is conducted for each
selected qualifying result. In each game hand, the playing cards of
the corresponding qualifying intermediate holding are held and
playing cards not held are discarded and replaced to form a final
holding.
[0026] The data processor examines final holdings and rewards the
player based on the base wager if the player has a winning poker
hand according to the stored schedule of winning poker hands. If
the player placed a mid-game wager at the bet receiver, the data
processor rewards the player based on the mid-game wager if the
player's final holding matches a qualifying final result
corresponding to the qualifying intermediate holding possessed by
the player when the mid-game wager was placed.
[0027] The optional variations and additions previously described
may be included in the method conducted by the data processor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a gaming method according to an
optional embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming device according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a front view of a display of an example video draw
poker game conducted according to an embodiment of the present
invention before initiation;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a front view of a display of the example video
draw poker game of FIG. 3 after an initial deal;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a front view of a display of the example video
draw poker game of FIG. 4 after playing cards are selected to be
held;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a front view of a display of the example video
draw poker game of FIG. 5 after replacement playing cards are
dealt;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a front view of a display of an alternate example
video draw poker game of FIG. 5 after replacement playing cards are
dealt;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a gaming method according to an
optional embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a gaming method according to an
optional embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a gaming method according to an
optional embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a front view of a display of an example multiple
hand video draw poker game conducted according to an embodiment of
the present invention after an initial deal;
[0039] FIG. 12 is a front view of a display of the example video
draw poker game of FIG. 11 after playing cards are selected to be
held;
[0040] FIG. 13 is a front view of a display of the example video
draw poker game of FIG. 11 after replacement playing cards are
dealt.
DESCRIPTION
[0041] Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are
referred to by like numerals throughout. The game method of the
present invention could be applied to any of a variety of base
games including, but not limited to, video card games, slot
machines, Keno machines, or the like. Likewise, it is contemplated
that the present invention could be applied to games played via
computer network, such as the Internet, as well as to live games
and gaming machines. Thus, it should be noted that the description
of the optional embodiments below is exemplary of the claims rather
than limiting.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 1, the broad game method includes
designating at least one intermediate point 26 for the game, at
least one qualifying intermediate holding 28 for each intermediate
point 26 designated, and at least one qualifying final result 42
for each qualifying intermediate holding 28 designated. The
selection of the intermediate point, a qualifying intermediate
holding, and a qualifying final result may be fixed and
predetermined by the rules of the game, may vary in some fashion,
including random, from play to play, or may depend in whole or in
part upon player input prior to initiating game play.
[0043] The intermediate point 26 or intermediate points 26 depend
upon the base game. It is contemplated that an intermediate point
could be any predetermined point in the game between wagering and
resolution. It is further contemplated that in an optional
embodiment, more than one intermediate point may be designated.
[0044] For example, for a video draw poker machine, the
intermediate point may be after the initial deal but before cards
are discarded and replaced. Likewise, for a slot machine, the
intermediate point may be after some, but fewer than all, the slot
reels have stopped spinning. It is noted that the intermediate
point may be fixed or may vary depending upon game play of a
specific game. Thus, for some symbols, the intermediate point may
be when one symbol appears, for other symbols, the intermediate
point may be when two symbols appear. Similarly, in a Keno machine,
the intermediate point may be after some, but fewer than all, the
numbers have been drawn.
[0045] A qualifying intermediate holding is also designated 28. The
qualifying intermediate holding is the holding required at the
predetermined intermediate point to participate in the mid-game
wager of the present invention. It should be noted that more than
one qualifying intermediate holding may be designated. Again, the
qualifying intermediate holding will vary depending on the base
game. However, the qualifying intermediate holding forms the basis
for a recognized outcome.
[0046] For example, in video poker the qualifying intermediate
holding may be any one, two, three, four, or five card hand such as
three or four cards to a Royal Flush, a three of a kind, four cards
to a straight, or the like. In fact, the qualifying intermediate
holding may be a hand that is dissimilar to a hand with a high
poker ranking. For example, a qualifying intermediate hand may have
no significance at all, except that it is designated a qualifying
intermediate hand. Similarly, in a slot machine, the qualifying
intermediate holding may be any designated number of reels with any
designated symbols in a designated position such as two reels with
matching symbols on a pay line or a symbol and a multiplier on a
pay line. In an optional embodiment for Keno, a qualifying
intermediate holding may be any catch out of the quantity of
numbers selected after a quantity of numbers have been drawn, such
as a catch of four numbers out of seven selected after ten numbers
have been drawn.
[0047] With continued reference to FIG. 1, a qualifying final
result is also designated 42 for each qualifying intermediate
holding. The qualifying final result is the final holding required
at the end of the base game that results in a payout to the player
based on a mid-game wager as discussed below. The qualifying final
result is related to the corresponding qualifying intermediate
holding in that the qualifying final result is the successful
completion of the qualifying intermediate holding held at the
intermediate point or intermediate points.
[0048] In one optional embodiment, only one qualifying final result
is designated for each qualifying intermediate holding. For
example, in a video draw poker machine embodiment, if the
qualifying intermediate holding is four to a Royal Flush, the
qualifying final result is a Royal Flush. Similarly, if the
qualifying intermediate holding is three of a kind, the qualifying
final result is four of a kind.
[0049] It is also contemplated that multiple qualifying final
results may correspond to each qualifying intermediate holding. For
example, in one optional video draw poker embodiment, the player
may be prompted to select the qualifying final result he wishes to
wager upon based upon his qualifying intermediate holding. In such
an alternate embodiment, a player with four to a Royal Flush may be
prompted to select a qualifying final result from a Royal Flush or
a straight flush with a corresponding adjustment in payout.
Alternatively, the game rules themselves may account for the
likelihood of each qualifying final result occurring based on the
corresponding qualifying intermediate holding. In such an optional
embodiment, a set of poker hands, such as Royal Flush, a straight
flush, a straight, and a flush, may all be designated as qualifying
final results with corresponding adjustments in pay outs, for a
qualifying intermediate holding of four to a Royal Flush. In yet
another optional embodiment in which a qualifying intermediate
holding corresponds to multiple qualifying final results, or in the
case where one hand may possess multiple qualifying intermediate
holdings, separate game hands may be conducted for different
qualifying final results. Such an optional embodiment is described
in greater detail below.
[0050] Turning to an optional slot machine embodiment, if the
qualifying intermediate holding is two matching symbols on a pay
line, the qualifying final result may be a matching third symbol on
a pay line. Similarly, in a slot machine embodiment with multiple
pay lines, the qualifying intermediate holding could be two
matching symbols on one or more pay lines and the qualifying final
result could be a matching third symbol on one or more pay lines.
For a Keno machine, if the qualifying intermediate holding is a
catch of four of seven selected after ten drawn, the qualifying
final result may be six of seven selected.
[0051] Referring again to FIG. 1, in an optional embodiment the
player begins game play by placing 20 a base game wager and
initiating 22 the base game. However, it is contemplated that in an
optional embodiment, a base game wager may not be required. The
base game is conducted in conventional fashion 24 until the
predetermined intermediate point is reached. Upon reaching the
intermediate point, the player's holding is compared 30 to the
qualifying intermediate holding. If the player possesses a
qualifying intermediate holding, an optional mid-game wager becomes
available 32 to the player. The mid-game wager is a wager that the
player will receive a qualifying final result corresponding to the
qualifying intermediate holding he possessed at the intermediate
point. It is contemplated that in the rare instance that a player
possesses a qualifying intermediate holding that is also a
qualifying final result, the player may be allowed to place a
mid-game wager or, alternatively, not be allowed to place a
mid-game wager as determined by the game rules.
[0052] Relating to this, in an optional embodiment shown in FIG. 7,
specific provisions may be made for a player who obtains an
qualifying intermediate holding that is a winning hand according to
the base rules and, consequently, would qualify the player for a
reward on any base wager amount. In one optional embodiment, such a
winning hand would be mutually exclusive of the qualifying
intermediate holding. For example, if a player holds K.diamond.
9J.diamond. 10.diamond. Q.diamond., the player holds a winning hand
of a straight but also holds four cards to a Royal Flush. Since the
player cannot hold both, these hands are mutually exclusive. In
such a case, the player may be rewarded on his base wager for the
winning hand, i.e. the straight in the example, at the intermediate
point before the player forms a final holding rather than after
forming a final holding. In such an optional embodiment the player
would be able to place a mid-game wager and attempt to obtain the
Royal Flush, already having been rewarded for the dealt straight.
In a further optional embodiment, the reward on the base wager for
the winning hand dealt may be automatically or at the player's
option rolled into the mid-game wager so no additional wager need
be made. Alternatively, the reward may be added to any mid-game
wager so that a player winning the mid-game wager would be paid on
the mid-game wager supplemented by the reward.
[0053] The size of the mid-game wager is not subject to any express
limits other than those set by the house depending on the pay outs
and the desired house advantage. However, it is contemplated that
the mid-game wager limit may be adjusted to make the wager
attractive to the player.
[0054] The base game continues and the player obtains 34 a final
holding. In one embodiment of the method, the base wager and
mid-game wager are rewarded separately. In such an embodiment, the
player is rewarded 38 based his base wager for his final holding
according to the rules of the base game. If the player made 36 the
optional mid-game wager, the player's final holding is then
compared 40 to the qualifying final results corresponding to the
player's intermediate holding. If the player's final holding
matches a qualifying final result, or a selected qualifying final
result in an optional embodiment, the player is also rewarded 46
based on his mid-game wager. It is contemplated that the mid-game
wager reward could be any form including a fixed reward, a
progressive reward, or any other type of reward. Conversely, if the
player's final holding does not match a qualified final result, the
player's mid-game wager is collected 44.
[0055] In an optional embodiment, a winning mid-game wager acts to
multiply the reward on the base wager. Put another way, a
multiplier applied to the base wager reward is the reward
associated with the mid-game wager.
[0056] It should be noted that it is not enough that the player win
the base wager to win the mid-game wager. Rather the player must
receive a qualifying final result. For example, in a video draw
poker embodiment, if an intermediate qualifying holding is four to
a Royal Flush and, at the intermediate point, the player's hand
comprises 10JQK5 and places a mid-game wager with the goal of
obtaining a Royal Flush, he will not be rewarded on his mid-game
wager for discarding the 5 and drawing a K even if he is rewarded
on his base wager for a pair of Kings. He will only be rewarded for
obtaining a qualifying final result, or a selected qualifying final
result in an optional embodiment, corresponding to his qualifying
intermediate holding. Players rewarded for obtaining a qualifying
final result may be paid at any rate including true odds or
more.
[0057] This will, under some circumstances, cause a player to
follow a strategy that may not be the optimal strategy for a game.
In an optional embodiment, the player's holding at an intermediate
point is examined and the final holdings that can be formed from
the player's holding are projected. The strategy or strategies
required for the player to obtain those projected final holdings
are also projected. At least one of those strategies is designated
an optimal strategy. More than one strategy may be designated an
optimal strategy and the designation may be random or based on any
factor or factors including the odds of obtaining the projected
final holding, the payout of the projected final holding, or any
other factor.
[0058] For example, in an embodiment directed to video draw poker,
a player may be dealt a hand of 4567J. Depending upon the playing
cards held and the replacement cards dealt, such a hand could
become a straight (by discarding the J and attempting an 8 or 3),
flush (by discarding the 5 and attempting to obtain a heart), or
straight flush (by discarding the 5 and J to obtain the 5 and
either the 3 or 8). In this case, holding the four hearts and
attempting to obtain a flush would be the strategy most likely to
produce a winning outcome and, thus, may be designated an optimal
strategy. Holding the consecutive cards has a similar, albeit
slightly lower, probability of success and may, or may not, be
designated an optimal strategy, depending upon whether the
particular embodiment allows for multiple optimal strategies
(although the present invention contemplates single or multiple
optimal strategies) and the factors, if any, used to designate the
optimal strategy. For the sake of the example, however, the flush
is optionally designated the optimal strategy. For a player in such
an example game who places a mid-game wager and holds playing cards
that implement a strategy different from the optimal strategy, and
succeeds in winning the mid-game wager, a supplemental reward may
be issued. This supplemental reward may be issued in any fashion
including a separate reward or an increased reward on the mid-game
wager amount.
[0059] An alternate embodiment to the present method, as shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10, contemplates the player not needing to make such a
decision by permitting the player to play multiple separate game
hands. In such an optional embodiment, the game method is conducted
similarly up to the intermediate point. That is, a player may place
20 a base wager although such a base wager may not be required in
certain optional embodiments to initiate 22 the base game. The base
game is conducted 24 according to the base game rules up to a
designated 26 intermediate point. Similarly, if the player does not
have a qualifying intermediate holding, the base game is continued
34 to a final holding for resolution 38 of the base game wager.
However, if the player possesses a hand that corresponds to more
than one qualifying final result when the mid-game wager becomes
available 32, multiple separate game hands may be conducted 47 so
that the player can attempt to obtain multiple qualifying final
results rather than being required to choose just one. It is noted
that this optional method for conducting multiple separate hands
could be triggered if the player possesses 30 a qualifying
intermediate holding that corresponds to multiple qualifying final
results, if the player possesses a hand that contains multiple
qualifying intermediate holdings, or a combination thereof. For
example, in the video poker embodiment shown in FIGS. 11-13, the
player is dealt 9.diamond. 10.diamond. J.diamond. Q.diamond.
A.diamond.. This hand could correspond to a qualifying intermediate
holding of four-to-a-straight-flush (9.diamond. 10.diamond.
J.diamond. Q.diamond.) which could be completed by obtaining
8.diamond. or K.diamond. and four-to-a-Royal-Flush (10.diamond.
J.diamond. Q.diamond. A.diamond.) which could be completed by
obtaining K.diamond. and, thus, could be the basis for triggering
the optional multiple game hand embodiment.
[0060] Returning to FIGS. 9 and 10, the player in such a case may
opt to place 36 a mid-game wager. The mid-game wager itself could
take the form of a single wager, separate wagers on separate game
hands, a single wager allocated to separate game hands, or the
like. That is, in one optional embodiment, the present method could
call for a player may simply make a single mid-game wager. In
another optional embodiment, the present method could call for a
player to make an equal mid-game wager on each game hand. In yet
another embodiment, the player could be permitted to make different
mid-game wagers on different game hands, e.g. wagering five units
on a game hand directed to a straight flush and one unit on a game
hand directed to a Royal Flush. In yet another optional embodiment,
the player could place a mid-game wager, then be permitted to
allocate the mid-game wager differently to different hands, e.g.
placing a five unit mid-game wager with three units allocated to a
game hand directed to a straight flush and two units allocated to a
game hand directed to a Royal Flush.
[0061] Separate game hands are conducted for separate qualifying
final results. In an optional embodiment, shown in FIG. 9, a
separate game hand is conducted 47 for each possible qualifying
final result. Thus, for example, if a particular holding at an
intermediate point could become any of three possible qualifying
final results, three game hands could be conducted. It is
contemplated, however, that in certain embodiments discussed above,
the player may optionally be allowed to allocate zero, or place a
zero wager, on any game hand.
[0062] In another optional embodiment, shown in FIG. 10, the player
may be allowed to select 45 the qualifying final results for which
a game hand will be conducted 49. For example, a video draw poker
embodiment could optionally include such qualifying intermediate
holdings as four-to-a-straight, four-to-a-flush,
four-to-a-straight-flush, three-to-a-Royal-Flush, or the like. In
such an example embodiment, the dealt playing cards 79JQK would
correspond to at least three qualifying intermediate holdings
(four-to-a-straight: 9JQK; four-to-a-flush: 7JQK;
three-to-a-Royal-Flush: JQK). In an optional embodiment permitting
selection, a player may select to play for flush and the Royal
Flush, but may choose not to play for the straight because it would
require an inside draw of a 10-spot card.
[0063] Referring generally to FIGS. 9 and 10, each game hand to be
conducted is completed according to the rules of the base game to
obtain a final holding for each game hand. Thus, for example, if
three game hands are conducted, three final holdings will be
obtained. It is noted that rules for completing the game hands
could be completed in the same fashion as the optional single hand
embodiment discussed above or could use different rules. For
example, in an optional video poker embodiment, each game hand
could be completed using the same deck of playing cards.
Alternatively, each game hand could be completed using a separate
deck of playing cards. In yet another embodiment, each game hand is
completed using a separate deck of playing cards that is depleted
of the initial hand. Thus, in such an optional embodiment, there
would not be duplicates of playing cards within a game hand, e.g.
it would not be possible to have two A in a game hand, but the same
card could be dealt to different hands, e.g. an A could be dealt to
both a first game hand and a second game hand, because each hand is
dealt from a deck of playing cards that is complete except for the
initially dealt cards. For each game hand, if the final holding is
a qualifying final result corresponding to a qualifying
intermediate holding possessed by the player at an intermediate
point, the player is rewarded based on a mid-game wager. An example
of an optional multiple hand embodiment of a video poker game is
shown in FIGS. 11-13 and described in greater detail below.
[0064] The present invention also embraces a gaming machine for
conducting the gaming method described above. With reference to
FIG. 2, a gaming machine according to the present invention
includes a display 54, a data processor 50 communicating with the
display 54, a data storage structure 52 communicating with the data
processor 50, an input device 58 communicating with the data
processor 50, and a bet receiver 56 communicating with the data
processor 50. The data storage structure 52 may be any type
including optical, magnetic, ROM, EPROM, EAROM, RAM, or any other
type of storage. The data storage structure 52 stores instructions
embodying the method described above, images used during game play,
and any other data that may be necessary to make the gaming machine
operable.
[0065] The data processor initiates game play in response to
receiving a wager at the bet receiver 56. The data processor
conducts game play and prompts the display 54 to display images
according to the conduct of the base game. Upon reaching an
intermediate point, the data processor 50 examines the player's
holding and determines whether the mid-game wager is available to
the player. If the mid-game wager is available, the data processor
50 prompts the player, such as through displaying a message at the
display 54, to place a mid-game wager if desired. The data
processor monitors to determine whether the mid-game wager was
received at the bet receiver 56.
[0066] Again, the base game is conducted by the data processor 50
to a final holding according to the base game rules stored at the
data storage structure 52. Upon reaching a final holding, the data
processor 50 compares the player's final holding to the qualifying
final result corresponding to the qualifying intermediate holding
possessed by the player at the intermediate point at which the
mid-game wager was placed. If the player's final holding is a
qualifying final result, the data processor 50 directs a reward to
be issued to the player based on the mid-game wager.
[0067] Turning to FIGS. 3-8, an example game of the present
invention as applied to video draw poker played on a gaming machine
of the present invention is shown. With reference to FIGS. 1-8, an
optional base game wager is placed 20 at a bet receiver 56. In an
optional embodiment, touchscreen buttons 72, 74, 76 on the display
54 or push buttons (not shown) may be used to place a base wager
using a BET 1 button 72 or BET MAX button 74. As shown in FIG. 3,
prior to initiating the game, the display may optionally show
overturned playing cards and a schedule 78 of winning poker hands
along with pay outs. In the example of FIGS. 3-7, the schedule
shows final holdings that will result in a payout and the pay outs
associated with the final holdings for one through five coin
wagers. It is noted that this is an example only and that the
particular pay outs, the particular final holdings, and the
particular quantity of coin wagers for which pay outs are given, as
well as the information displayed and the way the information is
displayed, may vary.
[0068] Referring generally to FIGS. 3-8, the video draw poker game
is initiated 22, optionally by using a DRAW button 76, and a hand
60 of playing cards is dealt 25 to the player. While the hand 60
could be of any size, in this example of an optional embodiment
five playing cards 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 are dealt. In this example of
an optional embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the player has been dealt
a hand 60 consisting of KKQ10K.diamond..
[0069] The player may select to hold zero or more playing cards and
discard and replace 35 the remaining playing cards. In this case,
the player may hold the KKK.diamond. to guarantee a payout for
three of a kind and possibly improve to four of a kind or full
house. Alternatively, the player may hold the KQ10 to possibly
improve to a Royal Flush.
[0070] As discussed above, in an optional embodiment, the player
may be rewarded at this point for the three of a kind dealt.
However, this is entirely optional and it is contemplated that the
method could be conducted without such a step.
[0071] As discussed above, in another optional embodiment, the data
processor may determine an optimal strategy at this point, such as
holding the KKK.diamond.. A player who does not follow the optimal
strategy by placing a mid-game wager and holding the KQ10 may
receive a supplemental reward if the player succeeds in obtaining a
Royal Flush (or straight flush depending upon the qualifying final
result associated with this qualifying intermediate holding).
However, this too is entirely optional and the method may be
conducted with or without such a step.
[0072] With particular reference to FIGS. 5 and 8, the player
elects to hold KQ10. Assuming for this example that three cards to
a Royal Flush is designated 30 a qualifying intermediate holding,
the mid-game wager becomes available 32 if the player holds these
playing cards. This is also reflected in the additional line 80 on
the pay schedule 78 that indicates a payout for each coin of the
mid-game wager placed by the player if the final qualifying hand
(Royal Flush in this case) is obtained.
[0073] Turning to FIGS. 6 and 8, the discarded KK.diamond. have
been replaced 35 by J A and the player has obtained a final holding
of Royal Flush. Assuming that the player in this example game
wagered five coins as a base wager and five coins as a mid-game
wager, the player in such a situation is rewarded 46 with 4000
coins for obtaining a Royal Flush for his base wager and an
additional 5405 coins for obtaining a Royal Flush for his mid-game
wager. If the player had held the KQ10 but not placed a mid-game
wager, the player would have only been rewarded 38 with 4000 coins
for obtaining a Royal Flush for his base wager. Similarly, if the
player had placed a four-coin base wager and a two-coin mid-game
wager, the player would have been rewarded 46 with 3200 coins for
his base wager plus 2162 coins for his mid-game wager.
[0074] Turning to FIGS. 7 and 8, an alternate outcome for the hand
of FIG. 5 is illustrated. In this case, the player has discarded
the same cards, KK.diamond., but the replacement cards Q10 only
give the player a final holding of two pair. The player in this
example would be rewarded 44 for obtaining two pair, i.e. paid 10
coins for a five-coin wager, for example, but the player would not
be rewarded on his mid-game wager, if any, because the final
qualifying result, in this case a Royal Flush, was not
obtained.
[0075] Turning to the multiple hand example of FIGS. 11-13, as
noted above, in an optional embodiment, a base wager may not be
required. In an optional embodiment in which a base wager is
required, a base wager may be placed by inputting bills, coins,
tickets, vouchers, or the like, or by using a "Bet 1" button 112 or
"Bet Max" button 114 to deduct stored game credits. In an optional
embodiment, the player may initiate the game automatically by
making a maximum wager using the "Bet Max" button 114 or by
pressing a "Deal" button 116.
[0076] In the example of FIG. 11, a player is dealt an initial hand
100 of 9.diamond. 10.diamond. J.diamond. Q.diamond. A.diamond..
Since this initial hand 100 corresponds to a straight flush and to
a Royal Flush, optionally illustrated in a pay table 118 in
additional pay lines 120 showing the qualifying final results and
associated pay outs, the player is presented with the option to
place a mid-game wager. As discussed above, the mid-game wager
could be handled in many different ways including allowing the
player to separately wager on different game hands or allocate a
wager among game hands. As for the mid-game wager itself, it could
be inputted into the game through a receiver, such as a bill, coin,
ticket, or voucher receiver, or could be deducted from game credits
using the "Bet 1" button 112 and "Bet Max" button 114.
[0077] If the player opts to place the mid-game wager, the player
is presented with multiple game hands 130, 140, as shown in FIG.
12. It is noted that the multiple game hands 130, 140 need not be
presented simultaneously as shown in FIG. 12, but could be shown
serially, or in any other fashion. It is also noted that the entire
initial hand could be presented, as shown in the optional
embodiment of FIG. 12, or only the qualifying intermediate holding
may be shown.
[0078] In an optional embodiment in which the player selects which
game hands to play, it is noted that the presentation of game hands
may be preceded by the player selection. In an alternate version of
such an optional embodiment, the game hands may be presented to the
player and any non-selected game hands would be removed or
otherwise visually distinguished from the selected game hands.
[0079] Assuming then, that the player elects to proceed with both
game hands 130, 140, and has placed the necessary mid-game
wager(s), each game hand is conducted. As with the display of the
game hand discussed above, each game hand may be conducted
serially, simultaneously, or in any other order or fashion. The
completion of each game hand proceeds according to the rules of the
base game. In the case of the optional video poker embodiment shown
in FIGS. 11-13, playing cards corresponding to the qualifying
initial holding are held and playing cards that are not held are
discarded and replaced.
[0080] In the case of the example of FIG. 12, the game hand 130
directed to a Royal Flush has held the playing cards 10.diamond.
J.diamond. Q.diamond. A.diamond. to attempt to draw K.diamond..
Similarly, the game hand 140 directed to a straight flush has held
the playing cards 9.diamond. 10.diamond. J.diamond. Q.diamond. to
attempt to draw 8.diamond. or K.diamond.. It is noted that the
player may be required to affirmatively act to hold the cards of
the qualifying initial holding or, in an alternate optional
embodiment, the cards of the qualifying initial holding may be
automatically held when the mid-game wager is placed.
[0081] Turning to FIG. 13, in the optional embodiment for video
poker, cards that are not held are discarded and replaced.
Optionally, the replacements may be drawn from the same deck for
all cards. Alternatively, the replacements may be drawn from one or
more separate decks for each game hand. In the example of FIG. 13,
the replacements for each game hand are drawn from a separate deck
that excludes the initially dealt hand, 9.diamond. 10.diamond.
J.diamond. Q.diamond. A.diamond.. In the example, the player
receives a final holding 132 of 10.diamond. J.diamond. Q.diamond.
KA.diamond. in the game hand directed to a Royal Flush and a final
holding 142 of 8.diamond. 9.diamond. 10.diamond. J.diamond.
Q.diamond. in the game hand directed to a straight flush.
[0082] The game hands 132, 142 are examined and the player is
rewarded based on the mid-game wager or mid-game wagers if the
final holding matches the qualifying final results corresponding to
the qualifying intermediate holding possessed when the mid-game
wager or mid-game wagers are placed. In the example of FIG. 13, the
player has obtained final holding 132 of a straight in a game hand
directed to a qualifying final result of Royal Flush. According to
this optional embodiment, the player is not rewarded on the
mid-game wager for this game hand, although the player may be
rewarded on a base wager for this hand in an optional embodiment.
Conversely, the player has obtained a final holding 142 of a
straight flush in a game hand directed to a qualifying final result
of straight flush. Thus, the player is rewarded on the mid-game
wager for this game hand, along with a reward on a base wager in an
optional embodiment.
[0083] While certain embodiments of the present invention have been
shown and described it is to be understood that the present
invention is subject to many modifications and changes without
departing from the spirit and scope of the claims presented
herein.
* * * * *