| Game of chance -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Game of chanceGame of chance description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080093797, Game of chance. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND [0001]The present invention relates to simple games of chance adapted to house or casino type gambling and wagering. Wagering or gambling has been practiced since the dawn of communicative man. Games of chance have been known throughout recorded history. Numerous games such as cards, dice, and the like have been developed over the years to accommodate man's desire to gamble. Many in the modem adult population enjoy gambling. This spans a large spectrum, from playing the horses, to prize fights, to games specifically designed to accommodate this pass time. These designed games range from informal, i.e. those played at home, to more formal and even higher stake, games played in gaming establishments, such as a casino. Indeed, numerous state governments have recognized this predilection for formal wagering by sponsoring state lotteries as a form of revenue generation for general or even specific purposes. Huge gaming industries have developed around this propensity to wager on chance events, including companies which manufacture gaming devices; and, casinos, such as those in Las Vegas, Nev. [0002]Perhaps the most popular general class of non-mechanized game (as opposed to mechanized slot machines) is the card game, in its various forms, whether with conventional cards or by use of video screens, such as video poker. Other renditions of electronic poker and complex electronic games of chance also exist. Many card games are adapted to a standard fifty two card deck containing four suits of thirteen cards ranked from ace through deuce in each suit. In order to add interest to the game, as well as requiring some judgment skills on the part of the players, most such games have developed relatively complex rules of play. [0003]While many seasoned players may find such complex games to be more interesting than simpler games, these complex games can be confusing to the recreational payer, as well as requiring a great deal of skill. Since money is wagered, these games are often intimidating to the occasional player and require more concentration than he or she is willing to devote to this pass time. Thus, many novice or recreational players tend to avoid these games. Not only does this avoidance deprive the player of the entertainment and thrill, but it costs the gambling establishment revenue. [0004]One of the inherent fascinations with mechanized gambling, such as slot machines, is the ease of play. Although, some slot machines allow of variety of betting choices, all bets and combinations thereof are placed before the gaming wheel is spun. In this manner, even novice gamblers can quickly comprehend the rules and participate. Likewise, games like Black Jack, although somewhat more complicated to play, are popular because they rely upon relatively simple rules. Accordingly, simple games which use a standard fifty two card deck, which is readily adaptable to wagering and betting for casino games have become popular. Based upon this model, a relatively simple game using some of the aspects of cards adaptable to wagering and betting for casino use is needed. [0005]Any such game must be relatively easy to learn and simple to play, but provide enough variety to hold interest, in order to attract beginning players and to avoid a requirement for long study of rules and/or practice of the game before having a consistent chance of winning. Therefore, having a house game of chance which allows wagering by one or more players based upon simple comparison between the "Player's hand" and the "Dealer's hand," yet more interactive and exciting than a slot machine would be advantageous. These games, characterized as house games because the player plays against the house, and not other players, have a particular attraction to the recreational gambler who frequents the casino as a social event. Likewise, having a game which is adaptable to various medium, for example, cards, game pieces, electronic displays, and the like, would increase the availability of the game to a variety of players. For example, a game having simple rules, which could be adapted for electronic play (similar to Keno), in many kiosks located throughout the casino, would provide ease of play. In this manner, a single Dealer could service or accommodate many players located remotely either within or outside the casino floor (laws permitting.) [0006]It will be realized by the skilled artisan that the foregoing discussion and examples as well as the scope of the illustrations related thereto are set forth as background only. Their intent is to be exemplary and illustrative of problems related to games of chance, as well as some prior attempts to address certain problems, at least in part. They are not, nor are they intended to be exclusive or exhaustive. Nor are they intended, in any manner, to be read as a limitation of the instant disclosure or the appended claims. SUMMARY [0007]A House Game of chance, wherein a Dealer and at least one Player are, each randomly dealt at least one Game Piece from a finite set of Gaming Media wherein each Game Piece contains at least one Characteristic set, each set having two or more recognizable Characteristics and a single Ranking Element such that at least two Game Pieces can be ranked, one in respect to the other. Players place Wagers against at least one Game Piece of the Dealer, predicated upon a Player's expected outcome of the Player's Game Piece(s) in relation to at least one Game Piece of the Dealer according to the game Rules. Then, according to the House Game, if a Player's at least one Game Piece displays the same Characteristic(s) and Ranking Elements higher (or lower), depending upon the Rules, than the Ranking Elements of the at least one Dealer's Game Piece(s), then the Player wins the Hand and the predetermined Wager, if not, the Dealer wins. [0008]In accordance with the instant House Game, all Wagers are placed by Players prior to the Player observing at least the Ranking Element of the Dealer's Game Piece(s); and advantageously, both the Characteristic(s) and the Ranking Element of the Dealer's Game Piece(s). Thus, in accordance with the House Game, all Player Wagers must be finally placed prior to the Dealer revealing at least the Ranking Element of at least one of his Game Pieces against which the Wagers are placed. In one aspect, the Player may receive one or more Game Pieces after the at least one Dealer's Game Piece is revealed. [0009]The Gaming Media can be tangible or electronic. In one aspect, prior to the Dealer revealing his Game Piece(s), the Player, upon seeing the Player's Game Piece(s), has the option to surrender his Game Pieces and forfeiting a percentage of the Wager for that game Piece, for example, half of the bet (i.e., fold); or, the Player can increase the bet (similar to a double down of Black Jack.) In another aspect, the Dealer receives at least two Game Pieces and Players play against one or more, or a combination of the Dealer's Game Pieces against each of the Player's Game Piece(s) according to the Rules. In one aspect, the Player can select from a set of "Rules" prior to the termination of the Hand. [0010]In a further aspect, Bonuses or Jackpots can be paid by the House for certain combinations of the Player's Game Piece(s) irrespective of the Dealer's Characteristics and Ranking Elements; or, in respect to one or more of the Dealer's Game Piece(s) using the premise of matching Characteristic(s) and ranking of Ranking Elements. Bonuses and/or Jackpots can be awarded a Player either as part of the Rules based upon the original Wager; or, as a result of an additional "trigger" Wager required in order to qualify for the Bonus and/or Jackpot. [0011]The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, devices and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements. DISCUSSION OF THE GAME NOMENCLATURE [0012]As used herein, the following terms are meant to have the meanings hereinafter set forth. Bonus as used herein shall mean an amount equal to a multiple of certain of the Player's Wager(s), paid to a Player for obtaining a pre-set set of Game Pieces which is awarded a Player either as part of the Rules or as a result of an additional "trigger" Wager required in order to qualify for the Bonus. Characteristic as used herein means at least one distinctive feature of the Game Piece that selective Game Pieces have in common (such as the suits in a standard deck of cards) which can be initially concealed from the Players. Dealer shall mean the participant in a game who plays for the house and against all other Players in the game. Gaming Media as used herein is the means for supporting play, and capable of retaining at least one Characteristic and a Ranking Element such as cards, dominoes, electronic indicia and the like containing the set of all the Game Pieces. Game Pieces as used herein means a distinctive item or article of the Gaming Medium, (such as an individual playing card) which contains at least one Characteristic and a Ranking Element. Hand shall mean that set of placed Wagers against at least one of the Player's Game Pieces or a combination of the Game Pieces, irrespective of when dealt, which terminates play by revelation of at least the Ranking Element of at least one of the Dealer's Game Piece(s). House Games as used herein refers to a game of chance where play is between the Dealer or "house hand," e.g. Black Jack, and, Players which is in contrast to games of chance where play is among Players, e.g. 5 card poker. Jackpot as used herein shall mean a set amount paid to a Player, irrespective of the Player's Wager, for obtaining a pre-set set of Game Pieces which is awarded a Player either as part of the Rules or as a result of an additional "trigger" Wager required in order to qualify for the Jackpot. Player shall mean a participant in a game of chance who is not the Dealer. A Ranking Element as used herein means a concealable number, symbol or icon carried on a Game Piece which is assigned a hierarchy, such as a numerical ranking, e.g. the ranking from 2 to "ACE" in a standard deck of 52 playing cards. Rules shall mean the structure of the Players Wager(s), the Bonuses and the Jackpot, as well as the winning ranking (greater or lesser) of the Ranking Elements for a given Hand. Wager(s) shall mean one or more bets against a single Hand of the game in accordance with the Rules. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS [0013]In accordance with the instant game and method of playing the game, a Gaming Media, having a plurality of Game Pieces containing at least one of at least two recognizable Characteristics and a single Ranking Element such that at least two Game Pieces can be ranked, one in respect to the other, is provided. Game Pieces are randomly dealt such that a Dealer and at least one Player receive Game Pieces, according to the Rules, e.g. a Player gets a single Game Piece or multiple Game Pieces against which Wagers can be placed against each or a combination in a manner such that initially the Characteristic and the Ranking Element of the Dealer's Game Piece are not perceivable by any Player whether the Dealer's Game Piece(s) are dealt or not. Each Player may Wager against one or more of the Players Game Pieces, either alone or in combination, depending upon the Rules, either prior to the Player receiving his Game Piece(s) or after he receives his Game Piece(s), but prior to observing at least the Ranking Element of at least one of the Dealer's Game Piece(s), or a combination of the Dealer's game Pieces against which the Wager is made. A winning Hand is defined by a Player having at least one Game Piece upon which the Wager is made of the same Characteristic(s) as that of the Dealer at least one Game Piece or a combination of the Dealer's Game Pieces (depending upon the rules) and having a Ranking Element either greater or less than the Ranking Element (or combination) of the Game Piece(s) of the Dealer, depending on the Rules. A tie goes, for example, to the Dealer. [0014]By comparing Game Piece(s) revealed by the Dealer with those of each Player, the outcome of the game may be quickly and easily determined according to the Rules of the Hand. There is no gambling skill involved, accept the placing of the Wager. Depending upon the Rules of the game, wagering scenarios may be employed to allow higher payoffs. More complicated betting, Bonus, and Jackpot schemes can be devised, such as, over/under, straight, two winning Game Pieces, matching more than one Characteristic, playing against a combination of Dealer's Game Pieces and the like. For example, increased payoffs and Bonuses or Jackpots can be offered by the house for "straight flush" (same single Characteristic consecutive Ranking Elements) hands or where all consecutive Game Pieces have a higher ranking (or lower ranking, according to the Rules of the game and the choice of the Player in placing his Wager before the Hand is dealt) than the Dealer Game Piece(s). Game Pieces can be dealt to each Player with a chance to Wager on each Game Piece or group of Game Pieces either prior to the time when the Dealer's Game piece(s) is revealed, or after, so long as all Players Wagers are placed prior to the revelation of the Ranking Element of Dealers Game Piece(s). [0015]It will be realized that Wagers may be placed by the Players up until the Ranking Element of the Dealer's Game Piece(s) is revealed. Thus, in one aspect, a Wager can initially be placed by the Player and the Dealer may reveal his Game Piece Characteristic. Depending upon the Rules, all Wagers on Players Game Pieces not containing the Dealer's Characteristic are lost. The Player then may vary the Wager in respect to the remaining Game Pieces which match the Characteristic(s) of the Dealer's Game Piece. Likewise, the game may be played wherein there are multiple Characteristics, where Wagers are placed based upon the Player's Game Piece(s) Characteristic(s). Matching one or all of the Dealer's Characteristic(s) will result in the Player winning the Wager. The skilled artisan will appreciate that other scenarios are available without deviating from the spirit of the game. [0016]The game is easy to learn, enjoyable to play, and fast paced for rapid turnover and good profit. The complexity and probability of winning, including Bonuses and Jackpots can be varied by altering the Rules. In addition, by varying the Rules, i.e. Bonuses, Jackpots, matching different Characteristic(s), and split bets, the House Game can be made more challenging for even more sophisticated Players. It will be realized by the skilled artisan that the Dealer has a fixed number of Game Piece per Hand in accordance with the Rules which dictate the relationship of the Player(s)' Game Pieces to those of the Dealer for a winning Hand. Play is terminated by the placement of Players Wager(s) against one or more of Player's Game Pieces and revelation of the Dealer's Game Piece(s) (at least the Ranking Element) against which the Player's Wagers were made. [0017]The instant House Game can be played on many venues with any Gaming Media, as set forth below, wherein the Dealer's Game Piece is capable of initial concealment of first, the Characteristic and, finally, the Ranking Element, prior to all the Player'(s) initial Wagers being placed. In one embodiment, the Dealer takes more than one Game Piece to be played sequentially, or in combination against a select number of Player's Game Pieces according to the Rules. In accordance with this embodiment, a Player may be a winner if any Ranking Element of his Game Pieces are higher (or lower) in rank than either of the Dealer's Game Pieces and of the same Characteristic. [0018]In accordance with an exemplary method of the House Game, the Dealer and Player(s) are randomly dealt a subset of Game Pieces. The order is of no consequence as long as the Game Pieces are dealt randomly. The Player(s) place Wagers on specific Player Game Pieces, or a combination of Player Game Pieces against one or more or a given combination of Dealer's Game Pieces prior to the Dealer revealing at least the Ranking Element of those Game Pieces. Once all Players' Wagers are placed, then the Dealer reveals his Game Piece(s) in play for the Hand. If any of the Player's Ranking Elements is higher (or lower) in rank, and of the same Characteristic, (or of the same number of Characters in case of multiple Characters) as the Dealer's element and/or elements, then the Player wins. If not, the Dealer wins. [0019]It will be realized by the skilled artisan that numerous variations of the instant House Game are possible. For example, after the Player places his Wager in accordance with the Rules for the Hand, the Dealer can reveal only the Characteristic(s) of his Game Piece(s). In this manner, all of Player's Game Pieces not matching the Characteristic(s) are deemed to be loosing and Wagers for those Game Pieces are collected by the house. A new round of Wagers by Players can then take place in accordance with the Rules in respect to those Game Pieces having the same Characteristic(s) as the Dealer's Game Piece Characteristic prior to the Dealer revealing the Ranking Element of his Game Piece(s). In this manner, Players can engage in a second round of wagering based solely upon the Ranking Element of their Game Piece(s) in respect to that of the Dealer's. [0020]This House Game can be played with one or multiple bets which comprise a Wager for a single Hand. In the case of the multiple bets, the bets can be of the same amount of units or different amounts of units. Additionally, when there is more then one Game Piece dealt for the Player, the Game Pieces can be grouped together in reference to their corresponding bets. For example, Bonuses can be won which depend upon the sequences of the Player's Ranking Elements either with respect to the matching Characteristic(s) or irrespective thereof. For example, if some and/or all Player's Game Pieces are of the same Characteristic and greater than the Dealer's Game Piece Ranking Element and/or Ranking Elements and sequential in their rank, the Bonus may be assigned to such combination. These Bonuses can be awarded without an additional bet on the part of the Player, or the availability of the Bonus is predicated upon the Player placing a bet for the Bonus or some combination thereof. Continue reading about Game of chance... Full patent description for Game of chance Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Game of chance patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Game of chance or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Banked air hockey table Next Patent Application: Method of controlling a dice game and gaming machine Industry Class: Amusement devices: games ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Game of chance patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.12396 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Novartis , Pfizer , Philips , Polaroid , Procter & Gamble , 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
