U.S. patent application number 13/220398 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-16 for playing cards and method for playing card games therewith.
Invention is credited to Stephen M. Flaherty, David L. Hoyt.
Application Number | 20120038106 13/220398 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46330293 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120038106 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hoyt; David L. ; et
al. |
February 16, 2012 |
Playing Cards and Method for Playing Card Games Therewith
Abstract
A novel card game in which cards are dealt and placed into a
space on a three-by-three grid in order to create the most number
of high-scoring poker hands out of the eight possible hands; three
rows, three columns and two diagonals. Using the present invention,
numerous different games can be played with one or more players and
using a deck of standard playing cards, a computer, a handheld
device or a gaming machine. The present invention can also be used
for lottery tickets and the like.
Inventors: |
Hoyt; David L.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Flaherty; Stephen M.; (Chicago, IL) |
Family ID: |
46330293 |
Appl. No.: |
13/220398 |
Filed: |
August 29, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12157183 |
Jun 6, 2008 |
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13220398 |
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11653162 |
Jan 12, 2007 |
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12157183 |
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11189049 |
Jul 25, 2005 |
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11653162 |
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10411811 |
Apr 11, 2003 |
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11189049 |
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09826637 |
Apr 5, 2001 |
6547247 |
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10411811 |
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60195600 |
Apr 6, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3262 20130101;
A63F 1/02 20130101; G07F 17/3293 20130101; A63F 2001/0416 20130101;
A63F 1/00 20130101; A63F 2001/003 20130101; A63F 2001/005 20130101;
A63F 3/00094 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20060101
A63F001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of playing a card game wherein the object is to
accumulate nine cards making up of eight sets of three cards
wherein each card is used in more than one of said eight-three card
sets, comprising the steps of: a) dealing a playing card from a
deck of playing cards to a player; b) placing said playing card in
one of nine locations, said one of nine locations being determined
by a three by three array; c) dealing another playing card to said
player; d) placing said another playing card into a remaining
location of said nine locations; e) repeating steps c) and d) until
each of said nine locations contain a playing card.
2. The method of playing a card game in claim 1, further comprising
the step of: f) scoring each of said eight sets of three cards
based on a poker scoring table.
3. The method of playing a card game in claim 2, further comprising
the step of: g) adding up the scoring from each of said eight sets
of three cards to generate a total score for said card game.
4. The method of playing a card game in claim 3, further comprising
the step of: h) determining a reward based on the total score.
5. A method of playing a card game wherein the object is to
accumulate nine cards making up of eight sets of three cards
wherein each card is used in more than one of said eight-three card
sets, comprising the steps of: a) dealing a playing card from a
deck of playing cards to a player; b) deciding whether to discard
the playing card or not; b) if not discarded, placing said playing
card in one of nine locations, said one of nine locations being
determined by a three by three array; c) dealing another playing
card to said player; d) placing said another playing card into a
remaining location of said nine locations; e) repeating steps c)
and d) until each of said nine locations contain a playing
card.
6. The method of playing a card game in claim 5, further comprising
the step of: f) scoring each of said eight sets of three cards
based on a poker scoring table.
7. The method of playing a card game in claim 6, further comprising
the step of: g) adding up the scoring from each of said eight sets
of three cards to generate a total score for said card game.
8. The method of playing a card game in claim 7, further comprising
the step of: h) determining a reward based on the total score.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
application Ser. No. 11/653,162 filed Jan. 12, 2007, entitled
PLAYING CARDS AND METHOD FOR PLAYING CARD GAMES THEREWITH which is
a continuation of (now abandoned) Ser. No. 11/189,049 filed Jul.
25, 2005, entitled PLAYING CARDS AND METHOD FOR PLAYING CARD GAMES
THEREWITH, which is a continuation of (now abandoned) Ser. No.
10/411,811 filed Apr. 11, 2003, entitled PLAYING CARDS AND METHOD
FOR PLAYING CARD GAMES THEREWITH, which is a continuation of U.S.
Ser. No. 09/826,637 filed Apr. 5, 2001, entitled PLAYING CARDS AND
METHOD FOR PLAYING CARD GAMES THEREWITH, and which issued as U.S.
Pat. No. 6,547,247 on Apr. 15, 2003, which was a regular filing of
provisional application Ser. No. 60/195,600 filed Apr. 6, 2000.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to novel card games or
gambling games that can be played with a standard deck of cards or
with a novel deck of playing cards, more specifically the present
invention relates to a novel card game utilizing the combination of
the well known tic-tac-toe game, along with the rules of Blackjack
(otherwise known as 21), or the rules of poker. In the novel game,
nine playing cards are dealt to a player, one at a time from a
standard deck of 52 playing cards, and the player must decide as
each card is dealt where to place the card on a tic-tac-toe (3 by 3
array) board, in order to obtain the sum of 21 (when adding up
three cards), either across, down or on a diagonal. The player
attempts to create as many 21 totals as possible. In the novel
games of poker, the cards are also placed on the board, but the
player places the cards in the optimal position to obtain the best
poker hand or hands.
[0003] An alternative embodiment of the present invention relates
to a novel deck of playing cards made up of approximately 60 cards.
The novel deck comprises six groups of ten cards, each card having
a numeric value of between one and ten (i.e., six cards having the
number five, six cards having the number ten, etc.). These novel
cards, unlike standard cards, do not contain a suit indication,
such as Spades, Hearts, Diamonds or Clubs.
[0004] Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is a
novel deck of playing cards contains either 37 or 38 cards. Each
playing card corresponds to a number (1 through 36, 0 and 00), and
a color (black, red or green), found on a standard wheel used in a
game of roulette. The novel cards may also contain other
information, such as whether the card number is odd or even, and
whether the number on the card pertains to the first-third of
numbers, second-third, or third-third.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Playing cards have been in existence for many years.
Although there are many types of playing cards that are played in
many different types of games, the most common type of playing
cards consists of 52 cards, divided out into four different suits
(namely Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Clubs) which are printed or
indicated on one side or on the face of each card. In the standard
deck, each of the four suits of cards consists of 13 cards,
numbered either two through ten, or lettered A (Ace), K (King), Q
(Queen), or J (Jack), which is also printed or indicated on the
face of each card. Each card will thus contain on its face a suit
indication along with a number or letter indication. The King,
Queen, and Jack usually also include some sort of design on the
face of the card, and may be referred to as picture cards.
[0006] In some cases, the 52 card standard playing deck also
contains a number of extra cards, sometimes referred to as jokers,
that may have some use or meaning depending on the particular game
being played with the deck. For example, if a card game includes
the jokers, then if a player receives a joker in his "hand" he may
use it as any card in the deck. If the player has the ten, jack,
queen and king of Spades, along with a joker, the player would use
the joker as an Ace of Spades. The player will then have a Royal
Flush (ten through Ace of Spades).
[0007] Many different games can be played using a standard deck of
playing cards. The game being played with the standard deck of
cards may include other items, such as game boards, chips, etc., or
the game being played may only need the playing card deck itself.
In most of the games played using a standard deck of cards, a value
is assigned to each card. The value may differ for different
games.
[0008] Usually, the card value begins with the number two card as
the lowest value and increases as the numbers increase through ten,
followed in order of increasing value with the Jack, Queen, King
and Ace. In some games the Ace may have a lower value than the two,
and in games where a particular card is determined to be wild, or
have any value, that card may have the greatest value of all. For
example, in card games where deuces, or twos, are wild, the player
holding a playing card containing a two can use that two as any
other card, such that a nine and a two would be the equivalent of
two nines.
[0009] Further, the four different suits indicated on the cards may
have a particular value depending on the game. Under game rules
where one suit, i.e., Spades, has more value than another suit,
i.e., Hearts, the seven of Spades may have more value than the
seven of Hearts.
[0010] It is easy to visualize that using the different card
quantity and suit values, many different games can be played. In
certain games, it is the combination of cards that one player
obtains that determines whether or not that player has defeated the
other player or players. Usually, the more difficult the
combination is to obtain, the more value the combination has, and
the player who obtains the more difficult combination (also taking
into account the value of the cards) wins the game.
[0011] For instance in the game of Poker, each player may
ultimately receive five cards. The player who obtains three cards
having similar numbers on their face, i.e., the four of Hearts,
four of Diamonds and four of Clubs, will defeat the player having
only two cards with the same numerical value, i.e., the King of
Spades and the King of Hearts. However, the player with five cards
that all contain Clubs, commonly known as a flush, will defeat the
player with the same three of a kind described above.
[0012] In many instances, a standard deck of playing cards is used
to create gaming machines. In these gaming machines players insert
coins and play certain card games, such as poker, using an
imitation of standard playing cards on a video screen, in an
attempt to win back more money than they originally inserted into
the machine.
[0013] Another form of gambling using playing cards utilizes
tables, otherwise known as table games. A table uses a table and a
dealer, with the players sitting or standing around the table. The
players place their bets on the table and the dealer deals the
cards to each player. The number of cards dealt, or whether the
cards are dealt face up or face down, will depend on the particular
table game being played.
[0014] Further, an imitation or depiction of a standard playing
card is used in many handheld electronic games, such as poker and
Blackjack, and in many computer games and Internet games. Using a
handheld electronic game or a computer terminal that may or may not
be connected to the Internet, a player receives the imitation
playing cards and plays a card game either against the computer or
against other players. Further, many of these games can be played
on the computer in combination with gambling.
[0015] Also, there are many game shows that are broadcasted on
television that use a deck of playing cards in the game play, in
which the cards are usually enlarged or shown on a video screen or
monitor for easy viewing. In these television game shows, the
participants play the card game for prizes or money, usually
against each other, with an individual acting as a host overseeing
the action.
[0016] Also, there are lottery tickets that players purchase and
play by "scratching off" an opaque layer to see if they have won
money and prizes. The opaque layer prevents the player from knowing
the results of the lottery ticket prior to purchasing and
scratching off the layer. In some of these lottery tickets, playing
cards are used under the opaque layer and the player may need to
match a number of similar cards in order to win the prizes or
money.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In the present invention, a novel board game and/or gambling
game that can be played with a standard deck of playing cards
utilizing the combination of tic-tac-toe with the rules of
Blackjack or 21. Nine cards are dealt, one at a time, from a
standard deck of playing cards (52 cards having 13 cards per each
of four suits). The player must decide, as each card is dealt,
where to place the card on an enlarged tic-tac-toe board. The
object is to obtain a sum of 21 either across, down or on the
diagonals.
[0018] An object of the present invention is to provide a method
for playing the game of Blackjack in which nine standard playing
cards are dealt to the player, and the player places the cards on
an exaggerated (in size) tic-tac-toe board in an attempt to obtain
totals of 21 when adding three cards (either across, down or
diagonal). The player positions the cards such that as many totals
of 21 can be obtained.
[0019] Another object of the Present invention is to provide a
method for playing the game of poker in which nine standard playing
cards are dealt to the player, and the player places the cards on
an exaggerated (in size) tic-tac-toe board in an attempt to obtain
the highest value poker hand using three cards (either across, down
or diagonal). The player positions the cards such that each set is
a separate poker hand.
[0020] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a deck of
playing cards made up of 60 individual cards, divided into six
groups of ten cards per group. Each card of each group has a
numeric value of between one and ten (i.e., six cards having the
number five, six cards having the number ten, etc.). These cards do
not necessarily need a suit indication (club, spade, diamond or
heart) as found on cards from a standard playing deck of cards.
Other combinations of numeric values and group numbers can be used,
such as ten groups of cards each card containing the numeric value
of between one and seven.
[0021] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a novel
deck of playing cards containing novel cards, each card
corresponding to a number (one through 36, 0 or 00), or a color
(black, red or green). This information is similar to some of the
information found on a standard roulette wheel and table board. If
there is only one "zero" card, then the deck contains 37 cards; if
there is a "double-zero" card, the deck will contains 38 cards.
[0022] Each of these novel games can be played using actual playing
cards from a standard or modified deck as described herein, or the
games can be played by simulating the dealing of cards on a
display, such as a computer screen or a handheld electronic game.
Further, the basis of these novel games can be depicted in scratch
off lottery cards and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a front view of nine playing cards located on the
playing board after playing a version of the game embodying the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a front view of nine playing cards located on the
playing board after playing a version of the game embodying the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a front view of nine playing cards located on the
playing board after playing a version of the game embodying the
present invention;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a front view of nine playing cards located on the
playing board after playing a version of the game embodying the
present invention;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a front view of a single playing card from an
alternative novel deck of playing cards embodying the to present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a front view of a single playing card from an
alternative novel deck of playing cards embodying the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] The present invention relates to a novel board game and/or
gambling game and method that can be played with a standard deck of
playing cards utilizing the combination of the well known game of
tic-tac-toe, along with the rules of Blackjack (otherwise known as
21). The object of the game is to obtain a sum of 21, or as many
21s as possible, across, down or on the diagonals, as nine cards
are dealt, one at a time, from a standard deck of playing cards (52
cards having 13 cards per each of four suits). FIG. 1 shows the
final layout of the cards 10 in the tic-tac-toe arrangement in
accordance with the present invention.
[0030] At the beginning of the game, an empty board (not shown)
containing a three by three array, similar to a tic-tac-toe board,
is laid out. The game can be played without a board and instead
just approximate where the nine different positions are located. As
understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, the game can
also be played or simulated on a computer, an electronic handheld
device or a gaming machine. Using an electronic display (especially
using a touch screen), allows the player to indicate where the
cards should be placed to optimize scoring, and also allows
replacement or switching of cards as necessary in particular games
described below.
[0031] During game play, a first card 12 is dealt to a player, and
the player must decide which place on the board (of the nine
possibilities) the card should be placed. In the example of FIG. 1
the player was dealt an Ace of Hearts as a first card 12. The
player decided to put the first card 12 in the center position.
[0032] Once the player places the first card 12, a second card 14
is dealt to the player. In FIG. 1 a Jack of Spades was dealt as the
second card 14. Again, the player must decide which position, of
the eight remaining positions, to place the card (upper left
corner). After each card is placed in a position, another card is
dealt, and the player must decide in which of the remaining
tic-tac-toe locations the dealt card must be placed.
[0033] When the game is complete and all nine cards have been dealt
and placed, the nine cards will be laid out in three rows of three
cards per row. By adding up the three card combinations, across,
down and diagonally, (eight combinations in all) the player can
calculate how many 21s he has created. In the example shown in FIG.
1, the only 21 created begins at the upper left card 14 (Jack of
Spades) and moves diagonally down across the middle 12 (Ace of
Hearts) to the lower right card 16 (King of Clubs). The other
combinations have totals that are either greater than or less than
21.
[0034] The board will be sufficient size to be able to accommodate
standard playing cards; however, a smaller board can be used for
smaller cards. Further, as described above, a board is not
necessary as the cards can be placed on a table in the correct
location.
[0035] The novel board or gambling game utilizing a tic-tac-toe
format could also be played as a poker game, instead of 21 as
described above. In this alternative embodiment, the player places
the cards as dealt onto the game board in an attempt to create the
best poker hands using the three card combinations across, down and
diagonal.
[0036] For example, if the player was initially dealt an Ace of
spades, the player may place the Ace in the middle of the board. If
the second card was an Ace of Hearts, the player may place that
second Ace in the upper-middle position. If the third card dealt
was the two of Hearts, the player may position the card in the
upper-left location such that if another Heart is dealt, it can be
placed in the upper-right position to complete the flush, if
however another Ace is dealt, it can be placed in the lower-middle
position for triple Aces. There are many different strategies that
a player can use to play this tic-tac-toe type poker game. As
described above, the player does not stop until all of the nine
positions are filled. The player attempts to obtain as many winning
poker hands as possible.
[0037] If the player placed the nine cards that he was dealt into
the locations shown in FIG. 1, then the best hand the player has
obtained the hand containing the Jack of Spades 14, the Queen of
Hearts 18, and the Queen of Spades 20, otherwise known as a pair of
Queens.
[0038] Similar to the games described above, a number of well-known
card games can be played by utilizing the methods set forth herein,
such as Blackjack and poker, using a standard deck of 52 playing
cards. In the present invention, many of the existing strategies
are present from classic card games; however, there are numerous
additional strategies that can be implemented for successful game
play. One of the key differentiators, and also one of the reasons
for additional strategies, is because in the present invention a
player must formulate both a strategy for the particular game play,
along with a strategy for the location that the card is placed
during the game play. The placement of the card becomes as
important as the actual card dealt to the player.
[0039] Besides the general game play described above, there are
many games and variations of games that can be played using the
present invention. All the games and associated game play are based
on the same principals as a Tic Tac Toe game, including the eight
possible scoring opportunities in that classic game. In the present
invention, just like the classic game, the player must create
scoring opportunities using the three rows, the three columns, and
the two diagonals.
[0040] Additionally, there are numerous games in accordance with
the present invention which use the Xs and Os of the classic Tic
Tac Toe game. In these types of games, the placement of the Xs and
Os are combined with the placement of the particular cards in the
present invention to create a novel game. As described above, all
of the novel game embodiments can be incorporated and played with a
standard deck of playing cards, as a handheld device, video or
computer game (single-use or Internet version), on casino table
games or gaming machines, using game boards, and also as lottery
tickets, among others.
[0041] In the game play for Blackjack or 21 using the present
invention, the basic play for each game involves dealing nine
playing cards to a player one at a time (there may be multiple
players playing at the same time) from a standard deck of 52
playing cards. There are a number of variations to this method; the
player may have the option of discarding one or more of the dealt
cards (i.e., not using the card dealt), placing one or more cards
over an existing placed card, or rearranging the cards already
placed down, depending on the game and the game options.
[0042] The game ends after nine cards have been placed in a
three-by-three array similar to a game of Tic Tac Toe. The game
variation may include a four-by-four array, or a five-by-five
array, which may be useful for certain poker games. In the basic
game play, the player must decide as each card is dealt where to
place each card on a Tic Tac Toe layout, or a three-by-three array,
in order to obtain as many as possible three card combination that
add up to 21. The sums are created by adding up the card value for
three cards across, down or on a diagonal. For example, if the
resulting first column contains a seven of Diamonds, a four of
Clubs and a ten of Hearts, the total is 21. There are eight
different sums; three columns, three rows and two diagonals.
[0043] In the classic game of Blackjack or 21, as it is sometimes
referred to, the value of the cards in a "hand" is added together
and a total is determined. A winning hand has a value higher than
the opponent or dealer that is less than or equal to 21. In the
classic Blackjack game a player may receive as many cards as
requested until the value of the cards in the players hand exceeds
21. The value of each card is equal to the number on the card for
cards 2 through ten, i.e., the 3 of hearts has a value of three.
The value of the face cards, the King, Queen and Jack, are set at
ten, and the value of the remaining card, the Ace, can be one or
eleven, depending on the player's choice. For example, if the three
cards are the seven of Clubs, the Ace of Hearts and the three of
diamonds, the player would choose to make the Ace worth eleven
points. However, if the player's cards were the Ace of Hearts, the
King of Clubs and the Queen of Spades, then the player would choose
the value of the Ace to be one.
[0044] The present invention utilizes the same card values as the
classic Blackjack game described above. However, in the present
invention, the player has eight scoring opportunities or hands. One
of the main differences between the present invention and the
classic Blackjack game is that the player is only allowed three
cards per hand, since each of the eight hands fit into a
three-by-three Tic Tac Toe layout (unless more than a
three-by-three layout is used). In the present invention the value
of a winning hand, only three cards must equal 21.
[0045] The nine cards are dealt to complete the eight hands on the
three-by-three layout. The player must attempt to place all nine
cards in patterns of three that total 21. Eight hands of 21, a
perfect score, is extremely difficult to obtain, since even if you
were dealt each of the nine cards needed for the perfect score, the
player must place the nine cards in the proper location on the nine
card layout, or the eight hands of 21 can not be achieved.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows a completed Blackjack or 21 game and an
illustration of these scoring opportunities, or hands. For ease of
reference, the rows are labeled A, B, C and the columns are labeled
1, 2, 3 to describe card placement. As such, the following eight
hands are created:
TABLE-US-00001 Three Vertical Three Horizontal Two Diagonal Hands
Hands Hands 1 Row A, 4 Column 1, 7 Cells A1, B2, C3 Columns 1, 2, 3
Rows A, B, C 2 Row B, 5 Column 2, 8 Cells, C1, B2, A3 Columns 1, 2,
3 Rows A, B, C 3 Row C, 6 Column 3, Columns 1, 2, 3 Rows A, B,
C
[0047] Each card placement is made to maximize the player's
probability of arranging 9 cards into 8 possible scoring
opportunities, either for Blackjack or poker depending on the game.
Although the description herein relates mostly to a single player,
it is easy to understand that these novel games can be played by
more than one player at a time. The chart below, which uses the
cells as described above, indicates one strategy involved in this
particular game.
[0048] One alternative embodiment includes allowing a player to
"pass" on the placement of a certain number of cards. Instead of
being required to place each of the first nine cards dealt on to
the three-by-three layout, the player can elect not place a certain
number of the dealt cards, preferably five cards. In this
embodiment, once a card is passed on, it can no longer be placed
onto the layout. Players must decide whether of not each card dealt
will help of hurt their score, and then elect to place the card on
the three-by-three layout or "pass" on the placement of the card.
Once the player has passed on a number of cards, for example, five
cards, the player then must place the remaining cards on the layout
until each of the nine places are filled.
[0049] In another alternative embodiment the game of poker is
played using a similar nine-card method and the same three-by-three
array layout. Of course, a four-by-four or five-by-five grid can be
used without deviating from the present invention. In accordance
with the present invention, nine playing cards are dealt to a
player one at a time from a standard deck of 52 playing cards. The
player must decide as each card is dealt where to place each card
on the three-by-three layout in order to obtain the best eight,
three card poker combinations when viewing the three rows, the
three columns and the two diagonals. Again, the rules may allow for
the player to pass or skip a number of cards before filling in the
layout completely.
[0050] In poker certain card combinations create hands that have
greater value than other hands. A winning hand is a hand that has a
greater value than the opponent's hand. The present invention uses
the same card values and the same ranking of the importance of
certain hands as the classic game of poker. However, in the present
invention, similar to the Blackjack game described above, there are
eight scoring opportunities, or "hands" of only three card
combinations (or four or five, depending on the game layout). Each
scoring opportunity is a "hand" using three cards.
[0051] In the preferred embodiment of present invention, each hand
can only have three cards, since the "hand" must fit into the
three-by-three Tic Tac Toe layout. Nine cards are dealt to complete
the eight hands on the layout of the present invention. The player
must place all nine cards in patterns of three to have eight three
card poker hands with the highest ranking card combinations
possible. As in the Blackjack version of the present invention, the
placement of cards on the layout is crucial to the result of all
eight hands.
[0052] FIG. 3 shows a completed poker game in accordance with the
present invention. Points are awarded and accumulated based on the
"strength" of the three card poker hands, in other words, how good
each three-card poker hand is. The lower the probability of
achieving a hand the higher the point total awarded to achieving
that hand. The chart below indicates one example of a scoring
scheme.
TABLE-US-00002 Description of Hand Points Awarded Royal Flush 30
Straight Flush 25 Three of a Kind 20 Flush 15 Straight 10 Two of a
Kind 05
Using the scoring above, the poker shown in FIG. 3 would be scored
as follows:
TABLE-US-00003 Points Hand Number Description of Hand awarded 1 No
hand 0 2 No hand 0 3 Diamond Flush 10 4 Pair of Queens 5 5 No hand
0 6 Pair of fours 5 7 Straight Royal Flush 30 8 No hand 0 Total
50
[0053] A player may be awarded another game if the score of the
eight hands exceeds 30 points, for example. Players can then
increase their cumulative score in a 2.sup.nd, 3.sup.rd, 4.sup.th,
etc. game. Using this game play, a player could continue to play
and accumulate points until the score for their game was less than
40 points. The game only ends when the score achieve in one round
is less than 30. Using this feature, players can continue to try to
match or beat the highest score that the player had previously
achieved, or if the player is networked to other players, i.e.,
over the Internet, the player can try to match or best the highest
score ever for that particular type of game.
[0054] Another alternative embodiment of the present invention
would include a type of gaming machine in which a pay table would
be calculated. Players would insert coins or other types of credit
and receive payouts (winnings) based on the resulting hand (and
based on the pay table). A player that has a high pay table score
would be eligible to participate in another "hand" that would be
part of a "progressive" payout. The progressive would represent a
very large amount that could be won. The progressive would be tied
to a network of other gaming machines in accordance with the
present invention.
[0055] The points awarded by hand and the threshold amounts (to be
rewarded with another game) can be adjusted based on the results to
increase the frequency and amount of winning hands during game
play. The frequency and amount of winnings are calculated in
accordance with known parameters for the gaming industry.
[0056] The chart below shows one of the many strategies involved in
playing the present invention for the game of poker. In particular,
the strategy includes where and why certain cards are placed in
certain positions in the layout.
[0057] FIG. 4 shows another alternative embodiment is a game of the
present invention played with both regular playing cards and cards
or some other indicators of Xs and Os as used in a standard game of
Tic Tac Toe. The Xs and Os serve as a point multiplier in which one
player may play against another player, or against a computerized
system using a "computer dealer".
[0058] The object of the game is to create as many "hands" that
total to 21 as possible on the Tic-a-Tac grid while at the same
time placing Xs (or Os) on those cards. Point totals for "hands"
are multiplied by the number of Xs on the cards within the three
card hand that totals 21. For example, if all three cards in a
sequence that total 21 have Xs, the total would be multiplied by
three, resulting in a point total of 63 (21.times.3=63) for that
particular hand. If only two cards in the three card 21 sequence
have Xs the result would be a point total of 21.times.2=42 for that
particular hand. The player receives no points for a three card
hand that totals to 21 if the player failed to place any Xs on any
of the cards in the sequence.
[0059] Another alternative embodiment of the present invention can
be played in two parts that are related to each other. The first
part is a standard game of Blackjack played against the dealer. The
winner of the Blackjack hand determines where and what card is
placed on the three-by-three layout in the second part of the
game.
[0060] During the second part of the game, cards are placed on the
layout based on the results of the Blackjack game played in part
one. If the player beats dealer in the Blackjack game then the
player may place any card in his Blackjack hand on any space on the
layout. Further, an X is placed on top of that card. If the dealer
wins the Blackjack hand, then a random card, from the dealer's
hand, is randomly placed on a space on the layout and an O is
placed on top of that card. The player attempts to maximize his
Blackjack score by creating as many three-card hand sequences as
possible that have as many Xs on the layout.
[0061] To the extent that game play is via computer, the play could
start with one blank three-by-three layout and one standard deck of
52 playing cards, for example, the three-by-three layout can be
prominently displayed at the top and center of the screen. Along
either sides of the bottom of the computer screen the Blackjack
game will be played by the player and dealer. The player is dealt
two cards, and the dealer is dealt two cards. One of the dealer's
cards is dealt face down and the other is dealt face up. The player
then plays Blackjack against the dealer, with the object to get a
total card count of less than or equal to 21 that is greater than
the dealers card count. If the player exceeds 21 the dealer
wins.
[0062] If the player defeats the dealer during the Blackjack game,
the player is allowed to place one of the cards in his hand on any
open space on the layout. The player may use a placement strategy
that will provide the best chance to have a three card total of 21
for as many of the 8 possible hands in the layout. The player also
receives an X on top of the card that the player placed in that
position.
[0063] If, on the other hand, the dealer wins the Blackjack hand,
the computer randomly places one of the dealer's cards on one of
the open spaces on the layout. The system can be programmed to
strategically choose which card is placed and where it is placed,
thereby reducing the player's chance to obtain a 21 on that section
of the layout. The Computer places an O on top of the placed card.
These steps are repeated until the entire layout is completed. The
player's score is based on the number of 21s and the multiplier
based on the number of Xs in each 21.
[0064] The game ends when nine cards are placed on the layout. The
player receives a score based on the number of three card hands
that total 21, with a multiplier based on the number of X's on
those cards that total 21, as described above.
[0065] As described above, it is very difficult to get eight-three
card sequences on the grid that total 21, it would be even harder
to get all eight-three cards sequences to total to 21 and to have
beaten the dealer on all nine hands, thereby placing an X on all
nine spaces on the grid. This score of 504 would be a highest
obtainable for an individual game, however, the score could be
bettered if each player was allowed to get another game to add any
point total from the first game to the second game. This would
allow for increasing points totals for individual players.
[0066] Another alternative embodiment involves similar rules, but
played against an opponent. Thus, this alternative embodiment is
played with both regular playing cards and Xs and Os as used in a
Tic Tac Toe game. Further, other symbols can be implemented for
more than two players in this version depending on the number of
participants in the game. The Xs, Os and other symbols serve as the
point multiplier as described above. In the preferred embodiment,
this game is played on a computerized system in competition with
other players.
[0067] The object of the game is to create as many 21 hands as
possible on the layout while at the same time placing the player's
designated symbol on those cards. Point totals for each hand is
multiplied by the number of the player's symbols on the cards
within the three card 21 hand. As an example if all three cards in
a 21 sequence all have the player's symbol, that player would
receive 63 points (21.times.3) for that particular hand. If only
two cards in a three card 21 sequence have the player's symbol,
that player would receive 24 points, and the player receives no
points for a three card 21 hand if none of the player's symbols
have been placed on any of the cards in the sequence.
[0068] In an alternative embodiment, the game is played against
other players instead of a computer. Again, the invention includes
two parts that are related to each other. The first part is a
standard game of Blackjack played against all the other players.
The winner of the initial Blackjack hand determines where and what
card is placed on the three-by-three layout for the second part of
the game. The first part would include a tie breaker rule, and up
to six players could participate, with four players being the
optimal amount. At the beginning of the game, each player chooses
or is assigned a symbol, such as X, O, +, etc.
[0069] During the second part of the game, cards are placed on the
layout based on the results of the Blackjack game from part one.
The player that wins the hand from part one can place any card in
his winning hand on any unused space on the layout and then his
symbol is placed on top of that card. The player attempts to
maximize his score by creating three card sequences that add up to
21, and that have his symbol on as many of those cards as
possible.
[0070] Play starts with one empty three-by-three layout and one
standard deck of playing (52 cards). The present invention can be
played on a game board, on a computer, on a cell phone or PDA, on
bar-top devices, on a handheld computer device, and over the
Internet either against the computer or against other players
networked together.
[0071] Another alternative embodiment includes a version using the
three-by-three layout for the game of poker. The method is similar
to the invention described above, but instead of attempting to
obtain a hand that totals 21, the player attempts to obtain various
poker hands, which have different values depending on the
difficulty of obtaining that hand. As in the two part game for 21,
the score for each poker hand is multiplied by the number of Xs (or
the player's symbol) placed on the cards of each of the eight
possible three-card hands.
[0072] This alternative embodiment is similar to the game of poker
described above, played with regular playing cards and Xs and Os as
used in a game of Tic Tac Toe. The Xs and Os serve as multipliers
to increase the player's score. The player uses the X symbol and
the dealer uses the O symbol.
[0073] The object of the game is to create as many poker hands as
possible on the layout while at the same time placing your symbol
on those cards. The better the poker hand, the more points are
possible (which are increased by the multiplier). The player earns
the right to place an X on the layout by beating the dealer's poker
hand. If the player is using the X as the symbol, the dealer will
use the O symbol. Different values can be assigned to various poker
hands, as described above. The point totals for the poker hands are
multiplied by the number of symbols (Xs, Os or other symbols) on
the cards within the 3 card hand. For example, a flush hand has a
poker hand value of 15. If, during game play, a player places two
Xs on those cards, the point total would be multiplied by two,
resulting in a point total of 15.times.2=30. The player does not
receive any points for a three card poker hand that has no Xs
placed on any of the cards in the sequence.
[0074] Similar to the embodiment set forth above, this method of
the present invention is played in two related parts. The first
part is a standard poker game that incorporates three cards dealt
against the dealer. The hand with the greater poker value is the
winner. This could be stud poker (no chance for additional cards)
or draw poker; the player can return certain cards for new cards
from the deck. The system can be set up so that ties are won by the
player.
[0075] During the second part of the game, the winner of the best
poker hand from the first part is allowed to place one of the
winning cards on to the layout. The player attempts to maximize his
score by creating as many high value three-card poker hands as
possible, and placing as many of his symbols on those hands.
[0076] As an example of game play (there are many others), both the
player and the dealer are dealt three cards, one face up and two
face down. Both the player and the dealer may choose to discard up
to two of the three cards dealt or keep all the cards as they were
originally dealt. Any discarded cards are replaced by the dealer
with new cards from the deck.
[0077] Once the player and the dealer have received their final
cards, the hands are disclosed and the winner of the poker hand
will have the highest three card poker value. The winner of the
hand determines where and which card in his three card poker hand
is placed on the layout. If the player beats the dealer in the
standard three card poker game then the player may place any card
in his poker hand on any unused or remaining open space on the
layout. Also, an X (the player's symbol) is placed on top of that
card. However, if the dealer wins the three card poker hand, then
the dealer (or computer) will place any card in the dealer's hand
on any remaining open space on the layout, with the dealer's
symbol, the O, placed on top of that card. The computer dealer can
either place a random card on the layout randomly, or the system
can be programmed to place the best card in the best position to
block or otherwise retard the player's strategy.
[0078] As with the other embodiment, there are 9 hands of three
card poker played. One hand to determine the card and space for
each of the spaces on the three-by-three layout.
[0079] The game ends when all 9 card spaces on the layout have been
filled with cards (and symbols). The player receives a score based
on the point value of all the three card poker hands and the number
of Xs (or the player's symbol) on those cards.
[0080] Players can be awarded another game if their score exceeds
40 points for the game. Players can then increase their cumulative
score in a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, game, etc. Using this type of game play
and scoring, a player could continue to play and accumulate points
until the score for their game was less than say 40 points. The
game only ends when the score achieve in one round is less than 40.
This embodiment can likewise be played with numerous players
against each other, as long as each player has a distinguishing
symbol to be placed on the card selected when the winning hand in
part one is determined.
[0081] In another alternative embodiment, the game of Texas Hold
`em is combined with the game of Blackjack or 21. In this
embodiment, between two and four players play the game. The object
of the Game is to win all the money bet during the game by
continuing to bet and stay in the game, and having the most hands
of 21 on the layout.
[0082] Each player is dealt two cards face down. These are the
player's cards, with the remaining 7 cards considered to be the
community cards. A certain number of the 7 community cards are
placed on the three-by-three layout in various rounds during the
game. The space where each card is placed is determined at random.
For a computer version of this game, a random number generator is
used to place the cards on an empty space on the layout. For a game
board version of this game, nine cards numbered 1-9 are drawn and
placed next to each community card to determine the space on the
layout where each card will to be placed. Players bet after each
round while evaluating their chances of having the most hands that
equal 21. As with the poker game of Texas Hold `em, players can go
"all in" during any round, or decide to fold.
[0083] In the last round, the remaining players place their "hole"
cards on the remaining two open spaces on the layout to complete
the layout and the game. The player with the most hands of 21 wins
the game.
[0084] At the beginning of each game, each player places the
minimum ante bet in the pot. At any point during the game, after
the ante bet, a bet may be placed. Also, a player may go "all in",
wagering all their "chips" upon any of their opportunities to place
a bet. Once the ante is in, each player is dealt two "hole cards"
face down so no one else can see their cards, and these cards will
not be placed on the layout until the end of the game. Each player
looks at his cards and evaluates the chances of having a 21 hand
and/or a good formula to complete the layout. The betting can begin
with a "pre flop" bet. To remain in the game all players must match
the highest amount bet by another player. A player may match the
bet, raise the bet or choose to drop out of the game.
[0085] Next, five community cards, called the "flop," are dealt and
placed at random on various positions on the layout. If the game
uses a computer, a random number generator is used to place the
cards on a space on the board. For a board game version, some way
to determine a value from one to nine is used for each card. In the
preferred embodiment, nine cards numbered 1-9 are shuffled, drawn
and placed next to each community cards to determine the space on
the layout where each card will be placed. Next each player looks
at his cards and evaluates his/her chances of having a 21 hand
and/or a good formula to complete the layout. Next, each player (in
order) may make a bet, raise a bet or drop out of the game.
[0086] The next card is also a community card and is called the
"turn." It is dealt and placed at random on the layout. Again, each
player looks at his/her cards and evaluates his/her chances of
having a 21 hand and/or a good formula to complete the layout. A
new round of betting ensues. Finally, a single community card
called the "River" is dealt and placed at random on the layout.
Thus, seven cards are now placed randomly on the three-by-three
layout leaving two empty spaces. Again, each player evaluates the
two hole cards in relation to the seven community cards makes a
bet, raises the bet or drops out of the game. Of course, a
different amount of cards can be dealt at each stage of the game,
so for example, four cards can be used for the flop, two cards can
be used for the turn, and one card for the river. Alternatively, at
each stage, only one card may be dealt thereby increasing the
number of betting opportunities (one for each of the seven cards
dealt).
[0087] After the final round, there are two open spaces remaining
on the layout. If more than one player remains in the game at this
time, the winner of the hand is determined by evaluating which
player has the most hands of 21 on the layout, by placing the hole
cards into the remaining spaces. It is the responsibility of the
player to determine which of the two spaces results in the most
hands of 21. In a determined order, the players place their hole
cards on the grid and announce how many 21 hands they have created.
The cards are removed, and the next player does the same. This play
continues until all the remaining players have placed their hole
cards on the grid. The player with the most hands of 21 wins the
hand. If the players have the same number of 21 hands, the pot is
split between them.
[0088] Likewise, an alternative embodiment of the present invention
includes the three-by-three layout and the game of Texas Hold `em
for poker. The game is played by at least 2 players, and the object
is to win all the money bet during the game. This object is
accomplished by continuing to bet and stay in the game, and having
the highest value three card poker total placed on the layout.
[0089] In the same manner as described above, players are each
dealt two cards face down. These are the player's cards, with the
remaining seven cards being community cards. During game play, a
certain number of the seven community cards will be placed randomly
on the layout as described above. Players bet after each round
while evaluating their chances of having poker hands with the
highest value. Players can go "all in" during any round, or fold
and be out of the game.
[0090] In the last round, any players remaining in the game place
their hole cards on the remaining two open spaces on the layout to
complete the game. The player with the highest three card poker
hand total points wins the game.
[0091] In the alternative embodiment, each player begins by placing
the minimum ante bet in the pot. Each player is then dealt two hole
cards face down, so no one else knows the cards` value. These cards
will not be placed on the layout until the end of the game. At this
point, each player looks at his cards and evaluates the chance of
having the best and highest valued three card poker hands, along
with a good strategy for completing the layout. The betting is
accomplished as set forth above, with similar parameters for the
flop, turn and river cards.
[0092] After all of the seven cards have been dealt, and there are
two empty spaces, and after all of the betting has taken place, the
winner of the hand is determined by evaluating which player has the
highest point total for all the three card poker hands on the
layout after placing the player's cards on the remaining two spaces
on the layout. If two or more players have the same point totals,
the pot is split between them.
[0093] In another alternative embodiment, the same Blackjack or
poker game is played as described above, however, as the player
places cards into one of the nine spaces, if the total of the row,
column or diagonal equals 21 (or in the poker game, a qualifying
hand), the cards are removed and the total number of 21s is
increased by 1 (or the poker total is increased by the poker hand
score). The player continues placing cards until there are no more
spaces to be filled. For example, as the player places cards on the
three-by-three grid, the first column contains a seven, eight and
six (or total of 21), those three cards are removed (to allow for
additional cards to be placed in those spaces) and the total number
of 21s increases by one. In the game of poker, the second column
contains the three, five and nine of Hearts, so those cards are
removed, and the total score is increased by 15 (the score for a
flush in the scoring chart above).
[0094] This removal of scoring or winning cards can continue until
the spaces all contain non-scoring hands. Further, the present
invention may allow for a player to view a completed grid, and be
allowed to switch cards to increase the number of 21s or the poker
score. This switching can be done with or without the replacement
of cards when a winning hand is created, and can be timed to
provide only a certain amount of time for a player to make the
switches. As an example, a grid is provided for a player that has
no 21s. The player switches the first two cards in the first column
to create two rows of 21. Those six cards may then be removed (with
the total 21s increased by two) and six new cards appear for the
player to switch around. Again this game can be timed to provide
the player only three minutes, for example, to make all the
necessary switches.
[0095] In another alternative embodiment, the player is provided a
number of cards and a timer to place the cards into the optimal
spaces to create the most 21s or the best poker hands in the least
amount of time. Points can be removed (or added0 based on the
amount of time it takes to fill the grid, thus filling the grid
quickly with less 21s, for example, may generate a higher score
than taking a longer amount of time to generate the most 21s
possible.
[0096] The present invention, both the Blackjack and poker
embodiments, can be played on numerous different devices, for
example, a handheld video device or a computer screen (not shown).
A reproduction of the playing cards can be dealt or displayed, and
the player can decide which location in which to place the card.
The software for such a game could be distributed by either CD-ROM
(or another medium), or downloaded from the Internet. Further, the
game could be played online, either with gambling or without.
[0097] This novel game play can also be applied to the gaming
industry, allowing a player to insert coins, or otherwise bet,
prior to or during the game play. The various payouts would be
determined based on the amount gambled, and the number of 21s
attained (or possible based on the fewer cards to reach a 21).
[0098] The novel game play may also be utilized in a television
game show format. The contestants are dealt a card from the deck
and place that card in one of the nine locations. The cards can be
displayed to the contestants and the audience by using large easily
readable cards, or monitors that display the card when that
location is selected.
[0099] Both of the above-described games can be played with a
standard, nine-position tic-tac-toe type board or playing field.
However, these games can also be played on a board or field that
contains four or five (or more) across or down. In an alternative
embodiment, where a five by five position board is used (not
shown), a game similar to stud poker can be played with five poker
hands across, five poker hands down, and two diagonal hands.
[0100] An alternative embodiment of the present invention relates
to a novel deck of playing cards made up of 60 individual cards,
divided into six groups of ten cards per group. FIG. 5 shows a card
22 in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present
invention. Each card 22 of each group has a numeric value 24
between one and ten (i.e., six cards having the number five, six
cards having the number ten, etc.) The card 22 shown in FIG. 5 has
the numeric value of eight. These cards do not necessarily need a
suit indication (Club, Spade, Diamond or Heart) as found on cards
from a standard playing deck of cards. Of course, other
combinations of numeric values and group numbers can be used, such
as ten groups of cards each card containing the numeric value of
between one and seven.
[0101] In using this deck to play a game, after the novel deck is
shuffled and the cards are in a random order, the dealer deals a
card up with the numeric value of that card showing. The player
then attempts to guess whether or not the next card to be dealt
will have a numeric value that is higher or lower (or possibly the
same value) than the initial card. If the player guesses correctly,
he may choose to continue. Each guess is based on whether the
player believes that the next card dealt will be higher or lower
than the previously dealt card. The winner of the game is the
player that can predict the largest number correctly in a row.
[0102] These novel cards can also be used in the gaming industry as
table games (i.e., a dealer deals cards to a player or players
sitting around the table), for video gaming machines, on handheld
video devices or computers (either CD-ROM, or downloaded from the
Internet) for game play. In these instances, the payout may be
determined based on the types of correct guesses (high-low, numeric
value), the number of correct guesses (possibly in a row), and the
amount initially wagered.
[0103] FIG. 6 shows another card 26 from another alternative
embodiment of the present invention. The novel deck of playing
cards contains a number of these novel cards 26. In the preferred
embodiment, the novel deck contains either 37 or 38 cards 26. Each
card 26 has a number 28 on its face. The number in the preferred
embodiment is between one and 36, or 0 or 00. Each card 26 contains
an indication of color on its face (not shown). The colors on the
cards 26 in the preferred embodiment are black, red or green (based
on the number 28). In the preferred embodiment, these cards 26 also
contain other information, including whether the card is in the
group 30 of cards labeled first-third (cards having numbers one
through 12), second-third (cards having numbers 13 through 24), or
third-third (cards having numbers 25 through 36). The 0 and 00
cards do not have such a group 30 indication. In the preferred
embodiment, the cards also have an indication 32 that shows whether
the card is even or odd (based on the number 28). These cards
contain information similar to the information found on a roulette
table.
[0104] If there is only one zero card, then the preferred deck
contains 37 cards; if there is also a double-zero card, the
preferred deck contains 38 cards. For example, one card would
contain the number seven, the indication of odd, and the color
black, while another card would contain the number 14, an
indication of even, and the color red. With this novel deck of
cards, a roulette-type game (or gambling game) could be played.
Instead of rolling the ball on a roulette wheel to determine the
winner of the game, the dealer shuffles the deck and turns over a
card; the odds are similar to those in roulette. However, in
alternative game play, if the deck is not shuffled after each deal,
the odds of a particular card being turned up changes after each
deal.
[0105] Of course there are other games that can be played using the
roulette deck. A player may try to predict whether the next card to
be turned up will be higher or lower than the previous card, or
whether the next card turned up will be red, black, green, odd,
even, first-third, second-third, or third-third, etc. Each guess
will be worth a different value depending on the odds. As long as a
player guesses correctly, he can continue to guess.
[0106] Similar to the first set of novel cards, these roulette
cards can also be utilized in the gaming industry as table games,
video gaming machines, handheld video devices or on computers
(either CD-ROM, or downloaded from the Internet) for game play. In
these instances, the payout is determined based on the types of
correct guesses (high-low, numeric value, odd-even, color, etc.),
the number of correct guesses (possibly in a row), and the amount
initially wagered.
[0107] Further, the Blackjack, poker, and novel card embodiments
can be utilized as lottery tickets, where the player scratches off
the opaque layer in order to reveal the playing cards underneath.
In Blackjack, if the player's combination of numbers equals 21, the
player wins. The more combinations that add to 21, the more times
the player wins. The same holds true for the poker embodiment. A
certain hand could decide the winner (pair of jacks or better). The
player can win multiple hands.
[0108] The foregoing detailed description of the invention is
intended to be illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of
the invention. Changes and modifications are possible with respect
to the foregoing description, and it is understood that the
invention may be practiced otherwise than that specifically
described herein and still be within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *