U.S. patent application number 12/559332 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-11 for poker game having additional draws.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bally Gaming, Inc.. Invention is credited to Keith Knuezynaki, David B. Schultz, John R. Vallejo.
Application Number | 20100059936 12/559332 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41058739 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100059936 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schultz; David B. ; et
al. |
March 11, 2010 |
Poker Game Having Additional Draws
Abstract
A poker game is disclosed. The poker game comprises dealing an
initial hand from a deck of playing cards. A player is allowed to
discard and replace as few as none, and as many as all, of the
cards from the initial hand. The resulting hand is evaluated to
determine whether the player has a three-of-a-kind, and if so, a
second draw is triggered. The second draw provides the player with
another opportunity to obtain a four-of-a-kind without the need for
an additional wager, by allowing the player to discard at least one
card and draw a replacement card for each card discarded. Multiple
initial hands may be provided.
Inventors: |
Schultz; David B.;
(Henderson, NV) ; Vallejo; John R.; (Henderson,
NV) ; Knuezynaki; Keith; (Henderson, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BALLY GAMING INC.
6601 S. BERMUDA ROAD
LAS VEGAS
NV
89119
US
|
Assignee: |
Bally Gaming, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
41058739 |
Appl. No.: |
12/559332 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11223272 |
Sep 9, 2005 |
7588251 |
|
|
12559332 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2001/005 20130101;
A63F 1/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20060101
A63F001/00 |
Claims
1. A poker game comprising: a deck of playing cards; a wager
receivable from a player; an initial hand dealt from the deck of
playing cards in response to receipt of the wager; one or more
cards optionally discardable from the initial hand, wherein any
card discarded from the initial hand is replaced with a replacement
card, and wherein an additional discard option is enabled when a
stand-alone result of a three-of-a-kind is shown in the initial
hand and player eligibility is satisfied, wherein the first
additional discard option includes replacing any additional
discarded card with an additional replacement card without
requiring an additional wager; and a payout awarded according to a
poker payout table.
2. The poker game of claim 1, wherein the initial hand comprises
five cards.
3. The poker game of claim 1, wherein the initial hand comprises
seven cards.
4. The poker game of claim 1, wherein the initial hand comprises
less than seven cards.
5. The poker game of claim 1, wherein the initial hand is dealt
from a standard deck of cards.
6. The poker game of claim 1, wherein the initial hand is dealt
from a deck of cards comprising one or more wild cards.
7. The poker game of claim 1, wherein dealing the hand of cards
comprises dealing each of the cards face-up.
8. The poker game of claim 1, wherein dealing the hand of cards
comprises dealing each of the cards face-down.
9. The poker game of claim 1, wherein dealing the hand of cards
comprises dealing a number of the cards face-up and the remaining
number of the cards face-down.
10. The poker game of claim 1, further comprising a request
receivable from the player to discard one or more of the dealt
cards, wherein the one or more of the cards requested to be
discarded are discarded.
11. The poker game of claim 1, further comprising one or more
additional dealt hands, wherein each additional hand contains the
same number of cards as the initial dealt hand and wherein the
additional discard option is also enabled for each additional dealt
hand in which a stand-alone result of a three-of-a-kind is shown
and player eligibility is satisfied.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/223,272 filed on Sep. 9, 2005, hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a system
and method for playing casino-type games, and more particularly, to
a system and method for playing a poker-based game.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Many variations of poker have been developed to enhance
player interest and to increase the attractiveness of the wagering
game. For example, bonus games have been utilized in connection
with a primary poker-based game. Generally, bonus games generate
additional winnings beyond that which can usually be won during the
normal play of a wagering game. The opportunity to receive the
additional winnings entices the player to play a particular
wagering game.
[0007] However, bonus games do not provide casino game players with
the opportunity to increase the chances of winning in the primary
game. Additionally, bonus games are often subject to the occurrence
of random conditions that are beyond the control of the casino game
player. Often, the casino game player loses interest in the game
before a bonus event occurs. In addition, to further entice players
to continue playing, some poker-based games have been developed
where the player must pay a second wager to increase his
opportunity of winning in a primary based game. However, not all
casino players are interested in paying for a "second chance."
[0008] What is needed is a new and interesting type of poker-based
game that provides a player with an increased opportunity of
winning a primary poker-based game.
SUMMARY
[0009] Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments for
playing an improved poker-based game are provided. A poker game
includes a deck of playing cards, a wager receivable from a player
and an initial hand dealt from the deck of playing cards in
response to receipt of the wager. One or more cards are optionally
discardable from the initial hand, wherein any card discarded from
the initial hand is replaced with a replacement card. An additional
discard option is enabled when a stand-alone result of a
three-of-a-kind is shown in the initial hand and player eligibility
is satisfied, wherein the first additional discard option includes
replacing any additional discarded card with an additional
replacement card without requiring an additional wager. A payout is
awarded according to a poker payout table.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a hand of cards dealt to a
game player in accordance with one embodiment of the poker
game.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a hand of cards played in accordance with
an embodiment of the poker game.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a hand of cards formed in accordance with
an embodiment of the poker game.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a discard selection for replacement by a
second draw in accordance with an embodiment of the poker game.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates the hand of cards formed after the second
draw in accordance with an embodiment of the poker game.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates another hand of cards formed after the
second draw in accordance with an embodiment of the poker game.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of another hand of cards dealt
to a game player in accordance with an embodiment of the poker
game.
[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a hand of cards played in accordance with
an embodiment of the poker game.
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a hand of cards formed in accordance with
an embodiment of the poker game.
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a discard selection for replacement by a
second draw in accordance with an embodiment of the poker game.
[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates the hand of cards formed after the
second draw in accordance with an embodiment of the poker game.
[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates a hand of cards dealt to a player in
accordance with an embodiment of the poker game.
[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a hand of cards formed in
accordance with an embodiment of the poker game.
[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates multiple hands of cards dealt to a
single game player in accordance with an embodiment of the poker
game.
[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates playing more than one hand of cards in
accordance with an embodiment of the poker game.
[0025] FIG. 16 illustrates playing more than one hand of cards in
accordance with an embodiment of the poker game.
[0026] FIG. 17 illustrates playing more than one hand of cards
after a second draw is triggered in accordance with an embodiment
of the poker game.
[0027] FIG. 18 illustrates playing more than one hand of cards
after a second draw in accordance with an embodiment of the poker
game.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Various embodiments are directed to a system and method for
playing a poker game, wherein the player is provided with at least
one additional opportunity for obtaining a four-of-a-kind
Embodiments of the game system and method are illustrated and
described herein, by way of example only, and not by way of
limitation.
[0029] In one embodiment, a poker-based game is provided to be
played in conjunction with an increased opportunity of obtaining a
four-of-a-kind without the need for an additional wager. The
increased opportunity is provided upon the occurrence of a
triggering event. The occurrence of the triggering event provides
the game player with the opportunity to generate extra winnings
Generally, the poker-based wagering game can be any casino-type
poker game, which may include, but is not limited to stand alone
card games or video-based poker game machines.
[0030] Associated with the poker game are triggers for activating a
second draw. Generally, triggers are defined events occurring
during the play of the poker game. Virtually any event can be
defined as a triggering event. In one embodiment, a triggering
event can be defined as a particular winning combination of cards.
For example, the occurrence of a three-of-a-kind may be defined as
the triggering event. The triggering event may further be defined
by how the winning combination occurs. For example, if the
triggering event is defined as the occurrence of a three-of-a-kind,
it can be further stipulated that the three-of-a-kind must occur
when the initial hand is dealt. Alternatively, in an optional
embodiment, the three-of-a-kind may occur at any time. Other
triggering events such as player status, time of day, wagered
amount and the like may also be used to trigger a second draw to
the initial hand.
[0031] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals denote like or similar elements throughout the drawings,
and more particularly to FIGS. 1-18, there is shown a system and
method for playing a poker-based game.
[0032] In one embodiment, the poker-based game uses a five-card
single-hold-and-draw poker game. Optionally, as those skilled in
the art will appreciate, any poker-based game where a player ends
up with four or more cards at the end of the game may be used.
[0033] In one embodiment, a standard deck of cards is used to play
the game. Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that the standard deck of cards may comprise more or
less than fifty-two cards. For example, a wild card may be added to
the deck of cards. Alternatively, more than one wild card may be
added to the deck of cards. Optionally, more than one deck of cards
may be used in a game.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 1, an example of five cards randomly
dealt from a standard deck of playing cards is illustrated.
Specifically, the hand 20 includes the cards 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30,
all dealt from the deck of cards 32. The cards in the hand 20 are
shown face-up, and appear to have been dealt all face-up. However,
in one embodiment, the cards are all dealt face-down, or
alternatively, the cards are dealt in a combined fashion such that
some of the cards are dealt face-down and some are dealt
face-up.
[0035] Once the cards have been dealt, the player is allowed to
discard and to draw replacement cards for the hand 20. As those
skilled in the art will appreciate, the number of allowed discards
will vary for different poker-based games. In one embodiment, the
game player may discard as few as none and as many as all of the
cards received in the initial hand. For example, in a game where
five cards are dealt to the player, then as many as five cards may
be discarded. If any cards are discarded, replacement cards from
the same standard deck of cards are drawn or dealt to complete the
hand. The hand is then compared to a standard poker payout table to
determine a payout amount. Alternatively, any type of pay table may
be used.
[0036] It is important to note that the game player is not required
to discard any of the cards dealt in the initial hand, and may
choose to hold all of the originally dealt cards. However, in an
alternative embodiment of the invention, the game player may be
required to discard at least one of the dealt cards.
[0037] For the purposes of this example, the player selects two
cards to discard, which is illustrated in FIG. 2. Cards 24 and 26
are the two cards selected to be discarded, and therefore, the
cards have been removed from the hand 20. Optionally, the player
may select which cards remain in the hand. In this scenario, the
unselected cards are treated as discards and are removed from the
player's hand.
[0038] Referring back to FIG. 2, the cards 22, 28 and 30 remain in
the hand 20. Two cards are drawn from the deck 32 to replace the
discarded cards and to complete the hand 20. Alternatively, a
dealer may deal two cards from a deck 32 to the player.
[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates a hand 20 where the cards 34 and 36 were
drawn (or dealt) from the deck 32 to complete the hand. The
presence of a three-of-a-kind in the hand 20 (cards 22, 28 and 30)
triggers a second draw. More particularly, the second draw option
provides the player with another opportunity for obtaining a
four-of-a-kind without requiring an additional wager from the
player. Once the second draw is triggered, the player is allowed to
discard at least one card. Referring to FIG. 4, the card 36 is
selected to be discarded, and therefore, this card has been removed
from the hand 20. The cards 22, 34, 28 and 30 remain in the hand
20. A replacement card 46 is drawn from the deck 32 to complete the
hand 20, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The hand 20, in FIG. 5, is
compared to a standard payout table and is awarded a payout
accordingly. Optionally, any type of pay table may be used to
determine the payout.
[0040] The hand 20, as shown in FIG. 5, contains a four-of-a-kind
and the player is awarded the payout that corresponds to such a
hand. Optionally, the player may not obtain a four-of-a-kind. For
example, referring back to FIG. 4, the player discards the card 36
from the hand 20. The player then draws a replacement card to
complete the hand 20. Referring to FIG. 6, a replacement card 56
from the deck 32 completes the hand 20. The hand 20 in FIG. 6
contains a three-of-a-kind and the player is awarded an appropriate
payout that corresponds to this level of win.
[0041] In one embodiment, the three-of-a-kind must occur on the
initial deal to trigger the second draw option. For example, the
hand 20 shown in FIG. 1 shows a three-of-a-kind occurring on the
first deal, and in one embodiment, this occurrence would trigger
the second draw option. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the
three-of-a-kind does not need to occur in the initial hand and may
instead be formed with the aid of replacement cards drawn during
the course of the game. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates an initial
hand 70 comprising cards 72, 74, 76, 78 and 80, wherein the cards
72 and 76 are a pair of kings. The player receiving the hand 70 may
select which, if any, cards to discard. As previously stated, the
player may also select which cards remain in the hand. In this
example, the player chooses to discard cards 74 and 80. In FIG. 8,
the cards 74 and 80 have been removed from the hand 70. Two
replacement cards are drawn from the deck of cards 32 to complete
the hand 70. FIG. 9 illustrates a hand 70 where cards 84 and 90
were drawn from the deck 32 to form the hand. The card 90 completes
the formation of a three-of-a-kind (cards 72, 76 and 90) in the
hand 70, the occurrence of which triggers a second draw option.
Again, once the second draw option is triggered, the player is
allowed to discard at least one card without having to make an
additional wager. Referring to FIG. 10, the card 78 is selected to
be discarded and has been removed from the hand 70. A replacement
card 98 is drawn from the deck 32 to complete the hand 70, as
illustrated in FIG. 11. The hand 70 shown in FIG. 11 contains a
four-of-a-kind (cards 72, 76, 98 and 90). Accordingly, the player
is awarded a payout according to a standard pay table. Optionally,
any type of pay table may be used to determine a payout amount.
[0042] Optionally, in another embodiment, in order to trigger the
second draw option, a three-of-a-kind must occur as a stand-alone
result and not part of a four-of-a-kind, full house, or the like.
For example, referring to FIG. 12, the complete hand 110 contains
three "jacks (cards 111, 114 and 115). However, the three "jacks"
are part of a full house and therefore, are not considered a
three-of-a-kind for the purposes of triggering a second draw.
Therefore, the presence of the three "jacks" would not trigger the
second draw option.
[0043] Alternatively, triggering the second draw option requires a
three-of-a-kind drawn in the initial deal and not part of another
winnable combination after the hand is completed. For example,
referring back to FIG. 1, an initial hand 20 is dealt to a player
from the deck of cards 32. The initial hand 20 contains a
three-of-a-kind (cards 22, 28 and 30) and meets the first part of
the trigger requirement (i.e. the initial hand contains a
three-of-a-kind) In FIG. 2, the player selects the cards 24 and 26
to discard. Two cards are then need to complete the hand 20. In
FIG. 3, the player draws the cards 34 and 36 to complete the hand
20. Since a three-of-a-kind occurred on the initial deal and the
three-of-a-kind is not part of another winnable combination in the
complete hand 20 in FIG. 3, a second draw would be triggered.
[0044] However, if instead the player drew replacement cards 34'
and 36' (as shown in FIG. 13) to complete the hand 20, the second
draw would not be triggered. In this example, the hand 20 in FIG.
13 contains a full house (two "tens" and three "jacks"). The three
jacks (i.e. cards 22, 28 and 30) would not trigger a second draw
option because the three jacks are part of the full house and
therefore ineligible to trigger the second draw option.
[0045] In another, separate embodiment, more than one hand of cards
may be dealt to the game player, wherein each additional hand
contains the same number of cards as the first dealt hand. For
example, referring to FIG. 14, a first hand 140 is dealt from the
deck 135 and an additional hand 142 is dealt from an additional
deck 137. It will be appreciated that any number of additional
hands can be dealt to the game player. FIG. 14 is provided for
purposes of illustration only, and is not intended to limit or
restrict the number of multiple hands to two.
[0046] Referring back to FIG. 14, the game player chooses which
cards, if any, to discard from each of the hands 140 and 142. The
game player may choose to discard as few as none, and as many as
the maximum number of allowed discards from each hand. As
previously stated, the maximum allowable number of discards varies
among the many variations of poker-based games. Additionally, the
game player may choose to discard a different number of cards from
each hand. FIG. 15 illustrates the cards removed, or discarded,
from each hand. Specifically, the cards 152, 154 and 158 have been
discarded from the hand 140 and the card 160 has been discarded
from the hand 142.
[0047] The three replacement cards needed to complete the hand 140
are drawn from the deck 135, which is the same deck used initially
to deal the hand 140. In FIG. 16, the cards 252, 254 and 258 have
been drawn from deck 135 to complete and form the hand 140. The
replacement card needed to complete the hand 142 is drawn from the
deck 137, the same deck used initially to deal the original hand
142. In FIG. 16, the card 260 is drawn from the deck 137 to
complete and form the hand 142. The hands 140 and 142 are then
evaluated.
[0048] The presence of a three-of-a-kind triggers a second draw
option. As previously stated, different variants of the
three-of-a-kind trigger may be utilized. For example, the
three-of-a-kind may be required to occur in the initial deal hand
to trigger the second draw option.
[0049] Referring back to FIG. 16, both of the hands 140 and 142
contain a three-of-a-kind For purposes of this example, the
presence of each three-of-a-kind triggers the second draw option.
Referring now to FIG. 17, the player may discard and replace one
card from each hand. Additionally, the second draw option is
presented to the player without requiring the player to make any
additional wagers. Additionally, even though the second draw option
is available, the player does not have to make use of this option.
For the purposes of this example, however, the player chooses to
discard the cards 150 and 252 from the hand 140 and the cards 260
and 162 from the hand 142. Two cards are drawn from the deck 135 to
complete the hand 140 and two cards are drawn from the deck 137 to
complete the hand 142. Referring to FIG. 18, the cards 350 and 352
are drawn from the deck 135 to complete the hand 142 and the cards
360 and 362 are drawn from the deck 137 to complete the hand 142.
Each of the hands 140 and 142 are evaluated for winning
combinations. Accordingly, the hand 140 is awarded a payout
appropriate for a four-of-a-kind and the hand 142 is awarded a
payout appropriate for a three-of-a-kind.
[0050] Furthermore, the various methodologies described above are
provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to
limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily
recognize that various modifications and changes may be made to the
present invention without departing from the true spirit and scope
of the present invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the
present invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.
* * * * *