U.S. patent application number 12/917289 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-03 for dice game and apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dice Room Games Ltd.. Invention is credited to Matthew Dennis Horbury.
Application Number | 20120104694 12/917289 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45995823 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120104694 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Horbury; Matthew Dennis |
May 3, 2012 |
Dice Game and Apparatus
Abstract
A method and apparatus for playing a game, the game comprising
a) throwing a pair of dice at least twice and b) placing a wager on
the outcome of the final throw of the dice, or a mechanical,
electronic or digital equivalent thereof.
Inventors: |
Horbury; Matthew Dennis;
(Swanscombe, GB) |
Assignee: |
Dice Room Games Ltd.
Swanscombe
GB
|
Family ID: |
45995823 |
Appl. No.: |
12/917289 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/274 ;
273/268 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 9/0402 20130101;
A63F 3/00157 20130101; A63F 9/04 20130101; A63F 2003/00485
20130101; A63F 2003/00514 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/274 ;
273/268 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/00 20060101
A63F003/00; A63F 9/04 20060101 A63F009/04 |
Claims
1. A method of playing a game comprising: throw a pair of dice at
least twice and placing a wager on the outcome of the final throw
of the dice.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the wager is based, at
least in part, on the final throw of the dice and at least one of
the earlier throws of the dice.
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein each die has six sides,
each side being marked with a unique indicia and each die being
visually different from the other die.
4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the pair of dice is
thrown twice.
5. A method according to claim 1, further comprising placing a
wager in between throws of the dice that the final outcome will be
identical to the previous throw.
6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the wager is based on the
sum of the final throw of the dice.
7. The method according to claim 2 wherein the dice are thrown
twice and wherein the wager is based, at least in part, on a
comparison of the first throw of the dice and the second throw of
the dice.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the wager is placed after at least
one throw of the dice.
9. A system for playing a game, the system comprising: (a) a pair
of dice, the dice being visually distinguishable from each other;
and (b) a table surface having a playing area including multiple
regions thereon for placing bets on the outcomes of at least two
throws of the dice, said regions including at least a first region
for placing a bet that the outcome of two distinct throws of the
dice will be the same.
10. A system as in claim 9 wherein the table surface includes a
region for throwing the dice.
11. A system as in claim 9 wherein the multiple regions include one
or more of: a region for placing a wager on the sum of a throw of
the dice; a region for placing a wager based on whether the throw
of a particular die is odd or even, a region for placing a wager
based on a colour of a particular die.
12. A system as in claim 9 wherein: the dice are each six sided,
each die having specific distinct indicia on each side thereof, and
wherein the dice are of different colours, and wherein the multiple
regions include one or more regions for placing wagers based on the
colour of a die.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the multiple regions include at
least one region for placing a wager based on the indicia on a die.
Description
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which 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 file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a dice game and apparatus.
In particular, the invention resides in a game that involves
wagering on the outcome of a second, third or more roll of a pair
of dice.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Dice games have been popular in many cultures since
antiquity, both as gambling games and as games played purely for
fun. The reason is that the die introduces uncertainty into the
game, which is the basis of gambling games. When the dice are
rolled it is impossible to predict which numbers will appear face
up and the underlying concept of all dice games is wagering on the
outcome of the roll of the die or dice.
[0004] The two most popular dice games in the world are craps and
sic bo. Craps has originated and evolved in the Western world and
is played with two dice, with players predicting the total of the
two numbers appearing face up on the dice after they have been
rolled. The different bets available are displayed and wagers can
be placed by transferring betting chips to the betting area.
[0005] Sic bo is an ancient Chinese game that offers certain
advantages for new players compared to craps. It is played with
three dice which offers a larger number of outcomes. The more
important factor is that all the bets are decided in one roll only
and this eliminates the complexities that are found in craps.
Players can bet on either the total of the three dice or on the
dice combination.
[0006] However, there is always a need for new games, particularly
in casinos to encourage and maintain interest at dice game tables.
Ideally, new games are easy to learn, fast to play and have
sufficient returns for the players, while retaining a suitable
house advantage. A game that has a short cycle is preferred so that
more rounds of the game can be played in any given period of time.
In addition, a player should not be required to make too many
decisions and the game should be easy to administrate. The present
invention provides a new game, ideally played with a pair of dice,
that meets all the advantages and requirements set out above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
[0008] FIGS. 1A-1B shows a surface on which the game of the present
invention may be played, where FIG. 1A is a top plan view while
FIG. 1B is a perspective side view.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows the inside betting area with all the possible
outcomes of two numerical dice and a "TWICE" betting area.
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an outside betting area displaying eight
chance betting areas, four areas for each dice: Odd, Even, Low and
High.
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a track betting area displaying all
possible sums of the two dice.
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an outside betting area displaying
betting areas representing outcomes where the sum of the two dice
is odd or even.
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an outside betting area displaying a
betting area representing the outcomes where both dice show the
same number.
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates an outside betting area displaying the
combined betting areas of FIGS. 4 to 6.
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates the eight chance betting areas of FIG. 3
in combination with a "TWICE" betting area.
[0016] FIG. 9 illustrates the combined betting areas of FIG. 7 in
combination with a "TWICE" betting area.
[0017] FIG. 10 illustrates a combination of the eight chance
betting areas of FIG. 3 and the combined betting areas of FIG. 7
with a "TWICE" betting area.
[0018] FIG. 11 illustrates a combination of all possible betting
areas.
[0019] FIGS. 12A to 12D illustrate four further combinations of all
possible betting areas.
[0020] FIG. 13 shows the inside betting area of FIG. 2 with a
betting chip placed straight up on the outcome of red 4 black
2.
[0021] FIG. 14 shows the betting area of FIG. 2 with two chips
placed on the divides of outcomes so that each chip covers two
outcomes: red 2 with black 2 or 3 and black 4 with red 4 or 5.
[0022] FIG. 15 shows the betting area of FIG. 2 with a chip placed
on a corner of four outcomes covering four possible outcomes: red 2
or 3 and black 2 or 3.
[0023] FIG. 16 shows the betting area of FIG. 2 with a horizontal
six-line wager covering six possible outcomes where all of the
outcomes contain one of the dice being the same. In the figure, the
placed chip covers all of the outcomes that have a red 2.
[0024] FIG. 17 shows the betting area of FIG. 2 with a vertical
six-line wager covering all the outcomes that contain the black
dice being a 4.
[0025] FIG. 18 shows the betting area of FIG. 2 with a horizontal
dozen wager covering twelve outcomes with the red dice being 4 or 5
and the black dice being any number from 1 to 6.
[0026] FIG. 19 shows the betting area of FIG. 2 with a vertical
dozen wager covering twelve outcomes with the black dice being 4 or
5 and the red dice being any number from 1 to 6.
[0027] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a dice cage containing a
pair of dice.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENTLY PREFERRED EXEMPLARY
EMBODIMENTS
[0028] The game requires betting on the outcome of a final roll of
a pair of dice.
[0029] The game requires a pair of dice, each die having six sides
and each side bearing indicia that is different to that of the
other five sides. While indicia on dice are typically spots from
one to six, it will be appreciated that the indicia may take any
form or shape, such as an image, icon, graphic and/or colour.
[0030] Two dice are used to increase the odds of the game. To ease
identification of the outcome, the dice are visually different from
each other. For example, the dice may be of different sizes and/or
colours. In the preferred embodiments described below, the dice are
differentiated by colour, with one die being black and the other
red.
[0031] The function of the dice is to provide a random outcome.
This may be achieved by either the players or a croupier/dealer
rolling the dice. The dice may be shaken and rolled in a hand or
placed in a container that is shaken. The dice may also be thrown
by digital and/or electronic means.
[0032] An example of the table on which the game may be played is
shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, and includes an area where the dice are
thrown, an area for players to make their bets, and an area for a
croupier. The table is preferably arranged so that it may be
operated by a single croupier and incorporates all the functions
required by the players to place wagers and the single croupier to
control the game.
[0033] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B, the playing part of the table
1 is essentially rectangular in shape and has a flat playing
surface. The table 1 preferably has dimensions essentially
equivalent to a roulette table. Such tables are typically
approximately 8' by 4' (244 cm.times.122 cm) or 9' by 5' (274
cm.times.152 cm) at the widest or longest points. Those of skill in
the art will understand that the dimensions of the table are only
provided by way of example and are not intended to be limiting.
[0034] The table 1 has a playing area 2, a dice throwing area 3 and
a chip storage area 4. The chip storage area 4 may be expanded in
size from the rectangular boundary of the table to provide
sufficient space for the dealer to operate. As shown in FIG. 1B,
the chip storage area 4 includes a covered area 5 for valuable cash
chips to be stored during operation of the table (cover not shown),
a chipping machine 6 for sorting the chips into colour, an opening
7 through which lost chips that are removed from the table are
passed, and sufficient space 8 for a number of rolls of betting
chips to be stored.
[0035] The dice throwing area 3 is essentially U-shaped when viewed
from above and provides three walls 9 against which the dice may be
thrown. The U-shaped walls 9 stand perpendicular to the plane of
the table 1 and act to retain the dice (not shown) on the
table.
[0036] The playing area 2 takes up the majority of the table
surface and is where players place their wagers. The playing area 2
has a number of possible outcomes of the dice throws displayed on
it. The display 10 is suitably large that it may be read easily
from any side of or angle to the table and provide sufficient space
on each outcome to carry one or more betting chips.
[0037] The table includes a betting area 11 referred to herein a
"TWICE" betting area, illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B and 2. This area
allows the casino or operator of the game to create a house edge
against all players. This "TWICE" betting area 11 is where bets are
placed for when the outcome of both rolls of the dice are exactly
the same. Winning wagers placed here receive a payoff of 34 to 1.
Although referred to herein as the "TWICE" betting area, those
skilled in the art will know and understand, from reading this
description, that different and/or other names can be used to
describe and label this area 11 on the table 1.
[0038] Also illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B and 2 is an inside bet area
12 having a rectangular grid that illustrates all the thirty six
possible outcomes of the two dice in a numerically ascending order,
starting with 1-1 in the top left hand corner and finishing with
6-6 in the bottom right hand corner. These thirty six possible
outcomes offer thirty six betting options. Those skilled in the art
will know and understand, from reading this description, that
different and/or other labels can be used to label this area 12 on
the table 1, and that if more than two dice are used or if the dice
have more or fewer sides, then the inside bet area will be labelled
accordingly.
[0039] Additional betting areas, referred to as outside bets, are
illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B and 3 to 6. Outside bets allow one chip
betting. The outside bets in presently preferred embodiments are
generally based on the sum of the two dice. For example, FIGS.
1A-1B and 3 show an outside betting area 13 in which the options of
the sum of the black (13a) or red (13b) dice are is odd or even, or
the number on the red (13b) or black (13a) die is high or low. For
the presently preferred embodiments, where the dice are marked with
the traditional numerical dots, low is a value of 1, 2 or 3 while
high is value of 4, 5 or 6. All winning wagers placed here receive
a payoff of 1 to 1.
[0040] FIGS. 1A-1B and 4 show a track betting area 14 setting out
the numbers 2 to 12 which represent all the possible totals of two
six-sided dice. Wagers placed on 2 and 12 pay 35 to 1, 3 and 11 pay
17 to 1, 4 and 10 pay 11 to 1, 5 and 9 pay 8 to 1, 6 and 8 pay 6 to
1 while 7 pays 5 to 1. Because the betting odds are not round
numbers for 6 and 8 when "TWICE" is the winning outcome, the wagers
placed on 6 or 8 may be returned to the player(s) if the "TWICE"
outcome is achieved and wagered on in combination with 6 and/or 8
on the track betting area.
[0041] "Odd and Even" betting areas 15, as illustrated in FIG. 5,
allow players to bet on the total of the dice being odd or even.
Winning wagers receive a payoff of 1 to 1.
[0042] The "Any Double" betting area 16 shown in FIG. 6 allows
players to wager that both dice will have the same value. All
winning wagers receive a payoff of 5 to 1. Although referred to
herein as the "Any Double" betting area, those skilled in the art
will know and understand, from reading this description, that
different and/or other names can be used to describe and label this
area 16, for example, this betting area may also be called "Any
Pair".
[0043] FIG. 7 provides an illustration of how the betting areas of
FIGS. 4 to 6 may be combined to save space on the playing surface.
FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate further combinations of the outside
betting areas with the "TWICE" betting area 11, while FIG. 11
illustrates a layout of all the possible betting areas in
combination. FIGS. 12A to 12D illustrate further layout options
where all betting areas are combined.
[0044] It will be appreciated that there are a number of ways in
which the playing area may display the betting options. For
example, just the inside betting area 12 with the "TWICE" betting
area 11 may be offered. Alternatively, the display 10 may be the
outside betting areas with the "TWICE" betting area 11. Whatever
the betting options, the display must include the "TWICE" betting
area 11.
[0045] FIGS. 13 to 19 illustrate various ways to wager on the
outcome of dice rolls. In FIG. 13, a betting chip 17 is placed on
the outcome of the dice being red 4 and black 2. A winning wager
placed here will receive a payoff of 35 to 1.
[0046] In FIG. 14, the outcome of a red 2 with either a black 2 or
3 or a black 4 with a red 4 or 5 has been wagered. If any of the
outcomes is a winning one, the player will receive a payoff of 17
to 1.
[0047] In FIG. 15, the betting chip 17 is placed on the interstices
of four squares, indicating a wager on red 2 or 3 with black 2 or
3. All winning corner wagers receive a payoff of 8 to 1.
[0048] If the player wishes to bet on red being 2 and black being
any number from 1 to 6, the chip 17 is placed on the end of the row
illustrating red 2, as shown in FIG. 16. Alternatively, a wager on
the black die being 4 and the red die being any number requires the
betting chip 17 to be placed at the end of the column illustrating
black as 4. All winning six-line wagers receive a payoff of 5 to
1.
[0049] To spread the options even further, FIGS. 18 and 19
illustrate bets in which the chip 17 is placed on the interstices
of two rows or columns to denote a wager on red being 4 or 5 and
black being any number (FIG. 18), or black being 4 or 5 and red
being any number (FIG. 19). All winning dozen wagers pay 2 to
1.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the game is played over two rolls
of the dice, with the second roll being the winning outcome. Thus,
the first roll of the dice eliminates a number of possible
outcomes.
[0051] The game begins by the players buying standard coloured
betting chips 17 from the croupier or dealer and placing some or
all on possible outcomes illustrated on the playing area 2. Each
player preferably receives unique colour chips (unique to that
player in that game) that nobody else can use in that game. This
makes it is easy to identify whose bets have been placed where on
the table. Those of skill in the art will understand, upon reading
this description, that different and/or other ways of
distinguishing players' bets can be used.
[0052] Once all bets are placed, the croupier or a player throws
the two dice into the dice throwing area 3 and a marker is placed
on the display 10 corresponding with the outcome. The players are
then given the option of placing an additional bet on the "TWICE"
betting area 11, or increasing a wager already placed on the
"TWICE" area 11, to wager that the second throw of the dice will be
the same as the first. This is the only bet that is allowed to be
placed in between the two throws.
[0053] Once any "TWICE" bets have been made, the croupier or a
player throws the dice again and the marker is moved to the new
outcome. If both rolls are the same, any wages placed on the
"TWICE" betting area will win. If the second roll was not the same
as the first roll, the outcome of the second roll wins. For
example, if 3-1 was rolled on the first roll and then 3-1 was again
rolled the winning outcome would be the twice betting area and any
wagers placed on 3-1 or any thing connected with 3-1 would all
lose.
[0054] Losing chips are removed from the table and winning chips
are paid out. The table is cleared and the next round of wagers is
called.
[0055] In an alternative, the croupier uses a dice cage 20, such as
the one illustrated in FIG. 20, in which a pair of dice 21 is
locked inside the cage 22. The table will then have two sets of
dice, one locked in the cage and an identical pair for the players
to throw. An arrangement such as this eliminates the need for the
player or croupier to throw the dice twice. In practice, once all
bets have been placed, the croupier spins the dice cage 20 and then
passes out a pair of dice to a player which is then thrown. The
result of the player's dice is the winning outcome. However, if the
player's dice match with the dice in the dice cage 20, the "TWICE"
betting area 11 will be the winning outcome. The advantage of using
caged dice is that the speed of the game may be increased.
[0056] The house percentage on the game described herein is 2.78%
on all bets, except 6 and 8 as totals where the house edge is
2.70%. If a greater house percentage is desired, the number of dice
throws can be increased to three or more.
[0057] Thus are described a method and device for playing a betting
game. In preferred embodiments the game employs a pair of six-sided
dice. The pair of dice is thrown at least twice and a wager is
placed on the outcome of the final throw of the dice, or a
mechanical, electronic or digital equivalent thereof.
[0058] The first throw is an eliminator which provides the game
with a house edge. In other words, the first throw attracts no win
and the basis of the game is a wager on only the outcome of the
final throw of the dice. The first throw also allows a further
wager to be placed on the outcome that final throw of the dice (or
equivalent thereof) will be identical to the first or previous
throw(s). Advantageously, this double wager or bet may be placed
between throws of the dice.
[0059] It is preferred that each die has six sides, each side being
marked with a unique indicia and each die being visually different
from the other. While dice having any kind or type of indicia may
be used, conventional dice with spots denoting numbers from 1 to 6
are preferred. Visual differences between the dice may be in the
form of size and/or colour and/or indicia. A visual difference is
advantageous as it allows swift and easy identification of the
outcome of the throw.
[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the dice are thrown twice. In
this way, the game provides a house advantage of 2.78%. However, if
a greater house edge is required, more throws of the dice may be
added.
[0061] Wagers may be placed on the exact final outcome of the dice,
for example red 3 and black 4, or on the sum of the final throw.
For example, the sum of the final throw of the dice may be 8 or an
even number.
[0062] The preferred apparatus for playing the game is described
above, and includes a) a pair of dice, wherein each die has six
sides, each side being marked with a unique indicia, and each die
being visually different from the other, and b) a playing surface
comprising a dice throwing area, a betting area and a betting chip
storage area.
[0063] The playing surface may be an electronic display or a
conventional table surface.
[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the betting area includes a
display of the possible outcomes and bets that may be made.
[0065] While various payouts have been described above for the
various kinds of bets, those skilled in the art will know and
understand that different payouts can be allocated to different
bets, and that the payouts may be a function of various factors
including the number of dice and the number of sides of each
dice.
[0066] The present invention has been described using throws of a
pair of dice, but it will be appreciated that other random, but
finite, outcomes may be used instead, for example cards or tiles.
The invention is also suitable for electronic playing so that
wagers are made on the outcome of digitally or electronically
generated icons. Those of skill in the art will understand that
this game can be programmed into an electronic device for use at a
casino, at home or over a network.
[0067] While the present invention has been described with
reference to play on a table, it will be appreciate that the game
is also suitable for an electronic format or on-line. In such an
embodiment, the playing surface is depicted on a screen and the
outcomes of each dice throw (or equivalent thereof) are generated
randomly, preferably by electronic means.
[0068] What has been described and illustrated herein are presently
preferred embodiments, along with some variations. The terms,
descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of
illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled
in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within
the spirit and scope of the invention in which all terms are meant
in their broadest, reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any
headings utilized within the description are for convenience only
and have no legal or limiting effect.
* * * * *