U.S. patent application number 11/294026 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for method of playing community card games.
Invention is credited to Ermirjona H. Kekempanos, Larry E. Kekempanos, James Thomas Kenny.
Application Number | 20060119044 11/294026 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36573319 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060119044 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kekempanos; Larry E. ; et
al. |
June 8, 2006 |
Method of playing community card games
Abstract
The embodiments of the present invention provide a method of
playing community card games, in table games format and or
electronic, video, slot machines for casinos. According to an
embodiment of the present invention, one or more players place an
initial wager and a dealer/electronic, video, and or slot machine
deals at least one card(s) to the players and at least one card(s)
to the dealer. The players and dealer then inspect their at least
one card(s) and decide to keep them or draw at least one new card
to hopefully form a better at least one card(s). If a decision of a
draw is made for an at least one new card, the amount of cards that
are drawn, you must have that equal amount(s) of card(s) discarded.
After the draw option is complete, at least two sets of community
card(s) are dealt. Each set of community card(s) has at least one
card. The sets of community card(s) will be named "A" SET, "B" SET,
and "C" SET etc. Players have to bet on at least one of the set(s)
of community card(s) of either A, B, or C etc. Each set of
community card(s) will be used in conjunction with each of the
players' and or dealer's at least one card, to form the best
possible predetermined poker hand, for each. The players' wagers
are then resolved by evaluating the players' hands and the dealer's
hand in comparison of the best hand of a predetermined fashion, and
or the resolution of wagers played against a predetermined pay
scale. Various modifications to the first embodiment of the present
invention are set forth herein. This method of playing a poker
style game, may be used in Texas Hold'Em, Omaha, and 7 Card Stud, 5
Card Stud, Omaha Eight or Better (High-Lo Split), Razz, or any
poker game using community cards. The number of cards in each set
may change and the number of sets for each game may change. The
player may choose to bet one set of cards (A) and choose a specific
set (B) for the dealer to have to use to complete the dealer hand.
These features are new, novel and non-obvious, instead of the old
way of only one flop, turn and river, and also the new feature of
replacing the hole cards.
Inventors: |
Kekempanos; Larry E.; (Oak
Lawn, IL) ; Kekempanos; Ermirjona H.; (Oak Lawn,
IL) ; Kenny; James Thomas; (Shorewood, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LARRY EMMANUEL KEKEMPANOS
10444 SO. KEATING AVENUE
OAK LAWN
IL
60453
US
|
Family ID: |
36573319 |
Appl. No.: |
11/294026 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60633530 |
Dec 6, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20130101; A63F
3/00157 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20060101
A63F001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of: (a).
providing at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards; (b).
providing a published ranking of winning hands ranked from highest
to lowest; (c). providing a predetermined pay scale for winning
hands; (d). providing a dealer and at least one player(s); (e).
Accepting an Ante wager(s) from one or more player(s); (f). Dealing
at least one card(s) to said one or more players(s); (g). Dealing
at least one card(s) to a dealer; (h). Determining the strength of
each player's and dealers at least one card(s); (i). Said one or
more players and dealer further including a step wherein each
player and the dealer is afforded the option to keep or replace at
least one card(s) to hopefully form a better at least one card(s);
(j). Said player proceeding to play the game by placing certain
initial wagers selected from the following; (1) a wager on at least
one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B, or C etc. to play
against the strength of the dealer, and (2) a separate voluntary
wager on at least one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B,
or C sets etc. to play against a predetermined pay scale; (k).
Dealing at least one set of community card(s) named A, B, C etc;
(1) Dealing the A set of community card(s) and each set has at
least one card and (2) Dealing the B set of community card(s); and
each set has at least one card and (3) Dealing the C set of
community card(s); and each set has at least one card etc. (l).
Determining a strength of each player's at least one card(s) in
combination with said at least one set of community card(s)(A set)
to form a two card hand; (m). Determining a strength of said
dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one
set of community card(s)(A set) to form a two card hand; (n).
Comparing the strength of each player's at least one card(s) and at
least one set of community card(s) (A set) with the strength of
said dealer's at least one card(s) and at least one set of
community cards (A set) to form a final two card poker hand each
and excluding all extra cards dealt to determine the relative
ranking there between; (o). paying each player's wager against the
strength of the dealer if the player's hand ranking outranks the
dealer's hand; (p). taking each player's wager against the strength
of the dealer if the dealer's hand ranking outranks the player's
hand; (q). Said player proceeding to play the game by placing a
separate voluntary wager on at least one of the sets of community
card(s) either A, B, or C etc. to play against a predetermined pay
scale; (r) Determining strength of each player's at least one
card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community
card(s) (A set) to form a two card hand; (s). paying each players
separate voluntary wager against the predetermined pay scale if the
player's hand has achieved a rank at least as high as the first
ranking from said published ranking; (t). taking the player's
separate voluntary wager against the predetermined pay scale if the
player fails to achieve at least the minimum ranking from said
published ranking;
2. The method of playing a wagering game as set forth in claim 1
above, wherein a player is provided with an opportunity to place an
additional wager on the "B" set of community card(s) as outlined in
J 2 and (a). providing at least one standard deck of 52 playing
cards; (b). providing a published ranking of winning hands ranked
from highest to lowest; (c). providing a predetermined pay scale
for winning hands; (d). providing a dealer and at least one
player(s); (e). Accepting an Ante wager(s) from one or more
player(s); (f). Dealing at least one card(s) to said one or more
players(s); (g). Dealing at least one card(s) to a dealer; (h).
Determining the strength of each player's and dealers at least one
card(s); (i). Said one or more players and dealer further including
a step wherein each player and the dealer is afforded the option to
keep or replace at least one card(s) to hopefully form a better at
least one card(s); (j). Said player proceeding to play the game by
placing certain initial wagers selected from the following; (1) a
wager on at least one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B,
or C etc. to play against the strength of the dealer, and (2) a
separate voluntary wager on at least one of the sets of community
card(s) either A, B, or C etc. to play against a predetermined pay
scale; (k). (1) Dealing the A set of community card(s) and each set
has at least one card and (2) Dealing the B set of community
card(s); and each set has at least one card and (3) Dealing the C
set of community card(s); and each set has at least one card etc.
(l). Determining a strength of each player's at least one card(s)
in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (B
set) to form a two card hand; (m). Determining a strength of said
dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one
set of community card(s) (B set) to form a two card hand; (n).
Comparing the strength of each player's at least one card(s) and at
least one set of community card(s) (B set) with the strength of
said dealer's at least one card(s) and at least one set of
community cards (B set) to form a final two card poker hand each
and excluding all extra cards dealt to determine the relative
ranking there between; (o). paying each player's wager against the
strength of the dealer if the player's hand ranking outranks the
dealer's hand; (p). taking each player's wager against the strength
of the dealer if the dealer's hand ranking outranks the player's
hand; (q). Said player proceeding to play the game by placing a
separate voluntary wager on at least one of the sets of community
card(s) either A, B, or C etc. to play against a predetermined pay
scale; (r) Determining a strength of each player's at least one
card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community
card(s) (B set) to form a two card hand; (s). paying each players
separate voluntary wager against the predetermined pay scale if the
player's hand has achieved a rank at least as high as the first
ranking from said published ranking; (t). taking the player's
separate voluntary wager against the predetermined pay scale if the
player fails to achieve at least the minimum ranking from said
published ranking;
3. The method of playing a wagering game as set forth in claim 1
above, wherein a player is provided with an opportunity to place an
additional wager on the "C" set of community card(s) (J) and A
method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of: (a).
providing at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards; (b).
providing a published ranking of winning hands ranked from highest
to lowest; (c). providing a predetermined pay scale for winning
hands; (d). providing a dealer and at least one player(s); (e).
Accepting an Ante wager(s) from one or more player(s); (f). Dealing
at least one card(s) to said one or more players(s); (g). Dealing
at least one card(s) to a dealer; (h). Determining the strength of
each player's and dealers at least one card(s); (i). Said one or
more players and dealer further including a step wherein each
player and the dealer is afforded the option to keep or replace at
least one card(s) to hopefully form a better at least one card(s);
(j). Said player proceeding to play the game by placing certain
initial wagers selected from the following; (1) a wager on at least
one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B, or C etc. to play
against the strength of the dealer, and (2) a separate voluntary
wager on at least one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B,
or C etc. to play against a predetermined pay scale; (k). Dealing
at least one set of community card(s) named A, B, C etc; (1)
Dealing the A set of community card(s) and each set has at least
one card and (2) Dealing the B set of community card(s); and each
set has at least one card and (3) Dealing the C set of community
card(s); and each set has at least one card etc. (l). Determining a
strength of each player's at least one card(s) in combination with
said at least one set of community card(s) (C set) to form a two
card hand; (m). Determining a strength of said dealer's at least
one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community
card(s) (C set) to form a two card hand; (n). Comparing the
strength of each player's at least one card(s) and at least one set
of community card(s) (C set) with the strength of said dealer's at
least one card(s) and at least one set of community cards (C set)
to form a final two card poker hand each and excluding all extra
cards dealt to determine the relative ranking there between; (o).
paying each player's wager against the strength of the dealer if
the player's hand ranking outranks the dealer's hand; (p). taking
each player's wager against the strength of the dealer if the
dealer's hand ranking outranks the player's hand; (q). Said player
proceeding to play the game by placing a separate voluntary wager
on at least one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B, or C
etc. to play against a predetermined pay scale; (r) Determining a
strength of each player's at least one card(s) in combination with
said at least one set of community card(s) (C set) to form a two
card hand; (s). paying each players separate voluntary wager
against the predetermined pay scale if the player's hand has
achieved a rank at least as high as the first ranking from said
published ranking; (t). taking the player's separate voluntary
wager against the predetermined pay scale if the player fails to
achieve at least the minimum ranking from said published
ranking;
4. The method of playing a wagering game as set-forth in claim 1
above, wherein a player is provided with an additional opportunity
to place wagers on the strength of each player's at least one
card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community
card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a THREE card hand; and each set
of community card(s) has at least one card; and Determining a
strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with
said at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to
form a THREE card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at
least one card; and Comparing the strength of each player's at
least one card(s) and at least one set of community card(s) (A, B,
C set ETC.) with the strength of said dealer's at least one card(s)
and at least one set of community cards (A, B, C set etc.) to form
a final THREE card poker hand each and excluding all extra cards
dealt to determine the relative ranking there between;
5. The method of playing a wagering game as set-forth in claim 1
above, wherein a player is provided with an additional opportunity
to place wagers on the strength of each player's at least one
card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community
card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a FOUR card hand; and each set
of community card(s) has at least one card; and Determining a
strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with
said at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to
form a FOUR card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at
least one card; and Comparing the strength of each player's at
least one card(s) and at least one set of community card(s) (A, B,
C set ETC.) with the strength of said dealer's at least one card(s)
and at least one set of community cards (A, B, C set etc.) to form
a final FOUR card poker hand each and excluding all extra cards
dealt to determine the relative ranking there between;
6. The method of playing a wagering game as set-forth in claim 1
above, wherein a player is provided with an additional opportunity
to place wagers on the strength of each player's at least one
card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community
card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a FIVE card hand; and each set
of community card(s) has at least one card; and Determining a
strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with
said at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to
form a FIVE card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at
least one card; and Comparing the strength of each player's at
least one card(s) and at least one set of community card(s) (A, B,
C set ETC.) with the strength of said dealer's at least one card(s)
and at least one set of community cards (A, B, C set etc.) to form
a final FIVE card poker hand each and excluding all extra cards
dealt to determine the relative ranking there between;
7. The method of playing a wagering game as set-forth in claim 1
above, wherein a player is provided with an additional opportunity
to place wagers on the strength of each player's at least one
card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community
card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a SIX card hand; and each set of
community card(s) has at least one card; and Determining a strength
of said dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with said at
least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a SIX
card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at least one card;
and Comparing the strength of each player's at least one card(s)
and at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set ETC.) with
the strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) and at least one
set of community cards (A, B, C set etc.) to form a final SIX card
poker hand each and excluding all extra cards dealt to determine
the relative ranking there between;
8. The method of playing a wagering game as set-forth in claim 1
above, wherein a player is provided with an additional opportunity
to place wagers on the strength of each player's at least one
card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community
card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a SEVEN card hand; and each set
of community card(s) has at least one card; and Determining a
strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with
said at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to
form a SEVEN card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at
least one card; and Comparing the strength of each player's at
least one card(s) and at least one set of community card(s) (A, B,
C set ETC.) with the strength of said dealer's at least one card(s)
and at least one set of community cards (A, B, C set etc.) to form
a final SEVEN card poker hand each and excluding all extra cards
dealt to determine the relative ranking there between;
9. A method of claim 1(a) wherein at least one standard deck of
playing cards and at least one joker may be used;
10. A method of claim 1(a) wherein at least one non standard deck
of playing cards with or without at least one joker may be
used.
11. A method of claim 1(a) wherein at least one standard deck of
playing cards and at least one wild card, or promotional card, and
or at least one joker, may be designated electronically or
otherwise.
12. A method of claim 1(a) wherein at least one non standard
playing cards and at least one wild card, or promotional card, or
at least one joker, designated electronically or otherwise.
13. A method of claim 1 further including wagers selected from the
following; a) A wager against the dealer, and b) A separate wager
against a predetermined pay scale; and c) A separate wager on a bad
beat hand;
14. A method of claim 1 wherein the player(s) and or dealers at
least one card may be an integer of at least 1 thru infinity in
combination with said at least one set of community cards (A, B, OR
C SETS etc.); Specifically to form a final poker hand of either two
card poker, or a final hand of three card poker, or a final hand of
four card poker, or a final hand of five card poker, or a final
hand of six card poker, or a final hand of seven card poker
etc;
15. A method of claim 1 wherein the sets of community cards (A, B,
OR C SETS etc.) may be an integer of at least one community card
thru infinity. in combination with said at least one card of
player(s) and or dealer; Specifically, to form a final poker hand
of either two card poker, or a final hand of three card poker, or a
final hand of four card poker, or a final hand of five card poker,
or a final hand of six card poker, or a final hand of seven card
poker etc.;
16. This is one analysis of community card games, but not the
exclusive way. Other bets against a pay scale may be made. For
example, in each of the at least one card of the dealers and or
players cards, and in each set of the community cards (A, B, OR C
SETS etc.), the amount of cards may be different, e.g. the dealer
may get more than at least one card than the player, and in each of
the sets of community cards (A, B, OR C SETS), the amount of cards
used in combination with the player(s) and or dealer at least one
card may be the same, equal, or more than, or less than the at
least one of the other(s), to form the final two, three, four,
five, six, or seven etc. card game, and the opposite or inverse or
the same of how many cards may be used will be also allowed;
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/633,530 filed On Dec. 6, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to gaming and to card games,
particularly wagering games using playing cards or images of
playing cards, and wagering games pertaining to a method of playing
a new type of poker game especially adapted for casino gaming, both
in live table and electronic video machine formats, the internet
and multi-player platforms.
[0003] Gaming establishments continually require new games to offer
their players. Casinos are also in need of games which are easy to
play and easy to deal. Such games are generally required to enable
each player to play against a banker (who usually also acts as a
dealer) provided by a casino, rather than against other players.
This type of Casino Poker can provide more revenue to the casino
that traditional poker because Casino Poker is invariably
structured to give the casino an advantage. Exemplary of Casino
Poker are the casino games of "Let It Ride", "Caribbean Stud Poker"
and "Three Card Poker. These games have achieved a very high level
of commercial success with different formats and attributes in each
of them.
[0004] In games like Let It Ride and Caribbean Stud Poker, the
poker hands that the player must make to get a payoff are hard to
get thus the payoffs are infrequent. The player is frustrated
because many times they notice that they did not receive a good
hand, and neither did any of the other players, with the option of
only one set of community cards. In a three-card game like Three
Card Poker, the hands are sometimes made but with only using your
three cards to form a poker hand the player(s) is frustrated since
the game would have had much more possibilities if several
community cards sets were used in order to form winning hands more
often. Numerous times, the remainder of cards in the deck that are
not used as community cards is where most of the winning
combinations would be found. Therefore, there is a need for a game,
which would bridge the gap in ease of making a hand with more
frequent payouts to the player(s), and feature two or more
community card sets while dealing from the same deck(s), and before
a shuffle.
[0005] This new game feature of community card games in poker shall
be incorporated into the players and or the dealer receiving a
predetermined number of cards, consisting of at least 1-7 cards,
and more particularly allowing them to inspect their predetermined
amount of initial cards dealt, possibly discarding and replacing
cards to form a better hand, and then combining these cards with
either of the at least two sets of community card sets,
independently to form a final 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 card poker hand,
played against a pay scale and also allowing a hand comparison
against the dealer and or against a predetermined pay scale, for
either a 1 card poker hand, 2 card poker hands, 3 card poker hands,
4 card poker hands, 5 card poker hands, 6 card poker hand and or
any other predetermined amount of card and combination of hands,
being compared before a new shuffle, independently and or in
combination of hands with the dealer and player(s).
[0006] In addition, as will be more apparent from the following
specification, and as was more fully delineated in our provisional
application filed Dec. 6, 2004, it has been determined that the
player interest is increased when the odds of the player being able
to achieve a winning hand are increased. This of course, must be
balanced against the player/dealer/casino having good odds in
winning as well. It is clear that with single community card set,
the odds of achieving a good hand are more difficult that in a
multiple community card set card game. As has been indicated above,
in a single community card set poker game, the ability to achieve a
good hand is less and therefore the payoffs are less. The present
invention seeks to provide a card game, which now focus's on a
multiple sets of community cards poker game and as will be
demonstrated hereinafter, improves the odds for the player to win,
while still maintaining good odds for the casino as well. It will
also be appreciated that the over all odds for a player winning in
a multiple community card poker card game with two or more sets of
community cards available to players that the odds of making a
final winning 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 card poker hand, are easier for a
player to win in any single community card poker game with only one
set of community cards.
[0007] Insofar as the prior art is concerned, the art is
particularly void of any disclosures or showings of a game with 2
or more sets of community card sets. Similar games are disclosed,
but they relate to allowing the choice of community cards from only
one single set or pile of community cards, particularly in 5 card
poker games. Furthermore, the games disclosed in the prior art are
played with one set of community cards and hence, have a different
basis for play and a different statistical odds for the player
being able to achieve a winning hand. For example, the patent to
Webb, U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,774 discloses a poker style casino card
game which may be played in either a three card variation, or a
five card variation. Webb discloses in the prior art, a player
wagering against a predetermined payout schedule, a dealer's hand,
or both. The dealer must determine whether his hand exceeds a
predetermined rank, and if it does not, the bank paying each player
an amount based on the bet and returning the other bet to the
player, or if the dealer's hand exceeds the predetermined rank,
comparing the dealer's hand in turn with that of each player who
placed both bets, and if the player's hand is higher, the banker
paying the player and amount based on both bets, and if the
player's hand is lower, the player forfeiting both bets, and the
banker paying the fixed payout bet in accordance with a
predetermined scale to any player who placed the first bet and
whose hand exceeds the first predetermined rank. Webb fails to
reveal any capability to deal at least 2 sets of community cards,
including a flop, turn, and river.
[0008] Another prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,002 to Goldman,
discloses a poker style casino card game which uses a 52 card
standard playing deck plus an additional five jokers for a total of
57 cards. Play consists of dealing 5 cards to each player, and in
the preferred embodiment, is dealt face down. The game is played by
the dealer revealing a first card, and a player revealing a first
card, then deciding on additional wagers. The sequence of the game
terminates when all five cards are displayed, assuming each player
has stayed in the game, comparing the best five card hand of the
dealer against each player five cards. Goldman also reveals that
jokers which are part of the deck are never wild and hence, a
player receiving a joker ends up in a poor position since on of the
five cards cannot count toward the making of a poker hand. Again,
Goldman fails to reveal any capability to make or use community
cards, of at least 2 sets, to form a final poker hand ranking of 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 card poker ranking.
[0009] The patent to Breeding U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,081 describes
still another variation of a poker game which is played by the
player placing a three part bet. Cards are dealt by the dealer, two
face down to the dealer and three face down to each player. Players
inspect or sweat their cards and the dealer gives each player the
choice of withdrawing or leaving a first part of the bet. Each
player decides and the dealer then turns over one of the cards and
again gives each player the choice of withdrawing or leaving the
second part of the bet. The players decide, their cards are shown,
and all remaining bets, which were not withdrawn, are resolved.
Once again, Breeding fails to disclose or appreciate two or more
sets of community cards, or 2 sets of flops, rivers, and turns,
from the same deck(s), to form a final poker hand ranking of either
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 card poker.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
enjoyable new card game.
[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
game that is easy to learn and deal.
[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
game that makes it easier and more often for a player to make a
hand than in any other community poker card game, and hence
enhances the odds of the player being able to win in a multiple
community card set(s) versus only a single community card set.
[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
game that has more frequent payoffs than in a single community card
poker game since the odds and probability are harder in a single
community card poker game than they are in a multiple community
card poker game, but nevertheless still maintains the player
interest due to the enhanced ability to obtain a winning hand
versus a poker game that deals only one set of community cards from
a deck(s).
[0014] It is a further object of this novel methods of the game
that it may be played in table game form, electronic form, board
game, progressive, slot machine, and the invention can be embodied
in a wide variety and forms of media such as, but not limited to,
single player slot video machines, multi-player slot video
machines, electronic games and devices, lottery terminals,
scratch-card formats, software, as well as in-flight, home and
Internet entertainment. The game can also be implemented as a
computer program product (e.g., floppy disk, compact disk, etc.)
comprising a computer readable medium having control logic recorded
therein to implement the features of the invention as described in
relation as described in relation to the other preferred
embodiments or many other forms. Control logic can be loaded into
the memory of a computer and executed by a central processing unit
(CPU) to perform the operations described herein. The novel methods
of the present invention may be played utilized playing cards as
illustrated above, or on an electrical or electromechanical device
such as a gaming machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate
that suitable controls can be provided for receiving the necessary
input and therefore will not be described in detail herein. While
the gaming device is intended for play by at least a single player
against at least a dealer or a playing device, it is also within
the scope of the present invention to provide a multi-unit video
format wherein a plurality of players may play against each other
and or against a dealer. Similarly, from the present description,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the novel games of
the present invention are readily adaptable for play either within
a gaming establishment or at a remote location, such as on a
terminal provided in a commercial aircraft or in a hotel room
within a casino, or internet, board game and the like, for example.
Furthermore, the game is adaptable to a scratch card format.
[0015] It is understood that from the present patent description,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modification
may be made without department from the scope of the present
invention. For example, the naming of the wagers, the naming and/or
ranking of any hand, the payout schedule, and predetermined winning
or losing ranks may be varied in accordance with the requirement of
the casino. The table layout may be varied. The rules may be
varied, or additional rules imposed, within the scope of the
invention.
[0016] It is also understood as an advantage of the game that it
incorporates a jackpot or a numerical hand value wager; separate
designated wagering areas may be provided for these wagers. These
may be incorporated at any convenient position on the players'
playing areas. The display stand, the wild and joker cards may also
be modified or omitted as desired.
[0017] Another object and advantage of this game is that while the
game is described particularly for play in a gaming establishment;
it is not limited in this respect and may also be played for
example in a domestic environment or in format of a video game,
slot machine, parlor game, board game, lottery-style game or the
like.
It is an object of Community card poker, the present invention to
provide an exciting and interesting wagering game. Another object
of the present invention is to provide a wagering game that is easy
to learn.
[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new variation of well know wagering games, like Texas Hold'Em,
Omaha, and 7 Card Poker in which it is made interesting by
providing the opportunity for players to make multiple wagers and
decisions related to those wagers based on the progress of the
game, in offering at least two sets of Flops, and or two set of
Turns and or two sets of Rivers, with adjustments to each and every
Flop, Turn and River being different in adjusted numbered
cards.
[0019] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a wagering game that is easy to learn, yet demands skill of players
in making strategic decisions about whether to draw or keep their
first dealt card(s), to be used in conjunction with at least one
set of the community card sets, and at least one card in each
set.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a
unique, exciting card game for play in casinos or at home and on
various media including casino tables, video poker machines, video
lottery terminals or home computers.
[0020] It is an advantage of the game of the present invention that
wagering decisions are inherent in the game. The game enhances
players' sense of participation and inclines players to bet all
three sets of community cards when allowing them to draw and
replace their originally dealt card(s). This inclines the players
to place bets on all sets of community cards.
[0021] The method of the present invention is not limited to two
card poker games, but may be applied or used in other appropriate
games such as three, four, five, six, or seven card poker. The
method of the present inventions does not require a shuffling
machine, dealing module, or a display means. However, these
facilitate and expedite the play of the game as well as add
interest to the game. While the Ante wager and initial community
sets wagers (A, B, C etc.) of the present invention is preferably
comprised of four bets, the bets do not necessarily have to be
equal.
[0022] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the essential attributes thereof. It
is desired that the embodiments described on the previous pages may
be considered in all respects as illustrative, not restrictive,
reference being made to the claims to indicate the scope of the
inventions capabilities, with and in conjunction of using one or
more of the sets of community cards and at least one card of the
player card(s) to form a two, three four, five, six, or seven card
poker games.
[0023] The terms "predetermined" and "pay scale" are intended to
have their customary meaning, i.e., respectively, to determine
beforehand and to choose in advance. More specifically, in the
context of the present invention, they are intended to mean a
determination of a pay-scale or a selection of the arrangement of
cards that constitutes a pay--off winning hand before a player
begins to play. Thus, a pre-determined pay scale or predetermined
preselected arrangement(s) of cards will be determined or
established by a casino or other game governing entity, by
agreement among players or by the traditional rules of the game
before any particular game or hand begins and remain fixed or
constant for a plurality of bet/wagers resolutions. A predetermined
pay scale may include a specific amount (e.g., 1,000 to 1) and it
may include a specific multiple of the amount bet (e.g., 1,000 to
1) Whether including a specific amount or multiple of the amount
bet, the predetermined pay off of the pay scale remains constant
for a duration of play or a plurality of bets, and does not
increase or decrease as play continues or as each bet/wager is
resolved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention discloses a poker game variation in
which one or more players play against the casino, other players,
and or a pay scale and or other wagering methods. Broadly, the
invention is directed to a poker game variant of Texas Hold-Em,
Omaha, 7 Card Stud, 5 Card Stud, Omaha Eight or Better (high-lo
split), Razz, or any poker game using community cards. The number
of cards in each set may change and the number of sets for each
game may change, in which a player has a choice between several
wagers among the following; an ante wager, a substitute withdrawal
card wager if exercised or chosen, and then a separate wager(s) on
at least two of the sets of community cards of either the A, B, or
C set etc. to play against the dealer, player and or a pay scale.
The player may choose to bet one set of cards (A) and choose a
specific set (B) for the dealer to have to use to complete the
dealer hand
[0025] A description of the card game is played wherein one or more
players is playing against a pay table, a dealer and or both,
wherein the players receives a partial hand that allows the players
and dealer an option of replacing their partial hand (hole cards)
or choosing the best 2 out of 3 cards initially dealt (partial
hand) and that is then completed by ranking this partial hand in
combination with at least 2 sets of community cards, set A and set
B, separately for two hands of betting, (but may be completed by
cards dealt directly to a hand or a combination of cards dealt
directly to a hand and at least one community card or wild
card).
[0026] The preferred way of playing this game would be to use it in
a Texas Holdem game that would have an initial hole card
replacement and an option of choosing between two three-card flops.
The players would have the option of betting against the dealer
(two different bets on the different flops A or B), against a
payscale (again two different bets on picking flop A or flop B) or
both. Each of these bets may be made on the different hands that
could be created with the two different flops.
[0027] The player(s) make an initial wager against the dealer,
against a payscale, or both. Three cards each are dealt to the
player(s) and the dealer. The player and the dealer choose two out
of the three cards. The dealer keeps a pair or takes the highest
two of the three cards. If the player(s) bets against the dealer
they may now make a wager in support of the wager against the
dealer. The dealer flops two sets (Set A and Set B) of three cards
each (two different flops). The player may make a bet after the
flop(s), after the turn card, and after the river card is exposed.
In the preferred way of dealing this game the turn card and the
river card would be the same for all players and the dealer. In
other versions of the game the turn card alone or in conjunction
with the three flop cards may become a betting option. Also the
river card alone or in conjunction with the first three or four
flop cards may become a betting option.
In the second preferred way of dealing this game in a Texas Holdem
format, the flop would have three sets of three cards to choose
from. Set (A), set (B), or set (C) each set having three cards.
In a third preferred way of dealing this game in a Texas Holdem
format, only the river card would change having three different
sets to choose from. Set (A), set (B) or set (C) each with only one
card in a set.
[0028] In a fourth embodiment of the game, would offers the
player(s) of having the option of betting against the dealer (two
different bets on the different flops A or B) and or a pay scale
(again two different bets on picking flop A or flop B) or both.
Each of these bets may be made on the different hands that could be
created with the two different flops. Players initially place an
ante wager(s) and then X cards, are dealt to the players and Y
cards are dealt to the dealer. Which in this embodiment will be two
cards of the at least one card(s) are dealt to the players. An
opportunity of changing these cards would exist in some embodiments
of the invention. Players would then inspect their two cards in
their hands, and if their hand has achieved a pre-determined rank,
the player would win that wager accordingly (in some embodiments).
The dealer would be dealt 3 cards, allowing him to choose the best
2 cards, or be dealt 2 cards and allow the dealer to draw new
cards. The player would also have the option of getting 3 cards and
playing their best 2. Then, allowing the players and or dealer a
further step wherein each player and the dealer is afforded the
option to keep or replace at least one card(s) to hopefully form a
better at least one card(s) hand that will be used in combination
with each of the community card sets. Now, the players that had
made the next wagers, would be allowed to choose from one of the
sets, independently, from the remaining sets, inspect their hands,
and if their hand has achieved a pre-determined rank, the player
would win that wager accordingly. This version would include a
standard deck of at least 52 playing cards. This version may also
include a non-standard deck of at least 52 playing cards, with or
without at least one joker, and wild cards. This version could also
be played against other players, the dealer, and or a pay scale and
in any combination thereof.
[0029] In a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention, one or
more players initially place a wager(s) against the dealer and a
separate voluntary wager against a predetermined pay scale and then
X cards, in this case 2 cards, are dealt to the players. Y amount
of cards are dealt to the dealer, which in this case would be 3
cards. Players would inspect their hands, and if their hand has
achieved a predetermined rank, the player would win that wager
accordingly. Then, comparing the players best X poker hand against
the dealer's best Y poker hand and excluding all extra cards dealt
to determine the relative ranking there between. The remainder of
cards in the deck(s) is now used to deal the second set of
community cards before a shuffle. Now, the players that have made
the next wager(s) against the dealer and a separate voluntary wager
against a predetermined pay scale and then X cards are dealt to the
players. Y amount of cards are dealt to the dealer. Players would
inspect their hands, and if their hand has achieved a
pre-determined rank, the player would win that wager accordingly.
Then, comparing the players best X poker hand against the dealer's
best Y poker hand and excluding all extra cards dealt to determine
the relative ranking there between. This version would include at
least a standard deck of at least 52 playing cards. This version
may also include a non-standard at least 52 card deck.
[0030] In a sixth embodiment of the invention, one or more players
initially place an ante wager(s) and then X cards, at least one
card(s) are dealt to the players, and then X cards, which in this
embodiment will be at least one card of the at least one card(s)
that are dealt to dealer. Players would inspect their at least one
card hands and if their hand has achieved a pre-determined rank,
the player would win that wager accordingly. Then, allowing the
players and or dealer a further step wherein each player and the
dealer is afforded the option to keep or replace at least one
card(s) to hopefully form a better at least one card(s) hand that
will then be used in combination with the community card sets. Now,
the players that had made the next wager, would be allowed to
choose from one of the sets, independently, and from the then
remaining sets, inspecting their hands, and if their hand has
achieved a pre-determined rank, the player would win that wager
accordingly, in combination with their at least one card hands and
a set of either set of community card sets. This version would
include a standard deck of at least 52 playing cards. This version
may also include a non-standard deck of at least 52 playing cards,
with or without at least one joker. This version would be played
against other players, the dealer, and or a pay scale and in any
combination thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a playing surface for use in playing a card
game of one embodiment of the present teachings 2. The table layout
is shown with an example of 5 player positions 3, each position
having a set of wager positions comprising at least an Ante wager
and at least 2 community card set positions (4). Each player's
position has at least a card receiving area 5 and a dealer position
has his area 6 and the area for sets of community card receiving
area 6. Rules of the game and payout tables would be shown as an
optional area posted.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, players play against a casino. However, in jurisdictions
where such games are not legal, such as in California, one player
may be designated "Player-Dealer" and all the other players would
play against the Player-Dealer. The option to act as Player-Dealer
would be offered to each player in turn. In this specification, the
term "Dealer" is intended to refer to either a casino dealer, or a
Player-Dealer, whichever is appropriate for the circumstances under
which the game of the present invention is played.
[0033] FIG. 1 shows a playing surface or table layout 2 on which
one embodiment of the present invention may be played. The layout 2
may be marked or placed on any suitable surface such as a gaming
table. For example, the layout may be in the form of a layout cloth
supported on a supporting surface. The layout provides a playing
area 3 for a plurality of players, for example seven players, and a
separate area 6 for a banker who also preferably acts as the
dealer. Each playing area 3 has a number of marked sections or
zones for the placing of various wagers by a player as will be
described hereinafter.
[0034] Each player takes a place at one of the playing areas 3. The
game is played in that each player has an opportunity to bet their
hole cards against at least 2 sets of community cards, including
the flop, turn and river cards. In each round, each player has the
option of playing against the dealer, or wagering on the rank of
his/her hand or playing a combination of these two options. In
other variations of the game a player may have additional betting
options. The presently preferred embodiment of the present
invention is played with at least a standard deck of 52 playing
cards, each deck having at least 13 cards in each of four suits,
with or without jokers, and or wild cards.
[0035] At the commencement of the game each player decides whether
to play the particular round by wagering against the dealer, i.e.
an "ANTE" wager, by wagering on the value of his/her hand, i.e. a
"A SET, B SET, AND OR C SET" wager, or both. To play against the
dealer a player makes an Ante wager by placing an appropriate
wager, such as a token or chip, or where permitted, cash, on the
section of his/her playing area 3. The gaming chips may be of any
conventional kind and available in a number of denominations such
as are well known within the art. If the player wishes
(alternatively or in addition) to make a wager based on the value
of his/her hand, the player places an appropriate token or chip on
"A SET, B SET, AND OR C SET" in section of his/her playing area 3.
In the present example, the rules of the game provide that payouts
will be made according to a displayed payout schedule with "A, B, C
SETS" payouts starting at a MINIMUM predetermined payout schedule
ranking. In one embodiment of the present invention, hands are
preferably ranked according to the following hierarchy, though
other rankings may be used: TABLE-US-00001 Highest: Royal Flush:
AKQJ10 in the same suit (suit has no rank) Four of a Kind: Four of
one rank AAAA highest KKKK next highest ranking four of a kind, and
so on until 2222 lowest ranking four of a kind Straight Flush: Four
of one suit in sequence K, Q, J, 10, 9 highest ranking straight
flush Q, J, 10, 9, 8, next highest ranking straight flush, and so
on until 5, 4, 3, 2, A lowest ranking straight flush Flush Five of
one suit A K Q J 9 highest ranking A K Q J 8 next highest ranking,
and so one, until 6 4 3 2 A lowest ranking straight Straight Five
in sequence A K Q J 10 highest ranking A K Q J 9 next highest
ranking, and so on until 5, 4, 3, 2, A lowest ranking straight
Three of a Kind: Three of one rank AAA highest KKK next highest
rank, and so on until 222 lowest ranking three of a kind Two Pair:
Two different, two of same rank A A K K highest-ranking two pair A
A Q Q next highest ranking two pair, and so on until 3 3 2 2 lowest
ranking pair One Pair: Two of one rank A A K Q J highest A A K J 10
next highest ranking pair, and so on until 5 4 3 2 2 lowest ranking
pair High Card: (A hand comprising none of the above) A K Q J 9
highest A K Q J 8 next highest ranking high card, and so on until 7
5 4 3 2 lowest ranking high card Ace is high, but can be low in
6-4-3-2-A Sequence.
[0036] The payout schedule may be varied in accordance with the
rules of the game and/or the casino. For example, another version
of the game may eliminate the royal flush hand and have the
following rankings:
[0037] Four of a Kind
[0038] Straight Flush
[0039] Three of a Kind
[0040] Flush
[0041] Straight (A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest straight)
[0042] Two Pair
[0043] One Pair
[0044] High Card
[0045] The payout schedules are preferably displayed in a
convenient manner and location. At times the payscales for
different wagers and any extra payouts will be displayed on the
playing layout itself and at other times the payouts will be on
mobile display material.
[0046] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the two wagering options are independent, so that a
player may wager unequal amounts on the ANTE and the A SET, B SET,
AND OR C SET.
[0047] When the above wagers are in place, the dealer preferably
shuffles the cards (manually or otherwise) and then deals X amount
of cards, in this case at least two cards to each player and
him/herself They then have an option to draw new cards, to
hopefully better their hands. The dealer then deals at least two
sets of community cards with five cards in each of the sets. The
player's cards and the sets of community cards are then used in
combination to form a five-card hand and any extra cards are
excluded.
[0048] The cards may initially be dealt to the players and to the
community card sets may be dealt face up or face down, or in
combination of up and down when the flop, turn, and river is used
in enhancing the ability of players and or house to make a hand, of
course depending upon casino policy.
[0049] When the cards have been dealt, any player who has placed an
ANTE wager inspects his/her hand and determines whether he/she
wishes either to fold and forfeit the ANTE wager, or to continue.
If the player wishes to continue, according to this illustrated
embodiment, the player must place a PLAY wager, on at least one of
the three community card sets of A, B, and or C. These bets may be
of proportionate value, equal and or different to and is preferably
an amount that is mathematically analyzed to be advantageous to the
players and of course the house. The PLAY wager is made by placing
an appropriate chip on the section 16 marked "PLAY" on the player's
playing area 30, in one of the three A, B, OR C SETS. When the
player has made the wager then he/she places the cards in the PLAY
area below the PLAY wager section 30.
[0050] If a player forfeits his/her ANTE wager, the dealer takes
the wager and the player's cards are discarded before the game
proceeds.
[0051] "A, B, C SETS OF COMMUNITY CARD" wagers are not affected to
this point. However, a player playing "A, B, C SETS OF COMMUNITY
CARD" only, places his/her cards in the playing area if they wish
to continue the hand. If the player wishes to forfeit or fold their
hand they would indicate such by tossing their hand towards the
dealer. If the player is also playing against the dealer with an
ANTE wager, he/she must make a PLAY wager if he/she has a winning
A, B, C, SETS OF COMMUNITY CARDS wager.
[0052] The dealer reveals his/her cards and arranges the cards to
show the best five-card poker hand. The dealer then in turn reveals
each other player's cards (if they are not already visible),
compares the player's best five card poker hand to that of the
dealer, and resolves each player's best five card poker hand to
that of the dealer, and resolves each player's wager(s).
[0053] All players with ANTE and PLAY wagers are automatically
winners if the dealer does not have a qualifying high hand or
better. This rank may be varied in accordance with the rules of the
game or of the casino. Players are preferably paid even money on
the ANTE wager and their PLAY wager is returned.
[0054] If the dealer has a QUALIFYING high hand or better, and only
when required, each player's hand is compared with that of the
dealer. If the player's hand is higher, the player is paid even
money on both the ANTE and PLAY wagers. If the player's hand is
lower, the player loses his/her ANTE and PLAY wagers. If the dealer
and player have exactly the same hand, then the hand is a push and
the player may either withdraw his/her wager, leave it, or adjust
it for the next round.
[0055] The present game provides for an additional payout to be
made by the dealer, and the player who is in plays against the
dealer i.e. who has made an ANTE and PLAY wager, and who has also
placed an ANTE wager. As was previously indicated, additional wager
may be provided for in the present game and in this connection,
there would be provided a payout schedule indicating a certain
ranking of winning hands and a payout amount should the player
achieve such a hand. The ranks to which such extra ANTE REWARD
payouts are made may be predetermined by the rules of the game
and/or the casino. The payouts would preferably be based on the
ANTE wager amount. These payouts are independent of the results of
the game against the dealer. One preferred payoff schedule is as
follows:
[0056] Players who have wagered on the value of the hand (i.e. A,
B, C, SETS OF COMMUNITY CARDS) win if the hand is at least a
minimum ranked hand of the posted pay scale, and are paid by the
dealer according to the posted pay scale. These payouts are
independent of the results of the game against the dealer.
[0057] The novel methods of the present invention may be played
utilizing playing cards or as an electrical or electromechanical
device such as a slot machine. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate that suitable controls can be provided for receiving the
necessary input and therefore will not be described in detail
herein. While the game may be played on a single slot machine, it
is within the scope of the present invention to provide a
multi-unit video format wherein a plurality of players may play
against each other and/or against a dealer.
[0058] From the present description, those skilled in the art will
appreciate that various modifications may be made without departure
from the scope of the present invention. For example, the naming of
the different wagers, the naming and/or ranking of any hand, the
changing of the necessity of qualifying hands for both the dealer
and/or the player, the payout schedules, and predetermined winning
or losing ranks may be varied in accordance with the rules of the
game or the requirements of the casino. The table game layout may
be varied from the described and shown. The rules may be varied, or
additional rules imposed, within the scope of the invention.
Additional optional bets may be incorporated into the game with a
view toward enhancing the player's interest and ability to win
additional wagers. One such additional optional bet may be termed a
"BAD BEAT SIDE BET". As indicated previously, once the player has
placed a first ANTE voluntary wager and supported that with a third
support wager know as a PLAY wager, the player may optionally place
a wager on a "BAD BEAT SIDE BET" which wagers against another
pre-determined payout schedule. In such an instance, the player is
wagering that the player can achieve a hand which appears on the
payout schedule even if the player's hand is ultimately outranked
by the dealer's hand. For example, if the player has 2 pair or
better and is outranked by the dealer, the player would receive a
bad beat bonus according to the payout schedule which for example
may take the following format: TABLE-US-00002 Bad Beat Hand Posted
amount 4 of a Kind Posted amount Straight Flush Posted amount Flush
Posted amount Straight Posted amount Three of a Kind Posted amount
Two Pair Posted amount
[0059] Hence, even if the dealer has a hand which outranks the
player such that the player could lose both the ANTE bet and the
PLAY bet, the player may be able to win the side bonus bad beat bet
if his hand still appears on the pre-determined payout
schedule.
[0060] The player would lose the optional bet in the event that his
hand does not appear on the payout schedule and/or the player fold
his hand and ceases playing.
[0061] It will be appreciated that additional marked zones may be
provided to accommodate the optional additional and/or side bets.
The marking of the betting zone would be noted accordingly so that
the player would know where to position his chips in order to place
a side bet.
[0062] It will therefore be appreciated that the precise wagering
requirements may vary depending upon the casino rules, the nature
of the game will remain the same, that is, a four card poker game
wherein only four cards are used determining a winner or loser. The
precise wagering system can be varied in that any number of
additional and optional side bets may be incorporated into the
game, or indeed, additional forced bets may be incorporated by the
house rules. Surely, the wagering systems may vary dramatically
without changing the nature of the card game described and claimed
herein. Hence, the precise method of wagering is not deemed to be a
critical part of the present invention rather, the criticality of
the present invention resides in the playing of a five card poker
game, with at least two sets of community cards. The importance of
the present invention resides in the fact that by producing and
developing multiple sets of community cards, the game is enhancing
the odds of the player and dealer in the possibility of
winning.
* * * * *