U.S. patent application number 11/294301 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-20 for multi-player platforms for special multiplier bonus game in pai gow poker variant.
This patent application is currently assigned to Shuffle Master, Inc.. Invention is credited to R. Brooke Dunn, Roger M. Snow, Mark L. Yoseloff.
Application Number | 20060084505 11/294301 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36181471 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060084505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoseloff; Mark L. ; et
al. |
April 20, 2006 |
Multi-player platforms for special multiplier bonus game in Pai Gow
poker variant
Abstract
A multi-player platform that provides multiple player positions
for live players to engage in an interactive wagering game with a
virtual dealer and virtual cards comprising at least two player
positions that enable live players to place wagers on the game. The
game comprises the steps of: placing a wager on a Pai Gow game
using Pai Gow hands of seven cards; providing the player in the Pai
Gow game with the opportunity to place a side bet wager wherein the
outcome of the side bet wager depends on achieving at least a
predetermined minimum poker hand rank using the player's seven
cards in the Pai Gow hand; providing cards to the player and the
dealer to form the player's Pai Gow hand and the dealer's Pai Gow
hand, respectively; resolving the Pai Gow game according to the
rules of Pai Gow poker; determining the highest ranking poker hand
possible using the cards in the player's Pai Gow hand if the player
placed the side bet wager; comparing the highest ranking poker hand
with the predetermined minimum poker hand rank if the player placed
the side bet wager; and providing an award to the player if the
highest ranking poker hand is of equal or greater rank than the
predetermined minimum poker hand rank.
Inventors: |
Yoseloff; Mark L.;
(Henderson, NV) ; Dunn; R. Brooke; (Henderson,
NV) ; Snow; Roger M.; (Henderson, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard H. Newman
1106 Palms Airport Drive
Las Vegas
NV
89119
US
|
Assignee: |
Shuffle Master, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
36181471 |
Appl. No.: |
11/294301 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10770613 |
Feb 2, 2004 |
|
|
|
11294301 |
Dec 5, 2005 |
|
|
|
10764827 |
Jan 26, 2004 |
|
|
|
11294301 |
Dec 5, 2005 |
|
|
|
10764994 |
Jan 26, 2004 |
|
|
|
11294301 |
Dec 5, 2005 |
|
|
|
10764995 |
Jan 26, 2004 |
|
|
|
11294301 |
Dec 5, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3293 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3202 20130101; G07F 17/3211
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/042 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A multi-player platform that provides multiple player positions
for live players to engage in an interactive wagering game with a
virtual dealer and virtual cards comprising at least two player
positions that enable live players to place wagers on the game, a
display system for showing a virtual dealer, a display system for
showing the virtual cards used in play of the game, and a database
that contains the rules of the wagering game, the processor
enabling play for each player according to the rules in the
database, wherein the game comprises the steps of: a) placing a
wager on a Pai Gow game using Pai Gow hands of seven cards; b)
providing the player in the Pai Gow game with the opportunity to
place a side bet wager wherein the outcome of the side bet wager
depends on achieving at least a predetermined minimum poker hand
rank using the seven cards in the Pai Gow hand; c) providing cards
to the player and the dealer to form the player's Pai Gow hand and
the dealer's Pai Gow hand, respectively; d) resolving the Pai Gow
game according to the rules of Pai Gow poker; e) determining the
highest ranking poker hand possible using the cards in the player's
Pai Gow hand if the player placed the side bet wager; f) comparing
the highest ranking poker hand with the at least a predetermined
minimum poker hand rank if the player placed the side bet wager;
and g) providing an award to the player if the highest ranking
poker hand is of equal or greater rank than the predetermined
minimum poker hand rank.
2. The multi-player platform of claim 1, wherein the outcome of the
side bet wager is a multiple of the amount wagered.
3. The multi-player platform of claim 2, wherein the multiple is
variable and depends at least partially on the poker hand rank
achieved.
4. The multi-player platform of claim 2, wherein the multiple is
variable and depends at least partially on the amount of the side
bet wager.
5. The multi-player platform of claim 2, wherein the multiple is
variable and depends at least partially on the highest poker hand
rank possible using the cards in the dealer's Pai Gow hand.
6. The multi-player platform of claim 1, wherein the side bet wager
is required.
7. The multi-player platform of claim 1, wherein the side bet wager
is optional.
8. The multi-player platform of claim 1, wherein the poker hand
rank associated with the side bet wager is determined based on the
highest five card poker hand possible using the cards in the
player's Pai Gow hand.
9. The multi-player platform of claim 1, wherein the poker hand
rank associated with the side bet wager is determined based on the
highest seven card poker hand possible using the cards in the
player's Pai Gow hand.
10. The multi-player platform of claim 1, wherein the poker hand
rank associated with the side bet wager is determined based on the
highest three card poker hand possible using the cards in the
player's Pai Gow hand.
11. The multi-player platform of claim 1, wherein the poker hand
rank associated with the side bet wager is determined based on the
highest four card poker hand possible using the cards in the
player's Pai Gow hand.
12. The multi-player platform of claim 1, wherein the game further
comprises an Envy bonus event, wherein the outcome of the Envy
bonus event depends on at least one of the highest ranking poker
hands being of a poker hand rank equal to or greater than a
predetermined minimum Envy bonus poker hand rank.
13. The multi-player platform of claim 12, wherein the Envy bonus
event is actuated by any player placing the side bet wager.
14. The multi-player platform of claim 12, wherein the Envy bonus
event is actuated by any player placing a side bet wager of at
least a preset amount.
15. The multi-player platform of claim 12, wherein the Envy bonus
event is actuated by a separate wager that may be placed by any
player in the Pai Gow game.
16. The multi-player platform of claim 12, wherein the Envy bonus
event can only be won by a player having placed the side bet
wager.
17. The multi-player platform of claim 12, wherein the Envy bonus
event can not be won by any player having the poker hand rank equal
to or greater than the predetermined minimum Envy bonus poker hand
rank.
18. The multi-player platform of claim 12, wherein a winning
outcome of the Envy bonus event is a payout comprising a multiple
of the side bet wager.
19. The multi-player platform of claim 18, wherein the multiple is
variable and depends at least partially on the poker hand rank
achieved.
20. The multi-player platform of claim 12, wherein a winning
outcome of the Envy bonus event is a payout comprising a fixed
amount depending at least partially on the poker hand rank
achieved.
21. The multi-player platform of claim 18, wherein the multiple is
variable and depends at least partially on the amount of the side
bet wager.
22. The multi-player platform of claim 18, wherein the multiple is
variable and depends at least partially on the poker hand rank of
the cards in the dealer's Pai Gow hand.
23. The multi-player platform of claim 12, wherein the poker hand
rank associated with the Envy bonus event is determined based on
the highest five card poker hand possible using the cards in the
player's Pai Gow hand.
24. The multi-player platform of claim 12, wherein the poker hand
rank associated with the Envy bonus event is determined based on
the highest seven card poker hand possible using the cards in the
player's Pai Gow hand.
25. The multi-player platform of claim 12, wherein the poker hand
rank associated with the Envy bonus event is determined based on
the highest three card poker hand possible using the cards in the
player's Pai Gow hand.
26. The multi-player platform of claim 12, wherein the poker hand
rank associated with the side bet event is determined based on the
highest four card poker hand possible using the cards in the
player's Pai Gow hand.
27. The multi-player platform of claim 12, wherein the
predetermined minimum Envy bonus poker hand rank is four of a
kind.
28. The multi-player platform of claim 1, wherein the predetermined
minimum poker hand rank is three-of-a-kind.
29. The multi-player platform of claim 1, wherein the predetermined
minimum poker hand rank is a straight.
30. The multi-player platform of claim 1, wherein the virtual cards
comprise a standard fifty-two card deck and at least one joker
card.
31. The multi-player platform of claim 1, wherein any player having
placed a side bet wager loses the side bet wager if the highest
poker hand rank possible using the cards in the player's Pai Gow
hand is less than the predetermined minimum poker hand rank.
32. The multi-player platform of claim 1, wherein the award is
enhanced if the highest poker hand rank possible using the cards in
the dealer's Pai Gow hand is equal to or less than a predetermined
dealer qualifying poker hand rank.
33. The multi-player platform of claim 32, wherein the
predetermined dealer qualifying poker hand rank is Ace high.
34. The multi-player platform of claim 1, wherein the award is
doubled if the highest poker hand rank possible using the cards in
the dealer's Pai Gow hand is equal to or less than a predetermined
dealer qualifying poker hand rank.
35. A system for playing a wagering game comprising: a) a database
for storing game data relating to rules of Pai Gow, rules of a
poker-type game, player and dealer hand information, and a
predetermined hierarchy of poker hands in a pay table relating to
the poker-type game; b) a processor for i) receiving a wager from a
player relating to a Pai Gow game using seven-card Pai Gow hands;
ii) receiving a side bet wager wherein the outcome of the side bet
wager depends on achieving a predetermined minimum poker hand rank
using the seven cards in the Pai Gow hand; iii) communicating the
identity of cards in the player's and a dealer's Pai Gow hands,
respectively; iv) resolving the Pai Gow game according to the rules
of Pai Gow poker contained in the database; v) determining the
highest ranking poker hand possible using the cards in the player's
Pai Gow hand; vi) comparing the player's highest ranking poker hand
with the predetermined minimum poker hand rank; and vii) providing
an award to the player if the player's highest ranking poker hand
is of equal or greater rank than the predetermined minimum poker
hand rank; and c) a user interface for receiving wagers and
communicating game activity.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein the user interface is
configured to operate over the world wide web to provide the player
with access to the game using the world wide web.
37. A machine readable media for facilitating a method of playing a
wagering game, comprising: a) a data segment for, i) storing game
data relating to rules of a Pai Gow game; ii) storing game data
relating to rules of a poker-type game; iii) storing player and
dealer information; iv) storing a predetermined hierarchy of poker
hands in a pay table relating to the poker-type game; b) a code
segment for, i) receiving a wager from a player relating to a Pai
Gow game using seven-card Pai Gow hands; ii) receiving a side bet
wager wherein the outcome of the side bet wager depends on
achieving a predetermined minimum poker hand rank using the seven
cards in the Pai Gow hand; iii) communicating the identity of cards
in the player's and a dealer's Pai Gow hands, respectively; iv)
resolving the Pai Gow game according to the rules of Pai Gow poker
contained in the database; v) determining the highest ranking poker
hand possible using the cards in the player's Pai Gow hand; vi)
comparing the player's highest ranking poker hand with the
predetermined minimum poker hand rank; and vii) providing an award
to the player if the player's highest ranking poker hand is of
equal or greater rank than the predetermined minimum poker hand
rank.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/770,613, filed on Feb. 2, 2004, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This
application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. Nos. 10/764,827; 10/764,994; and 10/764,995, all
filed on Jan. 26, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference. This application is related to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/225,781, filed on Sep. 12, 2005, the
disclosure of which is also incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to games of chance,
particularly card games of chance, and more particularly to bonus
games in casino table card games such as Pai Gow poker. More
particularly, the present invention relates to platforms for
automated gaming, and especially to multi-player platforms for
automated gaming which simulate the casino environment and enhance
the automated gaming experience.
[0004] 2. Background of the Art
[0005] Although the game of Pai Gow Poker, frequently referred to
as Asian Poker and double hand poker, has been around for many
years, it has not received widespread play in gambling
establishments throughout the United States. As is well known in
the art, the game is played with either tiles or with a standard
deck of 52 playing cards with one Joker added. In some versions of
the game, a joker is utilized to represent only a limited number of
cards such as an Ace or as part of a Straight or Flush. Rankings in
Pai Gow Poker are substantially the same as rankings in other types
of poker games.
[0006] Pai Gow Poker is typically played in a casino at a table
much like that used for Blackjack, casino table poker variants,
Baccarat or the like, except that there is typically one less
player position. That is, there is a dealer position and six player
positions equally spaced around the perimeter of the table. The
game is limited to six player hands and a dealer hand, using 49
cards, and leaving four remaining cards. At each player position,
there are normally markings or indicia for setting the dealer's and
players' high and low hands (explained hereinafter) and a spot for
each player to place his or her Ante or Bet wager.
[0007] The game is typically started by each player placing a bet.
The dealer then deals seven cards to himself and seven cards to
each of the six player positions, using 49 of the 53 cards in the
playing card deck. Each player, including the dealer, then forms
two hands from the holdings of seven cards. One hand, referred to
as the low hand, consists of two of the dealt cards. The other
hand, referred to as the high hand, consists of the remaining five
cards that were dealt to that player. The high hand must be higher
in poker rank than the low hand. If the hand is a Pai Gow (no
ranked hands possible higher then an Ace high), then the highest
ranked card must be present in the high hand.
[0008] The only requirement in forming or setting the high and low
hands is that the low hand must be of a lower rank than the high
hand. The ranking of the hands is similar to traditional poker with
the exception as pointed out above that the joker can be used to
represent an ace or to represent any one card of either a straight
or a flush. Thus, the highest possible hand is five aces.
[0009] If the player's low hand and high hand are both higher in
rank than the low and high hand of the dealer or banker, the player
is a winner and the banker loses. However, if both of the dealer's
or banker's hands are higher than the player's, the player is a
loser and the banker wins. If only one of either of the player's
high or low hands tie or lose to the comparable dealer's hand, the
round is considered a push. Under some house rules, the banker's
hand is normally considered to be the winner in the event of a tie
in both hands or even one hand, although this latter rule is rarely
in play.
[0010] If the player's low hand is of a higher rank than the
banker's low hand but the player's high hand is of a lower rank
than the banker's high hand, neither wins and there is considered
to be a push. Similarly, a push exists when a player's low hand is
of a lower rank than the banker's low hand and the player's high
hand is of a higher rank of the banker's high hand. There is,
therefore, no winner when a push exists.
[0011] In some casinos, the banker and the dealer are one and the
same and is employed by the casino. The dealer is employed by the
casino and deals the cards but is also a player. More frequently,
however, the players are given an option, in turn, to be the banker
and each of the other players would then play against the
banker/player. (The banker is the dealer or player who is
responsible for paying or collecting from each of the players.)
When this is done, the house, that is, the establishment operating
the game, takes a commission by way of a percentage on all winning
wagers or is paid a flat commission per round or per hour.
[0012] The house also takes a commission or ante from each player
when they win. The commission may be about 1% of the wager, such as
taking $0.25 from a $25 wager, $0.50 from a $25-50 wager, and $0.75
for a wager between $51-75. There are numerous ways in which the
house can collect on a player-banked game.
[0013] There are a few known special bonuses that can be won at Pai
Gow poker. In some locations, there may be bonuses for specially
ranked hands, such as a Pair of Aces and four of a kind or higher,
and a special bonus or jackpot for a pair of Aces as the low hand
and a straight flush or royal flush for the high hand.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,302 describes a method of playing a Pai
Gow poker game in which, in addition to the usual seven cards dealt
to each player and the dealer, a single player tiebreaker card is
dealt for all players and a single dealer tiebreaker card is dealt
to the dealer. The ante bet of each player is then paid off for
winning and losing hands in the usual manner of a Pai Gow game.
However, with push hands (where only one of the two-card hand and
five-card hand of the player has a higher poker rank than the
respective two-card hand and five-card hand of the dealer), the
winner is determined by the higher value of the player and dealer
tiebreaker cards so that no push bets occur.
[0015] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,931,472 and 6,070,876 describe improved
games of Pai Gow which include offering the player an optional
bonus wager. Should the tiles of the Player's hand match any
predetermined bonus outcome tile combination, the Player receives a
reward for their bonus wager regardless of whether or not the
Player has won their hand according to the rules of Pai Gow.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,424 describes a method, device and
system for playing a new game of Pai Gow Poker. The method includes
dealing seven cards to the dealer and to each player, the players
and dealer each (from those seven cards) assembling a five card
high hand and a two card low hand. For the player to win their
wager, both the player's high and low hands must outrank the
dealer's hands according to the ranking of hands of Poker. For a
push the player's high hand must have a higher ranking the dealer's
and be Jacks or better. All other hands are losses. The method
provides for greater payoffs if the player has one of a plurality
of payoff qualifying holdings. The device includes a processor
programmed to play the game according to the method. The system
provides for linking devices to amass a progressive jackpot payout
should the player obtain a qualifying hand.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,103 teaches a variation of Pai Gow Poker
known as Dragon Poker. A player makes a wager and is dealt a first
four of seven cards face down. A bank is dealt a first a first four
of seven cards, three of which are dealt face up. The player is
then given an option of surrendering and receiving a return of a
portion of the wager. With the surrender, the player's
participation in the game is at an end. The player who does not
surrender is a surviving player who may be given an option of
increasing the wager. The surviving player and the bank are each
dealt three additional cards to enable formation of a player back
hand and a player front hand and formation of a bank back hand and
a bank front hand. After the hands are formed, the wager is
resolved.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,041 (Boylan) describes a method of
playing a Pai Gow poker wagering game in which an Ante bet is
initially wagered and a Bonus bet is also wagered by at least one
player. Seven cards are then dealt to each player and the dealer,
and arranged into a two-card low hand and a five-card high hand.
The ante bet of each player is then paid off to in the usual manner
for Pai Gow poker. Thereafter, a best five out of seven card poker
hand is arranged by the dealer for each player from the seven cards
initially dealt to the player, and the bonus bet is paid off if the
best poker hand has a poker rank equal to or better than a first
predetermined rank (e.g., a straight) but less than a second
predetermined rank (e.g., a royal flush or five-of-a-kind in a wild
card game). Next, the dealer determines whether the best poker hand
of each player has a poker rank better than or equal to the second
predetermined rank so that an auxiliary game of chance, such as
rolling three dice, is then played to determine whether the bonus
bet is paid off at a first payoff rate where the player is a loser
or at a second payoff higher than the first payoff rate when the
player is a winner in an auxiliary game. In addition, the dealer
then determines whether each player has made a bonus bet of a
predetermined minimum, (exceeding the betting minimum) which is
then paid off if any other player has a best poker hand equal to or
better than a third predetermined rank (four of a kind) in an event
called an "envy" bet.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,078 (Leone et al.) describes version of
the game of Pai Gow Poker that allows a player to bet against the
house and/or to bet against the other players. In addition to the
conventional betting spot for placing an optional bet against the
banker and/or other players, an additional betting spot is located
in front of each of the players that allows the player to
optionally bet against the house. This can be done whether or not
the house is the banker. Thus, even if a fellow player has been
designated as the banker, each other player can still choose to
play against only the house. Each player can, of course, play
against his or her fellow player/banker but is not required to do
so. Each player can play against the house, against his or her
fellow player/banker, against neither or against both.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,486 describes a method of playing a game
of Pai Gow poker comprising: a player placing a first wager; a
player placing a jackpot bet; and a dealer dealing seven cards to
himself and to said player. Each player arranges his/her cards into
a low hand including two of said seven cards and a high hand
including five of said seven cards. Each player evaluates the cards
and determines whether the cards comprise a predetermined jackpot
card holding of a low hand pair and a high hand of one of (i) four
aces and the joker, (ii) a royal flush, (iii) a straight flush,
(iv) four of a kind, (v) full house, (vi) flush or (vii) straight.
Players are paid a jackpot amount if the player has a jackpot
holding. The winner of the first wager is determined by comparing a
low hand of said dealer to said low hand of said player and a high
hand of said dealer to said high hand of said player.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,081 describes a method of eliminating a
push in a game of Pai Gow Poker where a player and a banker are
each dealt seven cards from a standard deck of 52 playing cards
plus a Joker, the player and the banker each forming a High Hand
and a Low hand from the dealt cards. The method describes the steps
of: assigning a numerical value to each card; comparing a card in a
player's hand to a corresponding card in a banker's hand; and
designating a winner based upon whether or not the corresponding
cards have total numerical values that are either both odd or both
even.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,564 describes a two card poker game
against a dealer in which a two-card dealer hand used in play is
created from discarded cards from player hands. Players are
initially dealt five cards each, and are required to discard the
highest card. The pool of discarded high cards is used to form the
dealer's two-card poker hand. The game is played with a lower
numerical ranking portion of a deck comprising the card ranks of
Two through Eight of a typical fifty-two card Poker deck. The game
method includes the steps of each player placing an initial wager
to participate in the game. If player positions are not occupied,
the dealer retrieves the highest numerical ranking card from hands
dealt to unoccupied positions and places those cards into the
designated high card area in front of that unoccupied player
position. Next, players decide which two cards of their remaining
four cards they wish to hold and use to build their mandatory two
card hand. Players must place the two cards into an appropriate
depicted hold card area in front of that player position. Players
must then discard the remaining two cards into an appropriate
depicted discard area in front of that player position. Each player
then has the benefit of a two card hand. The dealer chooses the
house's two card hand from the pool of high cards discarded by the
players and placed in the designated area. The dealer indicates the
choices by placing an indicator apparatus onto each of the two
cards chosen. The dealer informs the players of the houses two card
hand. Finally all cards in each occupied player positions are
shown, and the payouts to the winning hands and the collections of
the losing hands wagers are resolved. The players are playing
against the dealer and not against each other.
[0023] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,481,719 and 6,012,719 describe a card game
that combines the play of Blackjack ("21") with a 3-card Poker
wager or side bet ("21+3"). Each player places a basic Blackjack
wager and an optional three-card poker wager before the cards are
dealt. Each player is then dealt a card with the dealer receiving a
face-up card. Each player is then dealt a second card. At this
point, the outcome of each three-card poker hand is determined,
where a three-card poker hand consists of the two-card hand dealt
to that player and the dealer's face-up card. After settling the
Poker wagers, the game of Blackjack continues in a typical fashion.
The invention advantageously retains all the features and
advantages of Blackjack as well as provides an additional
opportunity to wager on a hand of three-card poker, without
interfering with the card dealing sequence, for enhanced player
anticipation and enjoyment.
[0024] Another known modification of the Pai Gow poker game has
been played at "Harvey's Resort and Casino" in Tahoe, Nevada. In
this modified game, a bonus bet is made (in addition to the ante
bet in the usual game for the five-card hand and two-card hand
ranks to be compared with those of the dealer). This bonus bet is
won at odds if the player has any five cards (best five-card poker
hand of the seven cards dealt) which together rank above a straight
(with the odds increasing for increasingly ranked hands). In
addition, if a player makes a bonus bet above $5 (5.times. the
minimum), that player can additionally win a predetermined payoff
if any other player has any best five-card hand forms a poker rank
above four of a kind (with the payoff increasing for increasingly
ranked hands). This type of payout is referred to in the industry
as an "envy bonus". Envy bonuses are typically won on another
player's hand, not on one's own hand.
[0025] Although Pai Gow poker has achieved a level of success where
it is present in most card rooms, it is desirable to provide
additional features to the game that can make it even more
attractive and successful.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] A side bet and corresponding bonus event is combined with
the traditional game of Pai Gow poker. The bonus event does not in
any way alter the strategy of play of the underlying Pai Gow poker
game. The Bonus event requires no additional cards, and adds
interest to the game. Each player may make a first side bet wager
to enter the bonus game, and is automatically entered into an envy
bonus event. The bonus game may be played and resolved before play
of the Pai Gow game or after play of the Pai Gow game, but is
preferably done after the play of the underlying Pai Gow game. The
first side bet wager is made against a pay table, rather then
against direct competitive rank play against other players and/or
the house. The wager is made on whether the player's hand will
exceed a minimum rank and will be paid according to the relative
level of the rank achieved in a best five of seven card poker hand.
The players place the bonus bet or side bet in a designated area.
After the basic game of Pai Gow is resolved, the dealer forms a
best five of seven card hand for each player, and payouts are made
on the basis of those seven card hands having at least a minimum
poker rank. After the seven card ranks are identified (and possibly
after being paid), the dealer's hand is reviewed with respect to
the highest seven-card hand in the dealer's seven cards. If the
dealer's best-of-seven card hand rank is less, equal to, or less
than a predetermined rank, e.g., an Ace-High Pai Gow (no hand of a
at least a rank of a pair), player's having made the first side bet
wager will have any bonus payout for a ranked hand multiplied or
otherwise increased. If a player's side bet wager amount meets or
exceeds a minimum threshold amount, then an envy wager event will
be played. In an envy event, the appearance in any player's hand of
a seven card hand of at least one of a second series of
predetermined ranks will provide a basis for a special bonus to
envy bet players, except for the player who obtains the envy bonus
hand of the at least second predetermined rank.
[0027] The present invention is also directed to a multi-player
platform that provides multiple player positions for live players
to engage in an interactive wagering game with a virtual dealer and
virtual cards comprising at least two player positions that enable
live players to place wagers on the same game, a display system for
showing a virtual dealer, a display system for showing the virtual
cards used in play of the game, and a database that contains the
rules of the wagering game, the processor enabling play for each
player according to the rules in the database.
[0028] In one embodiment, the multi-player platform is configured
and adapted to provide a game comprising the steps of: placing a
wager on a Pai Gow game using Pai Gow hands of seven cards; dealing
seven cards to the dealer and each player; providing the player in
the Pai Gow game with the opportunity to place a side bet wager
wherein the outcome of the side bet wager depends on achieving at
least a predetermined minimum poker hand rank using the seven cards
in the Pai Gow hand; the players setting a five card high hand and
a two card low hand with the cards; resolving the Pai Gow game
according to the rules of Pai Gow poker; determining the highest
ranking poker hand possible using each of the seven cards in the
player's Pai Gow hand if the player placed the side bet wager;
comparing the highest ranking poker hand with the predetermined
minimum seven-card poker hand rank if the player placed the side
bet wager; and providing an award to the player if the highest
ranking poker hand is of equal or greater rank than the
predetermined minimum poker hand rank. The players then play the
game of Pai Gow poker by setting high and low hands and comparing
the high and low hands with the dealer high and low hands. The
player must hold a higher ranking high and low card hand than the
dealer to win.
[0029] According to an aspect of the invention, the device awards
automatic payouts to players whose side bet wager meets of exceeds
a minimum threshold value, and another player obtains a seven-card
hand that is a predetermined winning envy bonus hand.
[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
aforementioned game and platform are configured and adapted so that
the outcome of the side bet wager is a multiple of the amount
wagered. The multiple may be a variable and depend at least
partially on the poker hand rank achieved, at least partially on
the amount of the side bet wager, or at least partially on the
highest poker hand rank possible using the cards in the dealer's
Pai Gow hand, or some combination thereof.
[0031] The side bet wager may be required or optional in order to
play the underlying Pai Gow game. An additional side bet to
participate in the envy bonus may or may not be required.
[0032] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the aforementioned game and platform are configured and
adapted so that the virtual cards comprise a standard fifty-two
card deck and at least one joker card. The joker may serve as a
special wild card able to act as an Ace or a card to complete a
straight, a flush or a straight flush, or a completely wild card in
that it can be any card desired.
[0033] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the aforementioned game and platform are configured and
adapted so that any player having placed a side bet wager loses the
wager if the highest poker hand rank possible using the cards in
the player's Pai Gow hand is less than the predetermined minimum
poker hand rank.
[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
aforementioned game and platform are configured and adapted so that
the poker hand rank associated with the side bet wager is
determined based on the highest seven card poker hand formed from
all of the player's cards. Alternatively, the game and platform may
be configured and adapted so that the poker hand rank associated
with the side bet wager is determined based on the highest two,
three, four or five card poker hand possible using the cards in the
player's Pai Gow hand.
[0035] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the aforementioned game and platform are configured and
adapted so that the predetermined minimum winning poker hand rank
is three-of-a-kind. Alternatively, the predetermined minimum poker
hand rank may be a straight.
[0036] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the aforementioned game and platform are configured and
adapted to include an automatic Envy bonus payout, wherein the
outcome of the Envy bonus is determined by the highest ranking
poker hand for the player having placed the side bet wager
including a poker hand rank of equal or greater rank than a
predetermined minimum Envy bonus poker hand rank. The Envy bonus is
paid to all players placing the side bet except for the player with
the winning envy bonus hand.
[0037] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the aforementioned game and platform are configured and
adapted so that a separate Envy bonus wager is manually or
automatically placed by any player placing the side bet wager.
Alternatively, the Envy bonus wager may be automatically placed by
any player placing a side bet wager of at least a preset amount, or
be a separate wager that may be placed by any player in the Pai Gow
game. Automatic placement of a wager for purposes of this
disclosure includes registering a separate bet and decreasing an
amount on a credit meter by the same amount. Automatic bet
placement can also mean splitting the side bet wager amount between
the side bet and Envy bet.
[0038] The aforementioned game and platform may be configured and
adapted so that the Envy bonus wager cannot be won by the player
having the winning Envy bonus poker hand rank.
[0039] In one embodiment, all Envy bonus payouts are fixed amounts
regardless of the wager amount. According to yet another embodiment
of the present invention, the aforementioned game and platform are
configured and adapted so that the outcome of the Envy bonus wager
is a multiple of the side bet amount wagered. The multiple may be a
variable and depend at least partially on the highest possible
poker hand rank achieved, at least partially on the amount of the
Envy bonus wager, at least partially on the amount of the side bet
wager, or at least partially on the highest poker hand rank
possible using the cards in the dealer's Pai Gow hand, or some
combination thereof.
[0040] The aforementioned game and platform in one form of the
invention are configured and adapted so that the poker hand rank
associated with the Envy bonus wager is determined based on the
highest seven card poker hand possible using all of the cards in
the player's Pai Gow hand. Alternatively, the game and platform may
be configured and adapted so that the poker hand rank associated
with the Envy bonus wager is determined based on the highest two,
three, four, five or six card poker hand possible using the cards
in the player's Pai Gow hand.
[0041] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the aforementioned game and platform are configured and
adapted so that the predetermined minimum Envy bonus poker hand
rank is four of a kind.
[0042] Another aspect of the invention is that the bonus awards are
enhanced when the dealer's hand is particularly low, such as an
Ace-high or less. One enhancement is to double the payouts on the
side bet.
[0043] The present invention is also directed to a system for
playing a wagering game comprising a database, a processor and a
user interface. The database is preferably configured and adapted
for storing game data relating to rules of Pai Gow, rules of a
poker-type game, player and dealer hand information, and a
predetermined hierarchy of poker hands in a pay table relating to
the poker-type game. The processor is preferably configured and
adapted for receiving a wager from a player relating to a Pai Gow
game using seven-card Pai Gow hands; receiving a side bet wager
wherein the outcome of the side bet wager depends on achieving a
predetermined minimum poker hand rank using the seven cards in the
Pai Gow hand; communicating the identity of cards in the player's
and a dealer's Pai Gow hands, respectively; resolving the Pai Gow
game according to the rules of Pai Gow poker contained in the
database; determining the highest ranking poker hand possible using
the cards in the player's Pai Gow hand; comparing the player's
highest ranking poker hand with the predetermined minimum poker
hand rank; and providing an award to the player if the player's
highest ranking poker hand is of equal or greater rank than the
predetermined minimum poker hand rank. The user interface is
preferably configured and adapted for receiving wagers and
communicating game activity, such as setting high and low hands and
arranging a best seven card poker hand.
[0044] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the aforementioned user interface is configured to
operate over the world wide web to provide the player with access
to the game using the world wide web.
[0045] The present invention is also directed to a machine readable
media for facilitating a method of playing a wagering game
comprising one or more data segments and one or more code segments.
The one or more data segments are preferably configured and adapted
for storing game data relating to rules of a Pai Gow game; storing
game data relating to rules of a poker-type game; storing player
and dealer information; and storing a predetermined hierarchy of
poker hands in a pay table relating to the poker-type game. The one
or more code segments are preferably configured and adapted for
receiving a wager from a player relating to a Pai Gow game using a
high and a low card Pai Gow hand; receiving a side bet wager
wherein the outcome of the side bet wager depends on achieving a
predetermined minimum poker hand rank using the seven cards in the
Pai Gow hand; communicating the identity of cards in the player's
and a dealer's Pai Gow hands, respectively; resolving the Pai Gow
game according to the rules of Pai Gow poker contained in the
database; determining the highest ranking poker hand possible using
the cards in the player's Pai Gow hand; comparing the player's
highest ranking poker hand with the predetermined minimum poker
hand rank; and providing a side bet award to the player if the
player's highest ranking poker hand is of equal or greater rank
than the predetermined minimum poker hand rank.
[0046] These and other aspects of the system and method of the
present invention will become more readily apparent to those having
ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description
of the invention taken in conjunction with the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the
present invention pertains will more readily understand how to make
and use the method and system of the present disclosure, preferred
and exemplary embodiments thereof will be described in detail
herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:
[0048] FIG. 1A is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a
playing surface suitable for facilitating the play of a game
described herein in conjunction with a platform constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a prior art format for
an automated gaming system;
[0050] FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of a prior art format for an
automated gaming system;
[0051] FIG. 3 shows a side elevational view of a prior art format
for an automated gaming system;
[0052] FIG. 4 shows a block schematic diagram of the electronic
configuration of a prior art automated gaming system;
[0053] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a format for an automated
gaming system according to the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a gaming engine useful
in the practice of the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a player station useful
in the practice of the present invention; and
[0056] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a game display useful in
the practice of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0057] Among some of the features that can contribute to the unique
play of the game of the present invention include one or more of at
least the following elements: [0058] 1) The underlying game is a
table version of PAI GOW poker game. [0059] 2) A mandatory Ante
wager is placed to play in an underlying PAI GOW poker game against
the dealer's hands. [0060] 3) An optional or mandatory side bet is
placed at any time prior to the players viewing one or more cards
to engage in a separately paying, side-bet wagering game against a
pay table. The game is usually played with a standard deck without
any jokers or a 53-card standard playing card deck with a single
joker. as is the conventional PAI GOW game. Winnings are determined
in the separate side bet game by resolution of seven-card poker
hands contained in a pay table. [0061] 4) The separately paying
game does not interfere with any underlying strategy in the play of
the underlying PAI GOW game. [0062] 5) Before, after or during play
of the game against the pay table, a best seven card hand is
established for the dealer. The player, dealer or gaming platform
can arrange the hand. [0063] 6) The separate side bet game is
preferably played out after resolution of the underlying PAI GOW
poker game. When the dealer's best seven card poker hand has a low
rank beneath or at a predetermined threshold, awards provided by
the pay table on the side bet separate game are enhanced, as by
additive amounts, a multiplier effect, or a combination of additive
amount and/or multiplier effect.
[0064] The PAI GOW game is played to its normal conclusion, the
separate game having no possible influence on the PAI GOW game. The
side bet wager game against the pay table is played out (including
the dealer hand evaluation in the bonus event), and when at least
one player has made a qualifying or additional wager in an envy bet
event, envy bet events are resolved.
[0065] The present game may be more generally described as follows.
An underlying game of Pai Gow is played (with the side bets not
being considered in this underlying game). That underlying game of
Pai Gow is generally played in a manner similar to the following
steps.
[0066] Ante wagers are made by each player in the underlying Pai
Gow game. The wagers are between the player and the dealer. The
outcome of the game is determined by randomly ordered playing cards
having various ranks and suits. Seven cards are dealt to each
player and seven cards are dealt to the dealer. The seven cards
dealt to each player are arranged or "set" by that player into a
two-card low hand and a five-card high hand (and the player may in
some instances actually seek advice from the dealer in arranging
legally proper hands). The platform may also automatically arrange
the player hands or at the request of the player arrange the hands.
The seven cards dealt to the dealer are set by the dealer into a
two-card low hand and a five-card high hand, usually according to
House rules as to how hands must be arranged. The respective
five-card hands and two-card hands of each player and the dealer
are then compared. The ante bet of each player is paid off
according to the rules of play of Pai Gow poker, with payouts being
made to the respective player or players if both the two-card hand
and the five-card hand of the player have a higher poker rank than
the respective two-card hand and five-card hand of the dealer. The
bet is taken by the house if both the two-card hand and the
five-card hand of the player have a lower poker rank than the
respective two-card hand and five-card hand of the dealer. Bets are
a push when only one of the two-card hand and five-card hand of the
player has a higher poker rank than the respective two-card hand
and five-card hand of the dealer (the hand is a push). This is the
basic manner in which the underlying game of Pai Gow is played.
Other considerations in this play include the fact that the house
will require a payment from each player that wins in the underlying
game with the house take typically based upon the size of the wager
made by the player in the underlying game.
[0067] In the modified Pai Gow poker game of the present invention,
there are additional, but simple steps that are performed. At the
beginning of the underlying Pai Gow poker game, the players have
one or more optional, mandatory or a combination thereof, bonus
game side bet wagers that can be made in addition to the normal Pai
Gow wager. The amount of the side bet wager may be independent of
the underlying wager in the Pai Gow poker game. For example, the
side bet wager may require a minimum of a $1.00 wager whether in a
$5.00, $10.00, or $25.00 minimum bet Pai Gow poker game. The amount
of this minimum wager may be varied according to the design of the
game, the target house hold, and variations in the game that may be
made by the house, among other things.
[0068] Considering only an embodiment wherein the side bet bonus
wager is a pay table based game at this time, the modified Pai Gow
poker game of the invention may proceed as follows. After placing
the Ante and side bet, and after the play of the underlying Pai Gow
poker game and the resolution of the game bets, the players (alone
or with the assistance of the dealer) would then examine their
seven cards and create a best seven-card poker hand. This best
seven-card poker hand might actually be different from the
five-card hand played during the Pai Gow poker game, because of
strategy considerations. For example, it is a common strategy to
split a Full House in Pai Gow poker to form a three-of-a-kind High
Hand and a pair for the Low Hand to increase the likelihood of a
win. If the best seven-card hand exceeds a minimum rank (e.g., at
least a straight), the player holding that seven-card hand which
meets or exceeds the minimum rank would be entitled to a bonus
according to a predetermined pay table. This bonus payout is in
addition to the win in the underlying Pai Gow poker game. An
example of a pay table for the bonus win, as well as the Envy bonus
on the side bet could be: TABLE-US-00001 Best 7-card Hand Payout
Times Ante Wager Envy Bonus 7 Card Straight Flush 5000:1 $2500 5
Card Royal Flush with 2000:1 $1000 Royal Match .TM. (i.e., King and
Queen of the same suit) 7 Card Straight Flush 1000:1 $500 with a
Joker (or other wild card) 5 Aces (with a Joker or 500:1 $250 other
wild card) Royal Flush 100:1 $50 Straight Flush (No Joker 50:1 $25
or other wild card) Straight Flush (with 30:1 $10 Joker or other
wild card) Four-of-a-Kind 25:1 $5 Full House 6:1 NA Flush 3:1 NA
Straight & Three of a 2:1 NA Kind
[0069] At this time (that is, after the players have organized
their best seven-card poker hands and compared them to the pay
table) or earlier in the play of the game, but after resolution of
the underlying Pai Gow poker wager, the dealer arranges the
dealer's seven cards into a seven-card poker hand. Where the
dealer's best seven-card poker hand falls at or under a threshold
of a rank hand, that is, has a rank equal to or less than a
predetermined minimum rank, an enhanced bonus consideration or
payout may be made in the side bet wager game. For example, if the
dealer has an Ace-high or lower the odds payout is doubled.
[0070] A "Pai Gow" hand for purposes of this disclosure is defined
as a hand in which no pairs or higher can be made from all seven
cards in the hand. If the threshold for this additional bonus
consideration is set at the Pai Gow hand level (as opposed to a
pair of deuces or lower, a pair of 3's or lower, a pair of 4's or
lower, or a King-High Pai Gow (i.e., there are no pairs or higher
available and the highest card in the dealer's hand is a King,
excluding and Ace-High Pai Gow hand), or a Queen-High Pai Gow, or a
Jack-High Pai Gow, or a 10-High Pai Gow hand, etc.), the dealer's
hand is reviewed for its best seven-card rank. If the dealer's hand
falls below or meets this threshold, an enhanced or additional
bonus is available to all players that have their own bonus hand.
For example, if the threshold dealer hand for the additional bonus
is a King-High Pai Gow hand, and the dealer's hand has no flush and
consists of Jack, 10, 9, 7, 5, 4, 2, the threshold has been met and
the player with a ranked bonus hand will have the bonus hand pay
out increased. For further illustration, if the player had a high
and low hand of a straight and a pair and had made an initial
$10.00 Pai Gow wager and a $1.00 side bet wager, in this
circumstance the player would be paid $10.00 (even money) less
house commission (e.g., $0.50) on the Pai Gow poker game wager
(assuming a win), would be entitled to $2.00 bonus for having the
straight, and because of the dealer's low threshold hand, the $2.00
bonus would be multiplied to $40.00 (assuming 2.times. for the
additional bonus effect for the dealer having a low hand). The
player would therefore receive back his initial $10.00 wager and
$10.00 even money less house commission, plus $4.00 while losing
the $1.00 side bet wager that is always collected by the house.
[0071] This play offers some significant benefits to the player and
the house while increasing the potential for enjoyment by the
players. First, there are no additional implements needed to add a
bonus feature to Pai Gow poker, such as dice or a roulette-type
wheel. The game does not allow for any change in strategy in the
play of the underlying game. The bonus events may be quickly and
easily determined.
[0072] Many variations are allowed within the play of the bonus
event game. For example, the additional bonus for the dealer having
a low threshold hand can be variable. For example, the multiplier
can be 1.times. the player's bonus hand award for any Pai Gow hand
(or other determined threshold) in addition to the payout for the
bonus hand (e.g., the 1:1 shown above for a straight). The
multiplier could be IX for a Queen-High, King-High or Ace-High Pai
Gow and 2.times. for a Jack-High or lower Pai Gow dealer hand. The
multiplier could be 1.times. for a King-High or Ace-High Pai Gow
and 2.times. for a Queen-High, Jack-High, and 3.times. (or more)
for a 10-High or lower Nine-High or lower Pai Gow dealer hand. An
award of 10.times. for a perfect Pai Gow low hand, (9-8-7-5-4-3-2
or 9-8-7-6-4-3-2 out of suit) could pay 10.times.. It is also
possible for absolute payout amounts to be made, rather than or in
addition to multipliers of the bonus hand pay table awards. For
example, on a $1.00 bonus side bet wager, the player may be given
$50.00 if the dealer has an 10-High Pai Gow hand or lower. This
absolute payout amount may be given whether or not the player has a
bonus ranked hand, but optionally does require the side bet wager
to be placed. As the size of the side bet wager increases (in
addition to potential effects on an envy wager, which is discussed
in further detail herein below), it is also possible for the
threshold level to change. The change may be for an individual
player or for the table. For example, with a $1.00 side bet wager,
the threshold for the bonus may be a dealer's 10-High Pai Gow or
lower. With a $2.00 wager, the threshold for the bonus may be a
dealer's Jack-High Pai Gow or lower. For a $3.00 side bet wager,
the threshold for the bonus may be a dealer's Queen-High Pai Gow or
lower. For a $5.00 wager, the threshold for the bonus may be a
dealer's Ace-High Pai Gow or lower, or even a pair of 2's or 3's
and lower.
[0073] It is desirable that all bonus ranked hands (e.g., all hands
of a straight or better, including the Royal Flush and
five-of-a-kind in a wild card variation or Joker used as a fifth
Ace) be paid from the bonus pay table, although that is not
required. The use of the additional bonus effect based upon the
analysis of the dealer's best 5-Card hand and the low rank of the
dealer's hand is in itself a unique attribute and adds significant
interest to the play of the game. One of the clear benefits of this
game is that players already root for the dealer to have a low rank
hand, so that they can win the underlying Pai Gow game. Now there
is greater incentive and greater value in finding low rank hands
for the dealer. This keeps the objectives and interests of players
focused on the same events and evaluations. In other embodiments,
players are required to play the bonus with their existing five
card high hand, or other combination of dealer and/or player
cards.
[0074] Another optional, but preferred element of the game is the
envy bet. This is similar to the envy event found in the play of
prior art games such as the Pai Gow poker game played at "Harvey's
Resort and Casino" in Tahoe, Nev. and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,863,041, incorporated herein by reference and described in
greater detail above. The envy poker game may be entered
automatically (i.e., with no additional wager) by a separate (e.g.,
a second side bet wager of, for example, $1.00 $2.00, $3.00, $4.00
or $5.00) wager or by having a larger first side bet or wager bet
(e.g., at least $4.00, $5.00, or more or less). It is preferred to
have the envy bet entered automatically, with no additional wagers.
For example, a $1.00 side bet wager may enter the player in only
the pay table bonus event (with or without the dealer hand bonus),
a $2.00 side bet wager may enter the player in the pay table bonus
and the dealer low hand bonus event, and a $5.00 wager may enter
the player into the pay table event, the dealer low hand bonus
event and the envy poker game event. In one preferred form of the
invention, only the pay table and dealer low hand bonus events are
provided in the same game.
[0075] The envy event is resolved, for example, as follows. After
all best 7-Card poker hands have been displayed for all of the
players (not just the players making the qualifying envy bet), the
hands are viewed to see if any player has a hand rank that is
sufficiently high enough to trigger the envy hand feature. If one
or more players has a triggering hand, only the highest of the
triggering hands is usually considered. For example, if an envy bet
triggering hand is at least a full house, and one player has a full
house and another player has four-of-a-kind, the four-of-a-kind
hand is preferably used for the envy hand event. For all players
that have made the envy bet (except for the player who has the high
envy hand qualifying or triggering hand), there is an additional
bonus feature with those players being paid an additional bonus
amount (based on their underlying game wager and/or on their envy
hand event qualifying wager) in accordance with a separate pay
table for envy hand events. In one example of the invention all
Envy bonus payouts are fixed amounts. In another example, envy
bonus payouts are odds payouts or a combination of fixed and odds
payouts.
[0076] For example, if a first player is the only player to make
the qualifying envy event wager and that player has a losing Pai
Gow hand and no bonus event best seven-card hand, that player would
be paid from a pay table if a second player at the table (who may
or may not have made a qualifying envy bet wager) has an envy event
triggering hand, such as four-of-a-kind. It is therefore possible
for a player to ride on the hands of other players good cards,
which is especially attractive if there are more players at a
table, and the probability of a triggering hand at a table
increasing because of the larger number of player hands at the
table. This envy hand game event can be described as determining
whether each player has made an bonus bet of a predetermined
minimum which thus qualifies as an envy bet; and paying off of any
envy bet by each player if any other player has a best poker hand
equal to or better than a triggering predetermined poker rank.
Although in a preferred form of the invention only certain high
ranking hands pay an envy bonus, the game could be structured so
that all winning bonus hands also pay an envy bonus payout.
EXAMPLES
[0077] An example of a round of play of the Pai Gow poker game with
side bet according to the invention is as follows. To simplify the
description, only four players are at the table, Players 1, 2, 3
and 4. The table surface 210 is shown in FIG. 1. Players are
located at player positions 212, 214, 216 and 218, although six
player hands and a dealer hand are dealt, with four residual
cards.
[0078] Players 1, 2, 3 and 4 place $5 wagers on betting circle
224a-d, in the underlying Pai Gow game. Players 1 and 2 place
wagers of $1, Player 3 places a wager of $5, and Player 4 places no
wager, respectively, on areas 226a, 226b, 226c and 226d, the side
bet game. Player positions 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 and 222, and the
dealer's position 228 are dealt seven cards each from a starting
deck of 53 cards, the standard 52-card playing deck and a joker.
Player hand position 220 is designated as a Dragon hand, which each
player declines to buy. Each player and the dealer set their high
and low hands and place them in the appropriate hand areas 234a-f
and 236.
[0079] The normal play of Pai Gow poker is undertaken, and the
events of that play are immaterial to the play of the side bet
wager. The hands are left on the table. At the conclusion of the
Pai Gow game, the dealer reviews or arranges the players seven
cards to identify a best seven-card poker hand. The dealer may also
arrange the dealer cards into a best seven-card hand at this time,
or wait to arrange the dealer's hand. This is an insignificant
choice, as the dealer's hand is already fully exposed. The dealer
examines the best five-card hands of all players to determine if
any player entered into the side bet wager game against the pay
table has a qualifying hand, that is a hand of at least a straight
in the example of this game. The dealer's best five-card hand cards
are displayed by the dealer at a central position 236 (e.g., where
the dealer's hand had been previously located).
[0080] It is assumed in this example that the Pai Gow game has been
resolved and the best seven-card hands are Player 1--3-of-a-kind;
Player 2--straight; Player 3--four of a kind; and Player 4--Full
House. In this situation, Player 1 who entered the side bet pay
table game, 2:1 on the side bet or $2.00. Player 2 has a guaranteed
bonus payout of 2:1 on the original Pai Gow wager because of the
straight, or $2.00. Player 3 who entered the side bet pay table
game, is paid 25:1 or $75. Player 4 gets no bonus for the Full
House, because no side bet wager against the pay table was made by
Player 4. No players win the Envy bonus because the only player
placing a qualifying bonus bet (player 3) is the only player with a
qualifying hand. As previously mentioned, an Envy bonus is not paid
to the player whose hand is of a qualifying rank.
[0081] As stated previously, the winning envy bonus hands may be
the same hands that pay a bonus, a subset of those hands, or even
different hands.
[0082] The invention has been described in terms of specific
examples to assist in understanding the practice of the invention,
but alternative rules and materials can be used in the play of the
game. For example, a smart automatic card shuffling system such as
the MD-2 Card Shuffler with card reading capability from Shuffle
Master Gaming could be used to provide a random order of rank and
suit of cards delivered to the game. This device is disclosed in
co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/623,223 filed Jul.
17, 2003, entitled "Card Shuffler With Card Rank and Value Reading
Capability" assigned to Shuffle Master, Inc. The disclosure of this
patent application is incorporated herein by reference. This
shuffler can be programmed to provide a data stream representing a
random order of cards displayed on a video screen on the
multi-player platform. The shuffler is capable of reading the cards
as they are being fed into the shuffler. A special display could be
provided that would show the four cards in the residual hand that
are fed into the shuffler. The cards could be displayed using the
card revelation system of U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,973, or a traditional
display panel showing the deal position of each hand as described
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,411 could be expanded to show the hand read
from the residual cards and announce the amount of the bonus in
alphanumerics. U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,973 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,411
are incorporated herein by reference.
[0083] Other options in the play of the game are also possible. For
example, by requiring a mandatory minimum bonus wager to qualify
for the envy bonus wager or merely by having a separate envy
qualifying wager, the normal house commission in the underlying Pai
Gow game can be eliminated for players making that wager, at least
up to a maximum amount of the Pai Gow wager. The return for the
side bet wager could balance out that return to the house. As Pai
Gow wagers tend to be more restricted in size, the maximum
withdrawal by the house tends to be low, such as $0.50 to $5.00. By
requiring a $5.00 mandatory wager for the pay table event and the
envy hand event, the house withdrawal can be reduced or
eliminated.
[0084] One aspect of a game according to the present invention may
be described a method of playing a Pai Gow poker wagering card
game. This aspect of the method of play may comprise: [0085] a)
Players wagering an Ante bet on a Pai Gow game, as described above
and as generally known in the art; [0086] b) Players placing a
wager (which may be optional or mandatory) against a pay table on a
separate poker-type game that uses a best seven-card hand from each
player's hand; [0087] c) dealing seven-card hands from a set of
cards to six player positions and one dealer position, as is done
in the standard play of Pai Gow poker; [0088] d) resolving the game
of Pai Gow poker against the standard rules of Pai Gow poker as
described above, players' hands of two-card low hands and five-card
high hands competing against dealer's two-card low hand and
dealer's five-card high hand; [0089] e) after resolution of the
underlying Pai Gow poker game, forming best seven-card poker hands
for at least each player having placed the wager against the pay
table (of winning card combinations and corresponding pay out
odds), and alternatively for every player at the table, whether or
not each player has placed the wager against the poker table;
[0090] f) resolving wagers with players who have placed the wager
against the pay table, making an award to that player when that
player's best seven-card poker hand equals or exceeds a
predetermined rank; [0091] g) providing an additional award to
players who have placed the wager against the pay table i) when
that player's best seven-card poker hand equals or exceeds a
predetermined rank and ii) when a best five-card hand for the
dealer is equal to or less than a predetermined rank; and [0092] h)
Enhancing the bonus payout when the dealer's hand is at or below a
minimum threshold value.
[0093] The method is preferably played with a set of cards
comprising or consisting of a standard fifty-two card deck with at
least one joker. Entry into an envy hand poker game, as the game is
known in the art and as described herein may be made in a number of
ways. The envy hand poker game may be an automatic part of the Pai
Gow game, without an additional wager; the envy hand poker game may
be entered solely by making the wager against the pay table for the
five-card poker game; or the envy hand poker game may require a
separate qualifying wager specific for that game or an elevated
(more expensive) wager against the pay table to enable entry into
both the wager against the pay table and the envy hand poker game.
For example, a wager against the pay table of $1.00 may enter the
player against only the pay table, while a wager of $5.00 against
the pay table may enter the player into both the wager against the
pay table and entry into the envy hand poker game. Thus, the wager
against a pay table may or may not enter the player into an envy
hand wagering event. Also, the first level of the wager against a
pay table may enter the player into the wagering event against the
pay table and a second and higher level of wager against the pay
table may also enter the player into the wagering event against the
pay table and an envy hand poker gaming event. The wager against
the pay table may be mandatory or optional. The pay table for the
best seven-card hand for a player may require a rank of at least a
ranked three-of-a-kind, at least a straight, or at least a flush
for payment for a ranked hand in the table.
[0094] Another way of describing a variant Pai Gow poker game of
the invention is as a method of playing a Pai Gow poker wagering
card game comprising: [0095] i) Players wagering on a Pai Gow game;
[0096] j) Players placing a wager (optional or mandatory) on a
separate poker-type game that uses all seven-cards from player
cards; [0097] k) dealing seven-card hands to multiple player
positions (e.g., usually six positions, but fewer positions can be
dealt to without altering the game) and one dealer position; [0098]
l) resolving the game of Pai Gow poker according to the standard
rules of Pai Gow poker or any special house rules; [0099] m)
comparing each best seven-card poker hand made from the seven
player cards against a pay table for predetermined hand ranks;
[0100] n) paying players who have both placed the additional wager
and displayed poker hands of at least the predetermined rank
according to the pay table and rules of the separate poker-type
game played with best seven-card hands of the players; and [0101]
o) if a best seven-card hand for the dealer from the dealer's Pai
Gow cards is equal to or less than a predetermined rank, increasing
the amount of payment to players from step m).
[0102] As with the other description of a Pai Gow poker variant
game according to the invention, an envy hand poker game may be
included by similar steps and methods as described above. A jackpot
event or progressive jackpot event may also be included by various
methods in these games. A separate wager may be placed, a portion
of the wager against the pay table may be added to the jackpot, or
some or all of the house withdrawal from winning Pai Gow hands may
be added to the jackpot. In this way, a fee may be charged by the
dealer for a favorable resolution of the Pai Gow wager when the
wager against the pay table is made and yet players will appreciate
that a jackpot is accumulating at least in part from this fee.
[0103] The play of the game may be completed manually on a
non-electronic game table, with the dealer using a physical deck(s)
of cards, visually identifying the amounts and positions of wagers,
manually collecting and paying out wagers, etc. It is possible to
incorporate some degree or nearly an entire electronic system into
the game table or into the play of the game. Such partial or
complete electronic systems may perform such tasks as identifying
the existence of a wager (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,229,534;
5,337,973; and 5,377,994), or may provide virtual cards from an
electronically stored deck of cards (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,255,915; and 5,897,436). The capabilities of technology are
constantly expanding, and the improvements in technology should not
be considered to avoid the underlying invention of the play of this
game. For example, player monitoring systems, security systems,
integrated systems where shufflers identify the number of cards
and/or identify the specific cards and their positions in the play
of the game are contemplated in the practice of the present
invention.
[0104] The game of the present invention can also be in the form of
an executable program played on a computerized apparatus or system
which may be integrated with one or more multimedia transceiving
terminals. It should be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art that a system in accordance with the present invention can
include various computer and network related software and hardware,
such as computer language programs, operating systems, memory
storage devices, input/output devices, data processors, servers
with links to data communication systems, wireless or otherwise,
such as those which take the form of a local or wide area
distributed computing network, and a plurality of data transceiving
terminals within the network, such as personal computers or
otherwise. It should be understood that the system of the present
invention may also include multiple, redundant or backup devices of
those described herein. Those skilled in the art will further
appreciate that, so long as its users are provided with access to a
system and the ability to play the game according to the present
invention, the type of network, software or hardware is not vital
to its full implementation.
[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the core functional components
of a game system of the present invention include a database,
processor, and one or more graphical user interfaces. One exemplary
system can be configured to function as a free standing terminal
but may also be configured provide the game of the present
invention to a plurality of players via the world wide web.
[0106] The system provides game play to players through graphical
user interfaces which preferably include data entry terminals and
monitors that provide visual depictions of the game as play ensues.
The data entry terminals are preferably adjacent the monitor and
can include buttons, touch screens, voice responsive actuators or
any other device for indicating a preference.
[0107] The data storage device, which contains the programming,
game rules, predefined criteria, wagering and payment information,
among other data relating to operation of the game in accordance
with the present invention, is operatively associated with one or
more analytical processors by a control program. Programs in the
system of the present invention may contain an instruction set
written in a conventional computing language such as HTML, C++ or
Java, for coordinating the interactive relationship between the
data storage device, processor and graphical user interface.
[0108] The game play on the system of the present invention is
preferably initiated by the player placing one or more wagers. The
wagers can be placed by the player inserting money into a specially
configured receiving slot in the data terminal or electronically
from a credit card or ticket inserted into a corresponding reader
or by inputting credit information into the system of the present
invention via user interface. The wager amount is temporarily
stored in the data storage device. The system accesses the game
rules from the data storage device and game play continues
according to the game rules.
[0109] During the game, the system may provide options to the
player, receive selections, and compare existing circumstances in
the game with any predefined criteria set in storage, such as a pay
table with mathematical formulas or other such relations for
prescribing payment on an optional side bet, to determine if any
such criteria are satisfied. The game play continues until the
final outcome is reached. Any winning hands are paid and the system
restarts or otherwise readies itself to receive wagers for a new
game.
[0110] Games according to the present invention may be implemented
as live table games, television or cable game show game, video
poker gaming machine platforms, hand-held games for play, multiple
player interactive wagering platform games (with kiosk formats,
single player screens, community screens, and/or banks of seats for
players with a common dealer screen), cell phone games, games
downloadable from the internet, parlor games, games executed on
personal computers, palm pilots, play stations and the like. Each
of the above game formats, among others, is contemplated by the
present invention.
[0111] In another embodiment, a game in accordance with the present
invention is provided in a multi-player platform configured to
simulate a live table game. The platform of the present invention
is adapted to provide interactive game play, including receiving
real-time wagers from one or more live game players and presenting
representative game hands without involving physical playing cards
or live casino personnel such as dealers. The multi-player
platform, can be constructed, modified, or retrofitted in
accordance with the present invention. Examples of known multiple
player platforms are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,443 and in
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/764,827, filed Jan. 26, 2004 and
published as U.S. Publication No. 2005/0164759. The content of
these disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.
[0112] Preferably, a multi-player gaming system that can be used to
practice the method of the present invention comprises a table and
an upright dealer "virtual" video display system positioned for
view by players seated at the table. The table may seat at least
two players up to the amount of players that can be configured
about the table and have a view of the dealer video display system.
Typically each gaming system will have at least four player
available positions, with space determinations considered as to
whether there would be 4, 5, 6 or 7 player positions. It is
possible to have a completely circular dealer display (e.g.,
holographic display in a cylindrical centerpiece) and have players
distributed around the entire periphery, but this is too dissimilar
to standard play arrangements and could slow the game down, as play
should approximate that of a live game, with players playing in
sequence. A surface of the table will include a display surface for
showing all player hands, community cards, dealer hands and any
other cards used to play the game for any purpose, and, chips or
other wagering designations. Alternatively, player hands can be
displayed on separate player station screens. The table surface may
include push button and or touch screen player controls, with our
without other display features specific to the individual player.
For example, the individual player screen may show a running
history of wins/losses, credits available, credits bet and other
play options. A majority of the table surface comprises a video
monitor in one example of the invention. A separate player screen
with touch screen controls or separate player control panels may be
provided at each player station near the continuous display
surface.
[0113] The use of a large or continuous display surface offers some
significant advantages in simulating or recreating a standard card
table surface. Cards may be readily viewed by other players at a
table, which is standard in table games and adds to player
enjoyment. Individual monitors, especially where slanted towards
the individual players make such table-wide card reading difficult.
The use of the full screen (continuous) display also allows for
better animation to be provided, such as displaying virtual images
of cards moving to the player and "virtual" chips being placed on
the table when wagers are indicated. For purposes of this
disclosure, the term "virtual" means a graphical video
representation of a real object or person, such as a dealer, cards
and chips, for example.
[0114] The individual player positions preferably have a separate
intelligence at each player position that accepts player input and
communicates directly with a game engine (main game computer or
processor). The intelligence is preferably an intelligent board
that can process information. For purposes of this disclosure the
term "intelligent" refers to the ability to execute code, either
provided in the form of software or hardware or a combination of
software and hardware circuits. Such processing may at least
comprise some of signal converting (e.g., signals from player card
readers, credit deposit, currency readers, coin readers, touch
screen signals, ticket readers/printers and control panel signals)
into a signal that can be included in an information packet and
interpreted by the main game computer when the signal is sent.
Communication between the intelligence at each player position is
direct to the main game computer and may be by self-initiated
signal sending, sequenced polling by the main game computer (e.g.,
each position communicates directly to the main game computer in
turn), timed communication, or any other order of communication
that is direct between the intelligence and the main game
computer.
[0115] One preferred form of communication between the main game
computer and player station computers is by means of self-initiated
signal sending. There is essentially a single main game computer
that contains video display controls and programs for both the
dealer display and the table top display, audio controls and
programs, game rules (including storage of multiple games if
intended to be available on the machine), random number generator,
graphic images, game sequence controls, security systems, wager
accounting programs, external signaling and audit functions, and
the like. In other forms of the invention, the above functions are
divided between a main processor and one or more additional
processors. The intelligence at each player position speeds up the
performance of all aspects of the game by being able to communicate
directly with the main game computer and being able to process
information at the player position rather than merely forwarding
the information in raw form to the main game computer. Processing
player information at player positions frees up resources for use
by the main processor or processors.
[0116] A card game system may also include a suitable data and
control processing subsystem that is largely contained within a
main control module supported beneath the tabletop. The control and
data processing subsystem includes a suitable power supply for
converting alternating current from the power main as controlled by
a main power switch. The power supply transforms the alternating
line current to a suitable voltage and to a direct current supply.
Power is supplied to a power distribution and sensor/activity
electronics control circuit. Commercially available power switching
and control circuits may be provided in the form of a circuit board
which is detachable, and plugs into a board receptacle of a
computer mother board or an expansion slot board receptacle. A main
game controller motherboard may include a central microprocessor
and related components well-known in the industry as computers
using Intel brand Pentium.RTM. microprocessors and related memory
or intelligence from any other manufacturing source. A variety of
different configurations and types of memory devices can be
connected to the motherboard as is well known in the art. Of
particular interest is the inclusion of two flat panel video
display control boards connected in expansion slots of the
motherboard. Display control boards are each capable of controlling
the images displayed for the dealer video display and for the
common display area. More specifically, the display control boards
are connected to player bet interface circuits for the player
stations. This arrangement allows the display control boards to
provide necessary image display data to the display electronic
drive circuits associated with the dealing event program displays
and the dealer display.
[0117] The motherboard and/or the individual player intelligent
boards also include a serial port that allows stored data to be
downloaded from the motherboard to a central casino computer or
other additional storage device. In one example, each player board
communicates directly with the casino computer system. This allows
card game action data to be analyzed in various ways using added
detail, or by providing integration with data from multiple tables
so that cheating schemes can be identified and eliminated, and
player tracking can be maintained. Player performance and/or skill
can be tracked at one table or as a compilation from gaming at
multiple tables, as by using Bloodhound.TM. security software
marketed by Shuffle Master, Inc., which may be incorporated into
this automated gaming system. Additionally, player hand analysis
can be performed. The motherboard and/or individual player
intelligent boards may also have a keyboard connection port that
can be used to connect a larger format keyboard to the system to
facilitate programming and servicing of the system.
[0118] Although the preferred system shown does not require
features illustrated for receiving automated player identification
information, such features can alternatively be provided. Card or
ticket readers such as used with credit cards, play tracking
tickets, player cards or other identification code reading devices
can be added in the system to allow or require player
identification in connection with play of the card game and
associated recording of game action by one of the processors. Such
a user identification interface, for example a card reader located
at each player station, can be implemented in the form of a variety
of magnetic card readers commercially available for reading
user-specific identification information. The user-specific
information can be provided on specially constructed magnetic cards
issued by a casino, or magnetically coded credit cards or debit
cards frequently used with national credit organizations such as
VISA.TM., MASTERCARD.TM., AMERICAN EXPRESS.TM., casino player card
registry, banks and other institutions. The information could also
be provided on other writable media, such as an RFID chip or card
with writable memory, or bar coding, as just a few examples.
[0119] Alternatively, it is possible to use so-called smart cards
to provide added processing or data storage functions in addition
to mere identification data. For example, the user identification
could include coding for available credit amounts purchased from a
casino. As further example, the identification card or other
user-specific instrument may include specially coded data
indicating security information such as would allow accessing or
identifying stored security information which must be confirmed by
the user after scanning the user identification card through a card
reader. Such security information might include such things as file
access numbers which allow the central processor to access a stored
security clearance code which the user must indicate using input
options provided on displays using touch screen displays. A still
further possibility is to have participant identification using a
fingerprint image, eye blood vessel image reader, or other suitable
biological information to confirm identity of the user that can be
built into the table. Still further it is possible to provide such
participant identification information by having the pit personnel
manually code in the information in response to the player
indicating his or her code name or real name. Such additional
identification could also be used to confirm credit use of a smart
card or transponder. All or part of the functions dedicated to a
particular player station are controlled by the player station
intelligence in one form of the invention. Additionally, each
player station intelligence may be in communication with a casino
accounting system.
[0120] It should also be understood that the player display screens
can alternatively be provided with suitable display cowlings or
covers that can be used to shield display of card images from
viewing by anyone other than the player in games where that is
desirable. This shielding can also be effected by having
light-orientation elements in the panel, and some of these
light-orientation elements are electronically controllable. This
type of shielding could also be used in controlling visual access
to the main game play screen. In this manner, the processor can
allow general viewing of cards in games where that is desirable or
tolerated, and then alter the screen where desired. These types of
features can be provided by nanometer, micrometer or other small
particulate or flake elements within a panel on the viewing area
that are reoriented by signals from the processor. Alternatively,
liquid crystal or photo chromatic displays can be used to create a
screening effect that would allow only viewers at specific angles
of view from the screen area to view the images of cards. Such an
alternative construction may be desired in systems designed for
card games different from blackjack, where some or all of the
player or dealer cards are not presented for viewing by other
participants or onlookers. Such display covers or cowlings can be
in various shapes and configurations as needed to prevent viewing
access. It may alternatively be acceptable to use a
player-controlled switch that allows the display to be momentarily
viewed and then turned off. The display can be shielded using a
cover or merely by using the player's hands. Still further it is
possible to use a touch screen display that would be controlled by
touch to turn on and turn off. Similar shielding can be used to
prevent others from viewing the display.
[0121] A review of FIGS. 1B-8 will assist in a further
understanding of the invention.
[0122] FIG. 1B shows a fully automated gaming table 1 of the prior
art, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application 2003/0199316 assigned
to Kabushiki Kaisha Sega Enterprises. The system 1 comprises a
vertical upright display cabinet 2 and a player bank or station
cluster arrangement 3. The vertical display cabinet 2 has a viewing
screen 7 on which images of the virtual dealer are displayed. The
top 8 of the player bank arrangement 3 has individual monitor
screens 10 for each player position, as well and tabletop inserted
coin acceptors 11, and player controls 12 and 13. There is a
separate and larger game play screen 9 on which dealer and player
cards are displayed in a format large enough for all players to
view. Additionally, wager areas and/or virtual chips representing
wagers are also displayed in this area. Speakers 16a and 16b are
provided for sound transmission and decorative lights 14 are
provided.
[0123] FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the same prior art automated
gaming system 1 with the viewing screen 7 shown more clearly as a
CRT monitor. It can also be seen that each player position has to
form an arc cut into the semicircular player seating area 18. FIG.
3 shows a side elevational view of the same prior art automated
gaming system of FIGS. 1 and 2 where the orientation of the three
different types of CRT monitors 7, 9 and 10 are shown.
[0124] FIG. 4 shows the schematic circuitry of a prior art
automated system as disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2003/0199316.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of processing circuitry in the game
device of FIG. 1B. The game device housing comprises a CPU block 20
for controlling the whole device, a picture block 21 for
controlling the game screen display, a sound block for producing
effect sounds and the like, and a subsystem for reading out
CD-ROM.
[0125] The CPU block 20 comprises an SCU (System Control Unit) 22,
a main CPU 24, RAM 26, RAM 28, a sub-CPU 30, and a CPU bus 32. The
main CPU 24 contains a math function similar to a DSP (Digital
Signal Processing) so that application software can be executed
rapidly.
[0126] The RAM 26 is used as the work area for the main CPU 24. The
RAM 28 stores the initialization program used for the
initialization process. The SCU 22 controls the busses 32, 34 and
36 so that data can be exchanged smoothly among the VDPs 38 and 40,
the DSP 42, and other components.
[0127] The SCU 22 contains a DMA controller, allowing data (polygon
data) for character(s) in the game to be transferred to the VRAM in
the video picture block 21. This allows the game machine or other
application software to be executed rapidly. The sub-CPU 30 is
termed an SMPC (System Manager & Peripheral Control). Its
functions include collecting sound recognition signals from the
sound recognition circuit 44 or image recognition signals from the
image recognition circuit 46 in response to requests from the main
CPU 24. On the basis of sound recognition signals or image
recognition signals provided by the sub-CPU 30, the main CPU 24
controls changes in the expression of the character(s) appearing on
the game screen, or performs image control pertaining to game
development, for example. The picture video block 21 comprises a
first VPD (Video Display Processor) 38 for rendering TV game
polygon data characters and polygon screens overlaid on the
background image, and a second VDP 40 for rendering scrolling
background screens, performing image synthesis of polygon image
data and scrolling image data based on priority (image priority
order), performing clipping, and the like. The first VPD 38 houses
a system register 48, and is connected to the VRAM (DRAM) 52 and to
two frame buffers 54 and 56. Data for rendering the polygons used
to represent TV game characters and the like is sent to the first
VPD 38 through the main CPU 24, and the rendering data written to
the VRAM 52 is rendered in the form of 16- or 8-bit pixels to the
rendering frame buffer 54 (or 56). The data in the rendered frame
buffer 54 (or 56) is sent to the second VDP 40 during the display
mode. In this way, buffers 54 and 56 are used as frame buffers,
providing a double buffer design for switching between rendering
and display for each individual frame. Regarding information for
controlling rendering, the first VPD 38 controls rendering and
display in accordance with the instructions established in the
system register 48 of the first VPD 38 by the main CPU 24 via the
SCU 22.
[0128] The second VDP 40 houses a register 50 and color RAM 58, and
is connected to the VRAM 60. The second VDP 40 is connected via the
bus 36 to the first VPD 38 and the SCU 22 and is connected to
picture output terminals Voa through Vog through memories 62a-d and
encoders 64a-d. The picture output terminals Voa through Vog are
connected through cables to the main game displays 66, 68 and the
satellite displays 70. Scrolling screen data for the second VDP 40
is defined in the VRAM 60 and the color RAM 58 by the CPU 24
through the SCU 22. Information for-controlling image display is
similarly defined in the second VDP 40. Data defined in the VRAM 60
is read out in accordance with the contents established in the
register 50 by the second VDP 40, and serves as image data for the
scrolling screens that portray the background for the character(s).
Image data for each scrolling screen and image data of
texture-mapped polygon data sent from the first VPD 38 is assigned
display priority (priority) in accordance with the settings in the
register 48, and the final image screen data is synthesized.
[0129] Where the display image data is in palette format, the
second VDP 40 reads out the color data defined in the color RAM 58
in accordance with the values thereof, and produces the display
color data. Color data is produced for each display 66 and 68 and
for each satellite display 70. Where display image data is in RGB
format, the display image data is used as-is as display color data.
The display color data is temporarily stored in memories 62a-d and
is then output to the encoders 64a-d. The encoders 64a-d produce
picture signals by adding synchronizing signals to the image data,
which is then sent via the picture output terminals Voa through Vog
to the display 66, 68 and the satellite displays 70. In this way,
the images required to conduct an interactive game are displayed on
the screens of the display 66, 68 and the satellite displays
70.
[0130] The sound block 72 comprises a DSP 42 for performing sound
synthesis using PCM format or FM format, and a CPU 74 for
controlling the DSP 42. Sound data generated by the DSP 42 is
converted into 2-channel sound signals by a D/A converter 76 and is
then presented to audio output terminals Ao via an interface (not
shown). These audio output terminals Ao are connected to the input
terminals of an audio amplification circuit (not shown). Thus, the
sound signals presented to the audio output terminals Ao are input
to the audio amplification circuit (not shown). Sound signals
amplified by the audio amplification circuit drive the speakers 16a
and 16b.
[0131] The subsystem 78 comprises a CD-ROM drive 80, a CD-I/F 82,
and CPU 84, an MPEG-AUDIO section 86, and an MPEG-PICTURE section
88. The subsystem 78 has the function of reading application
software provided in the form of a CD-ROM and reproducing the
animation. The CD-ROM drive 80 reads out data from CD-ROM. The CPU
84 controls the CD-ROM drive 80 and performs error correction on
the data read out by it. Data read from the CD-ROM is sent via the
CD-I/F 82, bus 34, and SCU 22 to the main CPU 24 that uses it as
the application software. The MPEG-AUDIO section 86 and the
MPEG-VIDEO section 88 are used to expand data that has been
compressed in MPEG (Motion Picture Expert Group) format. By using
the MPEG-AUDIO section 86 and the MPEG-VIDEO section 88 to expand
data that has been compressed in MPEG format, it is possible to
reproduce motion picture. It should be noted herein that there are
distinct processor for the CPU block, video block, sound block,
CD-ROM drive and Memory with their independent CPU's. This requires
significant computing power and still has dumb (no intelligence)
player input components.
[0132] FIG. 5 shows another example of an automated table system
101 useful to practice the game play methods of the present
invention. The system 101 has an upright dealer display cabinet 102
with a top 104 and the dealer viewing screen 107 which may be any
form of display screen such as a CRT, plasma screen, liquid crystal
screen, LED screen or the like. The dealer screen 107 displays a
virtual dealer, the dealer responding to instructions from the
players. The player bank arrangement 103 has a continuous display
screen 109 on which images of cards being dealt 105, an exemplary
location for illustrating the dealer's cards 108, exemplary
locations for illustrating player cards 113, bets wagered (not
shown) and also includes touch screen and/or electromechanical
player input functions 110. The display 110 at each player station
can also display information such as the composition of the
player's hand, the credits wagered, historical win/loss
information, pay tables and the like. Other player input functions
may be provided on a panel 106 which might accept currency, coins,
tokens, identification cards, player tracking cards, ticket
in/ticket out acceptance, and the like.
[0133] FIG. 6 shows an electronic/processor schematic for a
MultiPlayer Platform (MPP) gaming system according to the presently
described. The MPP Game engine (dealer) comprises a Heber Pluto 5
casino game board 120 (Motorola 68340 board) operating off the PC
Platform Pentium.RTM. 4 MPP Game Display processor 122. The game
display processor operates on a Windows XP platform. The respective
subcomponents on the Pentium 4 processor are labeled to show the
apportionment of activity on the motherboard and the component
parts added to the board. As is shown, the game engine has an
Uninterruptible Power Supply 124. The game display processor
directs activity on the Speakers, directs activities onto the MPP
Game Service panel, and the Plasma Monitor Card Table display. It
is important to note that all communications are direct from the
game display processor, freeing up resources available to the game
engine processor.
[0134] FIG. 7 shows the electronic/processing schematics 126 of the
MPP Player Station Intelligence board 128 (Heber Pluto 5 Casino,
Motorola 68340), each of which player stations (one for each player
position) is in direct connection to the MPP Game Engine 130
(Dealer), which is in turn directly connected to the PC Platform.
(not shown in this Figure). Each Intelligence board receives
information for all player input systems 132a-f specific to that
player station, such as the shown Coin Acceptor, Coin Hopper, Bill
validator, Ticket Printer, Touch Screen and/or Display Button
Panel, Dual Wire Ticket-in-Ticket-Out Printing and SAS System (SAS
is one exemplary standard communications protocol used by a number
of casinos central computer systems.) A significant benefit resides
in the use of the independent Intelligence boards 128 at each
player position being in direct communication with the MPP Game
Engine 130, as opposed to each individual player position button
panel being dead or inactive until authorized by the main game
processor, as previous automated gaming systems were
constructed.
[0135] The above-described architecture is also an improvement in
providing a system with not only the intelligence at each player
position, but also in redistributing processing capability for
functions among various processing components within the gaming
system. In one architectural format, all functions of the gaming
engine, except for the player localized intelligence functions, are
consolidated into a single PC (e.g., the Pentium 4 shown in the
Figures). This would include all game functions, player video
functions, dealer video functions, dealer audio functions,
security, central reporting (to a casino's central computer, for
example), currency and debit functions, alarm functions, lighting
functions, and all other peripherals on the system, except for the
localized player functions. Alternatively, all functions requiring
communication with the casino's main computer system are located on
the player station intelligent boards. In this system, the main
game processor would talk directly with the player intelligent
boards, preferably in the same novel communication format described
below.
[0136] An alternative system is shown in FIG. 8, where there is a
dealer engine processor 132 intermediate the main game PC 134 and
the Player intelligent boards (not shown). Both systems are a
distinct improvement over the prior art, but with the higher power
available for PC's, and with the ease of programming a PC as
opposed to an embedded system, the consolidation of the game
functions and the ability of the main game engine to communicate
with each of the player positions is enabled. As shown in FIG. 8,
the Game display processor 134 is preferably a Pentium.RTM. 4 PC
and is separate from the main processor 132. With the player
intelligent boards, the main game PC can receive packets of
information from each player station as events occur rather than
having to poll each player position on a regular basis 100 times to
gain the specific information for each player input that may be
made.
[0137] A description of the Heber Board, (an exemplary board that
can be used as a player station processor and/or game engine
processor 132) a commercially available intelligent processing
board is as follows. The Heber Board is known for its reliability
and flexibility, especially for the Pluto 5 family of gaming
products. The Pluto 5 is the controller of choice for the global
gaming industry. Flexibility comes from a set of features built
into the Pluto 5 (Casino) controller, and from the choice of
optional add-on boards that can be used to adapt the Pluto family
to best suit individual applications. In the area of interfacing,
there are three distinct boards, each of which serves a particular
function in helping the Pluto 5 to connect with the world
outside:
RS485 Board
[0138] RS485 is an industrial-grade board for linking multiple
systems in unforgiving circumstances for centralized information
gathering. The Heber RS485 board is fully optically-isolated to
provide complete circuit safety when used within `electrically
noisy` environments. The RS485 board uses a single RS232 connection
to the Pluto 5 board and all necessary power is also derived
through this link. Two header connectors may be provided for the
RS485 channel to allow daisy chain connections between multiple
systems.
HII/ccTalk Board
[0139] This board specializes in communicating with industry
standard note/coin acceptors and payout hoppers. Equipped with dual
communication channels, each port is configurable to use either the
HII format to connect with Mars.RTM. coin/note acceptors or the
ccTalk format for Money Controls.RTM. hoppers. Both channels are
controlled via a single RS232 connection to the Pluto 5 board and
all necessary power is also derived through this link. The Heber
FastTrack.TM. package contains modular library functions for
passing information via these channels.
Four Channel Relay Board
[0140] The relay board allows control of medium- to high-level
loads such as solenoids, without risk of damage or interference to
the Pluto 5 circuitry. Four power-switching channels are available
with absolute isolation from the Pluto 5 control signals. Each
relay is capable of switching direct or alternating currents of up
to 7A at a maximum voltage of 250V.
[0141] Like the Pluto 5 board itself, its modular options have been
used extensively so that their designs are fully developed and
entirely stable. The options that are specified are consistently
provided in mass quantities. As with all Pluto products,
programming for the modular options is straightforward. This is
enhanced with the use of the Pluto 5 Enhanced Development Kit and
also the FastTrack.TM. package. Between them, these kits contain
all of the low level and high level programming tools and library
functions needed for gaming applications. These systems can be
provided through a Pluto 5 Enhanced Development Kit datasheet
80-15353-7 (Heber Limited, Belvedere Mill, Chalford, Stroud,
Gloucestershire, GL6 8NT, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1453 886000 Fax: +44 (0)
1453 885013; www.heber.co.uk). Specifications for the various
boards are identified below.
RS485 Interface
Host Interface
[0142] RS232 connection to Pluto 5/Pluto 5 Casino [0143] All power
provided via RS232 link from host system Communication Port [0144]
Dual four-way Molex 0.1'' KK headers for daisy chaining purposes
Dimensions [0145] 80.times.61 mm (3.14.times.2.4'') Part Number
[0146] Opto-isolated RS485 board 01-14536-2 HII/ccTalk interface
Host Interface [0147] RS232 connection to Pluto 5/Pluto 5 Casino
[0148] All power provided via RS232 link from host system
Communication Port [0149] Single or dual 10 way header connectors
Dimensions [0150] 101.6.times.69.85 mm (4.times.2.8'') Part Number
[0151] Dual channel HII/ccTalk board 01-16171-2 Four Channel Relay
Board Host Interface [0152] Connection to Pluto 5/Pluto 5 Casino
via ribbon cable using four standard output lines [0153] All power
provided via ribbon cable link from host system Switching
Capabilities [0154] Up to 250V AC or DC @ 7A maximum per channel
Dimensions [0155] 80.times.61 mm (3.14.times.2.4'') Part Number
[0156] Four channel relay board 01-15275-1 80-16949-1
[0157] One proposed hardware configuration uses a "satellite"
intelligent processor at each player position. The player station
satellite processor is substantially the same as the primary game
engine processor, a Heber Pluto 5 Casino board. The satellite
processors receive instruction from the primary game engine but
then handle the communications with player station peripherals
independently. Each satellite processor communicates with only the
peripherals at the same player station. Thus each player station
has a dedicated satellite processor communicating with only the
peripherals at the same player station and with the casino's
central computer system. The peripherals are, but not limited to:
Slot accounting Systems, Bill Validator, Ticket Printer, Coin
Acceptor, Coin Hopper, Meters, Button panel or LCD touch screen and
various doors and keys.
[0158] The satellite processors run proprietary software to enable
functionality. The player station software is comprised of two
modules, the first being an OS similar to the game engine Operating
System and the second being station software that handles
peripheral communications. The software may be installed on EPROMs
for each satellite processor. The primary method of communication
between the satellite processors and the primary game engine is via
serial connectivity and the previously described protocol. In one
example, information packets are prepared by the satellite
processors and are sent to the game engine processor on the
happening of an event.
[0159] The proposed game engine provides communication to the
player stations to set the game state, activate buttons and receive
button and meter information for each player station. Communication
is via a serial connection to each of the stations. The new
protocol for communication between the game engine, game display
and player stations is an event driven packet-for-packet
bi-directional protocol with Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)
verification. This is distinguished from the Sega system that used
continuous polling. This communication method frees up resources in
the same engine processor because the processor no longer needs to
poll the satellites continuously or periodically.
[0160] The new protocol uses embedded acknowledgement and sequence
checking. The packet-for-packet protocol uses a Command Packet,
Response Packet and a Synchronization Packet as illustrated below.
The protocol uses standard ASCII characters to send data and a
proprietary verification method. TABLE-US-00002 Format of Command
Packet STX SEQ DATA LENGTH DATA CRC-16 ETX 1 1 3 3-999 5 1 Format
of Response Packet STX SEQ DSP PRV ETX 1 1 1 1 1 Format of
Synchronization Response Packet STX MTS MRS ETX 1 1 1 1 Legend For
Figures STX Start of Packet Character SEQ Sequence # (Cycles from
`0` thru `9`) LEN Length of Data Area (`003` thru `999`) DATA ASCII
Data Fields Separated with `|` Character CRC CRC-16 Value (`0000`
thru `65535`) Cyclic Redundancy Check ETX End of Packet Character
DSP Disposition Code (`A` ACK, `N` NAK, or `I` Invalid Sequence)
PRV Sequence Number of Last ACK'ed Packet (0 thru 9) MTS Main's
Current Transmit Sequence Number MRS Main's Current Receive
Sequence Number
[0161] The Command Packet and Response Packet are used during
primary game communications. The protocol uses redundant
acknowledgement. For example: The packet is initially acknowledged
when first received by the recipient. The same recipient will
resend anther acknowledgement in the next communication. This
second acknowledgement is the `PRV` data in the response
packet.
[0162] The communications between the Game Engine and the Player
Station intelligence is preferably a transaction-based protocol.
Either device can start a transaction, which is why it is essential
that there be an intelligent board at each player position. All
packets of information may be sent in any acceptable format, with
ASCII format preferred as a matter of designer choice. All command
packets usually contain a sequence number that is incremented after
each successful packet exchange. The Game Engine and the Player
Station intelligence use sequence numbers that are independent of
each other. The sequence number keeps the communications in
synchronization. This synchronization method is described
later.
[0163] The command packet is used to send various commands such as
Inputs, Lamps, Doors, Errors, Chirp, Game Results, player input,
coin acceptance, player identification, credit acceptance, wagers,
etc. . . . The command packet format may be, by ay of a
non-limiting example: [0164] <STX><Sequence
number><Data
Length><Data><CRC-16><ETX>
[0165] The data format with in the command packet may be: [0166]
<Address><Command><Field 1>|<Field
2>|<Field n>| The response packet format may be: [0167]
<STX><Sequence number><Disposition><Previous
ACK><ETX> The sync request packet format may be: [0168]
<SYN> The sync response packet format may be:
<STX><Mains Current Transmission Sequence><Mains
Current Receive Sequence><ETX>
[0169] A major strength of the protocol is its resilience of the
Game Protocol and its ability to free up resources within the game
engine. Those resources can in turn be used to provide more
intricate games, and multi-media affects.
Synchronization Method:
[0170] The satellite and host must become synchronized in order to
provide for reliable communications using packet numbers. To
facilitate this, a novel protocol synchronization method that is
used. Upon applying power to the satellite, or after a
communications failure, the satellite automatically enters into
synchronization mode. In the synchronization mode the satellite
sends out the ASCII SYN (0.times.16) character about every second.
It is expecting a special response packet containing transmit and
receive packet sequence numbers to be used from that point on.
After receiving the special response packet, the sequence numbers
are used as-is, and not incremented until a successful packet
exchange is completed. After communications is synchronized, the
sequence numbers are incremented after each packet is successfully
sent or received.
[0171] As was noted before, the main game processor may contain
information, data, programming and other necessary functions to
enable the play of multiple games off the same machine. For
example, the main game engine may have rules and commands that will
enable play of the games of the present invention and other card
games. The system may be controlled so that different games may be
played at different times on command of the casino or players.
[0172] All of the apparatus, devices and methods disclosed and
claimed herein can be made and executed without undue
experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the
apparatus, devices and methods of this invention have been
described in terms of both generic descriptions and preferred
embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
variations may be applied to the apparatus, devices and methods
described herein without departing from the concept and scope of
the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain
elements, components, steps, and sequences that are functionally
related to the preferred embodiments may be substituted for the
elements, components, steps, and sequences described and/or claimed
herein while the same of similar results would be achieved. All
such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those
skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope and concept of
the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *
References