U.S. patent application number 11/530745 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-15 for multi-deck playing card set and method of playing card games using same.
This patent application is currently assigned to JBJ Gaming Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to George M. JR. Bruner.
Application Number | 20070057468 11/530745 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37872115 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070057468 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bruner; George M. JR. |
March 15, 2007 |
MULTI-DECK PLAYING CARD SET AND METHOD OF PLAYING CARD GAMES USING
SAME
Abstract
A multi-deck playing card set includes a combination of at least
two standard fifty-two card decks, each card having a front side, a
back side, and a top portion and a bottom portion on each side. The
multi-deck card set also includes a mark or indicia, either in
color, black and white, shades of color, or shades of black and
white, on each individual card, located on at least one side of the
card to distinguish cards belonging to a particular individual deck
of cards. Each individual deck has a unique mark or indicia
distinguishing all cards from the particular deck. The multi-deck
card set also may be adapted for use in table games or video card
playing machines and/or systems.
Inventors: |
Bruner; George M. JR.; (Fort
Myers, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SACHNOFF & WEAVER, LTD.
10 SOUTH WACKER DRIVE
CHICAGO
IL
60606-7507
US
|
Assignee: |
JBJ Gaming Technologies,
LLC
Hinsdale
IL
|
Family ID: |
37872115 |
Appl. No.: |
11/530745 |
Filed: |
September 11, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60716777 |
Sep 12, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 ;
273/303; 463/12; 463/13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3293 20130101; A63F 1/02 20130101; A63F 2001/027
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 ;
273/303; 463/012; 463/013 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24; A63F 1/00 20060101 A63F001/00 |
Claims
1. A multi-deck playing card set comprising: a combination of at
least a portion of at least two standard fifty-two playing card
decks; each card in the standard fifty-two card deck having a front
face, a back side, a top portion and a bottom portion, each card
also having an imprinted design on the front face and back side of
the card, the design on the front face of each card indicating a
value and a suit; the combination of at least two standard
fifty-two card decks having a mark or indicia on the front face of
each individual card, the mark or indicia being separate from the
value and suit indicators to distinguish cards belonging to a
particular individual one of the decks of the multi-deck playing
card set.
2. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein the mark or indicia
is selected from the group consisting of a pre-selected color,
black and white, a shade of a pre-selected color, and shades of
black and white.
3. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein the multi-deck card
set comprises a replacement deck for any traditional card game
using a standard fifty-two card deck.
4. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein each standard
fifty-two card deck includes additional cards, such as, but not
limited to joker cards and wild cards.
5. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein the cards of the
individual decks forming the multi-deck card set are marked with a
unique mark for each individual deck.
6. The multi-deck card set of claim 5 wherein a combination of at
least three standard fifty-two card decks includes at least three
unique marks.
7. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein the design on the
back side of each card is similar to the design on the back side of
all other cards, each card in the deck being indistinguishable from
other cards when viewed from the back side.
8. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein each standard playing
card is associated with a suit indicated by said suit indicator,
such as, but not limited to, spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs,
each suit having a unique insignia for easier recognition of the
suit indicated on each card.
9. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein each standard playing
card is associated with a number between two and ten, inclusively,
or a letter A, K, Q, or J.
10. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein the mark comprises a
bar selected from the group consisting of a color-coded bar, a
black and white bar, a shaded color bar, and a shaded black and
white bar.
11. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein the mark comprises a
multi-striped band selected from the group consisting of a colored
striped band, a black and white striped band, a shaded color
multi-striped band, and a shaded black and white multi-striped
band.
12. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein the mark comprises a
plurality of symbols.
13. A method of playing card games using a multi-deck card set,
each card in the card set having a mark placed thereon in addition
to indicia indicating the value and suit of each card, comprising
the steps of: combining at least two individual standard fifty-two
card decks into a multi-deck card set; shuffling the cards together
to form a multi-deck card set; dealing a number of cards to each
player in a group of players; each player selecting a number of
initial received cards to be possibly discarded; exchanging
discarded cards with replacement cards from the original multi-deck
set; analyzing the combination of cards and marks obtained by the
player.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein a player is dealt five
cards.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein a plurality of suitable card and
mark combinations can be developed as at least one winning
combination.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein a player who achieves a winning
combination is provided with an award.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the winning combinations are
established based on the mathematical probability of achieving
certain card combinations.
18. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 adapted for use in video
card playing systems.
19. The multi-deck card set of claim 18 wherein the video card
playing system is an electronic video gaming machine.
20. The multi-deck card set of claim 19 wherein the electronic
video gaming machine is selected from the group consisting of a
video poker machine, a video blackjack machine, a video lottery
machine, and other equivalent equipment, each gaming machine having
a display screen for viewing available cards.
21. The multi-deck card set of claim 18 wherein each mark is
associated with one of a particular sound and feel, each mark
adapted to allow individual card decks associated with a specific
mark to be associated with the particular sound or feel when a card
from a respective deck is displayed on the display screen.
22. The multi-deck card set game of claim 20, the display screen
providing a visual indication alerting a player of the presence of
a winning card combination.
23. The multi-deck card game of claim 22 where the visual
indication is selected from the group consisting of flashing cards
on the screen, a pop-up box indicating an amount won, and a chase
function simulating a circle around the cards on the display
screen.
24. The method of claim 13 wherein the card game is adapted to be
played on an electronic video card playing system.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the cards forming the multi-deck
card set are electronically shuffled and viewable by a player on a
video display screen.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional
application Ser. No. 60/716,777 filed on Sep. 12, 2005 to the
extent allowed by law.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a multi-deck playing card set and
a method for playing card games using same, wherein card games can
be played on an electronic video gaming machine or live as a casino
or home table game and wherein two or more decks of cards are
shuffled together and used to deal the initial card hand and the
replacement cards for discarded cards.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Various card decks and methods of playing cards are
described in the prior art. The standard fifty-two card deck is the
basis for a multitude of games including some of the most popular
games: bridge, poker, solitaire, rummy, and many others. Many of
these games are played for awards based on achieving certain card
combinations. The mathematical odds inherent in using a standard
fifty-two card deck limit the size of the award that can be paid
for the highest possible hand. These games have not previously been
played with an enhanced award system based on the lower of
achieving certain card combinations across all decks in the use of
a multi-deck card set.
[0004] It is preferable that a multi-deck card set be developed and
used to provide further enhanced awards based on lower
probabilities of achieving various card combinations. It is also
preferable that the game has the flexibility to be played with a
variable number of standard card decks to combine for the
multi-deck card set. Using multiple decks in playing certain card
games increases the odds that a specific event could happen. For
example, holding three jacks from the same deck can be designated
as a winning hand. Thus, the odds can be increased, and a higher
award offered because this hand is more difficult to achieve than
holding three jacks from any of the individual decks in a multiple
deck set. Additionally, it is preferable that new and unique
combinations of winning cards be made available from all decks
present in the multi-deck card set.
[0005] For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for multi-deck
card sets which provide flexibility in the number of decks to be
combined as well as an option to develop winning card combinations
requiring the presence of cards from all individual decks.
[0006] Various designs for playing card decks and methods of
playing are disclosed in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,873
entitled "Unique Deck of Playing Cards" discloses a deck of cards
characterized by a trilateral organization of suit, color, and
value. The cards have an improved layout and gender neutral picture
cards. Each card has a unique combination of a single suit, single
color, or single value. This patent does not disclose a card deck
using standard playing card indicia. U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,992
entitled "Method of Playing" discloses a method of playing cards
which includes shuffling five decks of playing cards together and
allowing higher awards to be paid for certain winning combinations
based on the presence of multiple standard fifty-two card decks.
None of the disclosures in these patents teach or suggest a
multi-deck card set which provides for flexibility in using various
numbers of card decks for playing traditional card games or which
allows higher awards for pre-selected winning combinations based on
the presence of cards from all decks as indicated by a unique mark
or indicia for cards associated with each individual deck in a
multi-deck set.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a
multi-deck playing card set suitable as a replacement for a
standard fifty-two card deck in traditional card games. The
multi-deck card set is formed by combining all or a portion of at
least two standard fifty-two card decks. Each card in the standard
deck has a front side, a back side, a top portion, and a bottom
portion as well as an imprinted design on both the front side and
the back side. Each playing card is associated with a suit, such
as, but not limited to, spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs as well
as a number between two and ten inclusively or a letter, A, K, Q,
or J. The combination of standard decks also includes a unique mark
or indicia on each individual card located and visible on at least
one side of the card and serving to distinguish cards originating
with a particular individual deck. Cards belonging to an individual
deck in the multi-deck set will have a unique mark or indicia for
each individual deck. A combination of three individual decks in
the multi-deck set would include three unique marks or indicia, for
example.
[0008] In the illustrated embodiment, the mark or indicia,
highlighted in color, black and white, shades of color, and/or
shades of black and white, is located on the front side of the card
and is in the form of a color coded bar along the top and bottom of
the front side of each card. The design on the back side of all of
the cards in a multi-card set are similar, such that each card in
the deck is indistinguishable from other cards when viewed from the
back side.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
method of playing card games using the multi-deck set. The method
includes combining at least two standard fifty-two card decks,
shuffling the cards together to form a multi-deck card set, and
dealing a number of cards to each player. A player can then select
a number of initial cards received to discard and exchange those
cards with replacement cards from the original multi-deck card set.
The player's final hand is then analyzed to determine if the card
and mark combination is a winning combination. In the illustrated
embodiment, any suitable card and mark combination may be developed
as a winning combination based on the mathematical probability of
achieving certain card combinations. A player achieving a winning
combination may be provided with an award.
[0010] The multi-deck card set of the present invention may also be
adapted for use in automated or video card playing systems having a
video display screen for viewing available cards. In this
embodiment, the mark or indicia, either in color, black and white,
shades of color, or shades of black and white, located on each card
can also be associated with a particular sound or feel such that
individual card decks associated with a specific mark or indicia
can also be associated with a particular sound or feel when a card
from that deck is displayed on the screen. The display screen can
also provide a visual indication alerting a player of the presence
of a winning card combination. A visual indication may include, but
is not limited to, flashing cards on the screen, a pop-up box
indicating an amount won based on the card and mark combination, or
a chase function simulating a circle around the cards on the
display screen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The features and inventive aspects of the present invention
will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed
description and drawings, of which the following is a brief
description:
[0012] FIG. 1 shows front and back views of a single playing card
from a standard deck of playing cards;
[0013] FIG. 2 shows front and back views of a single playing card
formed in accordance with the teaching of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a front view of several playing cards from
separate decks marked in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is the back view of the playing cards shown in FIG.
3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front view of a multi-deck card set formed into
different combinations compared to FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a back view of the multi-deck card set shown in
FIG. 5; and
[0018] FIGS. 7A and 7B show possible winning card combinations that
may be formed using the multi-deck card set shown in FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] A detailed description of the present invention is described
herein with reference to the accompanying drawing figures. Terms of
reference such as "top," "bottom," "front," or "back" are used to
facilitate an understanding of the present invention in view of the
accompanying figures. The identified reference terms or other
similar terms are not intended to be limiting, and one of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that the present invention may be
practiced in a variety of spatial orientations without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0020] The present invention relates to a multi-deck card set and a
method of playing card games using the same. The multi-deck card
set is formed by combining the cards of two or more standard
52-card decks, wherein the cards have been modified in accordance
with the teachings of the present invention. Each standard playing
card has a front side, and a back side. The front side is sometimes
referred to as the card face. Each card also has a top portion, a
bottom portion, and side portion on each side or face. The
multi-deck card set may be used as a replacement deck for any
traditional card game. For example, the multi-deck card set also
may be used in place of any standard 52-card poker deck, including
variations thereof, such variations including the addition of
Jokers or other Wild Cards commonly known in the art.
[0021] The cards forming the multi-deck card set may have the size
and configuration of playing cards found in a standard 52-card
deck. However, the cards comprising the multi-deck card set of the
present invention are marked with an additional mark/indicia. For
example, if the markings used include *, % and #, and three 52-card
decks are used to create the multi-deck card set, the cards of one
deck would be marked with *, the cards of the second deck would be
marked with % and the cards of the third deck would be marked with
#. The mark/indicia associated with the playing cards is designed
to help the player associate a specific card with a particular
originating deck comprising the multi-deck card set.
[0022] There are literally hundreds of card games that utilize the
traditional 52-card deck, which games also may be played using the
multi-deck card set. For example, the following card games may be
played using the multi-deck card set. One of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate that the following list is merely illustrative
and is not intended to be exhaustive:
[0023] 5-Card Draw Poker [0024] All variations including but not
limited to: [0025] Jacks or Better [0026] Aces or Better [0027]
Deuces Wild [0028] Bonus Poker
[0029] 5-Card Stud Poker
[0030] 7-Card Stud Poker
[0031] Texas Hold'em
[0032] Omaha Hold'em
[0033] Caribbean Stud Poker.TM.
[0034] Blackjack
[0035] 3-Card Poker
[0036] Let it Ride.TM.
[0037] The "look" of each game stays basically the same as the card
faces and backs are not changed, except for the addition of the
mark/indicia to one face of the cards to distinguish cards
belonging to a particular deck. In the illustrated embodiment, the
marks/indicia are added to and visible on the front side or face of
the playing card. However, adding the marks/indicia does not
interfere with the play of the game, as the game rules stay exactly
the same as those applied when playing with a standard 52-card deck
or variations thereof that includes Jokers and/or Wild Cards.
[0038] The "feel" of the game stays the same as the players are
playing with cards having the same "look," front and back sides, as
those that have been used in the past (with the only difference
being the addition of the mark/indicia). However, the multi-deck
card set does allow for the implementation of an enhanced award
system based on the probabilities of obtaining certain card
combinations.
[0039] Thus, the multi-deck card set can be overlaid on virtually
any gambling card game presently in play. The multi-deck card set
can be utilized to replace any deck or decks currently used in
electronic poker/card game machines as well as table games.
Additionally, new games can be created to utilize the multi-deck
card set of the present invention due to the increased ability to
generate winning hand combinations.
[0040] The method of playing card games using the multi-deck card
set can be played as a live casino table game, wherein the cards
forming the multi-deck card set are shuffled together and dealt to
each player, either by hand, by automatic shuffler, from a dealing
shoe or from various card dispensing devices. Alternatively, the
method of the present invention can be practiced on electronic
video gaming machines and video lottery machines in which the cards
forming the multi-deck card set are electronically shuffled, and
the initial card hand and any replacement cards are displayed to
the player on a video screen.
[0041] FIG. 1 shows the front view of a standard playing card 10
from a standard deck of playing cards. The standard playing card 10
is generally made of a piece of paper or cardboard that is usually
imprinted with a design on the front 11 and back 16 of the card and
then laminated for strength. For example, standard playing card
dimensions are typically approximately 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches.
However, card sizes may vary to accommodate the age and size of the
intended user. Thus, card sizes may be larger or smaller for
younger people or for novelty reasons.
[0042] As best seen in FIG. 1, each standard playing card typically
contains a design on the backside 16 of the card that is similar to
the design on the backside of all of the other cards in the set,
such that each card is indistinguishable from the other cards when
viewed from the backside. Further, each standard playing card 10
contains a value or quantity 12, either from two through ten, or a
letter, A, K, Q, or J, representing Ace, King, Queen, or Jack,
respectively.
[0043] Each standard playing card also contains a suit 14, either
Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, or Clubs. Each suit 14 has a separate
insignia thereby making it easier for the player using the cards to
know which suit 14 is indicated on each card. In the example shown
in FIG. 1, the suit indicated is Spades. Therefore the playing card
shown in FIG. 1 is the eight (8) of Spades.
[0044] Since each suit contains a card with either the number two
through ten, or the letters A, K, Q, or J, there are 13 cards per
suit. Since there are four suits, a standard deck of cards contains
52 cards. In some card decks extra cards are included for
particular game rules. These extra cards are well known as Jokers
or Wild Cards.
[0045] FIG. 2 shows a playing card 200 formed in accordance with
the teachings of this invention. The playing card 200 has a front
side 205 and a backside 210. FIG. 2 merely shows an example of a
design that may be printed on the backside 210 of the playing card
200. The back design shown in FIG. 2 is simply one example of a
design that could be applied to the backside 210, and one of
ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that are many different
designs that could be used, as long as the back 210 of each card
200 in the multi-card set contains the same or a similar design. In
the illustrated embodiment, the backside 210 of all cards 200 are
identical, thereby making all of the cards 200 in the deck
indistinguishable from the others when viewed from the backside
210.
[0046] The playing card 200, which may be identical in construction
to playing cards used in standard playing card decks, is
constructed of paper, cardboard or some other material that can be
printed on and subsequently laminated for strength. For example, in
the illustrated embodiment, the playing card 200 is made to the
same approximate size as a standard playing card. A typical size of
a standard playing card is 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. However, the
size of the card is not the essence of the present invention and
therefore cards of other sizes can be utilized under the present
invention.
[0047] Each playing card 200, like standard playing cards, is
associated with a quantity or value 212 such as either a number
between two and ten, inclusive, or a letter such as A, K, Q, or J.
For example, the card 200 shown in FIG. 2 has the value three.
[0048] Also, similar to playing cards comprising a standard playing
card deck, playing card 200 is associated with a suit 218, which is
indicated on the front side or face 205. The suit 218 can be one of
four different suits, Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, or Clubs. The card
shown in FIG. 2 indicates the Spades suit. Therefore, the card 200
shown in FIG. 2 is the three (3) of Spades.
[0049] The playing card 200 also includes a unique mark or other
indicia 214. As best seen in FIG. 2, the mark or indicia is shown
in this embodiment as a color code 216. FIG. 3 shows examples of
other marks or indicia that may be associated with playing cards
200, such as a multi-stripe bar, a plurality of small symbols, or
the like. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the
mark or indicia 214 could be configured using many different
designs or distinguishing marks, as long as all playing cards
associated with a single standard playing card deck bear the same
or virtually identical marks or indicia 214. In the illustrated
embodiment, the mark/indicia 214 associated with the cards of a
particular deck are identical.
[0050] The mark or indicia 214 may be located anywhere on the card
200 such as, but not limited to, the bottom, top or side of the
front side 205. In the illustration shown in FIG. 2, the
mark/indicia 214 is in the form of a black or color code 216 shown
along the top and bottom portions of the front side 205 of the
playing card 200. FIG. 3 shows playing cards 200 having different
mark/indicia 214, thus, indicating that each card 200 is associated
with a different deck comprising the multi-deck card set 300. Each
playing card 200 in the multi-deck card set 300 is also associated
with a quantity or value 212 and a suit 218 as in a standard card
deck.
[0051] FIG. 4 shows the backside 210 of the playing cards 200 shown
in FIG. 3, wherein the backside 210 of each playing card 200 in the
multi-set deck is identical, while the front side 205 is marked
with a different mark or indicia 214 (as shown in FIG. 3).
[0052] As best seen in FIG. 5, the multi-deck card set 300 may be
formed by combining playing cards 200 from two or more standard
fifty-two playing card decks. As best seen in FIG. 5, the playing
cards have been modified as described above with respect to playing
card 200. For example, the multi-deck card set 300 shown in FIG. 5
was formed by combining playing cards 200 from three standard
52-card decks, shown at 310, 320, and 330 in FIG. 5. The presence
of three different marks/indicia 214 on the front side 205 of the
playing cards 200 shown in FIG. 5 indicates that at least all or a
portion of the playing cards 200 from three individual decks were
combined to form the multi-deck card set 300. One of ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate that the multi-deck card set 300 may
include extra cards to accommodate the play of particular card game
rules. These extra cards may include, for example, but are not
limited to, Jokers and/or Wild Cards.
[0053] FIG. 6 shows the backside 210 of the playing cards 200
comprising the multi-deck card set 300. As shown, the backside 210
of each playing card is identical in the multi-deck card set 300
while the front side 205 is marked with a different indicia 214 for
each of the three individual decks 310, 320, and 330 as shown in
FIG. 5.
[0054] The multi-deck card set 300 permits the play of many common
card games without necessarily varying the rules of the game, while
at the same time allowing for much higher player awards based on
the decreased probabilities of obtaining certain card combinations
based on the presence of the multiple decks. For example, in
certain game play, a combination of same cards (value and suit),
e.g., all Aces of Spade, having different marks/indicia 214 may
have a lesser value than a combination of cards in which the
quantity is the same, e.g., all Aces, but the suits are different
and the mark/indicia 214 are the same as shown in FIG. 7A. In the
illustrated embodiment, winning card combinations, wherein the
marks/indicia 214 are the same, may include three aces in the
following combination: one Heart, one Diamond, one Club, all from
the same deck as is indicated by the black color bar 216 (FIG. 7A).
Winning card combinations, wherein the mark/indicia 214 are
different, may include three aces in the following combination: one
Heart from the deck marked with a black color bar, one Diamond from
the deck marked with the red and white color bar, and one Club from
the deck marked with blue stars (FIG. 7B).
[0055] For purposes of further illustration, suppose the multi-deck
card set comprises three individual decks. A hand comprising the
three of Hearts from each deck (indicia/mark 214 being different
for each three of Hearts) may have a lesser value than a hand
comprising the three of hearts, three of spades and three of
diamonds wherein the mark/indicia 214 are the same.
Method of Play
[0056] The method of the present invention utilizes two or more
individual decks of cards all shuffled together to create the
multi-deck card set 300. For example, if three decks are used to
form the multi-deck card set 300, this forms a pool of one hundred
fifty six (156) playing cards from which cards used in the "play"
are dealt. Cards associated with a specific deck will be indicated
by like or similar marks/indicia 214. Each of the three decks
forming the multi-deck card set 300 will include at least a
standard fifty-two card deck of cards having an Ace through Deuce
of each suit of Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Clubs.
[0057] For example, Poker played using the multi-deck card set may
include dealing a player an initial five-card hand from the
multi-deck card set 300. The player then selects which, if any, of
the initial five cards the player wishes to discard. Any cards the
player discards may be replaced by replacement cards from the
original multi-deck card set 300 comprising one hundred fifty six
cards. The player then has a final five-card hand.
[0058] The final five-card hand is analyzed to determine what card
and mark/indicia combination the player has achieved. Any suitable
card and mark/indicia combinations can be pre-selected as winning
combinations. For example, in one embodiment, two pair, i.e., 2
Kings and 2 Jacks having different marks/indicia 214, may
constitute a pre-selected winning combination. Any suitable card
combinations can be pre-selected as winning card combinations. A
player who achieves a winning card combination may be provided with
an award.
[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the winning card combinations
are selected based on the mathematical probability of achieving
certain card combinations. The highest awards are provided for the
card and mark/indicia combinations that are most difficult to
achieve. The following examples illustrate several common card
games that may be played using the multi-deck card set 300.
EXAMPLE 1
Pureblend.TM. Poker
[0060] The PureBlend.TM. poker game is created to be a new poker
game wherein the multi-card deck described above can be overlaid on
existing poker games in play today, since the standard fifty
two-card deck typically used may be replaced with a multi-deck card
set 300, resulting in the following potential outcomes: [0061] The
PureBlend.TM. poker game creates much higher player awards, greatly
increasing player appeal. [0062] The house "hold" may also be
increased. [0063] The PureBlend.TM. poker game could use the most
popular "Jacks or Better" 6/9 pay-table as expert poker players
recognize this as the best opportunity for a positive return. This
would be accomplished by modifying the pay-table by adding to the
standard fifty two card deck another 104 cards (2 additional
standard decks) for a total of 156 cards to be used, enhancing
existing card graphics by adding the indicia 214 (color bars to the
tops and bottoms of the card faces) [0064] For example, the
pay-table may be created as follows: [0065] Creation of a "Pure"
hand, which is a winning hand of cards bearing the same
mark/indicia [0066] Creation of a "Blend" hand, which is a winning
hand of cards, wherein the cards do not bear the same mark/indicia
214 [0067] The award card can stay the same or be added to with new
odds applied to the possible outcomes due to the addition of more
cards in play. [0068] We may be able to add another award due to
the addition of our custom deck of cards. This would be a bottom
award of all cards having no winning combinations but having the
same color bar.
EXAMPLE2
3-Deck Multi-Deck Card Set
[0069] Assuming a multi-deck card set comprised of three decks of
cards: Deck 1, Deck 2 and Deck 3: Deck 1 cards are marked with
indicia comprising a blue color bar applied across the top and
bottom of the front side of each card; Deck 2 cards are marked with
indicia comprising a red color bar applied across the top and
bottom of the front side of each card; and Deck 3 cards are marked
with indicia comprising a black color bar applied across the top
and bottom of the front side of each card. Total cards comprising
the multi-deck card set equals one hundred fifty six cards.
[0070] The probabilities are increased as follows: [0071] The odds
of drawing an "Ace of Spades" from a traditional fifty two-card
deck are 1 in 52. [0072] The odds of drawing an Ace of Spades (with
any color bar) from the 3-deck multi-deck card set are 3 in 156
(which mathematically equals 1 in 52--this is how the traditional
game odds are similar). [0073] The odds of drawing an Ace of Spades
with a BLACK color bar from a 3-deck multi-deck card set are 1 in
156. [0074] The odds of drawing an Ace of Spades with a RED color
bar from a 3-deck multi-deck card set are 1 in 156. [0075] The odds
of drawing an Ace of Spades with a BLUE color bar from a 3-deck
multi-deck card set are 1 in 156. With the probabilities being more
variable (the lower likelihood of an event happening as there are
more cards to draw from) the award, if it is made available, can be
increased. Electronic Video Game
[0076] Another embodiment of the present invention is a multi-deck
card set 300 that is configured for use in automated or video card
playing systems such as, but not limited to, electronic video
gaming machines. Video gaming machines can include, but are not
limited to, video poker machines, video blackjack machines, video
lottery machines, or other similar equipment. To assist with play
in a video environment, each mark/indicia, either in color, black
and white, shades of color, or shades of black and white, used to
distinguish the cards 200 of a particular deck can be associated
with a particular sound and/or feel (haptics-sense of touch). This
arrangement permits the individual decks associated with a specific
mark/indicia 214 to be associated with a sound and/or feel. Thus,
cards marked with different marks/indicia 214 will have a slightly
different sound and/or feel when displayed.
[0077] Cards 200 forming a "Pure" winning hand will bear the same
mark/indicia 214, and the display screen could provide a visual
indication alerting the player of a winning card combination. For
example, the cards 200 may initially flash 3 times for a specified
period of time, e.g., 1/2 second duration. The display screen may
then go into a "chase" mode of a specified duration, e.g., four
time chase mode from left to right across the top cards and going
right to left across the bottom cards simulating a circle, which
will be completed in a specified time period, e.g., 1/2 second
duration.
[0078] The system may also include a pop-up box displayed on the
display screen that indicates the total amount won. The pop-up box
may also include a border bearing the marks/indicia 214 of the
cards comprising the winning hand. The border may be formed using
the chasing effect previously discussed. The system may also
include a pay-table so that the player knows which are the
pre-selected winning card combinations.
[0079] The foregoing detailed description of the invention is
intended to be illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of
the invention. Changes and modifications are possible with respect
to the foregoing description, and it is understood that the
invention may be practiced otherwise than that specifically
described herein and still be within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *