U.S. patent application number 13/639265 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-24 for method and apparatus for playing a casino poker game having two side games.
The applicant listed for this patent is Dave MacDonald. Invention is credited to Dave MacDonald.
Application Number | 20130023332 13/639265 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45440806 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130023332 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MacDonald; Dave |
January 24, 2013 |
Method and Apparatus for Playing a Casino Poker Game Having Two
Side Games
Abstract
A blended poker game combines traditional poker, a mandatory
first side game having a jackpot, and an optional second side game
comprising a house-banked game where players bet on the outcome of
a flop bet. The play of the game requires a dealer, two decks of
cards that alternate each hand, and a shuffle machine. The game
also requires a customized table, similar in size to a standard
blackjack table, and a computer system with a display for tracking
estimated jackpot total.
Inventors: |
MacDonald; Dave; (Nanaimo,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MacDonald; Dave |
Nanaimo |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
45440806 |
Appl. No.: |
13/639265 |
Filed: |
July 7, 2010 |
PCT Filed: |
July 7, 2010 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2010/053118 |
371 Date: |
October 4, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2001/005 20130101;
A63F 3/00157 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20060101
A63F001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of playing a casino poker game comprising the steps of:
a. dealing a first hand of a main poker game between up to seven
players, wherein said main poker game includes a step of turning a
three card flop, and wherein the main poker game includes a main
poker pot; b. concurrently playing a mandatory first side game
being a mandatory jackpot game wherein a jackpot payout is
dependent upon said three card flop; c. concurrently playing an
optional second side game being an optional flop bet game wherein a
Hop bet payout is dependent upon the three card flop; d. providing
a jackpot game payout schedule for determining a jackpot to be
shared between a set of jackpot game winners; e. providing a flop
bet payout schedule for determining a flop bet payout for a set. of
flop bet winners; f. paying said flop bet payout to said set of
flop bet winners; and, g. providing to said set of jackpot game
winners a jackpot button to identify each jackpot game winner.
2. The method of claim 1 including a step of suspending said main
poker game first hand after said step of turning said three card
flop.
3. The method of claim 2 including a step of recommencing the main
poker game first hand after the step of paying the flop bet to the
set of flop bet winners.
4. The method of claim 3 including a step of determining a main
poker first hand winner and a step paying out said main poker pot
to said main poker first hand winner.
5. The method of claim 4 including, after said step of paying out
said main poker pot: a. a step of calculating a quantum of the
jackpot according to a jackpot payout schedule; b. a step of paying
out said quantum to each jackpot game winner; and, c. dealing a
second hand of the main poker game.
6. A method of playing a casino poker game comprising a main poker
game having a main poker pot, a mandatory first side game having a
jackpot and an optional second side game having a flop bet pot,
said method comprising the steps of: a. providing at least one
playing table for accommodating up to seven players; b. providing a
computer system for dynamically estimating said jackpot; c.
providing an electronic display board connected to said computer
system for displaying the estimated jackpot; d. providing a house
and a house dealer for managing said at least one playing table; e.
providing a pit boss for managing a plurality of playing tables;
wherein, f. the least at one playing table comprises the following:
i. a numbered seating area for each player of said up to seven
players; ii. a seating area for said house dealer; iii. a playing
area for each player; iv. a player betting area for the main poker
game; v. a betting area for said jackpot; vi. a betting area for
said flop pot; vii. a player card placement area; viii. a flop
board placement area; ix. a turn card placement area; x. a river
card placement area; xi. a dealer tray; xii. a card shuffler for
shuffling two decks of cards: xiii. a main pot area for the main
poker game; xiv. a left dealer drop slot; and, xv. a right dealer
drop slot.
7. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 6
further comprising the steps of: a. funding the main game pot by
the up to seven players; b. funding the jackpot by the up to seven
players; and, c. funding the flop bet pot by said house.
8. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 7
comprising the steps of: a. said house dealer signaling the
commencement of a first hand of the main game; b. the house dealer
designating a first player as a player dealer; c. said player
dealer placing a mandatory jackpot bet in said betting area for the
jackpot; d. the house dealer designating a second player for
placing a small blind bet in said player betting area for the main
pot; e. the house dealer designating a third player for placing a
large blind bet for the player betting area for the main pot; and,
f. the house dealer calling for an optional second side game flop
bets from each player; g. a set of flop bet players placing said
optional flop bet in said second side game flop betting area.
9. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 8
wherein said main poker game is Texas Hold'em having a three card
flop.
10. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 8
wherein the main poker game is modified Seven Card Stud game having
a three card flop.
11. Tire method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 8
wherein the main poker game is Omaha Hold'em having a three card
flop.
12. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 8
wherein after step (g) the house dealer deals a two-card set
facedown within each of said player card placement areas and
wherein the house dealer deals a three card flop face down within
said flop board placement area.
13. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 12
wherein each player views their respective said two card set and,
optionally, does one of: a. placing a first main pot bet into said
player betting area; and, b. folding from further play of the main
game; c. the result being that from an initial set of players there
is formed a first set of remaining main game betting players
remaining in main game play and first side game jackpot play; and
wherein, d. said set of flop game players in said initial set of
players remain in second side game play.
14. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 13
further comprising the house dealer turning said three card flop,
whereupon said main game first hand is suspended.
15. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 14
further comprising a step of said house providing a predetermined
flop payout table identifying set of predetermined flop payouts for
the set of flop game players.
16. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 15
further comprising a step of the house dealer identifying a winning
payout for the set of flop game players from said flop payout
table.
17. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 16
further comprising the step of the house dealer paying said winning
payout to the set of flop game players according to the flop payout
table.
18. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 17
further comprising the step of the house providing a predetermined
jackpot payout table identifying a predetermined set of jackpot
payouts for the first side game.
19. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 18
further comprising the step of the house dealer identifying a
winning first side game jackpot payout from said predetermined
jackpot payout table.
20. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 19
further comprising the step of the house dealer providing each
player of the first set of remaining main game betting players a
jackpot button.
21. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 20
further comprising the steps of: a. the house dealer recommencing
the main game first hand; b. the house dealer turning a turn card;
c. each player of the first set of remaining main game betting
players doing one of: i. placing a second main pot bet into said
player belting area; and, ii. folding from further play of the main
game; iii. the result being that from the first set of remaining
main game betting players there is formed a second set of remaining
main game betting players; d. the house dealer turning a river
card; e. each player of the second set of remaining main game
betting players doing one of: i. placing a third main pot bet into
said player betting area; and, ii. folding from further play of the
main game; iii. the result being that from the second set of
remaining main game betting players there is formed a third set of
remaining main game betting players; f. one player of said third
set retraining main game betting players calling the hand; g. the
house dealer determining a winner of the main game first hand; h.
the house dealer paying the main pot to said winner; i. said pit
boss calculating a quantum of the jackpot to be paid to, j. said
set of flop game players in said initial set of players remain in
second side game play. k. the first set of remaining main game
betting players the house dealer completing the main game first
hand; l. said pit boss determining a quantum of said winning
jackpot payout to be shared between the first set of remaining
players; m. the pit boss adjusting the estimated jackpot and
displaying said adjusted estimated jackpot on the electronic
display; and, n. the house dealer commencing a second hand of main
game play.
22. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 18
wherein the predetermined jackpot payout table comprises the
following payout conditions: a. a first payout condition of 10
percent of the jackpot is met when the three card flop displays any
triplet between 2 and 10 inclusive; b. a second payout condition of
20 percent of the jackpot is met when the three card flop displays
any triplet between Jacks and Aces inclusive; and, c. a third
payout condition of 80 percent of the jackpot is met when the three
card flop displays an Ace-King-Queen set of the same suit in any
order on the flop.
23. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 15
wherein said predetermined flop payout table determines the
following payout conditions, wherein: a. pairs between 2 and 10
inclusive pays 1 to 1; b. pairs between jacks and Kings inclusive
pays 3 to 1; e. pairs of Aces pays 5 to 1; d. triplets between 2
and 10 pays 75 to 1; e. triplets between Jacks and Kings pays 200
to 1; f. triplets of Aces pays 500 to 1; and, g. any Slick pays
1000 to 1.
24. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim
15, wherein the predetermined flop payout table determines the
following payout conditions, wherein: a. pairs between 2 and 10
inclusive pays 1 to 1; b. pairs between Jacks and Kings inclusive
pays 3 to 1; c. pairs of Aces pays 5 to 1; d. triplets between 2
and 10 pays 75 to 1; e. triplets between Jacks and Kings pays 150
to 1; f. triplets of Aces pays 500 to 1; and, g. any Slick pays
1000 to 1,
25. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 15
wherein said predetermined flop payout table determines the
following payout conditions, wherein: a. pairs between 2 and 10
inclusive pays 1 to 1; b. pairs between Jacks and Kings inclusive
pays 3 to 1; c. pairs of Aces pays 5 to 1; d. triplets between 2
and 10 pays 75 to 1; e. triplets between Jacks and Kings pays 200
to 1: f. triplets of Aces pays 300 to 1; and, g. any Slick pays
1000 to 1.
26. The method of playing a casino poker game according to claim 15
wherein the predetermined flop payout table determines the
following payout conditions, wherein: a. pairs between 2 and 10
inclusive pays 1 to 1; b. pairs between Jacks and Kings inclusive
pays 3 to 1; c. pairs of Aces pays 5 to 1; d. triplets between 2
and 10 pays 75 to 1; e. triplets between Jacks and Kings pays 200
to 1; f. triplets of Aces pays 300 to 1; and, g. any Slick pays
1000 to 1.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to the field of gaming and in
particular to a method and apparatus for playing a casino poker
game having two side games.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Casinos, and other gaming establishments, must continually
look to increase their revenue by introducing games that are not
only advantageous for the house but also games that excite and
satisfy their patrons gaming interests. Traditional poker is a
hugely popular game among gaming enthusiasts. However, many casinos
feel that poker does not earn high enough revenues to justify its
operation.
[0003] Another problem associated with typical casino poker games
is that, while games are idle and not open, paid employees are also
idle and not working.
[0004] Another problem associated with traditional poker games is
that games usually consist of ten players. Many players do not
consider a poker table full and will not sit until all ten seats at
the table are occupied. As such, ten players and a dealer on one
large table require a significant amount effort to open and begin
play. Full tables also require a significant amount of floor space.
The most common problem with starting traditional poker games is
having enough players available, at the same time, to start
playing.
[0005] A further problem associated with traditional casino poker
games is that the vast majority of new players have learned to play
on the much faster Internet tables. Many new players are hesitant
to play live cash games because traditional ten-handed games are
now commonly spread in casinos. Ten-handed games are much slower
than what these players are now used to. Internet trained players
crave faster action than what is usually found in a traditional
poker game.
[0006] Yet another problem associated with a traditional casino
poker game is that when less experienced players sit down at a
poker table to play against more skilful and more experienced
players they generally do not fare well. The skilled players
usually win the less skilled players' money. This is money that
will not be won by the house. The less skillful players are also
the players who will wager more often against the house. Less
skillful players are generally bigger risk takers than more
skillful players. These players generally know less about winning
percentages than more skillful players know, and they will be the
players who tend to bet bigger and more often on the flop bet
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Solution
[0007] The present invention is a method of playing a casino poker
game comprising the steps of:
[0008] 1. 1. dealing a first hand of a main poker game between up
to seven players, wherein the main poker game includes a step of
turning a three card flop, and wherein the main poker game includes
a main poker pot;
[0009] 1. 2. concurrently playing a mandatory first side game
having a jackpot wherein a jackpot payout is dependent upon the
three card flop;
[0010] 1. 3. concurrently playing an optional second side game
being an optional flop bet game wherein a flop bet payout is
dependent upon the three card flop;
[0011] 1. 4. providing a jackpot game payout schedule for
determining a jackpot to be shared between a set of jackpot game
winners;
[0012] 1. 5. providing a flop bet payout schedule for determining a
flop bet payout for a set of flop bet winners;
[0013] 1. 6. paying the flop bet payout to the set of flop bet
winners; and,
[0014] 1. 7. providing to the set of jackpot game winners a jackpot
button to identify
[0015] each jackpot game winner.
[0016] The first hand of the main game is completed and the main
pot is paid out to the winner.
[0017] The pit boss calculates a quantum of the jackpot according
to a jackpot payout schedule and then instructs the house dealer to
payout the quantum to each jackpot game winner. The pit boss
adjusts the jackpot display to a new estimated value
[0018] The house dealer starts another hand of the main game.
[0019] The invention also provides for a playing fable for
accommodating up to seven players, a computer system for
dynamically estimating the jackpot, an electronic display board
connected to the computer system for displaying the estimated
jackpot, providing a house and a house dealer for managing the
playing table, a pit boss for managing a plurality of playing
tables.
[0020] The table comprises a numbered seating area for each player
of said up to seven players, a seating area for the house dealer, a
playing area for each player, a player betting area for the main
poker game, a hefting area for the first, side game jackpot, a
betting area for the second side game flop bet, a player card
placement area, a flop board placement area, a turn card placement
area, a river card placement area, a dealer tray, a card shuffler
for shuffling two decks of cards, a main pot area for the main
poker game, a left dealer drop slot and a right dealer drop
slot.
[0021] The main game pot is funded by the players. The first side
game jackpot is funded by the players and the second side game flop
bet is funded by the house.
Advantageous Effects
[0022] One object of the present invention is to add a secondary
source of revenue other than the per hand `house rake`. The
optional flop bet offered to the players has built in house
advantages thus increasing overall house revenue.
[0023] Another object of the present invention is to increase the
speed at which the casino lakes their rake (more hands per hour)
which also increases profits.
[0024] A further object of the invention is to attract more players
to the game.
[0025] One objective of the invention is to introduce a poker game
having an added jackpot and flop bet to allow less experienced
players the opportunity to win more often.
[0026] One advantage of the current invention is that the game is
easier to open and quicker to fill up allowing the casino to
operate a greater number of tables producing greater revenues.
[0027] Another advantage of the present invention is that the game
has a built in strategy to operate more quickly and also operate
games for longer periods of time.
[0028] Still another advantage of the present invention is that the
game allows the table to open with as little as one player. A
single player can sit and begin playing against the house wagering
side games. This function allows paid employees to be more properly
utilized because games open and begin play earlier.
[0029] Another advantage of the present invention is that it uses a
smaller table and so the utilization of floor space is considerably
reduced.
[0030] One advantage of the invention is that fewer players are
required to open a table. Players are able to join the present game
table as they arrive resulting in less effort opening new
games.
[0031] Still another advantage of the present invention is that
casinos can open a greater number of games. The largest influx of
new poker players have recently learned to play on the internet.
Many of which have learned and are accustomed to playing either
heads up or at six or less, handed tables. Faster paced and shorter
than 10 handed games attract these new players to the casino which,
in turn allows casinos to earn more money.
[0032] The faster seven-handed game of this invention will attract
a greater number of new players to the casino to play.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 is a view of the table layout for the poker game of
the present invention.
[0034] Table 1 is a payout schedule for one embodiment of the
invention.
[0035] Table 2 is a payout schedule for a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0036] Table 3 is a payout schedule tor a third embodiment of the
invention.
[0037] Table 4 is a payout schedule for a fourth embodiment of the
invention.
[0038] Table 5 is a payout schedule for a fifth embodiment of the
invention.
BEST MODE
[0039] The Playing Table
[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, the table 10 layout has seven (12, 14,
16, 18, 20, 22 and 24) individual betting areas: one for each
player. These betting areas are to be situated directly in front of
each players sitting position around the end cap 26 of table 10.
Each betting area also has a secondary betting circle (28 to 40)
designated for the Flop bet. The circle will be situated directly
in front of each players betting area (12 to 24), within reach of
the player and dealer 42. Situated directly in front of the dealer
is a dealer tray 44 used for storing house chips and in front of
the dealer tray there is an area used for the flop 46, turn card
48, and river card 50. A drop slot (52 & 54) will be located on
either side of the dealer tray 44. The slot to the left 54 of the
dealer tray is used to collect the jackpot ante and the slot 52 to
the right hand side of the tray is used to collect the house rake
from the poker game. Also to the left of the dealer tray will be an
area for the automatic shuffle machine 56.
[0041] The Jackpot Display
[0042] An electronic reader board 58 will display an estimate of
the current jackpot pool. The electronic reader board is driven by
a computer system that dynamically estimates the value of the
jackpot.
[0043] The Shuffle Machine
[0044] A professional style card shuffler 56 will be used to ensure
a random shuffle each deal.
[0045] The Game Play Buttons
[0046] Game play buttons will be used to signify certain options
players have in the game. The Wicked Slick Poker buttons will
include a dealer button, a missed big blind button, a missed small
blind button, a sitting out button, a seat change button, a dinner
break button, and an additional button (marker) used to signify
current jackpot winners.
[0047] The Wicked Slick Poker (WSP) Game
[0048] I have called the new game The Wicked Slick Poker (WSP) game
which is a blended poker and table game that combines traditional
poker, first side game having a player funded jackpot, and a
house-banked game having a house funded pot where players bet on
the outcome of the three card flop. The play of the game requires a
dealer, two decks of cards that alternate each hand, and a shuffle
machine. The game also requires a customized table, similar in size
to a standard blackjack table, and a computer system with, a
display for tracking estimated jackpot totals.
[0049] WSP is played with a maximum of seven players; however, the
house-banked game may be played with as little as one player. By
limiting the number of players to seven, the game allows the casino
to maximize floor space by using significantly smaller tables than
would be required for a traditional poker games. Additionally, a
seven handed poker game plays faster and elicits greater player
action than that of a traditional ten handed poker game. Other
benefits to limiting the game to seven players, as opposed to ten,
are: the game will average more hands per hour creating higher rake
for the house. Furthermore, by averaging more hands (flops) per
hour, the jackpot will in turn be observed as hitting snore
frequently, which, increases player excitement and contributes to
increased flop betting.
[0050] The usual poker game is preferably a seven card game such as
Texas Hold'em. However, any game using a three-card Hop, such as
Omaha Hold'em can be played at the Wicked Slick table. Traditional
rules of poker will apply to the main poker game. Additionally a
modified Seven Card Stud game can be played as long, as the game
uses a three card flop. Players will play against each other and
the house will take its rake on each hand.
[0051] The Side Games
[0052] The game of the present invention offers two additional side
games which can be played m conjunction with the primary Wicked
Slick game.
[0053] Side Game #1 Mandatory jackpot Game
[0054] Each side game adds another exciting element to the
traditional game of poker.
[0055] Many people enjoy the game of poker; however, some players
also enjoy the action that table games bring them. Many players
would like to gamble more while playing poker but do not because
they are cautious not to over play their hands, consequently losing
their money to the other more skilful players. The first side game
is a jackpot game dependent on the outcome of the three card flop.
The jackpot game is a mandatory player funded game.
[0056] The player funded jackpot game is not a traditional jackpot,
but rather a jackpot game that pays out much more frequently than a
traditional bad beat jackpot, creating greater player excitement
and the regular appearance of players winning. Along with the usual
small and big blind for the main jackpot of traditional poker, the
player or `dealer` on the button wilt post an additional smaller
blind (usually $1). This pasted blind will be `live` and will be
collected into the jackpot prize pool before any starting cards are
dealt to the players. Subsequently, a running total of the
collective jackpot prize pool will be posted to all players on the
display 58 showing them an estimate of potential jackpot payoffs.
Irrespective of the action in the hand, a three-card board will be
flopped every deal giving any players remaining in the hand a
chance at sharing the jackpot. As opposed to standard poker, if all
players told to the big blind 62 or the pot is raised resulting in
all other players folding, any of the players remaining in the hand
will have a chance to see the flop and win any qualifying jackpot
by him or herself. As such, all jackpot bets will be paid or
collected by the house depending on the outcome of the three-card
flop regardless of the action in the main poker game.
[0057] A portion of the first side game jackpot is won when any
three-card board appears with all the same rank cards (trips) or an
ace, king, queen of the same suit (Slick). This is set out in a
payout schedule for the jackpot game. According to the jackpot
payout schedule, a varying percentage of the jackpot is awarded to
the player or players remaining in the hand depending on which
board appears. If multiple players remain in the hand at the time
of the flop, each player in the hand will split an equal share of
the winning amount. As aforementioned, if only one player remains
in the hand then any jackpot won in that hand will be awarded to
the lone player.
[0058] Any money won from a winning jackpot hand will be paid out
of the dealer tray and then a new reduced jackpot total will be
posted on the electronic display to the players. Any jackpot funds
paid out of the house's dealer tray will be repaid to the house
from the jackpot at some later time keeping the jackpot a
completely player funded game.
[0059] Side Game #2
[0060] The second side game is a house-funded optional flop bet.
The flop bet gives the players an alternative form of gambling
while at the poker table. The players playing the flop bet do not
have to play the main game or the jackpot game. Therefore, they do
not have to `over gamble` in the main poker game or leave the game
to find another game to satisfy their urge to be in action. Poker
players who do bet and lose money on the flop bet will justify
their actions from the occasional big win that the flop bet
produces. In addition, the flop bet also satisfies the house by
providing an additional revenue stream other than the usual poker
rake.
[0061] The second side game is an optional flop bet where players
may wager against the dealer. For the sake of simplicity and
convenience, only one bet will be available to the players. One bet
will cover all of the possible outcomes on the three-card board
(flop). Players making this optional bet are betting that either a
jackpot hand (slick or trips), or a pair as little as deuces, will
appear on the flop. A designated flop bet payout schedule is posted
which will show the amount the players will win when each or any of
these flops occur. The payout schedule or odds against for the flop
bet may be adjusted to increase or decrease the house advantage. A
variety of flop bet payout schedules are set out in this
specification but other payout schedules are possible. This, in
turn, allows the house to choose a payout schedule that most
effectively meets their needs. Any flop bets wagered and placed in
the betting circle must be made prior to any cards being dealt to
the players. Once all flop bets have been made and the deal begins,
the flop bets are deemed to be in action and cannot be removed from
the table layout.
[0062] Payouts
[0063] After the players have been dealt their cards, and ail bets
and raises in the main card game are called or folded, the dealer
will rum the three-card flop. If a pair comes on the flop, the
dealer will pay all flop bets according to the payout schedule in
effect at the table before action in the poker hand continues. If a
jackpot hand appears on the flop, the dealer shall call the pit
boss and alert him or her to the event. All winning flop bets
larger than one pair are to be paid at this time under the
supervision of the pit boss.
[0064] Each player who is remaining in the hand at the time the
flop is turned is eligible for a portion of the jackpot and will be
awarded an equal share of the winning amount at the end of the
hand. To ensure a simple and accurate payout to the players, the
dealer will issue a jackpot marker to each winning player, which,
will later signify to the pit boss the players who have won a share
of the jackpot. The game will continue after the flop bets have
beers paid out and while the game continues the pit boss will
prepare the necessary paperwork to calculate the jackpot payout per
player remaining and update the displayed jackpot total. At the
completion of the poker hand, the dealer will push the main game
poker pot to the whining player. At this point, the pit boss will
instruct the dealer to pay the appropriate jackpot shares to the
winning players who were issued a jackpot marker during the hand.
At completion of the jackpot payment, the next hand of the main
game will commence and the next poker hand will be dealt. Every
hand in the main game will include a flop bet and a jack pot. In
this way, the game is more exciting, fast moving and results in
more payouts for the players enticing them to continue playing.
[0065] On average, a pair will occur on the flop and be paid by the
dealer approximately every 5 hands and a jackpot qualifier will
occur and be paid by the dealer approximately every 395 bands
(roughly every 11 hrs for a single game). As additional games are
opened and begin play, jackpot qualifiers will appear more
frequently creating a more winning and excitement for the
players.
[0066] Advantages of the Wicked Slick Poker Game Jackpot
[0067] In the past, poker room managers have attempted to make
positive changes to increase action in their poker games, however,
these changes do not always accomplish what they are designed to
do. Adding a traditional jackpot, to poker games is a change
designed to bring players into the card room to play for big
prizes. One problem associated with traditional bad beat jackpots
is that the payoffs are generally very large and qualifying hands
occur infrequently. Due to the infrequency of traditional jackpot
payouts, many players never get a chance to be part of a winning
jackpot. Another problem associated with traditional bad beat
jackpots is that players who are lucky enough to win a majority
share many times take their large win outside the casino and use
the money for other than gaming purposes. Furthermore, players who
are not part of winning jackpots may not want to participate in
funding the jackpot as they may feel like they have been charged
the extra rake for nothing.
[0068] To overcome these problems, the invention, Wicked Slick
Poker, the jackpot side game is designed to allow players to win
smaller, but more frequent prizes. Because the wins are smaller,
and split between multiple players, the majority of the money paid
out to players remains in play and available for gaming. Although
the side game jackpot does not necessarily bring players in for the
big win, it does allow the game's players to feel better about
their gaming experience by increasing player excitement with more
frequent winning. The traditional poker game becomes more fun to
play and players tend to stay and play longer. Many players enjoy
participating in funding the jackpot because the winning happens
much more frequently by virtually every player.
[0069] Another positive after-effect of the jackpot occurs when
players begin to notice the texture of the three card flops: they
are waiting to see if jackpot-qualifying hands appear. If they are
not currently wagering on the flop bet they begin to notice when
flop bets are paid to the other players. Players begin to feel like
they have missed an opportunity when payouts are made to the other
players who are wagering on the flop bet. This naturally encourages
players to make a flop bet wager. The two side games work very well
together, one game creates excitement with small frequent payoffs
and the other flop bet creates a viable revenue stream for the
casino.
[0070] The Rules
[0071] Players must use the betting squares (12 to 24 for the main
game pot; 80 to 94 for the jackpot for the first side game; and, 28
to 40 for the second side game flop bet) on the table layout to
place all calls and raises. In addition, the flop bet (28 to 40) is
required to be separated from the main betting squares. After the
flop bet is wagered and the flop is down, the flop bet must be
settled before the players play out the main game hand. The play of
the main game hand continues only after all flop bets are
settled.
[0072] Traditional poker rules do not allow players to remove chips
or add multiple small buy-ins to their stack. Since Wicker Slick
game players will be allowed to use their chip stack to make flop
bets with, it makes sense that when they win a small amount they be
required to add that amount to their stack for the play of the
hand. The addition of chips won from the flop bet will be added to
the players stack prior to the completion of the poker hand. The
addition of chips to a player's stack from a first side game
jackpot, regardless of the amount, may not be added to the players
stack until the following hand begins. One exception to this rule
occurs when players hit a jackpot or flop bet payout that exceeds
the maximum table buy in. In this case, the player would have the
option to keep the chips in play or to take them off the fable and
out of play during the following hand (not the current hand). This
allows opposing players a reasonable estimate, of their opponents
chips at the onset of the hand.
[0073] Typical house poker rules dictate that players may only add
one `short buy-in` per game. This rule is often confusing to the
house and the other players when players have entered, left, and
re-entered the same game. A simple solution to this problem is to
have no short boy-ins allowed but to simply allow a minimum and a
maximum buy-in. The minimum buy-in is to be no less than 20 times
the big blind and the maximum buy-in is to be no more than 200
times the big blind. Additionally, this minimum buy-in rule should
also help to eliminate multiple side pots which slows the speed of
the main poker game. One exception to this rule, as previously
noted, is when a player has won a smaller than a minimum buy-in
amount from the jackpot or a flop bet wager. In this prior example
the player would be required to add the small amount to their stack
during the current hand that they receive the chips.
[0074] A player may choose to be dealt out of the poker game, but
wish to continue playing against the dealer wagering on the flop
bet. However, he or she may only continue betting the flop bet
without playing the poker game when no waiting list to sit and play
the main game exists. If another player wishes to play the main
game, the player being dealt out of the main poker game must give
up his or her seat to the waiting player. The following exceptions
apply to this rule. A player may continue betting the flop bet when
there is a waiting list only after they have recently returned from
taking a break and they are waiting for the big blind to reach them
or only after a player has moved seats away from the big blind and
they are also waiting for the blind to reach them.
[0075] All-in bets, prior to the flop, should be announced to the
dealer and the other players before the player's chips are pushed
into the betting square. The main pot and any side pots are
collected and settled after the flop is down and only after all
flop bets have been settled. All-In bets occurring after any flop
bets have been settled are handled with the same procedure, all in
bets must be verbally declared to the dealer and other players
prior to their chips pushed into the middle. The player's chips are
then pushed into the betting squares for the dealer to settle.
Moreover, all raises must be either verbally declared or the dealer
must be made aware by a common hand signal.
[0076] In the case of heads up play, the player on the button is
required to post both the small blind and the jackpot ante. He is
also required to act first before the flop. The player in the first
position is required to post the big blind and is also required to
act first after the flop and after all other subsequent betting
rounds. The jackpot ante is considered live. Usual poker dealing
procedures dictate that the first hand is always dealt to the small
blind in front of the button, however, when, playing heads up the
first hand is dealt to the small blind on the button.
* * * * *