U.S. patent application number 12/260011 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-26 for interactive sporting event game.
Invention is credited to Scott Thrasher.
Application Number | 20090051115 12/260011 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40000671 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090051115 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thrasher; Scott |
February 26, 2009 |
INTERACTIVE SPORTING EVENT GAME
Abstract
A game that involves cards or other point indicating items where
players observe a sporting event such as football and if certain
actions occur in the sporting event that correlate to a prearranged
list, players are awarded cards.
Inventors: |
Thrasher; Scott;
(Bellingham, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUGHES LAW FIRM, PLLC
PACIFIC MERIDIAN PLAZA, SUITE 302, 4164 MERIDIAN STREET
BELLINGHAM
WA
98226-5583
US
|
Family ID: |
40000671 |
Appl. No.: |
12/260011 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11465882 |
Aug 21, 2006 |
7451986 |
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12260011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/298 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2011/0097 20130101;
A63F 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/298 |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20060101
A63F001/00 |
Claims
1. A method for playing a game having a beginning and an end and
utilizing a plurality of cards with multiple players observing a
sporting event, the method comprising the steps of: a. each player
selecting a representative team of the sporting event, b. providing
a select list of prescribed actions that could occur in the
sporting event and numeric values associated with each prescribed
action, c. observing the sporting event and determining when one or
more of the specific actions in the sporting event occurs and
cross-referencing this specific action to a select list of
prescribed actions that could occur in the sporting event, d.
players receiving or submitting cards according to the list of
prescribed actions, e. points being added or subtracted to a
player's score, f. a terminating event occurring in the game, and a
winning player being determined.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the sporting event is observed by
means selected from the group consisting of: a television, radio,
computer, hand-held electrical device, newspaper, and the
internet.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the points being added or
subtracted to the player's score are printed on the cards.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the winning player is determined
as the player with the most points at the end of a game or
plurality of games.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the game ends when a terminating
event occurs from the group consisting of: a player has a
predetermined number of cards, each player has a predetermined
number of cards, halftime of the sporting event being observed, the
end of a playing period of the sporting event being observed, or
the conclusion of the sporting event being observed.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the sporting event is selected
from the group consisting of football, baseball, basketball, golf,
arena football, rugby, and soccer.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the plurality of cards include an
interception card wherein when a first player is provided an
interception card, the first player selects one or more cards from
a second player, points are subtracted from the second player
losing one or more cards corresponding to a number printed on the
card(s) selected, and selected cards are returned to a deck.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein if a first player is randomly
provided a specific card that mandates that points are added at the
end of the game or plurality of games to the first players
accumulated points to bring the first players accumulated points
equal to a second players score having the highest accumulated
points.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein each player submits a transferable
res at the beginning of a game or plurality of games, and the
winner at the end of a game or plurality of games wins the
submitted res from each player.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the winner at the end of a game
or plurality of games will come into possession of each res from
each player.
11. A method for playing a card game comprising a plurality of
cards while observing a sporting event having various actions
occurring in the course of the sporting event which are observed by
players observing the sporting event and participating in the card
game, the method of playing the card game comprising: a. players
choosing representatives participating in the sporting event
whereby actions by each particular representative during the
sporting event gives cause to receiving a plurality of cards, b.
players observing the sporting event and cross-referencing actions
that are occurring in the sporting event with a predefined event
list, c. determining if an action from the sporting event meets the
criteria set out in the event list and when an action in the
sporting event corresponds to an event in the event list,
correlating a number of cards identified with the particular action
and dealing the cards to the player that chose the representative
that executed the particular action, d. terminating a game or
plurality of games when either a player or players have accumulated
a certain predetermined number of cards or a terminating event has
occurred in the sporting event.
12. A method of playing a game utilizing a plurality of cards, each
card having a value associated therewith, the method comprising the
steps of: a. players participating in the game and selecting a
score tracking system, b. at least one player observing a sporting
event where the sporting event comprises a plurality of prescribed
actions, c. observing an occurring action in the sporting event and
comparing the occurring action with an event list comprising a
plurality of pre-selected actions in the sporting event, d. if the
occurred action is identified on the event list, identifying a
numeric number of cards to be dealt that is identified with said
occurring action on the event list, e. distributing a number of
cards identified with the occurring action to the player that
selected the representative that accomplished the action.
13. The method of playing a game as recited in claim 12 where the
plurality of cards have numeric values associated therewith and
when a player has a prearranged number of cards, a game is
completed and the player with the highest sum of the numeric values
of the cards in their possession is deemed a winner.
14. The method of playing a game as recited in claim 12 where the
plurality of cards have poker values associated therewith and at a
prearranged criteria to end the game, the player with the highest
poker hand is deemed the winner.
15. The method as recited in claim 12 whereby one of the cards can
comprise a "fumble card" where a first player places this card in
their accumulated cards and one of the cards from the hand is
returned to a receiving location.
16. The method as recited in claim 12 where the plurality of cards
comprise an "interception card" whereby if a first player receives
the "interception card", the first player would select a card from
a second player participating in the game.
17. The method as recited in claim 16 where the first player who
receives the "interception card" chooses from the second player
randomly.
18. A game comprising: a. a plurality of indicators each having a
point value, b. an event list having events listed therein
corresponding to possible actions that can occur during a sporting
event, and c. a protocol for acquiring and/or losing cards when an
action occurs in the sporting event that corresponds to one of the
events included in the event list.
19. The game of claim 18 where the indicators are cards from a card
deck.
20. The game of claim 18 wherein the game ends when a terminating
event occurs from the group consisting of: a player has a
predetermined number of cards, each player has a predetermined
number of cards, a prescribed time of the sporting event, the end
of a playing period of the sporting event, or the conclusion of the
sporting event.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 11/465,882
filed Aug. 21, 2006.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In general, the disclosure is a game, in particular a card
game which is adapted to be used interactively while observing a
sporting event. The sporting event may be observed live, on a
television, radio, data transmission online, video, DVD, or by any
other media.
[0003] Card games, including games that are based on a sports theme
are well known in the art. These games are known to simulate
sporting events, or to rely on a player's knowledge of the sporting
event to succeed in play. A cursory search of prior art examples
included: U.S. Pat. No. 5,730,443 which is not a card game, and
requires a thorough knowledge of the sporting event football to
play; U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,128 which involves a particular type of
scoring in live observance of the sporting event of baseball and
requires a knowledge of baseball to determine the outcome of an
action and uses unique cards corresponding to unique events
occurring during a baseball sporting event and furthermore requires
that players "guess" the outcome of a player at bat prior to the
pitch, then play a corresponding card; patent application
2004/0066002 which involves a particular type of scoring, simulates
a football game and does not include observing a sporting event
while playing; U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,107 uses unique cards
corresponding to unique events occurring during a sporting event
and requires that players "guess" the outcome of an event prior to
the event taking place, and playing a corresponding card; U.S. Pat.
No. 6,338,486 uses unique cards corresponding to unique events
occurring during a sporting event; U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,872 is a
board game where the object is to move your piece around the
playing surface before your opponents.
[0004] In general the prior art devices require more knowledge and
foresight of the players and the individuals in the upcoming
situation. The rules described herein set forth knowledge of the
game which predicates the distribution of cards and having a
successful winning hand.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] The disclosure herein describes a game, in particular a card
game which is adapted to be used interactively while watching or
listening to a sporting event, say for example football. It may
also be possible to observe the sporting events by other media,
such as a golf tournament observed via a newspaper or online
scoreboard technology. The gist of the game is that when certain
events in a sporting event occur, players receive cards (or lose
cards), or points. Cards may have a designated numeric value
associated therewith, and at the end of the game the player with
the highest value (the sum of the value of all of the cards in
their possession) or poker hand is the winner. In the event of a
tie at the end of a round, the winning player of the round will be
determined by a roll of dice, rock paper scissors, flip a coin,
draw cards from a deck, or some other agreed upon method.
[0006] One aspect of this disclosure is that it does not require
any understanding of the sporting event being viewed to play the
card game. A player having no prior understanding of the rules or
play of the sporting event could enjoy playing this card game, and
could succeed in winning against another player who fully
understands the rules and play of the sporting event. One example
of drawing people into being a more interactive-type action, say
for example one of the listed actions such as a punting. This of
course draws people in when say there is a change of possession and
what may seemingly be a boring play such as a punt becomes much
more interesting, because people will view the play very close, the
distance where for example a 50 yard punt is a listed action, which
is rewarded by receiving cards. Therefore, certain people may watch
very closely to count the yards from one side to the other from
where the punt was to determine if it met this criteria.
[0007] This game could be played without player involvement. Once
the event begins, possible distribution occurs, based on actions
within the observed event. Such as where one person is designated
to follow the sporting event and distribute cards.
[0008] If a player is not very knowledgeable about a sport such as
football, they would be much more inclined to be inquisitive as to
what events may be an actionable card distribution event. It should
further be noted that because the quantitative measures such as
knowing how many yards will require points, this breeds extra
attentiveness to the situation of the actual field position, and
actually brings in some mathematical skills to determine the gains
on each play if they are not announced. In another variation, if
certain events occur such as penalties, instead of card
distribution other actionable events could occur, such as consuming
a beverage. It is conceivable that the game would be played with a
beverage being consumed instead of points or cards being
awarded.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an environmental view of players observing a
sporting event and playing the card game described herein;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the cards of an
embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a possible list of actions occurring during a
field football event;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a simple flowchart of the game;
[0013] FIG. 5 shows several possible cards comprising the card
deck.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a possible list of actions occurring during a golf
event;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a possible list of actions occurring during an
arena football event;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a possible list of actions occurring during a CFL
event;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a possible list of actions occurring during a
rugby event;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a possible list of actions occurring during a
baseball event.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a possible list of actions occurring during a
bowling event.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a possible list of actions occurring during a
soccer event.
[0021] FIG. 13 shows a modification of one form of the game where a
sample penalty deck is shown;
[0022] FIG. 14 shows a schematic variation of the game having an
online implementation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] In the disclosure below there will first be a general
description of the basic play of the card game. Thereafter there
will be a more detailed discussion of the method of playing the
game including their various derivatives from the basic rules of
play.
[0024] A round begins with each player selecting a team or
representative to represent their interest in the card game.
Referring now to FIG. 1, there is a schematic environmental view of
various players 20 watching a sporting event 22. For example, the
sporting event 22 could be a football game. Now referring to FIG.
2, when a certain event occurs such as that shown in the partial
list in FIG. 3, a player may receive a card 26 from the deck 30.
For example, if a player 20 has selected the team that is on
defense when a sack occurs, then that player 20 may receive a card
26 from the deck 30. Alternatively, if a first down occurs then
players 20 that selected the team on offense each may receive a
card 26 from the deck 30. Further, a touchdown may count for two
cards and the extra point for a third card so the players 20 which
selected the team on offense could receive three cards 26 from the
deck 30. As an additional component of the game, when a player 20
draws an "interception card" 50 they may choose any player 20 to
take a card 26 from. The player 20 submitting a card 26 at this
point shuffles their hand 28 and then the player with the
"interception card" 50 randomly (not knowing the value) draws one
of their cards 26 and adds it to their hand 28. A "fumble card" 52
is played in a similar manner. If a player were to receive a
"fumble card" 52, then that player may turn his cards 28 face down,
shuffle them, and a card may be randomly selected by any other
player 20 and returned to the deck 30.
[0025] Another embodiment can include a "sudden-death card" 54
where the player 20 drawing this card 54 will tie the player with
the highest point total at that the end of the round.
[0026] The numeric values for each card can correspond to the
points that are acquired in the sporting event where, for example,
the numeric value for each of the cards 26 in the deck 30 can be
one of 1, 2, 3, 6, or 7 if the sporting event observed is football.
Each player 20 has an assortment of cards 28 which may be shown
face up to all the other players so every player knows every other
player's present score. A player's score may be the sum of the face
value of the cards 26 in the player's possession 28, the best poker
hand, the total points of similar cards or any other scoring
system.
[0027] There will now be a more detailed discussion one form of
carrying out the card game. For the sake of consistency, the same
reference numeral will be used to denote the same element in all
the figures and in the disclosure. Furthermore, in order to avoid
needlessly cluttering the drawings, certain elements have been
purposely omitted. Some of these elements not shown are mentioned
in the description or completely omitted if they are only of a very
secondary nature with respect to the invention.
[0028] Watching a football game for example, is a particularly
conducive environment for the card game to be played. Football has
brief pauses whereby an evaluation can occur as to whether a listed
action such as that shown in FIG. 3 was accomplished whereby a
player 20 would receive cards 26 from the deck 30 in a manner as
prescribed below.
[0029] In this disclosure, an action is a play that occurs during a
sporting event 22. Such actions include but are not limited to: a
first down in football, sacking the quarterback in football, 25
yard run in football, a homerun in baseball, strike out in
baseball, 3 point score in basketball, birdie in golf, etc. FIG. 3
shows a possible list of actions conforming to a football game.
FIGS. 6-10 show alternate lists of actions corresponding to golf,
arena football, CFL football, rugby, and baseball.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, a round begins with each player 20 or
group of players selecting a team to represent. Henceforth the term
"player" will be used whether persons are playing individually or
in groups. Once the round begins, cards 26 will be received or
submitted based on predetermined criteria. If a player 20 is to
receive or submit a card, and multiple individuals 20 have selected
the same team, then each player 20 will receive or submit the
required number of cards 26.
[0031] Now referring to FIG. 4, there will be a more detailed
description of the play of the game with reference to the
flowchart. In general, as shown in step 70, before the sporting
event has begun (or it could be anytime during the sporting event
when the players decide to commence playing the card game), each
player selects a team to represent their interests in the game. The
players could select either their favorite team or the team they
believe will perform better in the sporting event and achieve a
greater number of actions such as those that are laid out in FIG.
3.
[0032] In an optional form, the players' names are written down as
step 72, which is not necessary but can be utilized for helping to
keep score and determine a concise order of distribution as the
number of hands is played out.
[0033] Now referring to step 74, the sporting event commences, and
the individuals playing the game either passively or actively
observe the sporting event and compare every action that occurs in
the sporting event to the actions prescribed in the action list
(such as that shown in FIG. 3) to see if a listed action has
occurred as shown in step 76 to see if they have any cards
forthcoming step 78. Of course, play can commence at any time, and
if the players decide to, begin the game after the sporting event
occurs, they could commence at that time. Of course, provisions can
be made if players come in late in the game that they are dealt,
for example, a low number of cards held by any lowest player
currently playing, so they can "get up to speed." For example, if
three players 20 are playing and two players 20 have four and five
cards in their hand, and one player has three cards in their hand,
the fourth additional player would get, for example, three cards to
begin play. Of course, the rules could be modified for the median
number of players, or even the maximum number.
[0034] If one or more of the predetermined terminating events has
occurred, then we move from step 80 to step 82 to see if any player
has a "sudden death joker" (or overtime) card. If none of the
terminating events has occurred, then play continues step 84 and
the players watch the sporting event for another listed event. If a
player does have the "sudden death joker card" then as shown in
step 86 the player with the card and the player with the most
points determine between themselves the winner, or split the
accumulated res or "ante". If no player has the "sudden death joker
card" then the player with the most points or the best poker hand
is declared the winner as shown in step 88. If the sporting event
has not concluded, then the cards are shuffled and a new round
commences as shown in step 90.
[0035] In one embodiment, the cards 26 have a common back side to
make them indistinguishable while face down. The alternate, or face
side would have numbers 62 printed on them and possibly a suit 56.
Several variations are shown in FIG. 5. The suit 56 could be
depicted by cities 60, team names, team mascots 58, animals, or the
traditional hearts, clubs 56, spades and diamonds, etc.
[0036] The sporting event 22 being observed used as an example is a
football game between team A and team B. Player A will be the
player or players who selected team A, and Player B will be the
player or players who selected team B.
[0037] When an action in the football game benefits team A, and
that action is on the list of predetermined criteria FIG. 3 and
FIGS. 6-10, the player 20 who selected team A at the outset may
receive at least one card 26 from the deck 30. For example, if team
A makes a first down, then player A may receive a card from the
deck 30. If team A also advances 25 to 49 yards in that play, then
player A may receive an additional card 26. By looking at the
number of additional cards received on the list represented in FIG.
3, this can be easily understood. Unless otherwise arranged, all
cards 26 could be drawn from the deck 30.
[0038] If player A were to receive an "intercept card" 50, "fumble
card" 52, or "sudden death joker card" 54, then there may be
further considerations before play can continue which will be
described in more detail.
[0039] If player A were to receive an "intercept card" 50, then
player A may choose one card 26 from any player 20. In this case
the other player might turn their cards 28 face down, shuffle them,
and player A can randomly select a card 26 from these cards 28.
Player A can then keep both the "intercept card" 50 and the
selected card.
[0040] If player A were to receive a "fumble card" 52, then player
A may turn his cards 28 face down, shuffle them, and a card may be
randomly selected by any player 20 and returned to the deck 30.
[0041] If for example player A were to receive a "sudden death
joker card" 54, then player A may receive points to tie the player
with the most points, at the end of the round. For example if
player A has 30 points and the "sudden death joker card" 54, and at
the end of the hand player B has 50 points and has more points than
any other player, then player A could receive 20 points and tie
player B. This is described in more detail below. While the term
"sudden death joker" is used throughout this disclosure, other
terms may be used to identify a card with this function.
[0042] When team A is on defense, and there is a change in
possession, such as an interception or fumble, then a card 26 could
be randomly selected from player B and submitted to the deck 30.
Player A could receive a card 26 from the deck 30.
[0043] It should be noted that an occurrence like an extra point is
all part of one play whereby, for example, one player 20 has six
cards and a touchdown is scored as well. The cards that are going
to be dealt are going to bring this player over seven, but the
round continues until the extra point is completed, whereby the
round is ended and the cards are counted if having seven cards is a
terminating event. If offensive team A goes for two points and is
successful, then player A will receive two cards for the touchdown,
and two cards for the extra points, plus any additional cards for
bonus yards. Should team A kick the extra point, then player A
would receive two cards for the touchdown, one for the extra point,
plus any cards for bonus yards. If the extra point attempt is not
successful, then player A would receive 2 cards for the touchdown
in addition to any cards for bonus yards.
[0044] A round continues until a terminating event occurs, such as
for example; one player has a certain number of cards such as
twelve, or every player has at least a certain number of cards,
such as seven. A round may also end at a terminating event
triggered by the sporting event such as: the end of the first half,
the end of a period, or at the end of the sporting event. The
player 20 who has the most points, or alternatively, the person
with the best poker hand, would be declared the winner.
[0045] If a player has the "sudden death joker card" 54, then that
player will tie the player with the highest number of points at the
end of the round, and the winner of the round could be determined
by a roll of dice, rock paper scissors, draw cards from the deck,
or some other agreed upon method. It is also possible that two or
more players 20 tying for the win would split the combined res 24
amongst themselves.
[0046] In another form, as shown in FIG. 1, each player 20 would
submit transferable res or "ante" 24, such as a coin, beverage, or
other article at the beginning of a round. This ante 24 would be
kept until the end of the round. At the end of the round, the
winner would come into possession of the assembled antes for that
round.
[0047] The sporting event may be observed in person, on television,
radio, web cast, pod cast, pre-recorded, or possibly viewed in
print media such as newspaper. The term observed will be used to
cover all possibilities to avoid confusion.
[0048] In one embodiment, players 20 will only be able to select a
different team to represent at halftime or at the end of a period
of play. Another alternative could be to have certain identifiers
with value such as poker chips included in the packaging to induce
a certain amount of competition. It should be noted that each of
the cards may have certain suit thereon, where for example if the
points are 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7, or some combination of say 1, 2, 3 and
6. Each one of these subsets may have a different suit, such as a
team or city or college or what have you placed thereon. Therefore,
at the end of the round, if one player has two or more cards of the
same suit, such as those shown in FIG. 5, the matching cards will
be summed and the player with this high score at the end of the
round would receive his ante 24 back regardless of who won the
overall hand. Therefore, referring to FIG. 4, following step 80 in
one form, if an individual has won a "side game" such as having
matching cards, shown as an example in the upper portion of FIG. 5,
then he would receive his side bet back. If an event happens such
as an "intercept card" 50 being drawn, the player may take into
account not only the number of cards, or values of the cards
another player may have, and but also which player has similar team
cards as the player who acquired the intercept card.
[0049] In a further embodiment, at the end of a round, a player
having a pair of cards of the same suit would be eligible to
receive his ante 24 back if the sum of the pair of cards were of a
higher value than any other player. As in the common card game of
poker, three of a kind beats two of a kind; four of a kind beats
three of a kind etc.
[0050] FIGS. 6-12 show a possible list of actions for other
sporting events. For example, in a game such as golf there is a
sufficient amount of time to allow for distributing cards and
determining whether an action which occurred in the golf game
corresponds to a listed event such as shown in FIG. 6.
[0051] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a slightly modified list for other types
of football other than the National Football League rules and
collegiate rules. For example, FIG. 7 shows a type of card game for
arena football where there is a sample set of types of events under
the description column, and the corresponding cards received for
such an event occurring as an actual action within the competition.
FIG. 8 shows a similar set of possible events for the Canadian
Football League. Of course, the various event lists can be altered,
but the various figures illustrate one possible type of method for
carrying out the invention which is broadly claimed below.
[0052] FIG. 9 shows a possible action list for a rugby game. Of
course rugby has fewer intermissions between an event than a
football game would. However, present analysis indicates that the
type of game described above can be utilized for rugby, which may
have particular benefits to increasing the spectator base by having
spectators less knowledgeable to the rules of rugby be more
involved in observing the match to see if any actionable event
occurs where participants in the card game are rewarded with
cards.
[0053] Finally, another example is shown in FIG. 10 where a
baseball game list of events is shown. Of course it should be noted
that the number of cards as well as the actual events could
substantially change; however, the disclosure above provides a
basic teaching of the general concept of the method of playing the
game.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown yet another set of
possible events which can occur in, for example, a bowling
competition. For example, in a competition such as bowling when
individuals pick a certain team, cards would be awarded according
to the actions occurring within this competition. If the bowler has
a particularly good throw that results in a strike, of course the
players who chose that individual competitor or team is awarded
cards. Now referring to FIG. 12, there is shown yet another
variation of the game for soccer. Again, as stated above, various
example actions are shown but of course the final action list can
vary. It should be noted in a game such as soccer where less
notable actions occur than would perhaps occur in a football game,
more cards can be distributed for certain types of actions. For
example, goals are quite rare in soccer and the scores tend to be
rather low. Therefore, a goal might be worth five or more cards. Of
course, the number of cards in any final embodiment can vary.
[0055] Now referring to FIG. 13, there is shown another derivative
of the game where a separate deck can be utilized as a "penalty
deck." As shown in the upper portion of FIG. 13, the deck 100 can
include an additional plurality of cards. In one form, the deck can
be a different color such as yellow with respect to the other deck
30 as shown in FIG. 1. The deck 100 is reserved for situations
where a penalty event occurs. In one form, a penalty event is an
actual penalty within the sporting competition, such as a yellow
flag in a football game. Whenever a team incurs any form of a
penalty, the individuals that have chosen that team as their
representation would each get a penalty card. As shown in the lower
portion of FIG. 13 at 102 and 104, there are two examples of
possible inscriptions for the penalty card. For example, as shown
in 102, the individuals would actually lose one point if they drew
this card and the point would be subtracted from their total score
at the end of the game. The inscription 104 shows another example
where two points would be lost, and the region 106 indicates some
form of random action that corresponds to the sporting event to
indicate the rationale for the lost number of points. Of course,
the amount of points in the written material do not necessarily
correlate with the actual occurrence in the sporting event, but can
generally relate to types of penalties which occur in such a
sporting event.
[0056] In one form, the penalty card is not included in the card
count for terminating a hand. For example, as described above in
detail, a certain number of cards from the deck 30 is utilized to
determine what hand has terminated. However, in one form, the
penalty deck is not included in the total number of cards. In other
forms it can be included, depending on the choice of the method of
play. In another form, a penalty event can be separate or in
addition to an actual penalty within a sporting event where, for
example, in a prearranged manner, certain actions by the
individuals 20 (as shown in FIG. 1) participating in the game
undergo certain actions which warrant a penalty. Such pre-defined
actions could be, for example, swearing, spilling a beverage,
mentioning a certain subject or individual, talking loudly or
shouting, which is deemed by one referee playing the game or
watching the sporting event or otherwise in close proximity to the
group of individuals or by way of a vote if one player is unruly.
There may be any number of types of criteria which are described in
the rules of the game as given or elected by the individuals 20
participating in the game.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 14, there is another embodiment where the
game stat tech 220 provides all of the technical data occurring due
to the actions within a game. These actions are cross-referenced at
the poker tech module 222 to determine if an actual event occurs
where cards would be distributed. Of course, these abstract objects
220 and 222 can be software modules existing on the internet or any
type of electronic device or network. The merger of the game stat
tech 220 and the poker tech module 222 can be distributed through
any kind of interface 224, which could be one's personal computer
or the like. In this form, the interface 224 can actually tell the
individuals the number of physical cards to draw, or have a
software module to draw and display cards to the various
individuals choosing the time representative teams for which the
actions have occurred in and correlate to the action list.
[0058] It should be noted that the term point value is broadly
interpreted to include numeric values as well as other types of
values such as poker card values or any other type of system or
quantitative process for determining some form of quantitative
value. The various types of poker hands that can be played during
the game could include all different types such as the regular five
card type hands, seven card stud, other variations where community
cards are drawn at the very beginning, and people view these cars
to determine the hand. Or alternatively, the community cards are
drawn at the very end or are some other time during the course of
the game. Regarding the poker hand embodiment, one possible method
of play is to continue playing until all members playing the game
have a certain number of cards. So, for example, the hand is
terminated when all players at least have five cards. The
individuals having more than five cars can choose from their
allotted number to get the best five-card poker hand out of the
total number of cards they possess. For example, if one player has
collected seven cards, he would arrange the best hand out of the
seven cards to make a five-card poker hand.
[0059] It should be noted that the term "team" as used herein can
be hereby defined as including a normal type of scoring event team
as well as an individual participating in the sporting event. It
should further be noted that when points are being added or
subtracted two a players score, this includes variations such as
adding playing cards (such as poker cards) or the like to a hand,
which of course does not necessarily have a finalized determined
value until the hand or the game is completed.
[0060] A terminating event can include the numerous different types
of events such as receiving a number of cards, halftime, or the end
of the sporting event or other prearranged occurrences, such as
finishing a pitcher of beer.
[0061] Of course, this game can be played in mediums other than
physical playing cards, for example electronic media such as a
plurality of handheld electronic devices (such as PDAs) in
communication with one another could distribute the cards to each
individual in a similar manner as the physical cards described
above.
[0062] While the present invention is illustrated by description of
several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are
described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to
restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to
such detail. Additional advantages and modifications within the
scope of the appended claims will readily appear to those sufficed
in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not
limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and
methods, and illustrative examples shown and described.
Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without
departing from the spirit or scope of applicant's general
concept.
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