US20060073864A1

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Info

Publication number: US20060073864A1
Application number: US11/243,606
Authority: US
Inventors: Reginald Groves
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-10-06
Filing date: 2005-10-05
Publication date: 2006-04-06

Abstract

A system and method for playing a card game are disclosed. The card game may be played with a real deck of cards and an associated playing surface or with a virtual deck of cards as part of a virtual card game on a processor-based platform. The method comprises placing at least one wager by betting a monetary amount for a current round of play and dealing an arrangement of playing cards and revealing a face of each of the dealt playing cards during the round of play. The method further comprises identifying any predefined progression sequences appearing in the arrangement of the dealt playing cards. The method also includes paying any winning wager according to the monetary amount bet and odds associated with the identified progression sequences for the current round of play.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application claims priority to provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/616,452, filed on Oct. 6, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a card game and methods of playing a card game. Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for playing a card game in conjunction with wagering. It is to be appreciated, however, that the method of playing a card game may find further applications in areas outside of the wagering arena.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Oftentimes, to non-initiated players, casino games such as roulette can be intimidating. For example, roulette incorporates many alternate ways of wagering and these wagering alternatives can confuse non-initiated players. Therefore, players unfamiliar with roulette and other casino games may hesitate to play. Consequently, there is a need for a casino-style game that provides easily understood wagering principles while, at the same time, provides the excitement associated with other casino games. Also, providing a casino-style game in a format or using a media that is likely already familiar to a player is desirable.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional, traditional, and proposed approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems and methods with the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of playing a card game. The method comprises dealing an arrangement of playing cards and revealing a face of each of the dealt playing cards during the round of play. The method further comprises identifying any predefined progression sequences appearing in the arrangement of the dealt playing cards. In an embodiment, the method may further comprise placing at least one wager by betting a monetary amount for a current round of play, and also paying any winning wager according to the monetary amount bet and odds associated with the identified progression sequences for the current round of play. Alternatively, or in addition to guessing/wagering related to the outcome of the flipped cards, players may also be allowed to make further bets or guesses relating to the “flipped” cards. For example, the player may guess/bet on the possibility that certain recognized cards appear in that particular round of play/wagering. As examples: In the game of Pinnochle, it is recognized and understood that the QUEEN of SPADES and the JACK of DIAMONDS constitute pinnochle and you count your melt accordingly. In the game of Kasino, it is recognized and understood that the TEN of DIAMONDS and DEUCE of SPADES are known as Big and Little Kasino respectively. Further, such cards as the JACK of SPADES and the JACK of HEARTS, are recognized as one-eyed Jacks, because they have only one eye. Example: The KING of DIAMONDS is the only one-eyed King. These are often wild cards in various card games. Bets/guesses on such cards may therefore give the players an award separate and in addition to whatever thy may have been entitled to from correctly guessing/hitting their wagered sequence(s). In such an example, after the cards are displayed, if in the three-card version, the queen of spades and jack of diamonds are both in the display, the player wins a supplemental award/credits. If the JACK of SPADES and/or the JACK of HEARTS appear, the player wins a supplemental award/credits, and the like. This type of winning may be based upon a winning wager relating to chosen sequence, or separate and apart from such a wager.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a processor-based system for implementing a virtual card game. The processor-based system comprises at least one processor to execute playing of the virtual card game, and wherein the playing of the virtual card game comprises the steps of electronically dealing an arrangement of virtual playing cards and revealing a face of each of the dealt playing cards during the current round of play, and electronically identifying any predefined progression sequences appearing in the arrangement of the dealt playing cards. In an embodiment, the method may further comprise electronically placing at least one wager by betting a monetary amount for a current round of play, and electronically paying any winning wager according to the monetary amount bet and odds associated with the identified progression sequences for the current round of play. The system further comprises a program memory interfacing to the at least one processor to store software associated with the virtual card game and a user interface connecting to the at least one processor to allow a player of the virtual card game to select various functional inputs of the virtual card game. The system further comprises an image memory interfacing to the at least one processor to store image data of the virtual card game to be displayed. The system also includes a display controller interfacing to the image memory to extract image data from the image memory in a controlled manner and to convert the image data to video data. The system further includes a display interfacing to the display controller to accept the video data from the display controller such that the video data is presented to the player on the display.

Alternative embodiments may implement the game in an instant lottery ticket game format, wherein representations of cards are selectively revealed. Such representations may typically be masked or covered in some way, and subsequently selectively revealed to play the game. In such an embodiment, the wager placed on the game could also be selected by the player, or the odds of winning chosen by a player, as a part of playing the game, or such variables may be set by the game distributor, as desired. The placing of a wager by the player may simply comprise buying the lottery ticket.

These and other advantages and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary flowchart of an embodiment of a method of playing a card game, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a playing surface layout to accommodate betting for a non-virtual version of the method ofFIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a processor-based system for implementing a virtual card game using the method ofFIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary user interface image displayed by the processor-based system ofFIG. 3 showing an arrangement of dealt cards face down, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first exemplary image displayed by the processor-based system ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of an image displayed by the processor-based system ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a further exemplary n image displayed by the processor-based system ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a further exemplary image displayed by the processor-based system ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a further exemplary image displayed by the processor-based system ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a further exemplary image displayed by the processor-based system ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a further exemplary image displayed by the processor-based system ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a further exemplary image displayed by the processor-based system ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a further exemplary image displayed by the processor-based system ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a further exemplary image displayed by the processor-based system ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a further exemplary image displayed by the processor-based system ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a further exemplary image displayed by the processor-based system ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is anexemplary flowchart100 of an embodiment of a method of playing a card game, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. In an embodiment which includes a wagering feature, the game can start atstep110, wherein at least one wager is placed by betting a monetary amount for a current round of play. It should be understood that wagering is not necessary in accordance with the invention, as it can simply be played for fun and entertainment. Instep120, an arrangement of playing cards is dealt and the face of each of the dealt playing cards is revealed during the current round of play. Instep130, any predefined progression sequences appearing in the arrangement of dealt playing cards are identified. Instep140, according to an embodiment with wagering, any winning wager is paid according to the monetary amount bet and the odds associated with the identified progression sequences for the current round of play.

Alternatively, or in addition to guessing/wagering related to the outcome of the flipped cards, players may also be allowed to make further bets or guesses relating to the “flipped” cards. For example, the player may guess/bet on the possibility that certain recognized cards appear in that particular round of play/wagering. As merely examples: In the game of Pinnochle, it is recognized and understood that the QUEEN of SPADES and the JACK of DIAMONDS constitute pinnochle and you count your melt accordingly. In the game of Kasino, it is recognized and understood that the TEN of DIAMONDS and DEUCE of SPADES are known as Big and Little Kasino respectively. Further, such cards as the JACK of SPADES and the JACK of HEARTS, are recognized as one-eyed Jacks, because they have only one eye. Example: The KING of DIAMONDS is the only one-eyed King. These are often wild cards in various card games. Bets/guesses on such cards may therefore give the players an award separate and in addition to whatever they may have been entitled to from correctly guessing/hitting their wagered sequence(s). In such an example, after the cards are displayed, if in the three-card version, the queen of spades and jack of diamonds are both in the display, the player wins a supplemental award/credits. If the JACK of SPADES and/or the JACK of HEARTS appear, the player wins a supplemental award/credits, and the like. This type of winning may be based upon a winning selection or wager relating to one or more chosen sequences, or separate and apart from such a selection or wager. Additionally, according to an embodiment, the player may elect subsequent to playing round of the game to risk losing a percentage of any winnings based on the played hand, such as by placing a KICKER bet. For example, in such an embodiment, a KICKER bet may be selected subsequent to a played round to risk 10% of any winnings with the chance to double winnings if the next card revealed in the game creates a winning wager. The KICKER is may be a betting position on a playing surface or a button in an electronic embodiment, such as described hereafter.

As used herein, the term “playing cards” shall mean actual playing cards or any other representation of playing cards, whether electronically, printed or otherwise.

As used herein, the term “shuffling” shall mean any physical or other representation or step of mixing playing cards in a normal random fashion, whether electronically or otherwise.

As used herein, the term “dealing or dealt” shall mean any physical or other representation or step of disposing the cards into a desired format to be revealed and/or displaying the playing cards or representations, whether electronically or otherwise.

As used herein, the term “wagering or placing at least one wager” shall mean any physical or other representation or step of placing monetary or psuedo-monetary bets in a normal gambling sense, whether electronically or otherwise.

As used herein, the term “paying” shall mean any physical or other representation or step of paying or awarding based upon the monetary or psuedo-monetary bet in a normal gambling sense, whether electronically or otherwise.

As used herein, the term “cutting” shall mean any physical or other representation or step of reordering playing cards in a normal random fashion, whether electronically or otherwise. It should also be understood that the cutting of the deck of cards may be unnecessary as the cards could be suitably randomized by shuffling alone.

Similarly, references to cards or the playing of a game according to the invention may be implemented in any desired format, and the described embodiments are only examples of such formats.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of aplaying surface layout200 to accommodate betting for a non-virtual version of themethod100 ofFIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The playingsurface200 may be in the form of a casino table or a board-game, for example. As seen inFIG. 2, the playingsurface layout200 comprises anarrangement210 ofplaceholders211 to219 defining nine positions to which nine playing cards may be dealt from a standard deck of fifty-two playing cards. The playingsurface layout200 also includes betting positions220-223 on which a player may place, for example, chips or money when placing a bet at the beginning of a round of play. The playingsurface layout200 also lists theodds230 associated with a set of predefined progression sequences which may appear when cards are dealt into thearrangement210.

In accordance with various alternative embodiments of the present invention, the playingsurface layout200 may include placeholders defining positions to which a number of playing cards other than nine may be dealt. Other non-standard decks may be used as well, in accordance with various alternative embodiments of the present invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the predefined progression sequences include unnatural sequences, natural sequences, flush unnatural sequences, flush natural sequences, even unnatural sequences, even natural sequences, even unnatural flushes, even natural flushes, odd unnatural sequences, odd natural sequences, odd unnatural flushes, and odd natural flushes. A natural sequence is any sequence of cards in a row (e.g.,241,242, or243), a column (e.g.,251,252, or253), or a diagonal (e.g.,261 or262) of thearrangement210 where the cards appear in a natural consecutive order (e.g., Ace, Two, three or Ace, King, Queen) within the row, the column, or the diagonal. An unnatural sequence is any sequence of cards in a row, column, or diagonal of thearrangement210 where the cards appear in an unnatural consecutive order (e.g., three, Ace, two or King, Ace, Queen) along the row, column, or diagonal. A flush natural sequence is the same as a natural sequence except all of the cards making up the flush natural sequence are also of the same suit (e.g., hearts). A flush unnatural sequence is the same as an unnatural sequence except all of the cards making up the flush unnatural sequence are also of the same suit (e.g., spades).

An even natural sequence is any sequence of cards in a row, a column, or a diagonal of thearrangement210 where the cards appear in an even natural consecutive order (e.g., two, four, six or Ace, Queen, ten). An even unnatural sequence is any sequence of cards in a row, a column, or a diagonal of thearrangement210 where the cards appear in an even unnatural consecutive order (e.g., four, two, six or Queen, Ace, ten). An even natural flush is the same as an even natural sequence except that all of the cards making up the even natural flush are also of the same suit (e.g., clubs). An even unnatural flush is the same as an even unnatural sequence except that all of the cards making up the even unnatural flush are also of the same suit (e.g., diamonds).

An odd natural sequence is any sequence of cards in a row, a column, or a diagonal of thearrangement210 where the cards appear in an odd natural consecutive order (e.g., Ace, Three, five or King, Jack, nine). An odd unnatural sequence is any sequence of cards in a row, a column, or a diagonal of thearrangement210 where the cards appear in an odd unnatural consecutive order (e.g., three, Ace, five or Jack, King, nine). An odd natural flush is the same as an odd natural sequence except that all of the cards making up the odd natural flush are also of the same suit (e.g., hearts). An odd unnatural flush is the same as an odd unnatural sequence except that all of the cards making up the odd unnatural flush are also of the same suit (e.g., spades).

As an example, during a round of play, a player places a wager by placing chips on the bettingposition221 on the playingsurface layout200. A dealer then proceeds to deal nine playing cards from a standard deck of playing cards into the positions211-219. It is assumed that the playing cards have been properly shuffled to put the playing cards in a substantially random order. If the revealed face values of the three playing cards, for example, in thepositions211,215, and219 (i.e., along the diagonal261) are a five of hearts, a six of diamonds, and a seven of spades respectively, then this corresponds to a natural sequence and the bet of the player is a winning wager.

Additionally, one ordinarily skilled in the art can appreciate, and it is contemplated that the method of play described herein may be adapted to a computerized format (i.e., a processor-based system) including, but not limited to, the Internet and servers, personal computers, and video games (e.g., a handheld device or a video poker system). It is further contemplated that the method of play described herein may be adapted to a mechanical apparatus including, but not limited to, a slot machine-type apparatus.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a processor-basedsystem300 for implementing a virtual card game using themethod100 ofFIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Thesystem300 comprises aprocessor310, aprogram memory320 storing virtualcard game software325, a user interface330, animage memory340, adisplay controller350, and adisplay360.

Theprocessor310 interfaces to theprogram memory300 and executes the virtualcard game software325. The user interface330 connects to theprocessor310 to allow a player of the virtual card game to select various functional inputs of the virtual card game. Theimage memory340 interfaces to theprocessor310 to store image data to be displayed. Thedisplay controller350 interfaces to theimage memory340 to extract image data from the image memory in a controlled manner and convert the image data to video data. Thedisplay360 interfaces to thedisplay controller350 to accept video data from thedisplay controller350 such that the video data is presented to a player on thedisplay360.

The virtualcard game software325 is the executable program to run the virtual card game. The user interface330 may comprise, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch-screen (i.e., the user interface330 is combined with the display360), or push buttons. The functional inputs controlled through the user interface330 include, for example, an ability to select a monetary amount per wager, and an ability to select that a virtual deck of playing cards be shuffled and/or cut and dealt. Such an electronic version of the game according to the invention may then be placed on a suitable medium, such as a CD or the like, to be loaded and played on a computer, or may be played via a global information system, such as via the Internet.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of auser interface image400 displayed by the processor-basedsystem300 ofFIG. 3 showing an arrangement of dealtplaying cards410 face down, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Thearrangement410 is a substantially rectangular or matrix arrangement of playing cards, such as a 3×3 matrix of nine cards as shown. Other matrices are contemplated in the invention. AKICKER card470 and associatedbutton460 may also be provided in accordance with an embodiment, which will be described hereafter. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the cards are electronically dealt and displayed as if the cards were randomly dealt from a shuffled deck of playing cards. Before thecards410 are revealed or, alternatively, before the cards are even dealt, a player may use, for example, a mouse and keyboard to enter a dollar amount (e.g., $20) to wager in the bettingwindow420. An account window “Credits”430 is initialized to a starting dollar amount (e.g., $1000). The player then clicks on the “Deal”icon440 to reveal the faces of the dealtcards410. Any winnings, based on the bet amount and the odds, are displayed in thewinnings window450.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of animage500 displayed by the processor-basedsystem300 ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 5, a player has wagered (i.e., bet) $10 by entering “10” in the bettingwindow510 using a mouse and/or keyboard of the processor-basedsystem300. The player clicks on the “Deal”button520 to deal and reveal thearrangement530 of nine virtual playing cards. The faces of the cards are displayed to the player and thesystem300 identifies two progression sequences. A first sequence (Ace, Queen, King) appears inrow540 and constitutes an unnatural sequence (i.e., the natural sequence would be Ace, King, Queen or Queen, King, Ace). The odds associated with the unnatural sequence are 2-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $20 for the $10 bet. However, a second sequence (eight, ten, Queen) appears in thecolumn550 and constitutes an even natural sequence. The odds associated with the even natural sequence are 4-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $40 for the $10 bet. As a result, the total winnings for the current round of play are $60 and a “60” is displayed in thewinnings window560. Also, thecredits window570 is credited with the $60 winnings and displays a total account amount of $11090. It should be noted that the original $10 bet was also deducted from the amount in thecredits window570.

If desired, theKICKER card590 can then be played by clickingbutton580, to reveal theKICKER card590. Playing theKICKER card590 may use the winnings from that round of the game, or this may be played as an extra bet if desired. TheKICKER card590 if played, may be one or more cards that once revealed, extend the winning sequence, create a further sequence, or in some other way are combined with the cards already played in the round to either form a further winning combination or a losing combination. As an example, if theKICKER card590 forms a winning combination, the total winnings may be increased by a predetermined amount, or as a percentage of the winnings, or based upon some other measure as desired. Similarly, a losingKICKER card590 may deduct from the winnings or player's credited amount, a predetermined amount, a percentage of the winnings, or an amount based upon some other measure as desired.

FIG. 6 illustrates a secondexemplary image600 displayed by the processor-basedsystem300 ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 6, a player has wagered (i.e., bet) $1 by entering “1” in the bettingwindow610 using a mouse and/or keyboard of the processor-basedsystem300. The player clicks on the “Deal”button620 to deal and reveal thearrangement630 of nine virtual playing cards. The faces of the cards are displayed to the player and thesystem300 identifies one progression sequence. The sequence (nine, eight, seven) appears inrow640 and constitutes a natural sequence. The odds associated with the natural sequence are 4-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $4 for the $1 bet. As a result, the total winnings for the current round of play are $4 and a “4” is displayed in thewinnings window650. Also, thecredits window660 is credited with the $4 winnings and displays a total account amount of $1353. It should be noted that the original $1 bet was also deducted from the amount in thecredits window660.

FIG. 7 illustrates a furtherexemplary image700 displayed by the processor-basedsystem300 ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 7, a player has wagered (i.e., bet) $1 by entering “1” in the bettingwindow710 using a mouse and/or keyboard of the processor-basedsystem300. The player clicks on the “Deal”button720 to deal and reveal thearrangement730 of nine virtual playing cards. The faces of the cards are displayed to the player and thesystem300 identifies one progression sequence. The sequence (six of clubs, eight of clubs, seven of clubs) appears inrow740 and constitutes a flush unnatural sequence. The odds associated with the flush unnatural sequence are 3-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $3 for the $1 bet. As a result, the total winnings for the current round of play are $3 and a “3” is displayed in thewinnings window750. Also, thecredits window760 is credited with the $3 winnings and displays a total account amount of $1057. It should be noted that the original $1 bet was also deducted from the amount in thecredits window760.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fourthexemplary image800 displayed by the processor-basedsystem300 ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 8, a player has wagered (i.e., bet) $1 by entering “1” in the bettingwindow810 using a mouse and/or keyboard of the processor-basedsystem300. The player clicks on the “Deal”button820 to deal and reveal thearrangement830 of nine virtual playing cards. The faces of the cards are displayed to the player and thesystem300 identifies one progression sequence. The sequence (Queen of hearts, King of hearts, Ace of hearts) appears inrow840 and constitutes a flush natural sequence. The odds associated with the flush natural sequence are 10-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $10 for the $1 bet. As a result, the total winnings for the current round of play are $10 and a “10” is displayed in thewinnings window850. Also, thecredits window860 is credited with the $10 winnings and displays a total account amount of $1389. It should be noted that the original $1 bet was also deducted from the amount in thecredits window860.

FIG. 9 illustrates a fifthexemplary image900 displayed by the processor-basedsystem300 ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 9, a player has wagered (i.e., bet) $1 by entering “1” in the bettingwindow910 using a mouse and/or keyboard of the processor-basedsystem300. The player clicks on the “Deal”button920 to deal and reveal thearrangement930 of nine virtual playing cards. The faces of the cards are displayed to the player and thesystem300 identifies one progression sequence. The sequence (ten, eight, Queen) appears inrow940 and constitutes an even unnatural sequence. The odds associated with the even unnatural sequence are 1-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $1 for the $1 bet. As a result, the total winnings for the current round of play are $1 and a “1” is displayed in thewinnings window950. Also, thecredits window960 is credited with the $1 winnings and displays a total account amount of $1227. It should be noted that the original $1 bet was also deducted from the amount in thecredits window960.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sixth exemplary embodiment of animage1000 displayed by the processor-basedsystem300 ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 10, a player has wagered (i.e., bet) $1 by entering “1” in the bettingwindow1010 using a mouse and/or keyboard of the processor-basedsystem300. The player clicks on the “Deal”button1020 to deal and reveal thearrangement1030 of nine virtual playing cards. The faces of the cards are displayed to the player and thesystem300 identifies one progression sequence. The sequence (six of spades, four of spades, eight of spades) appears inrow1040 and constitutes an even unnatural flush. The odds associated with the even unnatural flush are 4-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $4 for the $1 bet. As a result, the total winnings for the current round of play are $4 and a “4” is displayed in thewinnings window1050. Also, thecredits window1060 is credited with the $4 winnings and displays a total account amount of $1064. It should be noted that the original $1 bet was also deducted from the amount in thecredits window1060.

FIG. 11 illustrates a seventh exemplary embodiment of animage1100 displayed by the processor-basedsystem300 ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 11, a player has wagered (i.e., bet) $1 by entering “1” in the bettingwindow1110 using a mouse and/or keyboard of the processor-basedsystem300. The player clicks on the “Deal”button1120 to deal and reveal thearrangement1130 of nine virtual playing cards. The faces of the cards are displayed to the player and thesystem300 identifies two progression sequences. A first sequence (ten of diamonds, Queen of diamonds, Ace of diamonds) appears inrow1140 and constitutes an even natural flush. The odds associated with the even natural flush are 7-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $7 for the $1 bet. However, a second sequence (four, two, six) appears in therow1150 and constitutes an even unnatural sequence. The odds associated with the even unnatural sequence are 1-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $1 for the $1 bet. As a result, the total winnings for the current round of play are $8 and a “8” is displayed in thewinnings window1160. Also, thecredits window1170 is credited with the $8 winnings and displays a total account amount of $1240. It should be noted that the original $1 bet was also deducted from the amount in thecredits window1170.

FIG. 12 illustrates an eighth exemplary embodiment of animage1200 displayed by the processor-basedsystem300 ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 12, a player has wagered (i.e., bet) $1 by entering “1” in the bettingwindow1210 using a mouse and/or keyboard of the processor-basedsystem300. The player clicks on the “Deal”button1220 to deal and reveal thearrangement1230 of nine virtual playing cards. The faces of the cards are displayed to the player and thesystem300 identifies two progression sequences. A first sequence (seven, nine, Jack) appears inrow1240 and constitutes an odd natural sequence. The odds associated with the odd natural sequence are 4-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $4 for the $1 bet. However, a second sequence (seven, three, five) appears in therow1250 and constitutes an odd unnatural sequence. The odds associated with the odd unnatural sequence are 1-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $1 for the $1 bet. As a result, the total winnings for the current round of play are $5 and a “5” is displayed in thewinnings window1260. Also, thecredits window1270 is credited with the $5 winnings and displays a total account amount of $1250. It should be noted that the original $1 bet was also deducted from the amount in thecredits window1270.

FIG. 13 illustrates a ninth exemplary embodiment of animage1300 displayed by the processor-basedsystem300 ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 13, a player has wagered (i.e., bet) $1 by entering “1” in the bettingwindow1310 using a mouse and/or keyboard of the processor-basedsystem300. The player clicks on the “Deal”button1320 to deal and reveal thearrangement1330 of nine virtual playing cards. The faces of the cards are displayed to the player and thesystem300 identifies one progression sequence. The sequence (three, five, seven) appears in diagonal1340 and constitutes an odd natural sequence. The odds associated with the odd natural sequence are 4-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $4 for the $1 bet. As a result, the total winnings for the current round of play are $4 and a “4” is displayed in thewinnings window1350. Also, thecredits window1360 is credited with the $4 winnings and displays a total account amount of $1389. It should be noted that the original $1 bet was also deducted from the amount in thecredits window1360.

FIG. 14 illustrates a tenth exemplary embodiment of animage1400 displayed by the processor-basedsystem300 ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 14, a player has wagered (i.e., bet) $1 by entering “1” in the bettingwindow1410 using a mouse and/or keyboard of the processor-basedsystem300. The player clicks on the “Deal”button1420 to deal and reveal thearrangement1430 of nine virtual playing cards. The faces of the cards are displayed to the player and thesystem300 identifies two progression sequences. A first sequence (Queen of hearts, King of hearts, Ace of hearts) appears inrow1440 and constitutes a flush natural sequence. The odds associated with the flush natural sequence are 10-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $10 for the $1 bet. However, a second sequence (Jack of hearts, nine of hearts, King of hearts) appears in thecolumn1450 and constitutes an odd unnatural flush. The odds associated with the odd unnatural flush are 4-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $4 for the $1 bet. As a result, the total winnings for the current round of play are $14 and a “14” is displayed in thewinnings window1460. Also, thecredits window1470 is credited with the $14 winnings and displays a total account amount of $1389. It should be noted that the original $1 bet was also deducted from the amount in thecredits window1470.

FIG. 15 illustrates an eleventh exemplary embodiment of animage1500 displayed by the processor-basedsystem300 ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 15, a player has wagered (i.e., bet) $1 by entering “1” in the bettingwindow1510 using a mouse and/or keyboard of the processor-basedsystem300. The player clicks on the “Deal”button1520 to deal and reveal thearrangement1530 of nine virtual playing cards. The faces of the cards are displayed to the player and thesystem300 identifies two progression sequences. A first sequence (Queen of hearts, King of hearts, Ace of hearts) appears inrow1540 and constitutes a flush natural sequence. The odds associated with the flush natural sequence are 10-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $10 for the $1 bet. However, a second sequence (nine of hearts, Jack of hearts, King of hearts) appears in thecolumn1550 and constitutes an odd natural flush. The odds associated with the odd unnatural flush are 7-to-1 and, therefore, the winnings are $7 for the $1 bet. As a result, the total winnings for the current round of play are $17 and a “17” is displayed in thewinnings window1560. Also, thecredits window1570 is credited with the $17 winnings and displays a total account amount of $1389. It should be noted that the original $1 bet was also deducted from the amount in thecredits window1570.

FIG. 16 illustrates a twelfth exemplary embodiment of animage1600 displayed by the processor-basedsystem300 ofFIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring toFIG. 16, a player has wagered (i.e., bet) $10 by entering “10” in the bettingwindow1610 using a mouse and/or keyboard of the processor-basedsystem300. The player clicks on the “Deal”button1620 to deal and reveal thearrangement1630 of nine virtual playing cards. The faces of the cards are displayed to the player and thesystem300 identifies no progression sequences. As a result, the total winnings for the current round of play are $0 and a “0” is displayed in thewinnings window1650. It should be noted that the original $10 bet was also deducted from the amount in thecredits window1660 and displays a total account amount of $990.

Alternatively, the game may be played using representations of cards, which may be “shuffled” or randomized for use in playing the game. For example, the game may be played in the style of an instant lottery game, where representations of cards are printed on a ticket or other medium, such as in the format shown in prior embodiments, and selectively revealed to play the game. Accordingly, the one or more betting sequence(s) are also printed or otherwise disposed on the medium, and are also selectively revealed by the player. Such representations may typically be masked or covered in some way, and subsequently selectively revealed, such as by scratching, to play the game. In such an embodiment, the player may reveal one or more of the wagering sequence(s) could be revealed for possible winnings. The wager placed on the game could also be selected by the player, or the odds of winning chosen by a player, as a part of playing the game, or such variables may be set by the game distributor, as desired. The placing of a wager by the player may simply comprise buying the lottery ticket, or different pricing for tickets could be provided for differing odds games. In any event, the wagering scheme used may make instant winning possible. Such an embodiment constitutes a non-virtual version of the game and methods according to embodiments herein.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the various wagering options may be implemented on a physical playing surface layout where real playing cards and chips are used to place wagers such as shown inFIG. 2. Such an embodiment provides a dealer to shuffle, cut, and deal the cards, and at least one player to place wagers. Such an embodiment constitutes a non-virtual version of the method ofFIG. 1. In such an embodiment, a player “buys in” or purchases chips of a specific color or pattern distinct from any other player currently playing. It should also be understood that the odds associated with winning sequences can be varied as desired.

Certain embodiments of the present invention contemplate distinct chip patterns for each player. However, another embodiment includes standard color chips corresponding to a specific monetary denomination. The rationale behind the distinct chip patterns of certain embodiments is to permit the players, dealer and staff to easily distinguish one player's wagers from the others.

It may be appreciated that numerous playing variations and combinations could be applied to the fundamental principles of the present invention. The method of the present invention may be practiced by a single player or by multiple players, wherein the player(s) play against a house dealer, against a player banker, or each other in a no bank format.

Although certain embodiments suggests payoff odds for specific wagers, it is contemplated that the odds may be modified to accommodate variables and preferences of individual casinos or houses. For instance, a specific casino may choose to structure the odds to attract players where others may choose to hold back on the odds giving the house an edge over the players.

It is further contemplated in another embodiment of the present invention that a player may use other forms of wagers including, but not limited to, cash and coins while playing the game of the present invention.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, one ordinarily skilled in the art would realize that the present invention could be played using more than one deck of cards. Additionally, it is understood that custom cards may be used in lieu of standard conventional playing cards. Accordingly, the odds of each wager may change to correspond to the probability of a specific wager in light of the use of multiple decks or custom cards.

In summary, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for playing a card game based on wagering that at least one of a plurality of predefined progression sequences will be revealed in an arrangement of dealt playing cards. The card game may be played manually on a non-virtual playing surface or may be played as an electronic game on a processor-based platform, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of playing a card game, said method comprising:

dealing an arrangement of playing cards and revealing a face of each of said dealt playing cards during said current round of play;

identifying any predefined progression sequences appearing in said arrangement of said dealt playing cards; and

indicating winning based upon said identified progression sequences for said current round of play.

2. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising the steps of placing at least one wager and paying on any winning wager according to the amount of the wager for a current round of play.

3. A processor-based system for implementing a virtual card game, said processor-based system comprising:

at least one processor to execute playing of said virtual card game, and wherein said playing of said virtual card game comprises the steps of electronically dealing an arrangement of virtual playing cards and revealing a face of each of said dealt playing cards during said current round of play, electronically identifying any predefined progression sequences appearing in said arrangement of said dealt playing cards, and indicating any winning wager according to said identified progression sequences for said current round of play;

a program memory interfacing to said at least one processor to store software associated with said virtual card game;

a user interface connecting to said at least one processor to allow a player of said virtual card game to select various functional inputs of said virtual card game;

an image memory interfacing to said at least one processor to store image data of said virtual card game to be displayed;

a display controller interfacing to said image memory to extract image data from said image memory in a controlled manner and to convert said image data to video data; and

a display interfacing to said display controller to accept said video data from said display controller such that said video data is presented to said player on said display.

4. The method according toclaim 3, further comprising the steps of placing at least one wager and paying on any winning wager according to the amount of the wager for a current round of play.