U.S. patent application number 10/778485 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-18 for method and apparatus for playing a game.
Invention is credited to DeSalvo, Richard JR..
Application Number | 20050179201 10/778485 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34838183 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050179201 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeSalvo, Richard JR. |
August 18, 2005 |
Method and apparatus for playing a game
Abstract
A baseball-theme game of chance that maybe played either for
monetary wagers or for fun in a table or video format.
Inventors: |
DeSalvo, Richard JR.;
(Danvers, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALL MARJAMA & BILINSKI
101 SOUTH SALINA STREET
SUITE 400
SYRACUSE
NY
13202
US
|
Family ID: |
34838183 |
Appl. No.: |
10/778485 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/244.1 ;
273/244.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/00031 20130101;
A63F 2003/00034 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/244.1 ;
273/244.2 |
International
Class: |
A63F 003/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A method for playing a baseball-theme game with at least one
player, P.sub.n, where n.gtoreq.1, comprising: providing a game
region for playing the game, the game region including a first set
of BASE position labels, (1B, 2B, 3B) and a first plurality of sets
of number of "Outs" labels, (No Outs, One Out, Two Outs); defining
a game event as one event selected from a group including an out, a
single, a double, a triple, a home run, and a grand slam; defining
an "inning" as a duration from a "game start" to a "Three-Outs"
situation for each "P.sub.B"; providing at least one status marker
having a selective status indicia indicative of the "ON BASE"
situation (`ON`) and the "OFF BASE" (`EMPTY`) situation, and which
can be placed on an associated one of the BASE position labels
during an `inning`; providing a game engine for generating a
plurality of different indicia; associating each indicia with a
particular game event; affording P.sub.n an opportunity to make a
wager prior to engaging the game engine; engaging the game engine,
initially with all status markers in an "EMPTY" condition until any
series of game engine indicia results in an "Out" game event three
times, thus defining an end of the "inning", wherein, during the
"inning", a tally of a number of "RUNS" is kept as maybe obtained
by particular sequences of game engine indicia; and clearing the
status markers at the end of each inning to an "EMPTY"
condition.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein one of the players engages the
game engine.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the game engine is selected from
the group consisting of a plurality of dice, a plurality of cards,
and a plurality of chips.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said region includes a plurality
of betting labels indicative of a corresponding plurality of
betting options, said betting labels substantially including: a
"Run Line" demarcation for 0 Outs, 1 Out, and 2 Outs; a "Shut Out
Line" demarcation for No Outs, One Out, and Two Outs; a "No Hits
Line" demarcation for No Outs, One Out, and Two Outs; a 1B, a 2B, a
3B, and a HR demarcation; a Hit, an Out, and an Xtra demarcation;
and a GRAND SLAM demarcation.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein a player betting on the Run Line
is wagering that a run will score before the third Out ending the
inning, further wherein a player may place a bet in the RUN LINE
corresponding to the current number of Outs provided that: (a) the
"1 Out" bet can be no greater than a preselected multiple of at
least two times the value of any "0 Outs" bet made by that player;
(b) the "2 Outs" bet can be no greater than a preselected multiple
of at least two times the value of any "1 Out" bet made by that
player; and, all of the base position labels are EMPTY as indicated
by the status markers.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein before the end of an inning, a
player may increase or decrease his 1 Out or 2 Outs bets at any
time within the parameters of (a) and (b).
7. The method of claim 4, wherein for each Run, the "0 Outs" bet is
paid 1 to 1, the "1 Out" bet is paid 8 to 5, and the "2 Outs" bet
is paid 18 to 5.
8. The method of claim 4, wherein a player betting on the Shut Out
Line is wagering that the third Out will result before any Run
occurs, wherein a player may place a bet on the label corresponding
to the current number of Outs.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein before the end of an inning, a
player may increase or decrease his Shut Out Line bet any time of
play if all of the base position labels are EMPTY as indicated by
status markers.
10. The method of claim 4, wherein if the third Out is obtained
before any Run occurs then: the "0 Outs" bet is paid 4 to 5; the "1
Out" bet is paid 2 to 5; and the "2 Outs" bet is paid 1 to 5,
further wherein the original wagers are returned to the player.
11. The method of claim 4, wherein a player betting on the No Hits
Line is wagering that the third Out will result before a single or
a double or a triple or a home run occurs.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein if the third Out occurs before
a single, double, triple, or a home run is obtained, then: the "0
Outs" bet is paid 11 to 5; the "1 Out" bet is paid 6 to 5; and the
"2 Outs" bet is paid 2 to 5, further wherein the original wagers
are returned to the player.
13. The method of claim 4, wherein a player betting on the 1B bet
is wagering that a single will be obtained before the third Out
occurs.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein if a single occurs before the
third Out occurs, then the player is paid 11 to 5, further wherein
the original wager is returned to the player.
15. The method of claim 4, wherein a player betting on the 2B bet
is wagering that a double will occur before the third Out
occurs.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein if a double occurs before the
third Out occurs, then the player is paid 15 to 1, further wherein
the original wager is returned to the player.
17. The method of claim 4, wherein a player betting on the 3B bet
is wagering that a triple will occur before the third Out
occurs.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein if a triple occurs before the
third Out occurs, then the player is paid 15 to 1, further wherein
the original wager is returned to the player.
19. The method of claim 4, wherein a player betting on the HR bet
is wagering that a home run will occur before the third Out
occurs.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein if a home run occurs before the
third Out occurs, then the player is paid 11 to 5, further wherein
the original wager is returned to the player.
21. The method of claim 4, wherein a player betting on the GRAND
SLAM bet is wagering that a home run will occur while Base 1, Base
2 and Base 3 are all ON as indicated by status markers, before the
third Out occurs.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein if a home run occurs while Base
1, Base 2 and Base 3 are all ON as indicated by status markers,
then the player is paid 175 to 1, further wherein the original
wager is returned to the player.
23. The method of claim 4, wherein a player betting on the 1B, 2B,
3B, or HR bets is wagering that the next occurring game event will
be a single, double, triple, or home rune, respectively.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the winning payoffs are as
follows: 1B: single; 5 to 1; 2B: double; 30 to 1 3B: triple; 30 to
1; HR: home run; 5 to 1.
25. A method of playing a baseball-theme game comprising the steps
of: (a) establishing five game events consisting essentially of
out, single, double, triple, and home run; (b) establishing a
payoff table of at least four different prizes, each prize
associated with one of said game events; (c) affording a player an
opportunity to wager on at least one game event; (d) generating
substantially by chance one of said five game events, where the
odds of generating particular ones of said game events are not
equal; and (e) awarding to a player said prize associated with said
game event if said generated game event is associated with one of
said prizes.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein the odds of generating an out
are approximately twenty-four out of thirty-six game event
generations, the odds of generating a single are approximately five
out of thirty-six game event generations, the odds of generating a
double are approximately one out of thirty-six game event
generations, the odds of generating a triple are approximately one
out of thirty-six game event generations, the odds of generating a
home run are approximately five out of thirty-six game event
generations.
27. A method of playing a baseball-theme game comprising the steps
of: (a) establishing five game events consisting essentially of
out, single, double, triple, and home run; (b) establishing a
plurality of different series of one or more game events that
constitutes a run; (c) affording a player an opportunity to make a
first wager that a run will occur; (d) generating substantially by
chance at least three game events until three outs have been
generated; and (e) if a run occurs before three outs have been
generated, awarding to the player who placed said first wager a
first prize.
28. The method of claim 27 comprising the further steps of:
affording a player an opportunity to make a second wager that three
outs will be generated before a run occurs; and if three outs are
generated before a run occurs, awarding to the player who made said
second wager a second prize.
29. The method of claim 27 comprising the further steps of:
affording a player an opportunity to make a third wager that at
least a preselected number of at least two runs will occur before
three outs have been generated; and if at least said preselected
number of runs occurs before three outs have been generated,
awarding to the player who made said third wager a third prize.
30. The method of claim 27 comprising the further steps of:
affording a player an opportunity to make a fourth wager that a
preselected number of at least two runs, and not more runs, occurs
before three outs have been generated; and if said preselected
number of runs, and no more runs, occurs before three outs have
been generated, awarding to the player who made said fourth wager a
fourth prize.
31. The method of claim 27 comprising the further steps of:
affording a player an opportunity to make a fifth wager that three
outs will be generated before either a single, double, triple, or
home run occurs; and if three outs are generated before either a
single, double, triple, or home run occurs, awarding to the player
who made said fifth wager a fifth prize.
32. The method of claim 27 comprising the further steps of:
affording a player the opportunity to make a sixth wager that a
single occurs before three outs have been generated, a seventh
wager that a double occurs before three outs have been generated,
an eighth wager that a triple occurs before three outs have been
generated, and a ninth wager that a home run occurs before three
outs have been generated; if a single occurs before three outs are
generated, awarding to the player who made said sixth wager a sixth
prize; if a double occurs before three outs are generated, awarding
to the player who made said sixth wager a seventh prize; if a
triple occurs before three outs are generated, awarding to the
player who made said sixth wager a eighth prize; if a home run
occurs before three outs are generated, awarding to the player who
made said sixth wager a ninth prize.
33. The method of claim 27 comprising the further steps of:
establishing a game condition that is defined as a grand slam when
a home run occurs; affording a player an opportunity to make a
tenth wager that a grand slam occurs before three outs have been
generated; and if a grand slam occurs before three outs are
generated, awarding to the player who made said tenth wager a tenth
prize.
34. The method of claim 27 comprising the further steps of:
affording a player an opportunity to make an eleventh wager that
the next game event generated will be a single; affording a player
an opportunity to make a twelfth wager that the next game event
generated will be a double; affording a player an opportunity to
make a thirteenth wager that the next game event generated will be
a triple; affording a player an opportunity to make a fourteenth
wager that the next game event generated will be a home run; if the
next game event generated is a single, awarding to the player who
made said eleventh wager an eleventh prize; if the next game event
generated is a double, awarding to the player who made said twelfth
wager an twelfth prize; if the next game event generated is a
triple, awarding to the player who made said thirteenth wager an
thirteenth prize; if the next game event generated is a home run,
awarding to the player who made said fourteenth wager an fourteenth
prize.
35. The method of claim 27 wherein said game events are generated
by rolling a pair of dice.
36. The method of claim 27 comprising the further steps of:
providing an audio sound system capable of generating at least one
sound that mimics a crowd cheering or applauding; and utilizing
said sound system to create at least one said sound when a
preselected game event is generated.
37. The method of claim 27 comprising the further steps of:
providing an audio visual system capable of generating at least one
audio and visual display that portrays an actual baseball event;
utilizing said audio-visual display system to create at least one
said display when a preselected game event is generated.
38. The method of claim 27 comprising the further steps of:
providing a library containing a plurality of names of baseball
players; allowing a player to select one of said names from said
library; substantially randomly selecting one of said names from
said library; comparing said name selected by said player with said
name substantially randomly selected; and if said names match, then
awarding the player a bonus prize.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to the
field of games played in a home-type or a casino-type setting, with
or without legal wagers, and more particularly to a method and
associated structure (such as a board, a table, or a video slot
machine) for playing a baseball-theme game using dice or an
equivalent game engine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There exists many types of games that are playable by
individuals for both personal enjoyment and monetary risk. The
popularity of various board games, dice games, card games, etc. is
clearly evidenced by the diverse selection of such games for
purchase in retail outlets and more so by the ever growing number
of gambling casinos and other legal betting outlets. Thus, a new
game may appeal to a wide consumer base and, moreover, may
represent a significant revenue generator in a casino or other
legal wagering setting.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to a
method for playing a non-realistic baseball-theme game. The number
of players is primarily dependent upon the setting where the game
is played; i.e., in an aspect, the game is a casino table game and
might be played by up to 24 players gathered around an appropriate
casino game table. In an alternative aspect, the game may be in the
form of a board-type game that could be played in a home-type
setting by as few as a single player. In yet another embodiment,
the game may be played in either a wagering or a play-for-fun video
game format, as either a casino slot machine, a hand-held, portable
unit, or a personal computer linked to the Internet.
[0004] The game theme is preferably based on U.S. style baseball
and involves game events such as hits, runs, outs, etc. Game events
are generated by the chance selection or draw of the results of a
game engine; for example, in various respective aspects, the game
engine is a pair of conventional, six-sided dice or a selection of
cards or a selection of chips that are specially marked with number
and/or figure indicia. The invention, however, is not limited to
these game engine examples, as one skilled in the art will
appreciate. Each roll of the dice, for example, will result in a
number between two and twelve, inclusive, and every number
combination is preferably associated with a particular game event.
Thus, the single player rolling the dice, referred to as the
batter, may illustratively "load the bases" by rolling the number
combination for a "single" hit on three consecutive rolls. The
batter continues to be `at bat` (i.e., rolling the dice) until the
number combination for an "out" is obtained three times, defining
an "inning" of the game. In an illustrative casino table setting,
the batter (preferably an active player) as well as the other
players, make various wagers on each prospective game event that
might be generated by the batter during the batter's inning.
[0005] It will be apparent from the immediately foregoing
description that the game is played on a suitably sized and labeled
playing surface, or in a video version, on a simulation or
replication of such a surface. The game surface configuration,
corresponding to game events in the form of demarcated wagering
regions or labels, provides a two-dimensional surface on which to
engage the game engine and various markers denoting the presence of
current game conditions and/or wagers. In an aspect, the playing
surface is embodied in a casino style table of sufficient size and
configuration to accommodate up to about twenty-four players
(including their betting chips, for example) and associated game
personnel. The overall playing surface layout lends itself to a
generally rectangular shape that will have a range of length and
width dimensions depending upon the game setting. For example, in a
casino-type table setting, the game surface may be embodied in a
large table structure having a length up to about twelve feet and a
width up to about six feet. According to this aspect, the game
table may have a boundary rail, boundary compartments for wagers'
chips and/or money, etc. In an illustrative casino type table
setting embodiment, non-playing game personnel hired by the casino
may be designated to facilitate various functions including, but
not limited to, presenting the game engine to the batter,
exchanging money for betting chips, placing, collecting and/or
paying bets, and resolving game disputes. It will be appreciated
that such a table in many respects is similar to a conventional
craps table.
[0006] In an alternative aspect, the game playing surface may be
embodied in a home style board or table of sufficient size and
configuration to accommodate up to perhaps four to eight players.
In this aspect, the board may have a length of approximately two
feet or thereabout and a width of approximately one foot or
thereabout. It will be appreciated that the dimensions themselves
are not critical but rather the playing surface should provide for
sufficient size and visibility of the labels, rolling of the dice
or other game engine pieces, placement of bets (when applicable),
placement and movement of markers (described further below),
comfortable accommodation of a requisite number of players and game
personnel, and other factors appreciated by those skilled in the
art.
[0007] Various objects and advantages according to embodiments of
the invention, as well as a complete description enabling various
embodiments of the invention are presented below and in the
appended drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0008] For a further understanding of these and objects of the
invention, reference will be made to the following detailed
description of the invention which is to be read in connection with
the accompanying drawing, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a table that shows all of the possible numerical
combinations obtainable from a conventional pair of dice and
respective designated game events according to an embodiment of the
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a conventional pair of conventional, six-sided
dice that may be used in an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 3A shows a sample of an exemplary set of playing cards
that may be used according to an aspect of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 3B shows a sample of an exemplary set of playing chips
that may be used according to an exemplary aspect of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary status marker including selective
status indicia according to an embodiment of the invention; and
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a playing surface layout according to an
embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The following description of a preferred embodiment is for
the purpose of explanation, and not limitation. Some specific
details are set forth in order to provide a better understanding of
a preferred embodiment of the present invention, however, in other
instances, description of other elements, features, and techniques
are omitted so as not to encumber or confuse the reader with
unnecessary detail. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art
that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments
that depart from the following description and that differences may
exist from the embodiment specifically described without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following
detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting
sense.
[0016] The invention will be described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the same item.
An embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for playing
a baseball-themed game by one or more players, P.sub.n For the sake
of clarity of description, the illustrated embodiment will describe
a legal wagering game in a casino table setting, the game engine
will be a pair of dice, a game playing surface (described more
fully below) will be embodied in a casino-style table, and various
non-playing game personnel (described more fully below) will have
functional responsibilities associated with the playing of the
game. It is to be understood that the descriptive embodiment is
exemplary and that the invention is not so limited in scope.
Game Overview
[0017] According to an embodiment of the invention, the game is
played with a conventionally marked pair of dice 20, each die 20
having six sides, as shown in FIG. 2. The number of indicia on each
die 20 run from one to six, each number associated with a
corresponding one of the sides of each die 20. Thus, with two dice
20 in play, the lowest total number that can be rolled is two, and
the highest total number that can be rolled is twelve. The two die
20 have thirty-six combinations that can be rolled. The possible
combinations that the pair of dice can produce, the ways those
combinations can be rolled, and the game events (results)
designated as a Single, a Double, a Triple, a Home Run and an Out,
are illustrated in the table of FIG. 1. Alternative exemplary game
engines include, but are not limited to, specially marked cards 22
as shown in FIG. 3A or chips 32 as shown in FIG. 3B.
[0018] A single active player, P.sub.B, designated as the "batter"
has control of the game at any one time. The batter's dice roll
results (i.e., particular game events) determine the payoffs of all
the wagering players, P.sub.N, at the table. In an aspect, the
option to become a batter, P.sub.B and to roll the dice 20 follows
in a conventional clockwise fashion, with each player in turn
having an opportunity to roll. The batter remains in control of the
game until he or she has rolled a total of three dice combinations
that are designated as an OUT in the combinations table shown in
FIG. 1. This duration of control by a single batter is referred to
as an INNING. In an aspect, the other players P.sub.N, at the table
do not have to shoot the dice 20 when their turn comes; they may
choose to pass the opportunity to roll to the next player in
turn.
[0019] According to an aspect of the embodiment, when a new batter
is ready to begin throwing the dice 20, a game personnel designated
as an UMPIRE offers the batter the choice of two out of five or six
identical die 20 for selection of a pair by the batter. Typically,
in a casino setting, the umpire would push the dice 20 towards the
player with a crook-shaped stick. The batter selects two die 20 and
the others are collected by the umpire. At this point, the batter
preferably must make a Run Line or a Shutout Line bet prior to
rolling the dice 20. Upon placing the bet, the batter throws the
dice 20 on the game surface layout, preferably, in an aspect,
hitting the table wall or rail on the opposite end of the table.
Failure to throw the dice the entire length of the table may result
in another game personnel designated as a BOXMAN to admonish the
batter to throw them harder.
[0020] Before proceeding with the game method description, it will
be instructive to describe an embodiment of the game playing
surface layout and configuration 500 as illustrated in FIG. 5. In
an aspect, the game is played in connection with a game surface 502
such as a traditional felt cloth or a plastic or woven sheet of
material bearing a particularly labeled layout 505. The playing
surface 502, according to an embodiment of the invention, includes
a right-side layout region 510 having a first series of labels that
correspond to a series of pre-selected wagering situations. The
first series of labels include a plurality of "Run Lines" 515, 516,
517 for each of "0 Outs", "1 Out" and "2 Outs"; a "Shut Out Line"
519 including a plurality of Shut Out Line demarcations 520, 521,
522 for "No Outs", "One Out" and "Two Outs", respectively; a "No
Hits Line" 529 including a plurality of No Hits Line demarcations
530, 531, 532 for "No Outs", "One Out" and "Two Outs",
respectively, a bases region 540 consisting of a "1B" demarcation
541, a "2B" demarcation 542, a "3B" demarcation 543, and a "HR"
demarcation 544. The playing surface 502 also includes a left side
layout region 514 that is a mirror image of the right side layout
region 510 as shown in FIG. 5. In addition, the playing surface 502
includes a center layout region 512 that is intermediate the right
side and left side layout regions, and is where the NEXT batter
proposition bets are placed. The center layout region includes a
second series of game event labels corresponding to a series of
pre-selected wagering situations. The center layout region labels
include a "1B" demarcation 551, a "2B" demarcation 552, a "3B"
demarcation 553, a "HR" demarcation 554, a "Hit" demarcations on
555, an "Out" demarcation 556, and an "Xtra" demarcation 557. A
"Grand Slam" demarcation 558 is physically located in the center
layout region 512 above the game event demarcations 551-551, but in
an aspect of the invention is likewise connected with both side
layout regions.
[0021] According to an aspect of the embodiment, the configuration
500 of the game surface layout, in accordance with FIG. 5, is as
follows: Run Lines 515-517 are contiguous L-shaped track regions;
the Shut Out Line demarcations 520-522 are contiguous; the No Hits
Line demarcations 530-532 are, similarly, contiguous; the side
region base demarcations 541-544 form a contiguous four element
group; the 1B, 2B, 3B and HR demarcations 551-554 each have a
generally diamond shaped boundary as shown and are arranged in a
diamond shaped grouping as shown in FIG. 5; the Hit, Out, and Xtra
demarcations 555-557 have generally circular shaped boundaries with
additional indicia 561 to illustratively resemble the typical
stitching on a baseball; and the Grand Slam demarcation 558 is
bisected by a betting odds indicia 599. In an aspect, some of the
labels include additional betting odds indicia 563 as shown.
[0022] Returning now to the playing of the game, the process that
occurs for each batter rolling the dice 20 occurs generally as
follows: When a new batter is "up" and is ready to start throwing
the dice, all three BASE positions (1B, 2B, and 3B) 541-543 will be
EMPTY. If a BASE position is EMPTY, then its demarcated label on
the table will not be covered; however, if a BASE position is ON,
then a BASE marker (not shown), M.sub.B, will be placed on the
label demarcation on the table surface. The BASE markers may be
plain or specially marked chip-type objects or other marking
trinkets. Three BASE markers will be available for each game
personnel designated as a COACH at the table. All three bases begin
each inning as OFF or EMPTY. Alternatively, the marker may comprise
a light that turns on or off to indicate the condition of each BASE
position.
[0023] A status marker 42 as shown, for example, in FIG. 4, is
labeled ON on one side and EMPTY on the other side. In an aspect,
the status marker 42 is kept generally in a region 503 of the game
surface between each COACH position and the No Hit Line 529 as
shown in FIG. 5. The status marker 42 is turned to the ON side up
whenever any of the bases are ON, and to the EMPTY side up when
they are all off. The status marker 42 also moves across the table
over the No Hit Line demarcations 530-532 to show how many Outs
have been rolled by the batter during the batter's inning. The
status marker 42 begins each inning as Empty over the No Hits area.
The status marker 42 may likewise be replaced with a light to
indicate the ON and EMPTY conditions.
[0024] The batter rolls the dice 20 in a sequential manner until
any series of combinations resulting in an Out has been rolled
three times. The game is played as follows until the third out is
rolled: If the batter rolls a SINGLE, the following actions are
taken, in order, with the Base markers: If Base 3 is ON, then a RUN
scores and Base 3 becomes OFF; if Base 2 is ON, then Base 3 becomes
ON and Base 2 becomes OFF; if Base 1 is ON, then Base 2 becomes ON
and Base 1 becomes OFF; Base 1 becomes ON. If the batter rolls a
DOUBLE, the following actions are taken, in order, with the Base
markers: If Base 3 is ON, then a RUN scores and Base 3 becomes OFF;
if Base 2 if ON, then a RUN scores and Base 2 becomes OFF; if Base
1 is ON, the Base 3 becomes ON and Base 1 becomes OFF; Base 2
becomes ON. If the batter rolls a TRIPLE, the following actions are
taken, in order, with the Base markers: If Base 3 is ON, then a RUN
scores and Base 3 becomes OFF; if Base 2 is ON, then a RUN scores
and Base 2 becomes OFF; if Base 1 is ON, then a RUN scores and Base
1 becomes OFF; Base 3 becomes ON. If the batter rolls a HOME RUN,
the following actions are taken, in order, with the Base markers:
If Base 3 is ON, then a RUN scores and Base 3 becomes OFF; if Base
2 is ON, then a RUN scores and Base 2 becomes OFF; if Base 1 is ON,
then a RUN scores and Base 1 becomes OFF; a RUN scores. A RUN
counts for each run scored. Once the third out occurs, all bases
become EMPTY and the table returns to no (zero) outs.
Game Personnel
[0025] According to an aspect of the embodiment, there will
typically be five basic game personnel at the game table. There
will be three COACHES that work the table; an optional fourth coach
may rotate on breaks. The coaches will rotate through an UMPIRE and
coach positions at the table. There is also a supervisor called a
BOXMAN who may or may not work with a particular group of coaches
all of the time.
[0026] The Boxman
[0027] The boxman is in charge of the game table and has the final
word in any game matter dispute that may arise. The boxman may
generally wear a suit and tie and remains seated during the game,
closely guarding the casino's chips.
[0028] The Umpire
[0029] The umpire calls the game, announcing each roll of the dice
20 and how many runs score, if applicable. The umpire returns the
dice 20 to the batter after all payoffs have been completed. The
umpire is in charge of the center region 512 of the game layout and
places all bets for the next batter propositions. The umpire uses a
long stick to push or pull the dice 20 around the table
[0030] The Coaches
[0031] There are two coaches present at the table. Each coach is in
charge of one end of the table layout. The coaches convert cash
into playing chips and make sure that the bets at his or her end of
the layout are correctly paid. Coaches are also responsible for
maintaining the accuracy of the Base markers and the orientation
and position of the Status marker.
[0032] A description of each bet on the table, WHEN that bet can be
made, and the PAYOFF for a win are as follow:
[0033] Table Side Layout Bets
[0034] Run Line
[0035] Description: The Rune Line takes up a large portion of the
game surface layout and swings around in curvature on the table to
accommodate all of the players. There are three Run Line tracks
515, 516, 517, each corresponding to 0 Outs, 1 Out and 2 Outs,
respectively. It is believed that most players will bet on the Run
Line, and thus the Run Line represents the largest betting area on
the table surface. The players betting on the Run Line are wagering
that a run (or multiple runs) will score before the third out is
rolled by the batter and the inning ends. All Run Line Bets are
collected by the coaches once the third out is made. The Run
Line--0 Outs bet is one of the bets that a player may make if they
want to become the batter, P.sub.B, on their turn.
[0036] When: The bases must be EMPTY as indicated by the BASE
marker.
[0037] A player, P.sub.N, may place a bet in the Run Line track
corresponding to the current number of Outs. The "1 out" bet
preferably can be no greater than two times the "0 Outs" bet from
that player. The "2 Outs" bet preferably can be no greater than two
times the "1 Out" bet from that player. A player may increase or
decrease his or her bet at any time corresponding to the first two
conditions indicated above.
[0038] Payoff: The wager remains on the table with each payoff. For
each run scored, the "0 Outs" bet is paid 1 to 1. For each run
scored, the "1 Out" bet is paid 8 to 5. For each run scored, the "2
Outs" bet is paid 18 to 5.
[0039] Shut Out Line
[0040] Description: The Shut Out Line occupies less space than the
Run Line and is located closer to the coach near the curve of the
Run Line. The coach arranges bets in the Shut Out Line demarcations
521, 521, 522, such that he or she can keep track of which player
made each bet. The players betting on the Shut Out Line are
wagering that the third out will be rolled by the batter before any
run will score. All Shut Out Line bets are collected by the coaches
once a run scores. The Shut Out Line-No Outs bet is one of the bets
that a player may make if they want to become the batter on their
turn.
[0041] When: A player may place a bet in the Shut Out Line
demarcation corresponding to the current number of Outs. A player
may increase or decrease their bet at any time corresponding to the
condition above, and if the bases are EMPTY.
[0042] Payoff: If the third out is rolled before any runs score
then: the "No Outs" bet is paid 4 to 5; the "One Out" bet is paid 2
to 5; and the "Two Outs" bet is paid 1 to 5. The original wagers
are also returned to the player.
[0043] No Hits Line
[0044] Description: The No Hits Line is located between the Shut
Out Line and one of the coaches. There is a table surface region
503 adjacent the No Hits demarcation 530, 531, 532, generally
denoting where the coach keeps the Status marker corresponding to
the current number of outs. The coach arranges bets in these
demarcations such that he or she can keep track of which player
made each bet. The players betting on the No Hits Line are wagering
that the third out will be rolled before a hit (i.e., a single,
double, triple, or home run) is rolled. All No Hits Line bets are
collected by the coaches one a hit is rolled.
[0045] When: A player may place a bet in the No Hits Line
demarcation corresponding to the current number of Outs. A player
may increase or decrease their bet at any time corresponding to the
condition above.
[0046] Payoff: If the third out is rolled before any hits are
rolled then: the "No Outs" bet is paid 11 to 5; the "One Out" bet
is paid 6 to 5; and the "Two Outs" bet is paid 2 to 5. The original
wagers are also returned to the player.
[0047] 1B Bets
[0048] Description: The 1B Bet 541 is located on a contiguous bases
arrangement adjacent the shut Out Line and no Hits Line. When Base
1 is ON, there is a marker located in part of this betting space.
The coach arranges bets in this demarcated space such that he or
she can keep track of which player made each bet. The players
betting on the 1B Bet are wagering that a Single will be rolled
before the third out is rolled. All 1B Bet wagers are collected by
the coaches once the third out is rolled.
[0049] When: A player may place a bet in the square at any time. A
player may increase their bet at any time.
[0050] Payoff: If a single is rolled before the third out, then the
player is paid 11 to 5. The original wager is also returned to the
player.
[0051] 2B Bet
[0052] Description: The 2B Bet 542 is located in the arrangement of
the bases with 1B. When Base 2 is ON, a BASE marker is located in
part of this betting space. The coach arranges bets in this square
such that each player's bets can be readily monitored. The players
betting on the 2B Bet are wagering that a Double will be rolled
before the third out is rolled. All 2B Bet wagers are collected by
the coaches once the third out is rolled.
[0053] When: A player may place a bet in the 2B betting space at
any time. A player may increase their bet at any time.
[0054] Payoff: If a double is rolled before the third out, then the
player is paid 15 to 1. The original wager is also returned to the
player.
[0055] Description: The 3B Bet 543 is located in the arrangement
with the 1B and 2B Bets. When Base 3 is ON, a BASE marker is
located in part of this betting space. The coach arranges bets in
this square such that each player's bets can be readily monitored.
The players betting on the 3B Bet are wagering that a Triple will
be rolled before the third out is rolled. All 3B Bet wagers are
collected by the coaches once the third out is rolled.
[0056] When: A player may place a bet in the square at any time. A
player may increase their bet at any time.
[0057] Payoff: If a triple is rolled before the third out, then the
player is paid 15 to 1. The original wager is also returned to the
player.
[0058] HR Bet
[0059] Description: The HR Bet 544 is located in the arrangement
with the 1B, 2B and 3B Bets. The coach arranges bets in this
pentagon-shaped demarcation such that he or she can keep track of
which player made each bet. The players betting on the HR Bet are
wagering that a Home Run will be rolled before the third out is
rolled. All HR Bet wagers are collected by the coaches once the
third out is rolled.
[0060] When: A player may place a bet in the HR betting space at
any time. A player may increase their bet at any time.
[0061] Payoff: If a home run is rolled before the third out, then
the player is paid 11 to 5. The original wager is also returned to
the player.
[0062] Grand Slam Bet
[0063] Description: (Note that the Grand Slam Bet is technically
part of the table side layout, however, it is preferably not a
duplicate label as are the other table side layout labels, and it
is physically located in the center layout region 512). The Grand
Slam Bet is located on a baseball bat shaped area in front of the
boxman position, adjacent (above) the NEXT batter proposition bets,
which are made in the center layout region 512 described below. The
coach arranges bets in the Grand Slam demarcation such that he or
she can keep track of which player made each bet. The players
betting on the Grand Slam Bet are wagering that a Home Run will be
rolled while Base 1, Base 2, and Base 3 are all ON, before the
third out is rolled. All Grand Slam Bet wagers are collected by the
coaches once the third out is rolled.
[0064] When: The bases must be EMPTY as indicated by the Status
marker. A player may increase their bet at any time when the bases
are empty.
[0065] Payoff: If a Home Run is rolled while Base 1, Base 2, and
Base 3 are all ON before the third out, then the player is paid 175
to 1. The original wager is also returned to the player.
[0066] Table Center Layout Bets
[0067] Description: These bets 551-557 are located in front of the
umpire position in a generally diamond shaped design of a real
baseball field. The umpire arranges bets in these areas such that
he or she can keep track of which player made each bet. The players
betting on these bets are wagering that the NEXT roll of the dice
by the batter will correspond with their choice.
[0068] When: These bets can be made at any time.
[0069] Payoffs: The winning rolls and payoffs are described below,
in all cases the original wager is returned to the player on a
winning roll. All losing wagers are collected by the umpire
immediately after the roll.
[0070] 1B: single; 5 to 1
[0071] 2B: double; 30 to 1
[0072] 3B: triple; 30 to 1
[0073] HR: home run; 5 to 1
[0074] Hit: single, double, triple, or home run; 3 to 2
[0075] Out: out; 2 to 5
[0076] Xtra: double, triple, home run; 7 to 2.
[0077] House Advantage: The betting advantages for the various game
events are as follows:
[0078] Table Side Layout Bets
[0079] Run Line:
1 0 Outs: 2.47% 1 Out: 3.22% (2.82% total at 2X 0 Outs) 2 Outs:
0.69% (2.22% total at 4X 0 Outs) Shut Out Line: No Outs: 5.48% One
Out: 7.87% Two Outs: 2.07% No Hits Line: No Outs: 6.67% One Out:
2.22% Two Outs: 5.19% 1B Bet: 8.12% 2B Bet: 6.17% 3B Bet: 6.17% HR
Bet: 8.12% Grand Slam Bet: 5.04% Table Center Layout Bets 1B:
16.67% 2B: 13.89% 3B: 13.89% HR: 16.67% Hit: 16.67% Out: 6.67%
Xtra: 12.50%
[0080] It should be appreciated that instead of using a pair of
dice 20, or a video simulation of dice 20, the game events may be
decided by utilizing a deck of thirty-six special cards, three of
which cards 22 are shown in FIG. 3A, where the numbers of each card
in the deck for each game event equal the number of "Ways to Roll"
in FIG. 1. Likewise, instead of using a pair of dice 20 or a video
simulation thereof, the game events may be decided by utilizing
special playing chips, three of which chips 32 are shown in FIG.
3B, where the number of chips for each game event equal the number
of "Ways to Roll" in FIG. 1. One of the game personnel may shuffle
or scramble such cards 22 or chips 32 and may selectively display
one of said cards 22 or chips 32 to reveal a game event. An
automatic, preferably continuous, card shuffler (not shown) may be
used for shuffling the deck of cards and dispensing a selected one
of said cards to reveal a game event.
[0081] In another embodiment of the game, game events may include
walks, hit by a pitch, steal, or double steal. Also, although the
game events in the most preferred embodiment result in either an
out or an advancement to a base, the game events may also include
strikes, foul balls, and outs. The odds of achieving any such game
event, and any payoff associated with achieving any such game
event, may be appropriately selected.
[0082] The video versions of the game of the present invention may
utilize simulated dice, rolls of dice, cards, flipping of cards,
chips, and flipping of chips, with a computer microprocessor
programmed to select and reveal game events in a manner weighted
according to the table shown in FIG. 1. The actuation of the video
simulation of the roll of dice, flipping of cards, or flipping of
chips may be initiated by a uniquely associated push button, by
maneuvering a mouse and arrow and "clicking" on an actuation field,
by manipulating a light pen, or by similar means. The video
versions may also permit the placement of bets and the increase and
decrease of bets by any of the foregoing types of actuation means.
A computer microprocessor may also be programmed to place visual
simulations of BASE markers and "ON" and "EMPTY" buttons, to
provide flashing lights or other signals on selected betting areas
to prompt the player to make available bets, and to produce (with
the aid of audio speakers) various sounds associated with the game
event occurring or the result of the game event, e.g., a RUN or a
GRAND SLAM, such as cheering crowds and applause or a radio
announcer. Likewise the microprocessor may be programmed to display
a real or cartoon video or audio-video picture of a baseball play
corresponding to the game event, such as showing on a video monitor
screen a film clip of a famous baseball player hitting a single
with a runner on second base, advancing the runner to third base.
Bonus features may also be provided such as allowing a player of a
video version to select one of a plurality of famous baseball
players as a as a designated player for an inning, and if the
microprocessor randomly selected a film clip showing the designated
player getting a hit, such as a home run, then the player is given
a bonus amount of money or credits. Alternatively, the player may
be offered a secondary event game by which the player may win more
bonus money or credits.
[0083] The present invention also contemplates that a video format
of the game may be played in a network or tournament version in
which, for example, the player scoring the most runs in an inning
is awarded a bonus prize or may be provided with a bonus inning
where the value of a bonus prize increases with the number of runs
scored in the bonus inning. Further alternatively, the players
scoring the most total runs in a selected number of innings, such
as nine innings, may advance to the next round of a tournament,
with the player scoring the most runs in the final round of the
tournament being awarded a grand prize.
[0084] In addition to the betting areas shown in FIG. 5, the table
layout or video screen may include additional or alternative
betting areas and associated wagers. For example, the game may
offer a bet where the player wins if at least a certain number of
runs (such as at least 3 runs or 5 runs) are scored in an inning or
if an exact number of runs are scored in an inning. The odds of a
player winning in either of the foregoing examples is relatively
low, and therefore, the player would receive an exceptionally high
payback for winning these wagers.
[0085] While the present invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to the preferred mode as illustrated in
the drawings, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that
various changes in detail may be effected therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
claims.
* * * * *