U.S. patent application number 11/315780 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-22 for method of playing poker.
Invention is credited to Leonard Barshack.
Application Number | 20060135240 11/315780 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46205806 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060135240 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barshack; Leonard |
June 22, 2006 |
Method of playing poker
Abstract
The invention comprises multiple methods for playing a game of
poker over a communication network such as the internet which are
simple and easy to learn. In a first method, all participants place
bets of equal value into a pot with no additional opportunities to
raise or place additional bets. In a second method, players are
provided with an option to place bets on various rules of winning,
wherein bets are paid depending on the outcome of the three-card
flop. In a third method, players are presented with timed intervals
during which players can place a fixed bet into the pot to be
eligible to stay in the hand. Significantly, all players decide
whether to place additional bets simultaneously or during the same
time interval rather than sequentially as is done in traditional
versions of poker.
Inventors: |
Barshack; Leonard; (Ketchum,
ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GOTTLIEB RACKMAN & REISMAN PC
270 MADISON AVENUE
8TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
100160601
US
|
Family ID: |
46205806 |
Appl. No.: |
11/315780 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60638321 |
Dec 22, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2001/005 20130101;
A63F 3/00157 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/013 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of playing a game of poker over a communication network
with two or more players comprising the steps of: having each of
the players place a bet of equal value into a pot before any cards
are dealt; displaying for each player an initial number of cards
dealt from a deck of poker playing cards without allowing placement
of additional bets by any player after said initial number of cards
are dealt and wherein said initial number of cards is less than the
number of cards needed for a complete five-card poker hand; dealing
a subsequent number of cards for purposes of forming a complete
five-card poker hand; and awarding said pot to the player having
the best complete five-card poker hand.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said initial number of cards is
two cards and said subsequent number of cards is five cards.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said initial number of cards is
three cards and said subsequent number of cards is four cards.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said initial number of cards is
four cards and said subsequent number of cards is five cards.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising a house representative
taking a portion of said pot prior to awarding said pot.
6. A method of playing a game of poker over a communication network
with at least first, second and third players comprising the steps
of: having said players place bets that are not necessarily equal
in value; placing in a first pot an amount from each player that is
equal to the smallest bet, and placing in a second pot an amount
from each of the players who made the largest bets that is equal to
what is left of the second lowest bet after it is reduced by the
amount placed in the first pot; displaying for each player cards
dealt from a deck of poker playing cards without allowing placement
of additional bets by any player after any of said cards have been
dealt; awarding said first pot to the player having the best
complete five-card poker hand; and awarding said second pot to the
player having the best complete five-card poker hand of those
players whose bets were placed into said second pot.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of taking a
portion of said bets in said first and second pots for the house
representative.
8. A method of playing a game of poker over a communication network
with at least one player and a house comprising the steps of: each
player placing a bet; dealing an initial number of cards to the
house and to each player from a deck of poker playing cards without
allowing placement of additional bets by the players after said
initial number of cards are dealt and wherein said initial number
of cards dealt is less than the number of cards needed for a
five-card poker hand; dealing a subsequent number of cards for
forming said five-card poker hand; and paying winnings to each
player who has a better complete five-card poker hand than said
house.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of taking a
portion of said winnings of each player who has a better complete
five-card poker hand than said house.
10. A method of playing a game of poker having a three-card flop
with a player and a house over a communication network comprising
the steps of: placing a side bet by said player on a possible
outcome of said three-card flop; displaying said three-card flop
dealt from a deck of poker playing cards comprising 26 black cards
and 26 red cards; and forfeiting said side bet to said house if
said possible outcome does not correspond to said three-card flop,
or awarding said side bet if said possible outcome does correspond
to said three-card flop.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said possible outcome of said
three-card flop is three red cards.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein in said awarding step said
player is awarded a multiple of eight times said bet.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein said possible outcome of said
three-card flop is three black cards.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein in said awarding step said
player is awarded a multiple of eight times said bet.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the bet which is placed by said
player is drawn from an account maintained at said house by said
player.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein in said awarding step a
multiple of said side bet is credited to said player's account.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein said bet placing step occurs
prior to the play of a hand in which said side bet is placed on
said possible outcome of said three-card flop.
18. A method of playing a game of poker having a three-card flop
with a player and a house over a communication network comprising
the steps of: placing a side bet by said player on a possible
outcome of said three-card flop; displaying said three-card flop
dealt from a deck of poker playing cards comprising 26 cards of a
first color and 26 cards of a second color; and losing said side
bet to said house if said possible outcome does not correspond to
said three-card flop, or winning said side bet if said possible
outcome does correspond to said three-card flop.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said possible outcome of said
three-card flop is three cards of a selected color.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein in said winning step said
player wins a multiple of eight times said bet.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein the bet which is placed by said
player is drawn from an account maintained at said house by said
player.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein in said winning step a multiple
of said side bet is credited to said player's account.
23. A method of playing a game of poker having a three-card flop
comprising the steps of: allowing a player to place a bet on a rule
of winning; dealing an initial number of cards from a deck of poker
playing cards to players at a table; displaying the three-card flop
dealt from said deck; and determining that said player wins the bet
if said rule of winning corresponds to said flop or that said
player loses the bet if said rule of winning does not correspond to
said flop.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said method is practiced over a
communication network.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein said method is practiced by
live players in a casino.
26. The method of claim 23, wherein said rule of winning is a
permutation where all cards of said three-card flop are either
hearts or diamonds.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein said player wins an amount
equal to eight times said bet.
28. The method of claim 23, wherein said rule of winning is a
permutation where all cards of said three-card flop are either
spades or clubs.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein said player wins an amount
equal to eight times said bet.
30. The method of claim 23, wherein the bet which is placed by said
player is drawn from an account maintained at said house by said
player.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein winnings are credited to said
player's account.
32. A method of playing a poker game having a three-card flop with
a player and a house comprising the steps of: placing a side bet by
said player on a rule of winning prior to dealing said three-card
flop; displaying said three-card flop dealt from said deck; and
awarding said side bet to said player when said rule of winning
corresponds to said flop, and awarding said side bet to said house
when said rule of winning does not correspond to said flop.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein said player is given an option
to place said side bet on a rule of winning prior to the
commencement of a hand of poker.
34. The method of claim 32, wherein said placing of said side bet
occurs before the beginning of a hand.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein said placing of said side bet
occurs before any cards are dealt.
36. The method of claim 32, wherein said rule of winning is met
when said permutation of cards is three cards of spades or
clubs.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein said bet is awarded by said
house by paying said player an amount eight times the amount of
said bet.
38. The method of claim 32, wherein said rule of winning is met
when said permutation of cards is three cards of hearts or
diamonds.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein said bet is awarded by said
house by paying said player an amount eight times the amount of
said bet.
40. The method of claim 32, wherein the bet which is placed by said
player is drawn from an account maintained at said house by said
player.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein in said awarding step, said
account is credited.
42. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of allowing
a player to place bets drawn from said account in a sequential
number of hands.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein said bets are placed by said
player until all funds from said account are exhausted.
44. The method of claim 42, wherein said bets are placed by said
player until said player deactivates said bets.
45. The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of
activating said bet for a pre-determined number of hands.
46. The method of claim 32, wherein the step of placing said bet by
said player on said rule of winning occurs after an initial number
of cards are dealt.
47. The method of claim 32, wherein the step of placing said bet by
said player on said rule of winning occurs before any cards are
dealt.
48. A method of playing a poker game over a communication network
with a plurality of players comprising the steps of: placing a
first bet into a pot by each of said players; dealing one or more
cards for said players; each of said players deciding whether to
place an additional bet into said pot, wherein each of said players
who decides to place said additional bet is eligible to continue
playing; indicating to said players which players have decided to
place said additional bet into said pot only after all of said
players have decided; repeating said dealing, deciding and
indicating steps until only one of said players has decided to
place said additional bet or said game is concluded; awarding said
pot to one of said players when all other players have decided not
to place an additional bet, or awarding said pot to one or more of
said players having the best poker hand at the conclusion of said
game.
49. A method of playing a poker game over a communication network
with a plurality of players comprising the steps of: placing a
first bet into a pot by each of said players; dealing one or more
cards from a deck of poker playing cards for said players;
providing a time interval for placing an additional bet into said
pot by each said players; placing said additional bet by said
players wherein each of said players who place said additional bet
continue to participate in said game and wherein each of said
players who do not place said additional bet stop participating in
said game; repeating said dealing, providing and placing additional
bet steps until there is a sole player who places said additional
bet or until said hand is completely dealt; awarding said pot to
said sole player or to said player who has a best hand after said
hand is completely dealt.
Description
[0001] This application claims the priority date of U.S.
provisional patent application serial No. 60/638,321 filed on Dec.
22, 2004 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a method of playing a game of
cards. More specifically, this invention involves variable methods
of playing a game of poker for avid players and novices alike,
thereby providing more excitement and enjoyment to poker players of
all different skill levels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Although the origins of the variety of poker known as "Texas
Holdem" are unclear, nowadays it appears to be the most common
style of poker that is played. Players of this style of poker are
invariably passionate about playing the game itself as well as
eager to access a collection of educational resources in order to
improve their Texas Holdem poker skills. Other forms of poker,
including Omaha and Seven Card Stud, have likewise become very
popular in recent years. When playing these forms of poker, players
may gather in casinos or other gaming establishments for purposes
of "winning it big," or they may play in a casual game at a
friend's house on what has come to be known in many circles as
"poker night."
[0004] Whether in a casino or casual setting, players can play in
"money games," where players can leave the table during play with
the chips that they possess at any given time, or they may play in
tournaments where the objective is to be the last player standing
after having acquired all the chips played at the tournament. Of
course, different types of money games have different rules, as do
different forms of tournaments. Furthermore, while there are
different strategies associated with money games and tournaments,
the objective is the same--to win.
[0005] Another facet of the various games of poker is the advent of
online poker websites where players gather from all over the world
to participate. Many of the well-known online poker sites provide
simulated table environments for both "real money" and "play money"
versions of poker, typically with up to ten players participating
at any given table. In the context of both real and play money
poker, individuals can choose to participate in both "money games"
and tournaments. Furthermore, online poker permits players to play
at more than one table at once by simply maintaining a separate
window for each game.
[0006] While participating in online poker eliminates the
capability of players to observe their opponents in a live setting,
it provides computer users, who may otherwise not have the
opportunity to travel to a casino, with relatively easy access to
the game. Indeed, purists contend that removing the ability to
analyze and observe the idiosyncrasies and reactions of opponents
makes the game less "real." Nevertheless, the anonymous character
of online poker may be a major reason why the game has become so
popular, inasmuch as it allows participants to play from the
comfort of their own homes, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a
week, with relatively little hassle. Furthermore, unlike live
poker, since online poker players compete over a computer network,
the game has been adapted to give players certain options that are
not available in a live game, such as the ability for players to
"call" or "fold" even before it is their turn to make a play.
[0007] Notwithstanding the current popularity of poker, whether in
a live or online setting, poker has always been considered a game
which requires a high level of skill (even though luck obviously
plays a role in a player's success on any given occasion). Thus,
players who are deeply interested in participating often find
themselves abstaining from play as a result of the perception that
they do not possess the requisite skills to play with "seasoned" or
even marginally experienced players. These non-participants
typically prefer either to play online with "play money" or watch
other players compete against each other in casinos, online, or on
television in "real money" games.
[0008] Another shortcoming with respect to the game of poker is
that it requires players to maintain a high level of vigilance and
attention at all times. With respect to beginners, who are
attempting to absorb the basic rules as well as the intricacies of
the game, this is especially difficult. Furthermore, even for
experienced players, having to stay alert poses a considerable
dilemma, particularly after many uninterrupted hours of playing
without rest. Often times, players who are fatigued lose
concentration and become impatient, causing them to make poor
decisions during the course of play. Nevertheless, notwithstanding
the mental demands of the game, these players simply continue to
play, without realizing that they might be better off either
playing another less mentally challenging game or simply taking a
break.
[0009] A further deficiency in the game of poker is that players
who decide to fold before the end of the hand must endure long
stretches of time waiting for the start of the next hand. This
lends itself to increased impulsiveness and poor play. While the
problem of waiting between hands is somewhat alleviated by online
poker sites which allow participants to play at multiple tables
simultaneously, playing at multiple tables prevents participants
from concentrating on opponents at a given table, thereby forcing
participants to undesirably spread their attention beyond optimal
levels.
[0010] In addition, at casinos and other gambling establishments,
poker does not provide for significant profits (relative to other
table games such as blackjack and roulette). In the context of
"money games," casinos simply earn money based on the amount of
chips which are present in any given pot. Typically, with each
round of betting, the casino, house or house representative (i.e.,
the dealer) will set aside a "rake," or a percentage of the total
bets by the players for itself. On the other hand, in
tournament-style games, casinos earn money based on a flat
registration fee paid by each participant before the start of the
tournament. In both money games and tournaments, the house does not
risk losing any money to the players. However, the rake-percentages
or tournament fees which are earned by the house are significantly
limited.
[0011] Likewise, even in the context of online poker, where the
number of tables at a website is not limited by physical space (as
in a live gaming establishment), the rake-percentages and
tournament fees are also limited. In this setting (as in a live
setting), there is an untapped potential for adapting the game of
poker for purposes of providing added revenues to proprietors of
gaming institutions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In view of the prior art deficiencies, the principle
objective of the present invention is to provide variable methods
for playing a game of poker for both experienced players and
beginners for purposes of providing excitement and opportunity to
players of diverse skill levels.
[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a
method for playing poker for purposes of embracing novices and less
experienced players who otherwise would abstain from playing as a
result of the perception that they are inadequately skilled in the
game of poker.
[0014] A further objective of the present invention is to provide a
method for playing poker which permits amateur poker players to
compete against proficient players on a level playing field. In
connection with this objective, a method described herein provides
for transforming traditional games of poker that typically require
a minimum amount of skill into a game of fixed odds wherein each
participant generally has the same chance of winning as the
next.
[0015] Another further objective is to provide a method for playing
poker which preserves the fun and excitement of the traditional
game of live or online poker but which is less mentally
demanding.
[0016] A still further objective is to provide a method for playing
poker which provides poker players with an alternate outlet for
playing poker during periods of physical or mental fatigue, thereby
allowing them to continue to play poker with reduced adverse
affects.
[0017] An additional objective is to provide a method of playing
poker which significantly decreases the amount of time that players
must endure until the start of the next hand at any given
table.
[0018] A yet further objective of the present invention is to
provide a method of playing poker which provides casinos and live
or online gaming establishments with added sources of revenue.
[0019] In its broadest aspects the invention comprises multiple
methods for playing a game of poker which are simple and easy to
learn. Importantly, each of the methods described herein are less
complicated than traditional poker games such as Texas Holdem,
Omaha and Seven Card Stud, yet have the capacity to elicit an
increased amount of enthusiasm and pleasure for proficient players
and novices alike.
[0020] With respect to each of the methods discussed herein, the
number of cards dealt to each participant is the same as in
traditional poker games. However, whether the cards are dealt face
up or face down may be altered as desired. Thus, for Texas Holdem
poker, two initial cards are dealt to each player (traditionally
these are dealt face down), followed by the "flop" comprising three
community cards, followed by a fourth community card or "turn" and
then followed by a fifth community card, commonly called the
"river." With respect to Omaha poker, each player is first dealt
four initial cards (traditionally these are dealt face down),
followed by a flop, then a turn card and then a river card as in
Texas Holdem. In Texas Holdem and Omaha, players may use the
community cards plus their own initial cards to make the best
possible five-card hand. Seven Card Stud is also dealt
traditionally, wherein each player receives three initial cards
(traditionally two are dealt face down, one face up), followed by
four cards dealt sequentially (the first three face up and the last
face down) to each of the players. Ultimately, as in traditional
games, the player having the best five-card hand wins the pot.
[0021] Notwithstanding the similarities with respect to the
traditional number and method for the dealing of the cards, the
methods described herein are distinct and designed to significantly
reduce the requisite skill and focus that are generally required to
excel at traditional versions of these games.
[0022] In a first method, all participants place bets of equal
value, and the bets are pooled into a pot. Thereafter, the cards
are progressively dealt as they are normally, being displayed to
each player, and the player with the best five-card hand is awarded
the pot. It should be understood that cards are not required to be
dealt progressively (i.e., one after the next), particularly in the
context of practicing the methods over a communication network,
since one or more cards can be dealt to more than one participant
at the same time. Furthermore, while bets are typically pooled into
a "pot" during the course of a given hand, the bets are not
required to be placed into a "pot" and bets may be allocated at the
conclusion of a hand. In the event that two players have the best
five-card hand, the pot is split between the two. Significantly,
players are not given an opportunity to "raise" or place additional
bets, and the final total of the pot is limited to the total amount
of bets that were initially placed. It is to be understood that
while the number of cards that are dealt to players is the same
when practicing this first method, the initial number of cards to
the participants may be dealt either face up or face down. When
dealt face up, the method lends itself to the opportunity for
tutoring players in the game.
[0023] In a second method, during the course of play at a given
table, players are provided with an option to place side bets or
bets on various rules of winning, wherein the bets are paid
depending on the outcomes of the three-card flop. Thus, for
example, players can place a bet that at least two of the three
cards dealt on the flop will be diamonds or hearts, that all three
cards will be spades or clubs, that all three cards will be hearts
or diamonds, that the flop will include a pair or three of a kind
or any other variation involving a combination of suits and/or
denominations of the cards (i.e., three, jack, ace etc.). In the
course of play, players may be given the opportunity to place a
side bet that is linked to the product or outcome of the flop. The
opportunity to place a side bet may be provided to players before
the hand commences (i.e., during a prior hand) or at any time
before a flop upon which a side bet being made is dealt. Even
players who do not participate in the hand itself may place a side
bet on the product of the flop.
[0024] In a third method, all participants at a given table place a
first ante bet earning them the right to receive an initial number
of cards. After the initial number of cards are dealt, there are
four intervals during which players decide whether to place
additional fixed bets (a second, third, fourth and fifth bets) in
order to be eligible to proceed further in the game. All players
choose whether to place additional bets during the same time
interval rather than sequentially as is done in traditional
versions of poker. In addition, since all players must decide
during the same time interval, this method lends itself more to
online play where other players do not know whether their opponents
intend to place a bet or not. Significantly, a player has decided
whether or not to place an additional bet without knowing whether
the other players have decided to bet or not to bet. An indication
or display of which players have chosen to bet and continue (and/or
not to bet and fold) is provided after all players have made their
decision. Each of the foregoing three methods discussed above may
be modified or adapted to provide for supplemental or different
types of bets. Likewise, particularly with respect to online poker,
players who are not actually "sitting" at a table may place bets on
other players' hands or on the outcome of the flop as discussed
above. Furthermore, each of the foregoing three methods may be
adapted to provide for increased revenues for casinos and gaming
establishments, whether in the form of a "tax" or "rake" or simply
by the casino taking on the risk and formulating payouts which are
less than the true odds for any given outcome (as is typically done
in the context of the games of craps and roulette). Also, the
foregoing methods may be adapted to either tournament or money
games. Significantly, it is to be understood that while some of the
methods described herein are described in the context of an online
gaming environment, casino or through Interactive Direct TV (iDTV),
these are merely demonstrative of such "venues" wherein the methods
may be practiced and it is to be understood that the locations for
practicing these methods are not limited as such. Thus, in addition
to practicing these through any communication network such as the
internet in a virtual casino, iDTV, or in traditional casinos, the
methods may also be practiced on cellular or mobile telephones,
WiFi, and other digital formats or communications networks as well
as in combinations of all of the foregoing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0025] Various methods for playing a game of poker are discussed
herein. Each of the following methods will be discussed
individually, including a number of variations which can be
incorporated into each method.
Method One
[0026] With respect to the first method, the simplest form requires
at least two participants. Each participant places a first bet or
ante comprising equivalent sums of money. Significantly, subsequent
to the placement of the first bet, there is no additional betting
by the participants. After the first bet is made, cards are dealt
to the end as is performed in traditional forms of poker.
Accordingly, in the context of Texas Holdem, the participants are
dealt an initial two cards face down, followed by a flop of three
community cards, followed by the turn comprising one community card
and concluding with the river which likewise comprises one
community card. In the context of Omaha, the only difference is
that participants are initially dealt four cards face down rather
than two. With respect to Seven Card Stud, players are dealt two
cards down, one card up for a total of three cards, followed by
three cards dealt face up and one final card that is dealt face
down. At the conclusion of the dealing, the players show their
cards and the player with the best five-card poker hand wins the
total of all of the ante bets. If multiple players have the same
best hand, the pot is divided between them. Of course, since no
additional bets are made, this method may be modified such that all
cards are dealt face up after the ante bet is placed.
[0027] An example of the foregoing comprises four players seated at
a Texas Holdem table. All players who choose to play place an ante
bet of $25 each. After each of the four players place the ante bet,
there is a total of $100 in the pot. Thereafter, the dealer
distributes the entire hand in sequence as a dealer would during a
conventional game of Texas Holdem. After the cards are dealt, the
players can either choose to "muck" or "show" their cards, and the
player(s) with the best five card hand is awarded the pot.
[0028] The number of participants that may play according to this
method is limited by the number of cards in a playing deck.
However, a table typically seats up to ten players for Texas Holdem
and Omaha and six players for Seven Card Stud.
[0029] When this method is played in a casino environment, the
casino, "house" or house representative may set aside a "rake" from
the pot from three to ten percent before awarding it to the winner.
Thus, if there is a total of $100 in the pot, the house would keep
$3 to $10 and the winning player would receive $97 to $90. In this
version, the house would assume no financial risk since it receives
money regardless of which player wins. Of course, the rake may be
modified to be less than three percent or more than ten percent as
desired. Furthermore, while this may be compared to the limited
rake that is taken in traditional poker games, considering the
relative simplicity of the game and, more importantly, the lack of
multiple rounds of betting which can take a lot of time, more hands
can be dealt over any given time span, providing for more rakes
which can be taken by the house, thereby increasing revenue. It
should be understood that in practicing the methods described
herein, particularly in the context of the internet or other
communications networks and the like, that a "house representative"
is not limited to and does not necessarily require a human being
and is intended to encompass all those actions performed by a human
being in a physical gaming environment.
[0030] Likewise, in the context of a casino environment, the first
participant (of the two minimum participants) may be a casino
patron, while the second can be the casino itself. Accordingly,
this method can be played with only one player and a house. In this
variation, the casino assumes some risk since it may lose to the
player. However, this risk may be minimized by the casino paying
out somewhat less than even money, or keeping a percentage of the
pot, in the event that a player defeats the casino.
[0031] In addition, the method may be modified such that each
participant may be given an opportunity to assume the risk of
losing individually to each of the participants at a table. Thus,
for example, where there are four participants, Players A, B, C and
D, instead of awarding the collective pot to the best hand of all
four players, Player A can choose to play against Players B, C and
D and thus be required to pay winnings to Player B, Player C and/or
Player D when Player A's hand is worse than one or all of the other
players' hands, or taking the bets of one or more of these players
when Player A's hand is better. Thus, this method as modified
allows for a player taking individual risk of having to pay all the
players at a table. In this method, each of the players may be
given a turn to do so by passing a "shoe" or marker around the
table from player to player. Likewise, in this variation, the house
may or may not play and/or take a percentage of winnings.
[0032] In another variation of this method, players are free to
place first ante bets of different amounts (again, with no
additional bets being placed after the first ante bet). In this
variation, a number of "pots" can be created depending upon the
number of participants in a given hand and the number of different
ante bets that are placed by the participants.
[0033] An example of the foregoing variation comprises five players
seated at a Texas Holdem table, wherein Player A bets $10, Player B
bets $20, Player C bets $20, Player D bets $25, and Player E bets
$100. Based on this scenario, the first pot has $10 from each
player and hence totals $50, and it is awarded to the best hand
among Player A, Player B, Player C, Player D and Player E. The
second pot contains the remainder of Player B's and Player C's
bets, totaling $20, as well as $10 each from Player D's and Player
E's bets. Therefore, the second pot contains a total of $40 and is
awarded to the best among Player B, Player C, Player D and Player
E. The third pot merely contains the remainder of Player D's bet
totaling $5 with an equal amount from Player E's bet. This pot is
awarded to the best hand among Player D and Player E. Player E gets
$75 returned.
[0034] In this variation, a table can incorporate a minimum and
maximum bet. Alternatively, a table can be designated a "no limit"
table, where a player is permitted to bet all the money
accompanying the player to the table. Furthermore, the house has no
risk in this variation, insofar as it is played between players.
Also, the amount of the ante bet can be placed in sequence starting
from a "button" or designated marker or can be placed as players
are ready to bet.
[0035] As described above, a casino or online gaming establishment
that is willing to assume some risk may take a position at the
table where it is dealt cards as any other participant. In this
variation, instead of players playing against each other, all of
the players play exclusively against the house. This game may
require fixed betting where every player at the table antes the
same amount. However, it is much more interesting to have a table
minimum/maximum betting limit as casinos typically institute for
other table games. Also, as mentioned above, the casino may "tax" a
player every time the player wins to minimize the risk. A typical
amount may be a five percent tax, but this amount may be
varied.
[0036] Interestingly, this variation also lends itself to "back
betting," where bettors can "back" any one or more of the positions
at a given table. Further, more than one person can back a
particular position. Thus, in a table comprising nine positions
(and a dealer), Bettor A can back each of the nine positions for
$10 each, or $90 total, in the hope that all nine players' hands
will beat the dealer's hand. Also, Bettor B can back the fifth
player's position for $50 and simply root for the fifth player to
defeat the dealer.
[0037] When this variation is played and more than one person can
place a bet on a particular position, the game should probably be
played electronically over the internet, cellular phone, iDTV,
WiFi, digital formats, or other types of communication networks and
the like where one table could handle an unlimited number of
bettors. This would create a sense of community where masses of
players could share in a winning streak against the house.
[0038] In another variation of this method where back betting is
incorporated, bettors can place a bet behind any one (or more) of
the positions. If a bettor has backed the winner of the hand, the
bettor would receive an award multiplied by a factor equal to the
number of positions which are being played. Thus, a participant
plays both against the house and against the player's
opponents.
[0039] In this variation, as in the foregoing, the house assumes
risk by virtue of the fact that it can lose to a player. This risk,
however, is minimized by the "tax" that may be taken by the house
when the player beats the house. Also, if the game is played
electronically over the internet, cellular phone, iDTV, WiFi,
digital formats and the like, one table could handle an unlimited
number of bettors. This would create a sense of community where
masses of players could share in a winning streak.
[0040] In yet another variation of this method, a player assumes
the role of the house. In this adaptation, a first player, referred
to as the "mock dealer" or Player A, posts a fixed amount of money
which dictates the maximum that the mock dealer can lose.
Accordingly, on a table having a mock dealer and four other
players, Player B, Player C, Player D and Player E, Player A deals
the hand and Players B, C, D and E each post an ante. After the
cards are dealt, each of the hands of Players B, C, D and E are
evaluated against Player A's hand. If Player A's posted sum of
money is depleted during the evaluation/payout process, all
subsequent contests are ignored between Player A and the remaining
players. In particular, if Player A loses all his committed money
to Player B, then there is no action, win or lose, against Players
C, D or E. This result can be ameliorated by limiting the posted
bets of Players B, C, D and E to the maximum amount posted by
Player A, or by requiring Player A to post an amount equal to the
combined bets of Players B, C, D and E.
[0041] After Player A's deal is complete, Player B then becomes the
mock dealer and so on and so forth.
[0042] In this variation, a house can also tax winnings as in the
previously discussed variations of this method.
[0043] Moreover, this variation may be played where players have an
option to deal. In such a variation, the house must also play and
therefore it assumes risk. Of course, when the house deals it
naturally covers all bets. The dealer rotates and passes by all
players who choose not to deal.
[0044] Significantly, all of the foregoing variations of this
method may be adapted to tournament play, where players would "buy"
chips and continue playing until one player possesses all of the
chips played at the tournament.
[0045] As evident, this method transforms traditional games of
poker where skill is a factor in determining the outcome into a
game of fixed odds where a player only decides to play, but makes
no other significant decisions during the course of the game and
each participant has the same chance of winning a given hand as the
next, without any regard to skill level. Thus, once a player places
a bet, a dealer merely deals a hand according to rules of a
particular game that is being played and the player makes no
further decisions. Significantly, other traditional games such as
pai gow poker and blackjack (and the many variations of blackjack)
may likewise be modified to provide for the dealing of cards to a
player according to a specific set of rules, where the player is
not given the opportunity to make decisions during the course of a
given hand which alter his chances of winning. Thus, just as a
dealer dealing a hand of blackjack must hit until reaching the
count of 17 and must stay once that count is reached, a method may
be utilized wherein a player is not permitted to make choices
during a given hand of blackjack (unlike current versions of the
game) which would alter the player's chances of winning (i.e.,
player must hit until the count reaches 17 and may not hit once 17
is reached; player always splits aces and eights but may not
otherwise split like cards; player always doubles down on a
combined two-card count of 11 where one of the cards is not an ace,
but may not otherwise double down; player may not insure a hand
when an ace is showing etc.) Since a player's odds of winning in
certain instances may be reduced as a result of some of the "rules"
noted above (i.e., not being permitted to double-down unless the
combined card count is 11), the odds may be shifted back somewhat
into a player's favor by providing for a payout of greater than 3
to 2 when a player reaches 21 with only two cards. Other ways of
shifting the odds in a player's favor may be provided as well.
Method Two
[0046] When an online or live poker game is being played, there is
typically a significant period of time (i.e., approximately one
minute) during which players must wait for the next deal of the
cards. In a second method for playing poker, players are given an
option during this waiting period to place side bets, proposition
bets or bets on a number of "rules of winning," comprising one or
more of a number of different wagers which players place on a
possible outcome of a three-card flop. Generally, these side bets
are forfeited or awarded to the house if the possible outcome upon
which a side bet is placed does not correspond to the three-card
flop, but players are awarded if the possible outcome upon which a
side bet is placed does corresponds to the three-card flop.
[0047] In this method, players place bets on various possible
outcomes or rules of winning before a given flop. Optionally, these
bets are placed either before or after players are dealt their
initial number of cards, but in either case, bets must obviously be
made before a flop is dealt. If players are permitted to place bets
on a flop of a given hand after seeing the initial number of cards
are dealt, players would have an advantage, having the knowledge of
at least some of the cards that cannot appear on the flop.
Accordingly, the placement of bets should be limited to a time
before the initial number of cards of a hand are dealt. Further,
players who are participating in a hand that is taking place or
merely observing a hand at a given table may be given the
opportunity to bet on the outcome of the flop in the following
hand. In the event that there is a flop, players are paid if a bet
has been placed on a rule of winning that corresponds to the
flop.
[0048] Examples of rules of winning include the following
permutations of cards comprising the flop: (1) two of three cards
of the flop are hearts or diamonds--"mostly red", (2) two of three
cards of the flop are clubs or spades--"mostly black", (3) all
three cards are hearts or diamonds--"all red", (4) all three cards
are clubs or spades--"all black", (5) two of three cards make up a
pair of cards having an equivalent numerical denomination (i.e.,
any pair such as twos, threes, fours, jacks, aces etc.), (6) two of
three cards have an equivalent denomination of a particular value
(i.e., pair of aces only), (7) all three cards have an equivalent
numerical denomination (i.e., any three-of-a-kind, "set" or
"trips"), (8) all three cards have an equivalent denomination of a
particular value (i.e., three-of-a-kind aces only), (9) flop
comprises either a pair or a three-of-a-kind, (10) flop comprises
all three cards having the same suit, (11) flop only comprises
cards of a suit that is pre-selected by a player, (12) flop
comprises at least one card that is pre-selected by said player.
The last rule of winning is slightly different than the other
listed rules of winning in that a player is given the choice of
which cards to select. Mathematically, it does not matter since
payouts can be modified accordingly. Of course, a number of other
permutations are possible as well.
[0049] The awards or payouts for the foregoing rules of winning may
generally conform to the true odds for each of the outcomes (except
perhaps when the odds are very high for purposes of avoiding having
to furnish a large payout). Accordingly, payouts may be in a ratio
of 1:1 for bets that are placed on individual rules of winning
comprising a permutation where two of three cards of the flop are
either red or black. As shown in Table 1 below, in this situation,
the odds may be tilted somewhat in favor of the house (rather than
even odds) by providing that if, for example, an ace of hearts is
the first card of the flop, the player actually loses the bet even
if at least two of the three cards are red. Another example for
tilting the odds in favor of the house is providing that if an ace
of hearts or ace of diamonds is the first card, then the player
pushes (i.e., neither wins nor loses) even when two of the first
three cards are red. Of course, any card(s) may be designated in
place of the ace of hearts and ace of diamonds and similar
parameters may be used for the rule of winning that requires a flop
having two of three cards that are clubs or spades. For rules of
winning or side bets requiring that all three cards be either red
or black, the payout may be in a ratio of 8:1. For the rule of
winning requiring either a pair or trips, the payout may be in a
ratio of 8:1 if a pair appears in the flop and 25:1 if
three-of-a-kind appears in the flop. For the rule of winning
requiring only trips, the payout may be in a ratio of 400:1
(although the odds are somewhat higher). For the rule of winning
requiring only trips in a particular numerical denomination, such
as aces, the payout may be in a ratio of 5000:1 (although the odds
are somewhat higher). For the rule of winning requiring all three
cards of the same suit, the payout may be in a ratio of 5:1 if the
flop comprises all diamonds, 10:1 if the flop comprises all hearts,
15:1 if the flop comprises all clubs and 40:1 if the flop comprises
all spades. In this rule of winning, the player may choose the
suit. Of course, with respect to this particular rule of winning,
the payout may also be modified to provide for the same ratio
regardless of the suit. In addition, the game can also be modified
to provide for bets and payouts based on four or all five of the
community cards that are dealt.
[0050] Below is a table of approximated odds for drawing selected
permutations of cards on the flop, along with proposed payouts for
each of said permutations. Payouts can be adjusted to provide for
paybacks of less than 100%. TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Rule of
Winning/Side Payout Bet/Proposition Bet Odds Ratio Payback At least
two of three cards 48.08% 1:1 96.15% are red. (If first card of
flop is ace of hearts, player loses even if at least two of three
cards are red; or, if first card of flop is red ace, player pushes
even if at least two of three cards are red.) At least two of three
cards 48.08% 1:1 96.15% are black. (If first card of flop is ace of
spades, player loses even if at least two of three cards are red;
or, if first card of flop is black ace, player pushes even if at
least two of three cards are black.) All three cards of flop are
11.76% 8:1 94.12% hearts or diamonds All three cards of flop are
11.76% 8:1 94.12% spades or clubs Any pair (bonus for three of
11.29% 8:1 90.35% a kind) (.024%) (25:1) (5.88%) Any three of a
kind 0.24% 400:1 94.12% Three aces (or three of a 0.02% 5000:1
90.50% particular kind) All three cards are of the 5.18% 18:1
93.18% same suit Ace of hearts or Ace of 3.85% 25:1 96.15% spades
is the first card All Spades 1.29% 70 90.59% All diamonds; all
hearts; all 1.29% 10:1 12.94% clubs or all spades (bonus) 1.29%
10:1 12.94% 1.29% 10:1 12.94% 1.29% 40:1 51.76% All diamonds; all
hearts; all 1.29% 5:1 6.47% clubs or all spades (bonus) 1.29% 10:1
12.94% 1.29% 15:1 19.41% 1.29% 40:1 51.76% Three cards in a row
0.58% 160 92.67% ascending order (i.e., 4-5-6) Three cards in a row
in 1.16% 80 92.67% ascending ordescending order (i.e., 4-5-6 or
6-5-4)
[0051] Optionally, in an environment such as the internet, cellular
phone, iDTV, WiFi, digital formats, communication networks and the
like, players may deposit money into an account and place bets that
are funded by the money deposited into the account. In turn, if a
rule of winning is met by a particular bet corresponding to the
outcome of the flop, a player's account is credited accordingly. In
addition, players may also be given an option of "activating" a bet
on one or more rules of winning which remains active until the bet
is "deactivated," or until the funds in the account are exhausted.
In addition, a bet can be activated for a pre-determined number of
hands. Further, in the context of standing bet(s) which are in
effect for an indefinite number of hands, the game may continue
without interruption by providing for a change of the standing
bet(s) during the period of time when a particular hand is in
progress (i.e., after the flop and before the river).
[0052] Based on the foregoing method, a player can avoid being
impulsive and forced to play a poor hand which often results from
concern that the player will be unoccupied until the next hand
since the play of this method would keep the player involved and
occupied for a longer period of time.
Method Three
[0053] Players are required to place a first bet or ante bet, after
which an initial number of cards are dealt. After the initial
number of cards is dealt to each of the players, the players are
given a time limit or interval for placing a second bet of a fixed
amount. After the time limit expires, all players who placed the
second bet are eligible to continue onward to see the three-card
flop, as in Texas Holdem or Omaha. Then players are given a time
limit to place a third bet, after which all players who do so are
eligible to continue participating to see the fourth card or turn,
after which the same is repeated for the fifth card or river.
Significantly, a player has decided whether or not to place the
additional bets after the ante bet without knowing whether the
other players have decided to bet or not to bet. An indication or
display of which players have decided to bet and continue (and/or
not to bet and fold) is provided after all players have made their
decision and/or after the time interval has expired. Optionally,
the indication may be made before the expiration of the time limit
if one is put in place, so long as all players have made their
decision on whether to place the additional bet or to not place the
additional bet and fold.
[0054] After the river card, players are given the option of
placing a final bet. If at any point during the hand there is only
one player who has elected to place a bet (whether the second,
third, fourth or fifth), that player wins the pot, comprising all
of the previous bets. If there are two or more players who have
continued to the end and placed the fifth bet, the player with the
best hand takes the pot.
[0055] The declaration of the best hand may be made in one of two
forms. In the first form, all players who are still in the game
simply turn their cards face up at the same time. In the second
form, players turn over their cards in sequence, starting from the
left of the dealer. In the second form, a dealer button is required
to keep place of who must turn their cards face up first. Of
course, this method may also be used in the context of other poker
games in which there is no flop, including without limitation,
Seven Card Stud, wherein the rounds of betting may be the same as
in the traditional version of the game that is being played.
[0056] This method is more suited for online play or over a
communication network since it would be difficult to have everyone
bet at the same time in a live game. Also this game may be modified
to a tournament format wherein a group of participants may play
until one (or a selected group) remains.
[0057] Although the invention has been described with reference to
particular embodiments, methods and variations thereof, it is to be
understood that these are merely illustrative of the application of
the principles of the invention. Thus it is to be understood that
numerous modifications may be made in the invention and other
arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *