U.S. patent application number 11/215060 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-01 for gaming system and method for displaying pot amounts to facilitate calculation of pot odds for pot dependent wagers.
Invention is credited to Robert R. JR. Blair.
Application Number | 20070045957 11/215060 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37803009 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070045957 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blair; Robert R. JR. |
March 1, 2007 |
Gaming system and method for displaying pot amounts to facilitate
calculation of pot odds for pot dependent wagers
Abstract
A gaming system having a live table game and capable of
displaying real-time calculations of pot levels is provided. The
gaming system includes a tracking system including an chip
identifier for identifying the amount of each wager for each player
position. In one embodiment, after identifying a wager the tracking
system communicates the wager amount to a processor, and the
processor calculates the value of the pot, the minimum allowable
wager, the minimum allowable raise, and the maximum allowable
wager. Each of these amounts are displayed to the players through
one or more display devices.
Inventors: |
Blair; Robert R. JR.; (Reno,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Belll, Boyd & Lloyd LLC
P.O. Box 1135
Chicago
IL
60690-1135
US
|
Family ID: |
37803009 |
Appl. No.: |
11/215060 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/274 ;
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2003/00164
20130101; A63F 3/00157 20130101; A63F 2003/0016 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/274 ;
463/025 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/08 20060101
A63F003/08; A63F 9/24 20060101 A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming system operated at least partially under control of at
least one processor, said gaming system comprising: a table for a
live card game, said table including a support structure, a playing
surface, a plurality of player positions, a dealer position and at
least one wagering area, and wherein said card game employs at
least one deck of playing cards; a tracking system including a chip
identifier, said chip identifier operable to identify one or more
chips which represent an amount of each wager placed in the at
least one wagering area, wherein the tracking system is operable to
communicate the wager amounts to the processor; and at least one
display device operable to display a value of a pot for each play
of the card game at the table to each of a plurality of players at
the table and to a dealer at the table, wherein the processor is
operable to calculate the value of the pot for each play of the
card game after each wager for plays of the card game at the
table.
2. The gaming system of claim 1, which includes a plurality of
display devices, the dealer position and each of the player
positions associated with one of the plurality of display
devices.
3. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the at least one display
device includes a communal display device operable to display a
call amount, a minimum raise, a maximum raise and a maximum wager
for each of the plurality of player positions for plays of the card
game at the table.
4. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the card game is a poker
game including at least one round of wagering.
5. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the card game is a poker
game selected from the group consisting of: Five Card Stud; Seven
Card Stud; Five Card Draw; Texas Hold'em and Omaha Hold'em.
6. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the card game is a poker
game including at least one round of wagering, and the processor is
operable to determine a number of raises during a particular round
of wagering and cause said number of raises to be displayed by the
display device.
7. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein for the play of the card
game at the table the processor is operable to calculate pot odds
for each player position, wherein the pot odds are based, at least
in part, on the value of the pot for said play of the card game at
the table.
8. The gaming system of claim 7, wherein the processor is operable
to cause the pot odds to be displayed on the at least one display
device associated with each of the player positions.
9. The gaming system of claim 7, wherein for the play of the card
game at the table the processor is operable to calculate a range of
pot odds for each player position, said range of pot odds based on
each players' minimum allowable wager and maximum allowable wager
for said play of the card game at the table.
10. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the tracking system is
operable with the processor to determine for the play of the card
game at the table a house rake, said house rake based on the value
of the pot for said play of the card game at the table.
11. The gaming system of claim 10, wherein the processor is
operable to calculate and cause the at least one display device to
display: (a) a portion of the pot to be paid to one or more players
based on the value of the pot for one of the plays of the card game
at the table, (b) the house rake, and (c) the number of winning
hands.
12. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the tracking system
includes a card identifier operable to identify the rank and suit
of each card dealt for plays of the card game at the table, wherein
said tracking system is operable to communicate the information
about each card dealt in said play of the card game to the
processor.
13. The gaming system of claim 10, wherein the processor is
operable to determine the probability of achieving any one of a
plurality of predetermined hands for each player position based on
the player's cards and any community cards.
14. The gaming system of claim 13, which includes a plurality of
display devices each associated with one of the plurality of player
positions, wherein the probabilities of achieving one of the
plurality of predetermined hands are optionally displayed to the
players on the display devices.
15. A gaming system operated at least partially under control of at
least one processor, said gaming system comprising: a table for a
live poker game, said table including a support structure, a
playing surface, a plurality of player positions, a dealer position
and at least one wagering area, wherein said poker game employs at
least one deck of playing cards; a tracking system including at
least one chip identifier, said chip identifier operable to
identify one or more chips which represent an amount of each wager
placed at each wagering area for a play of the card game at the
table, wherein the tracking system is operable to communicate the
wager amounts to the processor; and a plurality of display devices,
the dealer position and the player positions each including one of
said plurality of display devices, wherein the processor is
operable to cause each of the display devices to display a value of
a pot for at least one play of the poker game at the table after at
least one wager for plays of the poker game at the table.
16. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the table is configured
for a pot limit poker game.
17. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the tracking system
includes a plurality of chip identifiers, each associated with a
different one of the player positions.
18. The gaming system of claim 17, which includes a memory device,
wherein the processor causes the value of each of the wagers for
each of the players to be stored into said memory device.
19. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the processor is
operable to cause each of the display devices to display the value
of a pot, a minimum wager, a minimum raise and a maximum wager
associated with each respective player, wherein the value of the
pot, the minimum wager, the minimum raise and the maximum raise are
calculated by the processor after each wager according to the rules
of the poker game for plays of the poker game at the table.
20. The gaming system of claim 19, wherein the display device at
the dealer position has at least one input associated
therewith.
21. The gaming system of claim 20, wherein the input includes a
touch screen display.
22. A gaming system operated at least partially under control of at
least one processor, said gaming system comprising: a table for a
live poker game, said table including a support structure, a
playing surface, a plurality of player positions, a dealer position
and at least one wagering area, wherein said poker game employs at
least one deck of playing cards; a tracking system including at
least one chip identifier, said chip identifier operable to
identify one or more chips which represent an amount of each wager
placed in the wagering area for plays of the card game at the
table, wherein the tracking system is operable to communicate the
wager amounts to the processor; and at least one display device,
wherein the processor is operable to cause the display device to
display, after each wager for the play of the poker game at the
table, a total value of the pot and a value selected from the group
consisting of: a minimum wager; a minimum raise; and a maximum
wager.
Description
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection.
The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction
by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in
exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office
patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights
whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent years, poker has become very popular. Poker's
popularity is in part based on the fact that it requires mental
agility and the ability to out think your opponent(s). Some
experienced poker players base their play largely on statistical or
odds considerations. Other players rely less on mathematics and try
to obtain a psychological advantage over their opponent(s). Others
rely on both.
[0003] In a live table game, certain experienced poker players can
look at their opponent(s) and discern information based on their
physical behavior (i.e., their tells). Certain inexperienced poker
players tend to exhibit physical changes in response to whether or
not they have good or bad hands. These tells include flexing of
muscles, heavy breathing, eye pupil dilation, dry throat, coughing,
rapid heart rate, perspiration, fidgeting, and changes in the pace
or volume of their speech. Some experienced poker players can even
perceive a change in blood pressure by looking at their opponent's
face. Consequently, certain experienced players can gain an
advantage over their opponents by simply being observant and
consciously controlling their own behavior.
[0004] In recent years, several computerized poker games have
surfaced that allow a player to connect through the internet to a
virtual poker room and compete against other real players that are
also connected through the internet. However, when playing internet
based poker games it is impossible to discern any physical reaction
from an opponent(s) because they do not see or hear the
opponent(s). Consequently, it is much more difficult to discern
tells that help a player determine what cards an opponent is
holding. The experienced internet poker player may only be able to
glean information about their opponent based on their betting
patterns. Accordingly, many experienced poker players prefer to
play poker at a live gaming table to take advantage of their skills
as described above. Furthermore, certain experienced players enjoy
live gaming tables due to the mental interaction and camaraderie
that can only come with playing in the presence of other
people.
[0005] In general, poker hands consist of five cards dealt from a
52 card deck. There are nine general categories of hands, ranked
from highest to lowest, as shown in Table 1. TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1
Ranking of Poker Hands by Category Rank Name Example 1 Straight
Flush KQJ109 2 Four of a Kind JJ J.diamond-solid.J3 3 Full House A
A.diamond-solid.A6.diamond-solid.6 4 Flush AJ862 5 Straight
8.diamond-solid.7654 6 Three of a Kind QQ
Q.diamond-solid.6.diamond-solid.2 7 Two Pair 8.diamond-solid.8 5 52
8 One Pair K.diamond-solid.K872 9 No Pair A
107.diamond-solid.53
[0006] Within each category, hands are ranked according to the rank
of individual cards, with an Ace being the highest card and a two
being the lowest card. There is no difference in rank between the
four suits of cards. All hands can be ranked in a linear ranking
from highest to lowest. Because suits are all of the same value,
however, there are multiple hands that have identical rankings. For
example, there are four equivalent hands for each type of straight
flush, four of a kind, or flush, there are over a hundred
equivalent hands for each two pair variation, and there are over
1,000 equivalent hands for each type of no-pair hand.
[0007] Poker is characterized by rounds of card dealing and
wagering. Numerous variations of poker exist, including Five Card
Draw, Five Card Stud, Seven Card Stud, Hold'em (also called Texas
Hold'em), Omaha (also called Omaha Hold'em), and Pai-Gow. The
variations in these games generally differ in the manner in which
cards are dealt and in the manner and frequency in which bets are
placed. Various criteria may also be used to determine the winning
hand, including highest ranking hand, lowest ranking hand
(Low-Ball), and high and low hands each win half (High-Low).
[0008] In certain variations of poker, a round of play begins when
each player has placed an initial bet, called the ante, into the
pot. The term pot refers to the total accumulation of antes and
wagers made during a particular game. However, in other poker
variations, such as Texas Hold'em, only two players at a table make
the initial bets, commonly referred to as blinds. These blinds
include a large blind and a small blind. The large blind is
typically twice the value of the small blind. In an ante based
game, any player that does not place an ante is not eligible to
play that particular game. In a blind based game, all players are
eligible to play, even if they did not initially place the large
blind or the small blind. After the players have anted or placed
the blinds, depending on the game, each player eligible for play is
dealt an initial set of cards.
[0009] The number of cards dealt depends on the particular
variation of poker being played. For example, in Five Card Draw,
each player is initially dealt five cards. In Texas Hold'em, Five
Card Stud and Seven Card Stud, each player is initially dealt two
cards. These cards are typically dealt face-down; however,
depending on the game, some of the cards may be dealt face-up to
the player. For example, in Five Card Stud each player is initially
dealt one card face-up and one card face-down. In Texas Hold'em,
each player is initially dealt two cards face-down which are
commonly referred to as the hole cards.
[0010] After the initial deal, a first round of betting begins,
where the players have the opportunity to place wagers. If a player
places a wager, that wager must be matched (i.e., called) or raised
by each player that wants to remain in the game. A raise includes
matching the previous wager and increasing the total bet. A player
who does not match a bet drops out of the game or folds. A round of
betting ends when either every player but one has folded, or when
the highest bet or raise has been called by each remaining player
such that each remaining player has wagered the same amount into
the pot during the round.
[0011] Depending on the variation of poker being player, each game
may have several rounds of wagering, each round of wagering
generally preceded by dealing one or more cards. If two or more
players remain after a particular round of wagering, either more
cards are dealt, or there is a showdown, depending on the game
variation being played. A showdown occurs when two or more players
remain in a game after the last round of wagering has been
completed for a particular round. A player wins a game of poker
either by having the highest ranking hand when a showdown occurs,
or by being the last remaining player in the game after all other
players have dropped out, or folded. At a showdown, each player
displays the player's hand to the other players. If two or more
players have identically ranked hands that are the highest ranking
hands, the pot is split evenly between them.
[0012] Certain card games such as poker, and more specifically
pot-limit poker games require real time evaluation of the pot
levels and allowable wagers. These pot-limit games require fast and
accurate calculations to keep the game moving, which can be
difficult for dealers to do. In blackjack table games, the dealer's
job is relatively simply because the player simply makes an initial
bet and then the hand is resolved. Even if the particular blackjack
player is granted an opportunity to split cards or double down, the
player simply puts an amount into the pot that equals his original
wager. The blackjack dealer's task is to separate the wagers into
different stacks and then payoff this amount at the conclusion of
the round. In Blackjack, the wagering ability or wagering
limitations placed on a particular player during a round of play
does not depend on pot levels or the previous wagers of the other
players playing at the same table.
[0013] In contrast to a card game like Blackjack, when playing a
pot based card game such as a multiplayer poker game, the ability
or limitations of one player to wager a certain amount is dependent
on the size of the pot and on what previous players have wagered.
For example, the maximum raise that a player can make is a function
of the current size of the pot. In a pot-limit game, the minimum
allowable raise must be greater than or equal to the size of the
previous bet or the size of the previous raise for particular round
of play. The maximum allowable raise is the value currently in the
pot plus the amount that a given player would need to place to
call. Therefore, if different players have varying call amounts,
then the maximum allowable raise can vary for different players at
a given point in time.
[0014] In pot limit games, the maximum allowable raise can be
difficult to calculate because of the rule that allows a player
first to call the previous wager and then to wager the size of the
pot, including that call. For example, in a game of Texas Hold'em,
where the blinds are $1 and $2 the initial size of the pot would be
$3. The first player to act can fold, call the $2, or raise. If the
player wagers $4, he has raised the minimum amount of $2, because
the previous wager was $2. If the player wagers $7, he is wagering
the maximum allowable raise, because he is calling the $2 blind,
creating a total pot size of $5, and then raising the value of the
pot. The $7 wager includes the $2 call plus the $5 maximum
raise.
[0015] Also, in a betting round where there are multiple raises,
the dealer must keep track of who has raised what amounts to
determine what amounts the remaining players are required to make
to call. For example, suppose that in a five player game the first
player bets $1, the second player raises $2 over the first player,
the third player raises $3 over the second player, the fourth
player calls the third player, and the fifth player raises $5 over
the third player. Therefore, to call, the first player must put in
$10, the second player must put in $8, and the third and fourth
players must put in $5 each. This can be somewhat difficult for a
dealer to keep track of, especially in a fast moving game.
Depending on the rules of the game, there may be a limit on the
number of raises or re-raises in a particular round of wagering and
the dealer is also required to keep track of this. In addition, the
dealer is required to calculate a percentage of the total value of
the pot. This percentage is generally referred to as the rake and
this amount represents a fair return to the casino for providing
gaming services to the players.
[0016] Accordingly, it is clear that in a poker game, such as a
pot-limit poker game, the calculations that the dealer must perform
are numerous and sometimes complicated. As discussed above,
internet based poker games utilize a virtual dealer and virtual
chips, and are able to instantaneously perform these calculations
because each player electronically inputs each of their wager
amounts instead of moving chip on a table as in a live poker game.
Therefore, there is no concern about a live dealer having to make
split second calculations and possibly make errors. However, with
table games having a live dealer and using physical betting chips
the dealer must make all these calculations leaving the possibility
for error and also slowing down the game play. Therefore, there is
a need to provide a live table game with the capability of
performing real-time evaluations of pot levels more quickly and
accurately.
[0017] In addition, certain experienced poker players are
mathematically inclined and make wagering decisions based, at least
in part, on pot levels. This practice is commonly referred to as
calculating pot odds. Under one definition, pot odds are the ratio
of the current size of the pot divided by the size of the player's
next wager. For example, if a player must call a $2 raise by an
opponent, and the total amount of money in the pot before the
potential call is $12, then the pot odds are 6-to-1 (i.e., twelve
divided by two). If the player were to raise another $2 (i.e.,
wagering $4), then the pot odds would be 3-to-1 (i.e., twelve
divided by four). However, it should be appreciated that pot odds
may be calculated or defined in any suitable manner.
[0018] For every potential wager, the correct mathematical strategy
is influenced by the pot odds. Low pot odds require a player to
make a large wager relative to the size of the pot. High pot odds
require a small wager relative to the size of the pot. In general,
as pot odds increase, the player's average return on investment
will be higher because the player must make a relatively small
wager to have the possibility of winning a relatively large
pot.
[0019] In addition to calculating pot odds, as described above,
certain experienced players also consider pot odds to include the
calculation of the odds of achieving a particular hand. And thus,
they use the value of both to at least in part determine how to
play. Players calculate these odds based on the cards in their
hand, any face-up cards displayed on the table, and on the number
of cards remaining in the deck. In one example where the poker
variation is Texas Hold'em, there are eight players at a table,
each player has been dealt two cards face-down, and four community
cards have been dealt. Therefore, a total of twenty cards have been
dealt, with each player knowing what six of the cards are.
Accordingly, forty-six cards remain unknown to each player. If a
particular player has two hearts in their hand and two of the four
community cards are hearts, then the player has four out of five
cards for a possible flush. The experienced player can calculate
the probability of achieving a flush when the fifth community card
(commonly referred to as the river card) is dealt by dividing the
number of unknown cards (i.e., forty-six) by the number of hearts
unaccounted for (i.e., nine). Accordingly, the odds of achieving a
flush are approximately 19%. In this example, to justify a call
just based on pot odds, the player assumes that they will win if
they hit the flush, but will lose otherwise. Therefore, the amount
required to call must be lower than about 19% of the value of the
pot to justify making the call (i.e., the pot odds must be greater
than about 4-to-1). In the example given above where the total
amount of money in the pot before the potential call is $12, the
player would make the $2 call because the pot odds are 6-to-1,
which is higher than about 4-to-1. However, the player would not
raise to $4 because the pot odds are 3-to-1, which is lower than
3.5-to-1.
[0020] In the internet based poker games, as discussed above, the
value of the pot is continually updated and displayed to the
player. This relieves the player of the burden of having to first
calculate the value of the pot prior to making calculations of pot
odds. Accordingly, a need exists for a gaming system including a
live gaming table that automatically calculates and displays the
value of the pot.
SUMMARY
[0021] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a gaming
system operated at least partially under control of a processor and
including a gaming table for a card game. More specifically, this
embodiment includes a gaming table having a tracking system
including at least one chip identifier, where the chip identifier
is operable to identify the value of each of the players' wagers at
each of a plurality of player positions, for each round of play.
The tracking system is operable to communicate the wager amounts to
the processor and the processor calculates the value of the pot.
The gaming table also includes an associated display device
operable to display to the players and the dealer the calculated
pot amounts which can be used by a player to individually calculate
the pot odds. Therefore, the gaming system of the described
embodiment is capable of performing quick and accurate evaluations
of pot levels and informing the players and dealer of same.
[0022] In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a table for a
poker game. The gaming system includes a tracking system as
discussed above. In this embodiment, the gaming table includes a
plurality of display devices, the dealer position and the player
positions each including at least one of said plurality of display
devices. The display devices are operable to display the value of a
pot, a minimum wager, a minimum raise and a maximum raise
associated with each respective player. The value of the pot, the
minimum wager, the minimum raise and the maximum raise are
calculated by the processor after each wager according to the rules
of the game. Therefore, the gaming system is able to provide the
players and dealer with real time information on wagering
limitations through a private display interface to assist players
with the wagering process. In another embodiment, the tracking
system tracks the value of the wagers and the processor calculates
the value of the pot. In this embodiment, the processor causes the
display device to display the value of the pot after each wager for
each play of the poker game.
[0023] In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a common
display device operable to display the value of the pot as well as
the call amount, the minimum eligible raise and the maximum
eligible raise for each of the player positions.
[0024] In one embodiment, the wager or chip identifier operates on
optical recognition. In another embodiment, the recognition
technology is based on radio-frequency identification. One example
of an optically based chip reading technology is described in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,514,140 to Storch, which provides a gaming table for
Blackjack or other card games. An individual black and white CCD
sensor is mounted in a reading turret and is placed in front of
each player's wagering position. In this system, each wagering chip
includes patterns of repeated coding around the periphery of each
player's that are identifiable by the CCD sensor. However, in the
present embodiments it should be appreciated that any suitable chip
identification or recognition technology may be used.
[0025] In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a tracking
system including an identifier additionally operable to identify
the players' cards. The scanning technologies may be optical, based
on radio frequency identification or another suitable method. One
example of this type of technology is described in U.S. Patent
Application No. 2003/0171142 to Toshiyuki et al., which discloses a
card data reader where the card data recorded on the back of the
player card will be read by an internal image sensor. Another
example of this technology is described in U.S. Patent Application
No. 2002/0049085 to Richard et al. ("Richard"), which discloses a
table monitor that automatically images the activity occurring at a
gaming table. The Richard application describes an imaging system
that makes a periodic comparison of captured images identifying
player wagering, as well as the appearance, removal and position of
cards and other game objects on the gaming table. Therefore, a card
tracking system enables the casino to automatically track the cards
and store the information into memory.
[0026] In one embodiment, the card game is a poker game including
at least one round of wagering. In this embodiment, the processor
is operable to determine the number of raises during a particular
round of wagering and cause the number of raises to be displayed on
the display device. Therefore, the gaming system alerts the dealer
when the maximum number of raises has been made in a particular
round of wagering such that the dealer can prevent players from
raising again.
[0027] In one embodiment, the gaming system includes at least one
display device and a tracking system including at least one chip
identifier. In this embodiment, the card game is a no-limit poker
game. For each player position, the chip identifier identifies the
total value of the player's chips and communicates these values to
the processor. The processor causes these values to be displayed by
at least one display device, where the display devices are viewable
to all of the players in the game. Therefore, players will not be
able to hide or otherwise misrepresent the number of the chips they
have left. Accordingly, in a no-limit poker game, all of the
players will know how large of a wager they would need to make in
order to force another player to go all-in.
[0028] In one embodiment, the processor is operable to calculate a
range of pot odds for each player position. The range of pot odds
is based on each players' minimum allowable wager and maximum
allowable wager. As discussed above, the pot odds are a function of
the players' next potential wager. Therefore, because the player
has a range of wagering possibilities, there is a corresponding
range of pot odds. The gaming system provides the player with
information regarding what the pot odds would be if they decided to
make the smallest possible wager or the largest possible wager.
Accordingly, the player can make a more informed decision on how
much to wager.
[0029] In one embodiment, the processor is operable to calculate
the house rake, where the house rake is based on the value of the
pot. Therefore, the dealer is provided with quick and accurate
information on how much to take from the pot, without having to
first calculate the value of the pot and then apply a percentage of
that value. In one embodiment, the processor is operable to
calculate the portion of the pot to be paid to one or more players,
based on the value of the pot, the house rake and the number of
winning hands. Therefore, in the case where two or more players are
to split the pot the gaming system provides the dealer with not
only the amount of the house rake, but also provides the amounts
for dividing the remaining pot evenly amongst the winning players.
In another embodiment, the processor causes the display device to
display the pot value and the rake to the dealer.
[0030] In one embodiment, the processor determines the probability
of achieving any one of a plurality of predetermined hands for each
player position based on the player's cards and any community
cards, where the cards have been previously identified by a card
identifier. In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a
plurality of display devices each associated with one of the
plurality of player positions, wherein the probabilities of
achieving one of the plurality of predetermined hands are
optionally displayed to each player on the display devices.
Therefore, the gaming system can optionally provide additional
information (e.g., in a training mode) to players to assist them in
wagering decisions.
[0031] An advantage of the present disclosure is that quick and
accurate determinations of pot levels can be determined.
[0032] Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the
dealer and the players are provided information regarding wagering
limitations and pot odds.
[0033] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure
are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed
Description and the figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0034] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the
gaming system of the present disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of the of the operation of one
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0036] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H and 3I are top views of
one embodiment of the gaming system, where the gaming system is a
poker game.
[0037] FIGS. 4A and 4B are screen shots of an individual display
device and a community display device, respectively, of one
embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Referring now to the drawings, one embodiment of the gaming
system of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 1. In this
embodiment, the gaming system includes a gaming table 100 such as a
poker table. The gaming table includes a playing surface 102 and a
computer interface 104 accessible to a dealer 106. The gaming table
includes a plurality of display devices such as display devices
108a, 108b, 108c, 108d and 108e associated with a plurality of
player positions 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d and 110e. The table also
includes a plurality of play areas 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d and 112e
associated with the player positions. The table also includes a
dealer chip tray 114.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming table includes
five player positions. However, it should be appreciated that the
gaming table may include any suitable number of player positions so
as not to interfere with game play. The display devices 108a, 108b,
108c, 108d and 108e are mounted to the table so as to generally
coincide with each player position. In another embodiment, the
gaming table may also include one or more community display devices
334 (see also, FIG. 4B) shared by the players. The community
display devices displays information related to the pot to a
plurality of players. In another embodiment, the gaming table
includes a community display device and does not include individual
display devices associated with the player positions.
[0040] In one embodiment, a plurality of the gaming systems of the
present disclosure are capable of being connected to a data
network. In one embodiment, the data network is a local area
network (LAN), in which one or more of the gaming systems are
substantially proximate to each other and an on-site central server
or controller as in, for example, a gaming establishment or a
portion of a gaming establishment. In another embodiment, the data
network is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the
gaming systems are in communication with at least one off-site
central server or controller. In this embodiment, the plurality of
gaming systems may be located in a different part of the gaming
establishment or within a different gaming establishment than the
off-site central server or controller. Thus, the WAN may include an
off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming system
located within gaming establishments in the same geographic area,
such as a city or state. The WAN gaming system may be substantially
identical to the LAN gaming system described above, although the
number of gaming systems in each system may vary relative to each
other.
[0041] In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming systems at one
or more gaming sites may be networked to a central server in a
progressive configuration, as known in the art, wherein a portion
of each wager to initiate a primary game may be allocated to bonus
or secondary event awards. In one embodiment, a host site computer
is coupled to a plurality of the central servers at a variety of
mutually remote gaming sites for providing a multi-site linked
progressive automated gaming system. In one embodiment, a host site
computer may serve gaming systems distributed throughout a number
of properties at different geographical locations including, for
example, different locations within a city or different cities
within a state. In one embodiment, the community display device 334
displays a progressive award. The progressive award may be
determined by several rounds of poker, or it may be determined by
contributions from different gaming tables throughout the gaming
establishment, each gaming table 300 linked through a network, as
described above.
[0042] In one embodiment, the host site computer is maintained for
the overall operation and control of the system. In this
embodiment, a host site computer oversees the entire progressive
gaming system and is the master for computing all progressive
jackpots. All participating gaming sites report to, and receive
information from, the host site computer. Each central server
computer is responsible for all data communication between the
gaming system hardware and software and the host site computer.
[0043] The operation of one embodiment of the present disclosure is
generally illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 includes a general overview
of the operation of one embodiment of the gaming system where the
game is a poker game. However, it should be appreciated that the
game played may be any suitable card game that includes one or more
rounds of wagering. The gaming system initiates the poker game as
indicated in step 200. The dealer prompts the players to place an
ante into the pot as indicated by block 202. If a player does not
place the required ante, the player must sit out of that particular
round. The gaming system includes a chip or wager identifier which
identifies the antes and stores this information into a memory. The
gaming system is at least partially under control of at least one
processor, and the processor calculates the initial value of the
pot based on the antes identified by the chip identifier.
[0044] After the antes have been placed, the dealer deals cards to
the players according to the particular rules of the game as
indicated by block 204. The dealer enables the players to place
wagers, as indicated by block 208. Because this poker game is an
ante based variation, the first player to wager may either place a
wager or check. In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a
chip identifier that determines whether or not a wager has been
placed and the amount of the wager. In one embodiment, the chip
identifier includes an optical or radio-frequency based technology
that identifies the presence of chips in a particular region of the
table, as described above. Therefore, based on the presence of
chips or the lack thereof, the tracking system will be able to
identify whether or not the player has placed a wager, as indicated
by decision diamond 210.
[0045] In one embodiment, if the chip identifier does not sense
that any chips have been placed into the wagering area within a
predetermined period of time, the tracking system sends a signal to
the processor that the player has not placed a wager. If the
processor determines that the player did not make a wager, the
gaming system determines whether or not the player has folded the
hand or has merely checked the hand, as indicated by decision
diamond 212. If the player does not place a wager and is not
required to call, the gaming system determines that the player has
checked and the player remains in the game. If the player is
required to call another player's wager and the tracking system
does not identify a wager, then the gaming system determines that
the player has decided to fold the hand and indicated by block 214.
In another embodiment, the gaming system includes a display device
including an input such that the dealer may input whether a player
has decided to fold or check.
[0046] In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a timer
displayed by a display device and a player is required to act
within a predetermined period of time. If the tracking system does
not identify any chips wagered when the time expires or within a
predetermined time after the time expires, the processor determines
that the player has either checked or folded and then the play
passes to the next player. In one embodiment, the gaming system may
include an input device associated with each player position, where
the player may input a decision to fold or to check before
expiration of the predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the
dealer may have an input device and when the player indicates a
decision to check or fold to the dealer, the dealer inputs this
decision using the input device and the play passes to the next
player.
[0047] The processor recalculates the value of the pot and the
value of the chips assigned to the player. Therefore, the tracking
system enables the gaming system to record every wager for all of
the players and also calculate the size of the pot in real time.
With this information, the processor is capable of calculating, for
each player, the amount necessary to call, the minimum raise, the
maximum raise, and the maximum wager according to the rules of the
game, as indicated by block 218.
[0048] After the processor has calculated these values for each
player, the processor causes the information to be displayed to
each player and the dealer on the respective display device, as
indicated by block 218. In one embodiment, the information may be
displayed on a community display device 332, as shown in FIG. 4B.
In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, the gaming table
includes a plurality of individual display devices 330, each
associated with a different player position. These individual
display devices 330 display the pot amount and wagering information
as discussed above and may optionally include the odds of achieving
a particular hand, as discussed below.
[0049] Referring again to FIG. 2, after the processor causes the
information to be displayed on the display devices, the gaming
system determines whether or not there is another player yet to act
as indicated by decision diamond 220. In general, there is another
person to act when less than all of the players have called a bet,
called a raise, or checked their hands. When a player has either
wagered an amount or raised an amount, they are not entitled to act
again unless their wager has been raised or re-raised,
respectively. In other words, a player cannot raise or re-raise
themselves. If the processor determines that there is another
player to act, the gaming system enables the next player to place a
wager, as indicated by block 208.
[0050] If the gaming system has determined that there are no
players left to act, the processor determines if there is another
round of wagering, as indicated by decision diamond 222. This
determination is based on a predetermined set of rules based on the
variation of poker being played. If the processor determines that
there is another round of wagering, then the dealer deals one or
more cards to the players or deals one or more community cards as
dictated by the rules on the particular game being played, as
indicated by block 204. If the processor determines that there are
no rounds of wagering remaining, the remaining players that have
not folded show their cards, the dealer collects the rake (i.e.,
the house percentage), and the pot is distributed to one or more
winners. The gaming system automatically calculates the rake based
on a predetermined set of criteria and the value of the pot,
eliminating the possibility of dealer error. After all of the hands
have been resolved and the winners paid, the game ends as indicated
in step 226.
[0051] In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 3A, the poker game may be
any suitable variety of poker played at a live gaming table 300, on
a playing surface 302, with a human dealer 304. The gaming table
generally includes a chip tray 306 for holding several stacks of
the dealer's chips. The dealer may use the chip tray 306 to collect
the rake. The dealer may also use the chip tray to make change for
a player or allow a player to buy into a game. In one embodiment,
the gaming table includes a plurality of player positions 308a,
308b, 308c, 308d and 308e. In this example, there are five player
positions but only three players P1, P2 and P3 playing at the
table. It should be appreciated that the gaming table could
accommodate any suitable number of playing positions and players so
as not to interfere with game play. In the illustrated embodiment,
the gaming table includes a community wagering area 310 where all
players place their bets. The sum of all wagers placed in the
wagering area define the size of the pot as discussed above. The
table game also includes a plurality of play areas 312a, 312b,
312c, 312d and 312e, each associated with one of the player
positions. Cards are dealt by the dealer substantially within the
play areas, such that cards dealt at one player position are not
confused with cards dealt at different player positions.
[0052] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3G, the poker
variation played is pot-limit Texas Hold'em. However, it should be
appreciated that any suitable pot-limit poker variation may be
used. This example of play includes a raise and several re-raises
to illustrate the difficultly involved in requiring a dealer to
make quick and accurate calculations on the fly. The size of the
pot after the first round of betting depends on the size of the
initial blinds (described below) and the wagering rules of the
game. In an example of a pot-limit game as illustrated in FIGS.
3A-3G, the size of the pot increases dramatically with each pot
limit wager. In contrast, the increase of the size of the pot in a
limit game is more moderate.
[0053] The game begins with one or more blind bets. In this
example, a small blind 318 and a large or big blind 319 are
required by the first player to the left of the dealer and the
first player to the left of the small blind, respectively. Player
P1 sitting in the first occupied player position 308b to the left
of the dealer 304 places the small blind. Player P2 sitting in the
first occupied player position 308c to the left of the player who
placed the small blind, places the big blind 319. In the
illustrated embodiment, the dealer deals every hand and does not
participate in the play of the game. This is typical of poker
tables in gaming establishments. The player positions that are
required to place the big blind and the small blind also shift
clockwise, as discussed above. In another embodiment, the game is
played without a dedicated dealer and one of the players acts as
the dealer. Therefore, there is a different dealer for each hand
and the blind positions shift clockwise as described above.
[0054] Following the placement of the blinds, the dealer deals two
cards face down to each of the players, these two cards are often
referred to as the hole cards as discussed above. Following the
dealing of the hole cards is a first round of wagering. In general,
the player immediately to the left of the big blind is the first to
act. The dealer deals three community cards, often referred to as
the flop. Following the flop and another round of wagering, the
dealer deals one additional community card, often referred to as
the turn. Following the turn and another round of wagering, the
dealer deals a fifth and final community card, often referred to as
the river. This is followed by a final round of wagering.
Therefore, there is a potential for four rounds of wagering. Each
player is allowed to use any of the community cards in combination
with their hole cards to form the best hand of five cards. At the
end of the final round of wagering, the player with the best
ranking poker hand is the winner. Alternative, a player can win the
pot if all other players at the table have folded. If two or more
players have identically ranked hands then the pot is split evenly
between them.
[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming table includes a
tracking system including a suitable chip identifier, as described
above and below. The chip identifier identifies the amount of the
wagers for each of the player positions 308b, 308c and 308d. The
tracking system sends a signal to the processor and the processor
stores this information or data in memory. The processor uses this
information to calculate values such as the current size of the
pot, the amount needed to call, the minimum raise that a player can
make, and the maximum raise that a player can make according to the
house rules relating to Texas Hold'em. In one embodiment, the
processor causes the wagering history for each player to be stored
in memory. In this embodiment, the processor may also determine
whether and how many times the pot has been raised in a particular
round of betting. If there are rules in a particular game that
limit the number of times that players may raise, the processor
causes this information to be displayed on a display device to the
players and to the dealer as described below. Therefore, the
tracking system assists the dealer with certain tasks, thus
allowing the dealer to focus his/her attention on other tasks.
[0056] In one embodiment, the gaming system includes a plurality of
display devices 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d and 314e, each display
device associated with a plurality of player positions 308a, 308b,
308c, 308d and 308e, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment,
the display device can display information to a player including
the size of the pot, the amount needed to call, the minimum raise
that a player can make, and the maximum raise that a player can
make. In other embodiments, the display device may provide the
player with other information such as pot odds or odds of receiving
a particular hand, as discussed above. In the illustrated
embodiment, the dealer position 304 also includes a display device
316. The dealer's display device includes information as discussed
above and additionally includes information of concern to only the
dealer, such as the house rules, amount of the rake, and the
amounts to be paid to each player at the end of the game. This
information assists the dealer because the dealer does not have to
continually perform calculations that may slow down the game or
lead to costly errors. In another embodiment, as illustrated in
FIG. 1, the gaming system may include a community display device
334. The community display device may be included in addition to
the individual display devices 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d and 314e
associated with each of the player positions or it may be used in
place of the individual display devices.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 3A, prior to the initiation of a game,
player P1 must place the small blind 318 and player P2 must place
the large or big blind 319, as discussed above. In the illustrated
embodiment, the small blind and the big blind should be placed
substantially within a wagering area 310 included on the playing
surface 302 of the gaming table. In this example, the amount of the
small blind is ten and the amount of the big blind is twenty.
However, it should be appreciated that any suitable blind amounts
may be used. Therefore, the value of the pot at the beginning of
the game is thirty, as illustrated on the display devices 314b,
314c, 314d and 316.
[0058] Referring again to FIG. 3A, after the blinds have been
placed in the wagering area and identified by the chip identifier
(not shown), the dealer deals the hole cards to the respective play
areas 312a, 213b and 213c. Player P1 has been dealt an Ace of
hearts and a seven of clubs, player P2 has been dealt a Jack of
diamonds and a Jack of spades, and player P3 has been dealt a four
of spades and a Queen of spades. Therefore, player P2 has the best
initial hand of a pair and P3 has two cards of the same suit for a
possible flush. At this point in the game, the pot value is thirty
and the rake is 0.3 as indicated in the dealer display 316 and the
player displays 314b, 314c and 314d. In this example, the rake is
equal to 1% of the value of the pot. However, it should be
appreciated that the rake may be a minimum amount, a maximum
amount, rounded up or down to the nearest dollar, or may be
determined in any suitable manner. Also, the player displays and
the dealer display indicate that player P3 is the first to act. As
discussed above, player P3 has the option to call or fold. Because
P3 did not place a blind, the call amount is twenty, as indicated
on P3's display device 314d. Also, because this is the first round
of wagering, the maximum prior wager or raise is the value of the
big blind, or twenty, as indicated on P3's display device 314d.
Therefore, the minimum raise for P3 is twenty. In this pot-limit
poker game, P3's maximum raise is equal to the value of the pot
(thirty) plus the amount of any necessary call (twenty). Therefore,
P3's maximum raise is fifty. The maximum allowable wager is equal
to the value of the maximum raise plus the value of the call.
Therefore, P3's maximum wager is 70, as indicated in the dealer
display 316. It should be appreciated that the maximum wager may
also be displayed on the player display devices and/or on a
community display device. Even though it is not P1's or P2's turn
to act, the gaming system causes information to be displayed
relating to their next turn to act, if they have one. P1's call
amount is only ten, as P1 had previously placed the small blind, as
indicated on P1's display device 314b. P1's maximum raise is equal
to the value of the pot (thirty) plus the amount of any necessary
call (ten). Therefore, P3's maximum raise is forty, as indicated on
P1's display device 314b. Note that this is less than the maximum
raise for P3 because P1's call amount is less than P3's call
amount. P2's call amount is zero, as P2 had previously placed the
large blind, as indicated on P2's display device. P2's maximum
raise is equal to the value of the pot (thirty) plus the amount of
any necessary call (zero). Therefore, P3's maximum raise is thirty,
as indicated on P2's display device 314c.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 3B, player P3 placed a wager of twenty, as
indicated in the display devices 312b, 312c, 312d and 316. The new
pot value is fifty and the rake is 0.5 as indicated in the dealer
display 316 and the player displays 314b, 314c and 314d. Also, the
player displays and the dealer displays indicate that player P1 is
the next player to act. P1 has the option to call, fold or raise as
discussed above. The maximum prior wager or raise is still the
value of the big blind, or twenty, as indicated on P1's display
device 314b. Therefore, the minimum raise for P1 is twenty. P1's
maximum raise is equal to the value of the pot (fifty) plus the
amount of any necessary call (ten). Therefore, P1's maximum raise
is sixty. Note that by P3 calling the big blind, the value of the
pot increased and consequently, the value of the maximum allowable
raise for P1 increased accordingly. As discussed above, the maximum
allowable wager is equal to the value of the maximum raise plus the
value of the call. Therefore, P1's maximum wager is 70, as
indicated in the dealer display 316. P2's call amount remains at
zero, as P2 had previously placed the big blind, as indicated on
P2's display device 314c. P2's maximum raise is equal to the value
of the pot (fifty) plus the amount of any necessary call (zero).
Therefore, P2's maximum raise is fifty, as indicated on P2's
display device 314c. Because P3 was the last to act, P3's call
amount is zero and P3 is not currently eligible to raise, as
indicated on P3's display device 314d.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 3C, player P1 placed a wager of seventy,
as indicated in the display devices 312b, 312c, 312d and 316. The
new pot value is one-hundred twenty and the rake is 1.2 as
indicated in the dealer display 316 and the player displays 314b,
314c and 314d. Also, the player displays and the dealer displays
indicate that player P2 is the next player to act. P2 has the
option to call, fold or raise as discussed above. The maximum prior
wager or raise is P1's previous raise of sixty. Therefore, the
minimum raise for P2 is sixty. P2's maximum raise is equal to the
value of the pot (one-hundred twenty) plus the amount of any
necessary call (sixty). Therefore, P2's maximum raise is
one-hundred eighty, as indicated in P2's display device 314c. Note
that by P1 previously raising, the value of the pot increased and
consequently, the value of the maximum allowable raise for P2
increased accordingly. As discussed above, the maximum allowable
wager is equal to the value of the maximum raise plus the value of
the call. Therefore, P2's maximum wager is 240, as indicated in the
dealer display 316. P3's call amount increased to sixty, as
indicated on P3's display device 314d. P3's maximum raise is equal
to the value of the pot (one-hundred twenty) plus the amount of any
necessary call (sixty). Therefore, P3's maximum raise is
one-hundred eighty, as indicated on P3's display device 314d.
Because P1 was the last to act, P1's call amount is zero and P1 is
not currently eligible to raise, as indicated on P1's display
device 314b.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 3D, player P2 placed a wager of
two-hundred forty, as indicated in the display devices 312b, 312c,
312d and 316. The new pot value is three-hundred sixty and the rake
is 3.6 as indicated in the dealer display 316 and the player
displays 314b, 314c and 314d. Also, the dealer display indicates
that player P3 is the next player to act. P3 has the option to
call, fold or raise as discussed above. Note that in this example,
the rules permit three raises in a particular round of wagering.
However, it should be appreciated that different rules may apply
that include a different maximum number of raises. The maximum
prior wager or raise is P2's previous raise of one-hundred eighty.
Therefore, the minimum raise for P3 is one-hundred eighty. P3's
maximum raise is equal to the value of the pot (three-hundred
sixty) plus the amount of any necessary call (two-hundred forty).
Therefore, P3's maximum raise is six-hundred, as indicated in P3's
display device 314d. Note that by P2 previously raising, the value
of the pot increased and consequently, the value of the maximum
allowable raise for P3 increased accordingly. As discussed above,
the maximum allowable wager is equal to the value of the maximum
raise plus the value of the call. Therefore, P3's maximum wager is
eight-hundred forty, as indicated in the dealer display 316. P1's
call amount increased to one-hundred eighty, as indicated on P1's
display device 314b. P1's maximum raise is equal to the value of
the pot (three-hundred sixty) plus the amount of any necessary call
(one-hundred eighty). Therefore, P1's maximum raise is five-hundred
forty, as indicated on P1's display device 314d. Because P2 was the
last to act, P2's call amount is zero and P2 is not currently
eligible to raise, as indicated on P2's display device 314c.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 3E, player P3 placed a wager of
two-hundred forty, as indicated in the display devices 312b, 312c,
312d and 316. Therefore, P3 decided to simply call rather than
raise the pot. The new pot value is six-hundred and the rake is 6.0
as indicated in the dealer display 316 and the player displays
314b, 314c and 314d. Also, the dealer display indicates that player
P1 is the next player to act. P1 has the option to call, fold or
raise as discussed above. As discussed above, the rules in this
example permit three raises in a particular round of wagering. The
maximum prior wager or raise is P2's prior raise of one-hundred
eighty. Therefore, the minimum raise for P1 is one-hundred eighty.
P1's maximum raise is equal to the value of the pot (six-hundred)
plus the amount of any necessary call (one-hundred eighty).
Therefore, P1's maximum raise is seven-hundred eighty, as indicated
in P1's display device 314b. Note that by P3 previously calling,
the value of the pot increased and consequently, the value of the
maximum allowable raise for P1 increased accordingly. As discussed
above, the maximum allowable wager is equal to the value of the
maximum raise plus the value of the call. Therefore, P1's maximum
wager is nine-hundred sixty, as indicated in the dealer display
316. P2's call amount remains at zero, as indicated on P2's display
device 314c. Because P3 was the last to act and did not raise over
P2, P2 and P3 are not currently eligible to raise, as indicated on
display devices 314c and 314d.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 3F, player P1 placed a wager of
four-hundred eighty, as indicated in the display devices 312b,
312c, 312d and 316. The new pot value is therefore one-thousand
eighty and the rake is 10.8 as indicated in the dealer display 316
and the player displays 314b, 314c and 314d. Also, the dealer
display indicates that player P2 is the next player to act.
Generally, P2 has the option to call, fold or raise as discussed
above. Note however that P2 is not able to re-raise because the
rules permit only three raises in a particular round of wagering.
The processor causes the limitation on re-raising to be displayed
on the dealer display 316. However, if P2 was able to re-raise, the
minimum, raise for P2 would be three-hundred. Therefore, P2's only
two options are to call or fold.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 3G, player P2 called the amount of
three-hundred, as indicated in the display devices 312b, 312c, 312d
and 316. The new pot value is therefore one-thousand three-hundred
eighty and the rake is 13.8 as indicated in the dealer display 316
and the player displays 314b, 314c and 314d. Also, the dealer
display indicates that player P3 is the next player to act. As
discussed above, P3 only two options are to call or fold.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 3H, player P3 opted to fold, as indicated
by P3's play area 312c and on the display devices 312b, 312c and
312d. The pot value remains at one-thousand three-hundred eighty
and the rake remains as 13.8 as indicated in the dealer display 316
and the player displays 314a, 314b and 314c. Also, the dealer
display indicates that the current round of wagering is complete
and that there is no one left to act.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 31, the dealer deals three community cards
into a common area 320 (i.e., the flop). The flop includes an Ace
of diamonds, a four of clubs and an eight of spades. By including
the community cards with P1's hole cards, P1 has a pair of Aces.
This is often referred to as flopping the top pair. The pot value
remains at one-thousand three-hundred eighty from the previous
round of wagering as indicated in the player displays 314b, 314c
and 314d. Similarly, the rake remains at 13.8 as indicated in the
dealer display 316. Generally, the first player to act in a round
of wagering is the person to last raise in a previous round of
wagering. In this example, P1 raised three-hundred in the first
round of wagering, and therefore P1 is first to act, and indicated
by the display devices 314b, 314c, 314d and 316. P1 has the option
to either check or bet as discussed above. Because this is a new
round of wagering, the minimum wager for P1 is the value of the
large blind or twenty. However, it should be appreciated that the
minimum wager could also be the value of the small blind or any
other suitable value. P1's maximum wager is equal to the value of
the pot (one-thousand three-hundred eighty), as indicated in P1's
display device 314b. Similarly, P2's minimum and maximum allowable
wager are the same as P1's.
[0067] As illustrated by the previous example, if several players
in a row decide to make pot-sized raises, the size of a pot can
escalate rather dramatically. Therefore, there are many
calculations that must be performed by the dealer.
[0068] Card Tracking System and Display of Pot Odds
[0069] In one embodiment, the dealer display and/or the individual
display devices may also include information relating to pot odds.
Typically, only the more experienced players are able to calculate
pot odds, especially if they are required to first calculate the
size of the pot. Accordingly, many inexperienced players are at a
disadvantage because they are not able to estimate whether or not
it would be worthwhile to call an opponent. In one embodiment, the
gaming system includes a chip identifier and a processor that
automatically calculates and causes a display device to display the
size of the pot to the player, as described above. Without having
to calculate the value of the pot, players can focus solely on
calculating the pot odds. Therefore, it is easier to compare the
estimated probability of achieving a particular winning hand with
the pot odds to determine the correct mathematical wagering
decision. In another embodiment, the gaming system displays not
only the pot value and the player's maximum and minimum wagers, but
also calculates and displays the pot odds relating to both the
player's minimum and maximum possible wager. Therefore, a player
does not have to divide the size of the pot by their potential
wagers and can focus solely on how the pot odds compare with their
estimated probability of winning.
[0070] In one embodiment, the gaming system further includes a card
identifier and provides each player with additional information
relating to pot odds that includes the probability of achieving
particular high ranking hands. This allows even the most
inexperienced players guidance as to whether or not they should
place a wager based on their hole cards and any community cards,
depending on the rules of the game. In one embodiment, this
information is only provided to the players when the game operates
in a training mode (i.e., where the game play is for instruction
purposes only and does not involve actual wagering). In this mode,
the inexperienced players can learn some advanced strategy without
having to put their money at risk. In this embodiment, the
processor automatically calculates the number of outs and the pot
odds for each player based on the card information obtained from
the card reader or identifier. In one embodiment, these
calculations only take into account the player's own cards and any
community cards and do not factor in the cards dealt to the other
players. In this way, the gaming system processes only the
information available to each player. The processor causes this
information to be displayed on each player's display device 330, as
shown in FIG. 4A. Therefore, in this training mode every player is
provided with significant guidance as to when and how much they
should bet.
[0071] Calculation of Side-Pots
[0072] In one embodiment, the gaming system calculates and keeps
track of side pots. In general, a side pot is necessary when one or
more players have wagered all of their chips (i.e., gone all in),
but other players still have the option to wager additional
amounts. Therefore, the fact that one player has exhausted their
stack of chips does not limit the ability of the rest of the
players at the table from being able to continue to wager against
each other on a good hand. However, because the first player who
already has all of their chips in can not call additional wagers,
they are prevented from participating in additional wagering, and
thus, one or more side-pots must be formed. In traditional game
play on a basic gaming table, a side-pot is a group of chips that
are physically separated from the main pot. This is necessary so
that the dealer is able to pay off players correctly at the end of
the game. Additionally, it is possible for more than one side-pot
to be formed. This can be difficult for the players and the dealer
to keep track of.
[0073] In one embodiment, as described above, the gaming system
includes a tracking system including a chip identifier capable of
identifying the value of all bets wagered by each of the players
for each of the rounds of wagering. For each player that has not
folded, the dealer determines the player with the best hand, the
player with the second best hand, and so on. As discussed above,
the processor is operable to determine the total value wagered by
each player. Therefore, upon the input of the winners by the dealer
into an input device, the gaming system can allocate portions of
the pot to the winner(s) after the rake has been accounted for. The
player with the best hand receives a portion of the entire pot
limited only by the value of the pot after they wagered the last of
their chips. The player with the second best hand receives a
portion of the remaining pot limited only by the value of the first
side-pot after they wagered the last of their chips. Any additional
side-pots continue to be decided in this manner. Once again,
determining the payoff for these side pots can be difficult and
prone to mistakes. However, in the embodiment of the present
disclosure including the tracking system described above, all of
the side-pots can be automatically calculated. Therefore, it is not
necessary to physically segregate chips in the wagering area into a
main-pot and one or more side-pots.
[0074] Community Wagering Area
[0075] In one embodiment, the gaming table includes a community
wagering area rather than individual wagering areas associated with
each player position. The gaming system also includes a tracking
system that identifies all wagers placed in the community wagering
area. In one embodiment, the gaming table includes an input device
that enables the dealer to select which player is the next to act.
Therefore, after the tracking system has identified the amount of
the most recent wager, the gaming system is able to credit a
particular player with having made a particular wager. Therefore,
the community wagering area more closely resembles a pot.
[0076] In another embodiment, the gaming table includes a community
wagering area and individual wagering areas associated with each
player position. The gaming system includes a plurality of chip
identifiers, each associated with a wagering area player. The chip
identifiers are operable to identify all wagers placed in the
individual wagering areas. After the chips have been identified and
the wager has been calculated, the wager is credited to a
particular player position. The chips can then be moved into the
community wagering area. Therefore, the gaming system provides a
community wagering area more closely resembles a pot, rather than
having individual stacks of chips next to each player.
[0077] In one embodiment, the gaming table includes a community
wagering area and a plurality of chip recognition zones. In this
embodiment, each chip includes an identifier microchip including a
unique identification number that is stored in a database. Each
chip identification number is associated with a value and is
capable of being associated with a physical location on the gaming
table corresponding to one of the chip recognition zones. In one
embodiment, the chip recognition zones include: player chip trays
(i.e., a physical location associated with each player position);
the dealer chip tray; and a community wagering area on the gaming
table. However, it should be appreciated that the gaming system may
include any suitable number of chip recognition zones. In one
example, when a player enters a game, the player places their chips
into their respective chip tray which includes a chip recognition
system, as described above. The gaming system identifies each of
the chips and assigns ownership of the chips to the respective
player position. When the chips are later placed into the community
wagering area, the chip recognition system associated with the
community wagering area identifies the identification number for
each chip. Therefore, the gaming system is able to determine that a
particular chip came from a particular player position.
Accordingly, even though the player is placing the chip in a
community wagering area, the gaming system is able to determine
what player has made the wager and further calculate the value of
the pot.
[0078] It should be understood that various changes and
modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described
herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended
advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and
modifications be covered by the appended claims.
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