U.S. patent application number 11/548850 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-17 for method and system for providing deal-making in multiplayer tournaments.
This patent application is currently assigned to Waterleaf Limited. Invention is credited to Ripul Kumar.
Application Number | 20080090632 11/548850 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2008-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080090632 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kumar; Ripul |
April 17, 2008 |
Method and system for providing deal-making in multiplayer
tournaments
Abstract
A system and method for deal-making in a multiplayer
game-of-chance tournament are described. The system and method are
applicable to poker, blackjack, mah-jongg, video slots, and other
betting games of chance at online and live casinos. The system
includes a graphical interface which depicts the game-of-chance and
a deal-making interface. The deal-making interface allows players
to negotiate the distribution of a divisible prize (a prize pool
split). The graphical interface may also include a chat window,
displayed along with the deal-making interface, for allowing
communication among players.
Inventors: |
Kumar; Ripul; (Vikrampuri,
IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCDONNELL BOEHNEN HULBERT & BERGHOFF LLP
300 S. WACKER DRIVE, 32ND FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Waterleaf Limited
Douglas
GB
|
Appl. No.: |
11/548850 |
Filed: |
October 12, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/16 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A graphical interface for deal-making in a multiplayer
game-of-chance, comprising in combination: a game play environment
depicting the game-of-chance; and a deal-making interface for
allowing players of the game-of-chance to negotiate a distribution
of a divisible prize associated with the game-of-chance, wherein
the deal-making interface is depicted with the game-of-chance in
the graphical interface.
2. The graphical interface of claim 1, further comprising a chat
window for allowing communication among the players of the
game-of-chance.
3. The graphical interface of claim 1, wherein the deal-making
interface includes a distribution display showing a measure of each
player's standing in the game-of-chance relative to other players'
standing in the game-of-chance.
4. The graphical interface of claim 3, wherein the measure is chip
count.
5. A method for providing deal-making in a multiplayer
game-of-chance, the method comprising: providing a game play
environment depicting the game-of-chance; and providing a
deal-making interface for allowing players of the game-of-chance to
negotiate a distribution of a divisible prize associated with the
game-of-chance, wherein the deal-making interface is depicted with
the game-of-chance in a single view.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising providing a chat
window for allowing communication among players of the
game-of-chance.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein providing the deal-making
interface includes providing a distribution display showing a
measure of each player's standing in the game-of-chance relative to
other players' standing in the game-of-chance.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the measure is chip count.
9. The method of claim 5, further comprising automatically
displaying a deal defining a proposed prize pool split.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising calculating the
proposed prize pool split based on a measure of each player's
standing in the game-of-chance relative to other players' standing
in the game-of-chance.
11. The method of claim 5, further comprising receiving a proposal
from a player of the game-of-chance to split a prize pool.
12. A gaming station, comprising in combination: a monitor for
presenting to a user a display depicting game play corresponding to
a game-of-chance, wherein the display further depicts a deal-making
interface for allowing players of the game-of-chance to negotiate a
distribution of a divisible prize associated with the
game-of-chance; a processor; and a memory containing processing
instructions executable by the processor for displaying the
deal-making interface with the game play on the monitor.
13. The gaining station of claim 12, wherein the memory further
contains processing instructions executable by the processor for
displaying on the monitor a chat window for allowing communication
among the players.
14. The gaming station of claim 13, wherein the chat window is
displayed on the monitor with the deal-making interface and the
game play.
15. The gaining station of claim 12, wherein the deal-making
interface includes a distribution display showing a measure of each
player's standing in the game-of-chance relative to other players'
standing in the game of chance.
16. The gaming station of claim 15, wherein the measure is chip
count.
17. A gaining system, comprising in combination: a gaming station
having a workstation and a monitor for presenting to a user a
display depicting game play corresponding to a game-of-chance,
wherein the display further depicts a deal-making interface for
allowing players of the game-of-chance to negotiate a distribution
of a divisible prize associated with the game-of-chance; and a
server having a processor and memory containing processing
instructions executable by the processor for displaying the
deal-making interface and the game play in a same view on the
monitor.
18. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein the memory further
contains processing instructions executable by the processor for
displaying on the monitor a chat window for allowing communication
among players.
19. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein the deal-making
interface includes a distribution display showing a measure of each
player's standing in the game-of-chance relative to other players'
standing in the game of chance.
20. The gaming system of claim 19, wherein the measure is chip
count.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to electronic
multiplayer tournaments involving games-of-chance such as poker,
blackjack, mah-jongg, video slots and the like; and more
particularly, to deal-making proposals in such games.
BACKGROUND
[0002] An electronic multiplayer tournament for a game-of-chance
generally comprises a number of rounds, each round involving one or
more instances of a virtual game-of-chance (hereinafter, game) in
which players participate. Depending on the type of game, each
instance may involve one or more hands, turns, spins, or other
wagering events during the virtual game.
[0003] For example, in an electronic multiplayer poker tournament,
the game instance might be a virtual poker table, at which
typically six to eight players may play poker against each other.
For a small multiplayer tournament there might be only a few
virtual poker tables, or even only one virtual poker table. For a
large multiplayer tournament, there might be hundreds or even
thousands of virtual poker tables. At each game instance, the
players play multiple hands of poker at the virtual table until the
game ends.
[0004] Electronic multiplayer video slot tournaments present a
different organizational scheme. In an electronic multiplayer video
slot tournament, each game instance typically may be a single
virtual slot machine. Typically, a single player will play by
wagering and spinning that single virtual slot machine. The single
player competes along with other similarly situated players, who
each play by wagering and spinning their associated virtual slot
machine. Generally, each round consists of one or more spins, with
a typical round involving a fixed time limit, spin total, or total
winnings target.
[0005] In order to participate in an electronic multiplayer
tournament, a player is typically required to pay a buy-in amount
and an entrance fee. For example, if the buy-in amount is $40 and
the entrance fee is $4, each player participating in the tournament
pays $44 to the tournament organizers in order to play. The buy-in
amount from all the participating players in the tournament may be
pooled to form the tournament prize money. The entrance fee
normally accrues to the tournament organizers.
[0006] Each player is typically awarded an identical quantity of
tournament chips at the beginning of the tournament. These
tournament chips may typically be used as counters to determine the
ultimate winner(s) of the tournament. The tournament prize money
may be distributed among the top-placed finishers in the
tournament.
[0007] If there is more than one round in a tournament, the number
of players in each successive tournament round is typically smaller
than the number of players in each preceding round. In poker, for
example, a player is eliminated from the game instance when the
player has lost all the player's tournament chips. Typically, when
a predetermined number of surviving players in each game instance
remains, the round ends and those surviving players proceed to the
next round. In another example, blackjack rounds may each consist
of a predetermined number of hands. Once that number of hands has
been played, a predetermined number of top chip holders from each
game instance proceed to the next round.
[0008] Ultimately, the number of surviving players is whittled
down, round by round, until a sufficiently small number of players
remain so that they are all "in-the-money," i.e., entitled to a
share of the prize money.
[0009] Once the surviving players in a tournament are all
in-the-money, they can play out the tournament to the end.
Generally, each player will collect a share of the prize money
corresponding to that player's eventual finishing position.
Alternatively, the remaining players can agree to terminate the
tournament early and to share, according to some agreed upon
distribution scheme, the combined prize money they could have
collectively won. This is known in the art as "deal-making" and is
well known in land-based poker tournaments. This type of
deal-making requires that all the players agree upon a payout
distribution scheme and successful deal-making may depend on the
honor of the players to distribute the money according to the
deal.
[0010] In electronic multiplayer tournaments, deal-making is not as
well known. Currently, electronic deal-making is offered only for
select poker tournaments on the Internet. In the electronic poker
tournaments offering deal-making, when a player proposes a deal,
the tournament game is suspended and all the players' workstations
are re-directed to a separate deal-making application and a new
display. The new display does not show the current poker game in
progress. Further, the electronic poker tournaments that provide
deal-making do not make use of the same input tools present in the
normal poker display, such as the standard chat window which
players use to communicate during game play.
[0011] Within the new display, the players can negotiate and
attempt to arrive at an agreeable payout distribution scheme. If an
agreement is reached, the tournament is terminated and the
collective prize money is distributed as per the deal. If no
settlement is reached, the players' workstations and displays are
redirected back to the electronic tournament game display and play
resumes.
[0012] If no formal deal-making is available through an electronic
tournament space, players can also propose and agree to deals
through chat or other communication systems. However, the
distribution of winnings depends on the honor of the players to
distribute the winnings to other deal participants as per the
deal.
SUMMARY
[0013] A system and method for deal-making in electronic
multiplayer games-of-chance tournaments is described. A gaming
interface is described that includes a deal-making interface. The
deal-making interface allows for prize pool-splitting deals to be
proposed and for players to accept, reject, or modify those deal
proposals. The interface can allow the game to remain in full view
while a deal is being made. Further, the interface gives players a
quick and upfront option to make a deal.
[0014] The present disclosure is applicable to poker, blackjack,
mah-jongg, video slots and other betting games of chance. The
disclosure is also applicable to land-based electronic gaming
machines at a typical live casino, such as video poker machines
connected through a network by a central gaming server, and to
online gaming at an online casino.
[0015] In one example, a graphical interface for deal-making in a
multiplayer game-of-chance is presented. The graphical interface
comprises a game play environment depicting the game-of-chance and
a deal-making interface. The deal-making interface may allow
players to negotiate the distribution of a divisible prize (a prize
pool split) associated with the game-of-chance. Further, the
deal-making interface may be depicted along with the game-of-chance
such that both are in view. The graphical interface may also
include a chat window, displayed along with the deal-making
interface, for allowing communication among players.
[0016] The deal-making interface may include a distribution display
which shows a measure, such as chip count, of each player's
standing in the game-of-chance relative to other players' standing
in the game-of-chance. Within the deal-making interface, a deal
defining a proposed prize pool split may be automatically displayed
or manually displayed at a player's request. The proposed prize
pool split may be calculated based on each player's standing
relative to other players' standing or the proposed prize pool
split may be defined by a player.
[0017] In another example, a method for providing deal-making in a
multiplayer game-of-chance is presented. The method comprises
providing a game play environment depicting the game-of-chance and
providing a deal-making interface. The deal-making interface may
allow players to negotiate the distribution of a divisible prize (a
prize pool split) associated with the game-of-chance. Further, the
deal-making interface may be depicted along with the game-of-chance
such that both are in view.
[0018] In another example, a gaming station is presented. The
gaming station comprises a monitor, a processor, and a memory. The
monitor is for presenting to a user a display depicting game play
corresponding to a game-of-chance. The display further depicts a
deal-making interface for allowing players of the game-of-chance to
negotiate the distribution of a divisible prize (a prize pool
split) associated with the game-of-chance. The memory contains
processing instructions executable by the processor for displaying
on the monitor the deal-making interface along with the game play
such that both are in view.
[0019] In another example, a gaming system is presented. The gaming
system comprises a gaming station and a server. The gaming station
further comprises a workstation and a monitor. The monitor is for
presenting to a user a display depicting game play corresponding to
a game-of-chance. The display further depicts a deal-making
interface for allowing players of the game-of-chance to negotiate
the distribution of a divisible prize (a prize pool split)
associated with the game-of-chance. The server further comprises a
processor and a memory. The memory contains processing instructions
executable by the processor for displaying on the gaming station
monitor the deal-making interface along with the game play such
that both are in view.
[0020] These as well as other aspects and advantages will become
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reading the
following detailed description, with reference where appropriate to
the accompanying drawings. Further, it is understood that this
summary is merely an example and is not intended to limit the scope
of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Presently preferred embodiments are described below in
conjunction with the appended drawing figures, wherein like
reference numerals refer to like elements in the various figures,
and wherein:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a gaming station
coupled to a server through a communication network, according to
an example;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming station, as depicted
in FIG. 1, according to an example;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a graphical display of a game play environment
that includes a deal-making interface, according to an example;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a graphical display of a deal-making interface, as
depicted in FIG. 3, according to an example;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting a method of automatically
triggering a deal proposal, according to an example;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting a method of manually
triggering a deal proposal, according to an example; and
[0028] FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting a method of deal-making,
according to an example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a gaming station 100
coupled to a server 104 through a communication network 106,
according to an example. The gaming station 100 includes a display
101 and a workstation 102. The communication network 106 may be,
but is not limited to, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a
wide area network (WAN), a wireless network, a mobile telephone
network, or any combination of networks. The gaming station 100 may
receive user input and transmit the user input through the
communication network 106 to the server 104 via a wireline or
wireless interface. The gaming station 100 may receive input from
the server 104 and display information to a user through the
monitor 101 and/or communicate information to the user by other
means, such as audio. For example, the gaming station 100 may be an
electronic poker game at a live casino, or a personal computer or
mobile phone which allows a user to participate in online poker
gaming.
[0030] In one gaming example, the gaming station 100 may be a
client workstation and the server 106 may be a gaming server remote
from the gaming station 100. The gaming server may be linked to
workstation 102 of the gaming station 100 by a communication
network 106 such as the Internet. One or more betting games,
including, but not limited to poker, blackjack, mah-jongg, video
slots, and variations of each, are then executable by a user of the
gaming station 100. Each game offered by a gaming provider may
include a server process 110, which is executable in the gaming
server 104, and a client process 108, which is executable in the
workstation 102 of the gaming station 100.
[0031] The server process 110 may generate one or more random
events upon which an outcome of the game depends. Such random
events can correspond, for example, to the deal of a playing card
in a poker game. The client process 108 and/or the server process
110 may present to the user a simulation of the game being played.
The client process 108 and/or the server process 110 may also
enable the player to place wagers on, and to control the progress
of, the game. Further, the client process 108 and/or the server
process 110 may display to the player the outcome of the game as a
function of the random events generated by the server process
110.
[0032] In order to communicate with the server 104, the gaming
station 100 may operate under control of the client process 108.
For purposes of this disclosure, any directions, control,
functions, instructions, or programming attributed to the client
process 108 may alternatively or additionally be attributed to the
server process 110 on the server 104.
[0033] The client process 108 (or server process 110) may cause the
monitor 101 to display to the user a variety of game selection
options. The user is then able to select any one of the games that
user wishes to play.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a workstation 102. The
workstation 102 may include a processor 200 and a memory 202. When
the user selects a particular game, the workstation 102 may execute
instructions through processor 200 to download game software from
the gaming server 104 and store the game software in the memory 202
as client process 108. Alternatively or additionally, the game
software may already be resident in the memory 202 of the
workstation 102 as client process 108. The processor 202 may
execute the instructions contained within the client process 108 as
well as other instructions stored in the memory 202. The game
software may also be executed directly from the server 104 as
server process 110 without requiring storage in the memory 202
and/or without requiring execution of instructions by the processor
200.
[0035] The game software, regardless of whether it is executed as
client process 108 or server process 110, may include instructions
that direct the processor 200 to display a game play environment on
the monitor 101.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a graphical display 300 of a game play
environment. The game play environment may include a graphical
representation 302 of a betting game, shown here as a poker game.
In the poker game example shown, the graphical display 300 may
display cards that are in play and/or in a user's hand, betting
amounts, pot amounts, or other relevant game data. The graphical
representation 302 is not limited to poker games. The graphical
display 300 may alternatively display the relevant characteristics
of any betting game. Further, the graphical representation 302 of
the betting game may be omitted in favor of other methods of
communicating game characteristics to players including, but not
limited to, text displays or audio cues.
[0037] The client process 108 or server process 110 may also
include instructions that cause the monitor 101 to display various
input tools or their sub-components. The server process 110 may or
may not utilize the processor 200 to accomplish the display. Such
input tools may include a chat window 304 and a deal-making
interface 306.
[0038] The chat window 304 may allow a user to interact or "chat"
with others involved in the game including, but not limited to
other players, a dealer, and/or game or site administrators. The
user may interact with others involved in the game by using a
mouse, a keyboard, voice, or any other user input devices or
methods.
[0039] The deal-making interface 306 may allow players to strike
deals to share the prize pool, or a portion thereof, according to
some agreed upon payout distribution, thus ending the game prior to
the determination of an ultimate winner. The graphical
representation 302 of the betting game and/or the chat window 304
may be at least partially in view while the deal-making interface
306 is displayed, thus the players are able to view the graphical
representation 302 of the betting game, or use or view the chat
window during deal-making.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a more detailed graphical display of the
deal-making interface 306 depicted in FIG. 3. The deal-making
interface 306 and/or the individual subcomponents of the
deal-making interface 306 may appear to an individual player or to
multiple players. The deal-making interface 306 may also be turned
off if deal-making is not allowed.
[0041] The deal-making interface 306 in this poker example may
include some or all of the following sub-components: a message area
display 402, a player list display 404, a distribution display 406,
a payout distribution display 408, a status area display 410, a
prize pool display 412, and a timer display 414.
[0042] Those skilled in the art will realize that other display
subcomponents are possible. For example, the distribution display
406 in this poker game example preferably shows chip distribution.
However, the distribution display 406 may show a different measure
of player standing such as point totals or games won that would be
relevant to a betting game other than poker.
[0043] The message area display 402 may display messages relevant
to the deal-making to a single player, to multiple players, or to
users viewing the game but not participating. The player list
display 404 typically may list current players in the game. The
player list display 404 does not need to be a text based
representation of each player as shown in FIG. 4, but may
alternatively or additionally be a graphical representation of the
player. For example, many online players use a picture to represent
themselves in an online game. The picture is generally referred to
as the player's avatar and the avatar may be used with, or instead
of, the text based representation of the player.
[0044] The distribution display 406 shows the basis for a method of
calculating a default payout distribution scheme. In the poker game
example shown in, the distribution display 406 shows the percentage
of total tournament chips possessed by each player. The percentage
may be used as the basis for calculating the default payout
distribution. The payout distribution may also known as the prize
pool split. The payout distribution display 408 shows the proposed
prize pool split. In the example shown, the payout distribution
display 408 shows a default prize pool split that matches the
percentages in the distribution display 406. Other default payout
distribution schemes and the methods for calculating them are
possible and are discussed below with regard to FIG. 7.
[0045] A custom payout distribution may also be proposed by a user
and the resulting proposal may alternatively or additionally be
displayed in the payout distribution display 408. For example, the
payout distribution display 408 may contain a first column of
numbers indicating the default payout distribution, as shown, and a
second column of numbers indicating the proposed custom payout
distribution. In another example, the payout distribution display
408 could also display a column of percentages derived from the
relative proportion of each player's proposed distribution share.
In yet another example, the column of numbers indicating the
default payout distribution as shown in the payout distribution
display 408 may be replaced with a column of numbers indicating the
proposed custom payout distribution.
[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that the column
displays need not be in any particular order. Further, the display
need not be arranged in columns, but may be arranged in rows or any
other format which indicates the necessary relationships between
the players and their individual data.
[0047] The status area display 410 preferably indicates which
players have chosen to participate in the deal and may also
indicate their role in the deal. In the example shown in FIG. 4,
Player 1 has "Proposed" a deal to split the prize pool, Players 3
and 4 have "Accepted" the deal, and Player 2 is "Waiting,"
indicating that Player 2 has not yet decided to accept or reject
the deal. Other indications are possible beyond "Proposed,"
"Accepting," and "Waiting" and those indications are not meant to
be limitations. For example, the status area display may indicate
"Yes," "No," "Not Accepted," "Declined," or other indicators
corresponding to a player's participation or role in the deal.
Alternatively, the status area display 410 may be configured not to
display participation and/or role information, which may provide
some anonymity to the deal making process.
[0048] In the example shown in FIG. 4, the deal-making interface
306 preferably includes a "SPLIT NOW" button 416 on which a player
may click to propose a deal based on the default payout
distribution or to accept a previously proposed deal. The "SPLIT
NOW" button 416 gives the player a quick and upfront option to make
a deal at any time allowed within the tournament.
[0049] Alternatively, the player may instead have the option to
click on a "CUSTOM SPLIT" button 418. Clicking on the "CUSTOM
SPLIT" button 418 gives or may give the player the ability to
propose a custom payout distribution for consideration by the other
players.
[0050] A "NO SPLIT NOW" button 420 may also be included. Clicking
on the "NO SPLIT NOW" button 420 may allow a player to reject any
current deal proposal or any later occurring deal proposal within
the same hand, turn, spin, or other wagering event--depending on
the type of game. Alternatively, the "NO SPLIT NOW" button 420
could be configured to reject all deal proposals until such
configuration is changed by the player.
[0051] Those skilled in the art will understand that the button
labels need not be "SPLIT NOW," "CUSTOM SPLIT," and "NO SPLIT NOW."
Any other labels which indicate the relevant function of each
button will suffice.
[0052] The deal-making interface 306 or the sub-components of the
deal-making interface 306 may be displayed or not displayed
according to rules set by the game administrators. For example, the
deal-making interface 306 could be configured to automatically
display upon the game reaching some predetermined condition or
conditions, such as a specific number of players remaining or a
certain amount of time remaining in the round. The deal-making
interface 306 could also be displayed manually in response to a
player or administrator action or request.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting a method 500 of
automatically triggering a deal proposal. Triggering a deal
proposal includes displaying or updating the deal-making interface
306 and optionally calculating and displaying a default proposed
prize pool split so that players may accept or reject the deal.
Triggering a deal proposal is discussed in more detail with
reference to FIG. 7.
[0054] At block 502, game administrators may set conditions for
when a deal proposal is automatically triggered. For example, the
deal proposal may be triggered when there are less than six players
remaining in a multiplayer poker tournament. In other examples, the
deal proposal may be triggered when there are less than 10 minutes
remaining in a multiplayer slot tournament, less than 10 hands
remaining in a blackjack tournament, or less than 10 tiles
remaining in a mah-jongg tournament.
[0055] At block 504, the conditions set in block 502 are monitored.
The monitoring could occur continuously, repeatedly, or
periodically throughout the game.
[0056] At block 506, if the conditions are not met, the monitoring
continues. If the conditions are met, the deal-making interface 306
is shown at block 508, if not already shown, and the deal proposal
is triggered at block 510.
[0057] FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting a method 600 of manually
triggering a deal proposal.
[0058] At block 602, game administrators may set conditions for
when the deal-making interface 306 is shown to the users, so that
the users may manually trigger a deal proposal. For example, the
deal-making interface 306 could be shown during each hand when
there are less than five players remaining in the final round of a
poker tournament.
[0059] At block 604, the conditions set in block 602 for displaying
the deal-making interface 306 are monitored. The monitoring may
occur continuously, repeatedly, or periodically throughout the
game.
[0060] At block 606, if the conditions are not met, the display
state of the deal-making interface 306 may be updated at block 610
and monitoring may continue. The display state of the deal-making
interface 306 may be changed if condition status changes. For
example, the deal-making interface may be shown continuously during
the final round of a tournament. However, for example, if there are
only two players remaining and the chip distribution is greater
than 80% in favor of one player, the deal-making interface 306 may
be turned off so that the players are forced to complete the game
through normal play.
[0061] At block 608, if the conditions are met for showing the
deal-making interface 306, then the deal-making interface 306 is
either shown or updated as appropriate. For example, during an
update, various subcomponents of the deal-making interface 306 may
be changed, or turned on or off. In one example, the player list
404 may be updated to reflect only those players remaining in the
game. In another example, the "CUSTOM SPLIT" button 418 may be
turned off or on. Practically, any part of the deal-making
interface 306 may be turned on, turned off, or changed as desired
by the game administrators.
[0062] At block 612, a player may either propose a deal or not. If
no player proposes a deal, condition monitoring continues at block
604.
[0063] At block 614, if any player proposes a deal, then the deal
proposal is triggered.
[0064] FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting a method 700 of
deal-making.
[0065] At block 702, a deal proposal may be automatically or
manually triggered. The deal proposal may be automatically
triggered as described with respect to FIG. 5 (or any other method)
or the deal proposal may be manually triggered as described with
respect to FIG. 6 (or any other method).
[0066] At block 704, a countdown timer is started. The length of
the timer is preferably fixed. For example, the timer length may be
fixed by the game administrators. Alternatively, the length of the
timer may be automatically set according to a game condition. For
example, the timer length may vary depending on the game type, the
round, whether the deal proposal was automatically or manually
triggered, or any other game condition.
[0067] At block 706, the default payout distribution (default
split) is calculated. Preferably, in the poker example shown, the
default payout distribution is directly proportional to the amount
of chips each player has at the time of the deal proposal. Other
default payout distributions are also possible for poker and other
games. Examples include, but are not limited to: (i)
disproportionate distributions where large chip holders receive
either disproportionately more or less of the prize pool than small
chip holders; (ii) probabilities-based distributions where, for
example, distributions schemes are based on the cards held and/or
shown in a poker game; or (iii) the number of rounds remaining in
the tournament in combination with the chip distribution.
[0068] At block 708, the deal-making interface 306 is updated.
Examples of updates include, but are not limited to, showing the
timer and changing or showing the default payout distribution.
[0069] At block 710, individual players elect whether to accept the
default payout distribution, to reject the default payout
distribution, or to do nothing. As an example, with reference to
the deal-making interface 306 shown in FIG. 4, a player may click
on the "SPLIT NOW" button 416 to accept the default payout
distribution or click on the "NO SPLIT NOW" button 420 to reject
the proposal.
[0070] At block 712, if all players accept the default payout
distribution (e.g., all players click on the "SPLIT NOW" button
416), then the prize pool is automatically distributed to each
player's account according to the default split and the game
ends.
[0071] At block 714, if at least one player rejects the deal
proposal, then the deal proposal may be ended.
[0072] At block 716, the deal proposal may be ended and the overall
game display 300 and the deal-making interface 306 may return to
their prior display states, as if no deal proposal had been
triggered. For example, if the deal-making interface 306 was not
displayed prior to the deal proposal being triggered, then the
display of the deal-making interface 306 display may be turned off
following a player rejection of the deal at block 714. In another
example, if only certain subcomponents of the deal-making interface
306 were visible prior to the deal proposal, then the other
subcomponents may be turned off following a player rejection at
block 714.
[0073] In an alternative embodiment, if one or more players reject
the proposal, the deal proposal may not end, but rather the deal
proposal functionality may continue to be viable until a player
proposes a custom split as in block 718 or the timer runs out as in
block 720.
[0074] At block 718, a player may propose a custom payout
distribution (custom split). In reference to the example
deal-making interface 306 shown in FIG. 4, the player may click the
"CUSTOM SPLIT" button 418 and modify the totals shown in the payout
distribution display 408. Preferably, the player manually enters
new payout values corresponding to each player in the payout
distribution display 408. Alternatively, the player may select from
pre-calculated payout schemes which include those schemes described
above for alternatively calculating the default payout distribution
(e.g., disproportionate distributions, etc.). In the example payout
distribution display 408 shown in FIG. 4, there is only column
displayed; however, multiple columns may be used to show the
default payout distribution and to display and/or update other
proposed payout distribution(s).
[0075] At block 720, if not all players accept the default payout
distribution arid no player rejects the default payout distribution
or proposes a custom split, then the timer started in block 704 may
eventually expire. When the timer expires, the deal proposal may
end and the overall game display 300 and the deal-making interface
306 may return to their prior display states, as if no display
proposal had been triggered, as shown in block 716. Examples of the
overall game display 300 and the deal-making interface 306
returning to their prior display states is discussed above with
reference to block 716.
[0076] At block 722, the timer may optionally reset if a player
proposes a custom split. This allows the players more time to
negotiate or decide whether to accept the new payout distribution.
As with the original timer value, the new countdown timer may be
fixed by the game administrators or based on game conditions.
[0077] At block 724, if all players accept a proposed custom payout
distribution, then the prize pool is automatically distributed to
each player's account according to the accepted payout distribution
and the game ends, as shown in block 712.
[0078] At block 726, if at least one player rejects the deal
proposal, then the deal proposal may end and the overall game
display 300 and the deal-making interface 306 may return to their
prior display states, as shown in block 716. Examples of the
overall game display 300 and the deal-making interface 306
returning to their prior display states is discussed above with
reference to block 716.
[0079] In an alternative embodiment, if one or more players reject
the proposal, the deal proposal may not end, but rather the deal
proposal functionality may continue to be viable until a player
proposes a custom split as in block 718 or the timer rums out as in
block 728
[0080] At block 728, if not all players accept the custom payout
distribution, and no player rejects the custom payout distribution
or proposes a new custom split, then the timer started in block 704
and/or updated in block 722 may eventually expire. When the timer
expires, the deal proposal ends and the overall game display 300
and the deal-making interface 306 may return to their prior display
states, as if no display proposal had been triggered, as shown in
block 716.
[0081] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail
can be made to the described embodiments, it is intended that all
matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying
drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting
sense. For example, additional subcomponents for the deal-making
interface 306 beyond those described with reference to FIG. 4 may
be possible. For example, the deal-making interface may include an
area which displays the sum total of a proposed prize pool split.
Further, it is possible that the sum total of the proposed prize
pool split may be less than total prize pool. Thus, players could
elect to split a portion of the prize pool and continue playing for
the remainder of the prize pool.
[0082] It is intended to be understood that the following clauses
further describe aspects of the present application.
[0083] (1) A graphical interface for deal-making in a multiplayer
game-of-chance, comprising in combination:
[0084] a game play environment depicting the game-of-chance;
and
[0085] a deal-making interface for allowing players of the
game-of-chance to negotiate a distribution of a divisible prize
associated with the game-of-chance, wherein the deal-making
interface is depicted with the game-of-chance in the graphical
interface.
[0086] (2) The graphical interface of clause (1), further
comprising a chat window for allowing communication among the
players of the game-of-chance.
[0087] (3) The graphical interface of clause (1) or (2), wherein
the deal-making interface includes a distribution display showing a
measure of each player's standing in the game-of-chance relative to
other players' standing in the game-of-chance.
[0088] (4) The graphical interface of clause (3), wherein the
measure is chip count.
[0089] (5) A method for providing deal-making in a multiplayer
game-of-chance, the method comprising:
[0090] providing a game play environment depicting the
game-of-chance; and
[0091] providing a deal-making interface for allowing players of
the game-of-chance to negotiate a distribution of a divisible prize
associated with the game-of-chance, wherein the deal-making
interface is depicted with the game-of-chance in a single view.
[0092] (6) The method of clause (5), further comprising providing a
chat window for allowing communication among players of the
game-of-chance.
[0093] (7) The method of clause (5) or (6), wherein providing the
deal-making interface includes providing a distribution display
showing a measure of each player's standing in the game-of-chance
relative to other players' standing in the game-of-chance.
[0094] (8) The method of clause (7), wherein the measure is chip
count.
[0095] (9) The method of clause (5), (6), (7) or (8), further
comprising automatically displaying a deal defining a proposed
prize pool split.
[0096] (10) The method of clause (5), (6), (7), (8), or (9),
further comprising calculating the proposed prize pool split based
on a measure of each player's standing in the game-of-chance
relative to other players' standing in the game-of-chance.
[0097] (11) The method of clause (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), or (10),
further comprising receiving a proposal from a player of the
game-of-chance to split a prize pool.
[0098] (12) A gaming station, comprising in combination:
[0099] a monitor for presenting to a user a display depicting game
play corresponding to a game-of-chance, wherein the display further
depicts a deal-making interface for allowing players of the
game-of-chance to negotiate a distribution of a divisible prize
associated with the game-of-chance;
[0100] a processor; and
[0101] a memory containing processing instructions executable by
the processor for displaying the deal-making interface with the
game play on the monitor.
[0102] (13) The gaming station of clause (12), wherein the memory
further contains processing instructions executable by the
processor for displaying on the monitor a chat window for allowing
communication among the players.
[0103] (14) The gaming station of clause (13), wherein the chat
window is displayed on the monitor with the deal-making interface
and the game play.
[0104] (15) The gaming station of clause (12), (13), or (14),
wherein the deal-making interface includes a distribution display
showing a measure of each player's standing in the game-of-chance
relative to other players' standing in the game of chance.
[0105] (16) The gaming station of clause (15), wherein the measure
is chip count.
[0106] (17) A gaining system, comprising in combination:
[0107] a gaming station having a workstation and a monitor for
presenting to a user a display depicting game play corresponding to
a game-of-chance, wherein the display further depicts a deal-making
interface for allowing players of the game-of-chance to negotiate a
distribution of a divisible prize associated with the
game-of-chance; and
[0108] a server having a processor and memory containing processing
instructions executable by the processor for displaying the
deal-making interface and the game play in a same view on the
monitor.
[0109] (18) The gaming system of clause (17), wherein the memory
further contains processing instructions executable by the
processor for displaying on the monitor a chat window for allowing
communication among players.
[0110] (19) The gaming system of clause (17) or (18), wherein the
deal-making interface includes a distribution display showing a
measure of each player's standing in the game-of-chance relative to
other players' standing in the game of chance.
[0111] (20) The gaming system of clause (19), wherein the measure
is chip count.
[0112] It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are
examples only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the
present invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the
described order or elements unless stated to that effect.
Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of
the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the
invention.
* * * * *