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US5374067A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Method for playing a card game

Assignee: International Game Technology
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Filing: 1993-06-09
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Granted: 1994-12-20
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Expires: 2013-06-09
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Abstract

Abstract The disclosed card game variant enables players to compete in the familiar format of a rummy-type game against the house. In a preferred five-card embodiment, players initially ante, then receive four cards face down from the dealer, while the dealer received three cards face down and one card face up. Players electing to continue play after a bet or fold option and the dealer each receive one more card face down to complete a five card hand. The point count total of the hand of each remaining player and the dealer are then determined and compared, with each Ace counting 1, each deuce counting 2, etc., and with tens and face cards each counting 10. Each spread consisting of three or more suited cards in sequence or three or four of a kind counts zero (0). The object of the game is to have a lower point count total than the dealer. The dealer only plays when his hand totals 32 or lower. Any player possessing a hand having a point count total less than that of the dealer's hand wins and receives a payout, with hands having some predetermined point totals receiving a bonus amount designated in a payout table. If the dealer's hand totals more than 32, then each player is paid 1 to 1 on his ante and all other bets are cancelled. The game may be played in both live table and electronic video poker formats.

Inventors

  • 👤 Daniel A. Jones

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-10-31 15:36
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/32; A; A63; A63F; A63F1/00; A63F1/06; A63F1/18; A63F3/00; A63F3/00003; A63F3/00157; G07F17/3244; G07F17/3258; G07F17/3286; G07F17/3293; A63F2003/00167; A63F2003/0017; A63F2250/00; A63F2250/14; A63F2250/142

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 88
Claim 1
Independent Claim 180 words
A method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of: providing a deck of playing cards including a plurality of different card suits with each suit including a plurality of cards having different point values; dealing at least one initially incomplete player hand consisting of a first predetermined number of said playing cards; dealing at least one initially incomplete dealer hand consisting of a second predetermined number of said playing cards; providing an option to either place a bet or fold to at least one player; dealing at least one more card to said dealer hand and to each remaining player hand; adding point values of the cards in said dealer hand and each remaining player hand according to predetermined card point values in which at least one predetermined multi-card arrangement of cards has a zero point count value to determine point count total values for said dealer hand and each remaining player hand; and comparing said point count total values of said remaining player and dealer hands to determine the winner between the dealer and each remaining player.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 180 words
A method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of: providing a deck of playing cards including a plurality of different card suits with each suit including a plurality of cards having different point values; dealing at least one initially incomplete player hand consisting of a first predetermined number of said playing cards; dealing at least one initially incomplete dealer hand consisting of a second predetermined number of said playing cards; providing an option to either place a bet or fold to at least one player; dealing at least one more card to said dealer hand and to each remaining player hand; adding point values of the cards in said dealer hand and each remaining player hand according to predetermined card point values in which at least one predetermined multi-card arrangement of cards has a zero point count value to determine point count total values for said dealer hand and each remaining player hand; and comparing said point count total values of said remaining player and dealer hands to determine the winner between the dealer and each remaining player.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said first predetermined number of cards consists of four cards.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said second predetermined number of cards consists of four cards.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said first and second predetermined numbers of cards each consists of four cards.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method of claim 1, wherein each of said completed player and dealer hands consists of five cards.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 1, wherein cards in said at least one player hand are dealt face-up.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 1, wherein at least one card in said dealer hand is dealt face-up.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 1, wherein at least one card in said dealer hand is dealt face-down.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 41 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said deck of playing cards is divided into at least four different suits, with each suit including a plurality of sequentially denominated cards, and said predetermined multi-card arrangement comprises three or four of a kind.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim 44 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said deck of playing cards is divided into at least four different suits, with each suit including a plurality of sequentially denominated cards, and said predetermined multi-card arrangement comprises a run of three or more sequential suited cards.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim 20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of predetermined multi-card arrangements of cards have a zero point count value.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim 54 words
The method of claim 11, wherein said deck of playing cards is divided into at least four different suits, with each suit including a plurality of sequentially denominated cards, and said plurality of predetermined multi-card arrangements of cards comprise three or four of a kind and runs of three or more sequential suited cards.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim 28 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of each player placing an ante wager before said step of dealing at least one initially incomplete player hand.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim 20 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of settling bets with remaining players after said step of comparing.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim 84 words
The method of claim 14, wherein said step of settling bets includes the step of paying each winning player according to the odds set forth in the following table depending upon the point count value of each winning player hand: ______________________________________ Point Count Value of Winning Hand Payoff Odds ______________________________________ 16-20 2 to 1 11-15 3 to 1 6-10 4 to 1 1-5 8 to 1 49 10 to 1 50 20 to 1 0 100 to 1 All other 1 to 1 ______________________________________
Claim 17
Dependent Claim 33 words
The method of claim 14, wherein said step of settling bets includes the step of paying each winning player a bonus amount depending upon the point count value of each winning player hand.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim 25 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said game is played on an electronic device and said cards comprise electronically produced visual representations of playing cards.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim 26 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said game is played in a live form on a gaming table with a human dealer and conventional playing cards.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim 25 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of cancelling said bets if the dealer hand does not achieve a predetermined point count value.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim 20 words
The method of claim 1 wherein a plurality of predetermined multi-card arrangements of cards have a zero point count value.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim 54 words
The method of claim 20 wherein said deck of playing cards is divided into at least four different suits, with each suit including a plurality of sequentially denominated cards, and said plurality of predetermined multi-card arrangements of cards comprise three or four of a kind and runs of three or more sequential suited cards.
Claim 23
Independent Claim 239 words
A method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of: providing a deck of playing cards including a plurality of different card suits with each suit including a plurality of cards having different point values; dealing at least one initially incomplete player hand consisting of a first predetermined number of said playing cards; dealing at least one initially incomplete dealer hand consisting of a second predetermined number of said playing cards; providing an option to either place a bet or fold to at least one player; dealing at least one more card to said dealer hand and to each remaining player hand; adding point values of the cards in said dealer hand and each remaining player hand according to predetermined card point values to determine point count total values for said dealer hand and each remaining player hand; comparing said point count total values of said remaining player and dealer hands to determine the winner between the dealer and each remaining player; and settling bets with remaining players after said step of comparing according to the odds set forth in the following table depending upon the point count value of each winning player hand: ______________________________________ Point Count Value of Winning Hand Payoff Odds ______________________________________ 16-20 2 to 1 11-15 3 to 1 6-10 4 to 1 1-5 8 to 1 49 10 to 1 50 20 to 1 0 100 to 1 All Other 1 to 1 ______________________________________
Claim 24
Independent Claim 239 words
A method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of: providing a deck of playing cards including a plurality of different card suits with each suit including a plurality of cards having different point values; dealing at least one initially incomplete player hand consisting of a first predetermined number of said playing cards; dealing at least one initially incomplete dealer hand consisting of a second predetermined number of said playing cards; providing an option to either place a bet or fold to at least one player; dealing at least one more card to said dealer hand and to each remaining player hand; adding point values of the cards in said dealer hand and each remaining player hand according to predetermined card point values to determine point count total values for said dealer hand and each remaining player hand; comparing said point count total values of said remaining player and dealer hands to determine the winner between the dealer and each remaining player; and settling bets with remaining players after said step of comparing according to the odds set forth in the following table depending upon the point count value of each winning player hand: ______________________________________ Point Count Value of Winning Hand Payoff Odds ______________________________________ 16-20 2 to 1 11-15 3 to 1 6-10 4 to 1 1-5 8 to 1 49 10 to 1 50 20 to 1 0 100 to 1 All Other 1 to 1 ______________________________________
Claim 25
Dependent Claim 16 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said first predetermined number of cards consists of four cards.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim 16 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said second predetermined number of cards consists of four cards.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim 19 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said first and second predetermined numbers of cards each consists of four cards.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method of claim 22, wherein each of said completed player and dealer hands consists of five cards.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 22, wherein cards in said at least one player hand are dealt face-up.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 22, wherein at least one card in said dealer hand is dealt face-up.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 22, wherein at least one card in said dealer hand is dealt face-down.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim 20 words
The method of claim 22, wherein at least one predetermined multi-card arrangement of cards has a zero point count value.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim 41 words
The method of claim 30, wherein said deck of playing cards is divided into at least four different suits, with each suit including a plurality of sequentially denominated cards, and said predetermined multi-card arrangement comprises three or four of a kind.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim 44 words
The method of claim 30, wherein said deck of playing cards is divided into at least four different suits, with each suit including a plurality of sequentially denominated cards, and said predetermined multi-card arrangement comprises a run of three or more sequential suited cards.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim 28 words
The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of each player placing an ante wager before said step of dealing at least one initially incomplete player hand.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim 33 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said step of settling bets includes the step of paying each winning player a bonus amount depending upon the point count value of each winning player hand.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim 25 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said game is played on an electronic device and said cards comprise electronically produced visual representations of playing cards.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim 26 words
The method of claim 22, wherein said game is played in a live form on a gaming table with a human dealer and conventional playing cards.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim 25 words
The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of cancelling said bets if the dealer hand does not achieve a predetermined point count value.
Claim 40
Independent Claim 190 words
A method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of: providing a deck of playing cards including a plurality of different card suits with each suit including a plurality of cards having different point values; dealing at least one initially incomplete player hand consisting of a first predetermined number of said playing cards; dealing at least one initially incomplete dealer hand consisting of a second predetermined number of said playing cards; providing an option to either place a bet or fold to at least one player; dealing at least one more card to said dealer hand and to each remaining player hand; adding point values of the cards in said dealer hand and each remaining player hand according to predetermined card point values to determine point count total values for said dealer hand and each remaining player hand; cancelling said bets if the dealer hand does not achieve a predetermined point count total value; and comparing said point count total values of said remaining player and dealer hands to determine the winner between the dealer and each remaining player if the dealer hand achieves said predetermined point count value.
Claim 41
Independent Claim 190 words
A method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of: providing a deck of playing cards including a plurality of different card suits with each suit including a plurality of cards having different point values; dealing at least one initially incomplete player hand consisting of a first predetermined number of said playing cards; dealing at least one initially incomplete dealer hand consisting of a second predetermined number of said playing cards; providing an option to either place a bet or fold to at least one player; dealing at least one more card to said dealer hand and to each remaining player hand; adding point values of the cards in said dealer hand and each remaining player hand according to predetermined card point values to determine point count total values for said dealer hand and each remaining player hand; cancelling said bets if the dealer hand does not achieve a predetermined point count total value; and comparing said point count total values of said remaining player and dealer hands to determine the winner between the dealer and each remaining player if the dealer hand achieves said predetermined point count value.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim 16 words
The method of claim 38, wherein said first predetermined number of cards consists of four cards.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim 16 words
The method of claim 38, wherein said second predetermined number of cards consists of four cards.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim 19 words
The method of claim 38, wherein said first and second predetermined numbers of cards each consists of four cards.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method of claim 38, wherein each of said completed player and dealer hands consists of five cards.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 38, wherein cards in said at least one player hand are dealt face-up.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 38, wherein at least one card in said dealer hand is dealt face-up.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 38, wherein at least one card in said dealer hand is dealt face-down.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim 20 words
The method of claim 38, wherein at least one predetermined multi-card arrangement of cards has a zero point count value.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim 41 words
The method of claim 46, wherein said deck of playing cards is divided into at least four different suits, with each suit including a plurality of sequentially denominated cards, and said predetermined multi-card arrangement comprises three or four of a kind.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim 44 words
The method of claim 46, wherein said deck of playing cards is divided into at least four different suits, with each suit including a plurality of sequentially denominated cards, and said predetermined multi-card arrangement comprises a run of three or more sequential suited cards.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim 20 words
The method of claim 38, wherein a plurality of predetermined multi-card arrangements of cards have a zero point count value.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim 54 words
The method of claim 49 wherein said deck of playing cards is divided into at least four different suits, with each suit including a plurality of sequentially denominated cards, and said plurality of predetermined multi-card arrangements of cards comprise three or four of a kind and runs of three or more sequential suited cards.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim 28 words
The method of claim 38, further comprising the step of each player placing an ante wager before said step of dealing at least one initially incomplete player hand.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim 20 words
The method of claim 38, further comprising the step of settling bets with remaining players after said step of comparing.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim 84 words
The method of claim 52, wherein said step of settling bets includes the step of paying each winning player according to the odds set forth in the following table depending upon the point count value of each winning player hand: ______________________________________ Point Count Value of Winning Hand Payoff Odds ______________________________________ 16-20 2 to 1 11-15 3 to 1 6-10 4 to 1 1-5 8 to 1 49 10 to 1 50 20 to 1 0 100 to 1 All other 1 to 1 ______________________________________
Claim 57
Dependent Claim 33 words
The method of claim 52, wherein said step of settling bets includes the step of paying each winning player a bonus amount depending upon the point count value of each winning player hand.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim 25 words
The method of claim 38, wherein said game is played on an electronic device and said cards comprise electronically produced visual representations of playing cards.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim 26 words
The method of claim 55, wherein said game is played in a live form on a gaming table with a human dealer and conventional playing cards.
Claim 60
Independent Claim 277 words
A method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of: providing a deck of playing cards including at least four different card suits with each suit including a plurality of sequentially denominated cards, and; each player initially placing an ante wager; dealing at least one initially incomplete player hand consisting of four of said playing cards; dealing at least one initially incomplete dealer hand consisting of four of said playing cards, three face-down and one face-up; providing an option to either place a bet or fold to each player; dealing at least one more card to said dealer hand and to each remaining player hand to form completed dealer and player hands; counting said dealer hand according to predetermined card point count values to determine if the dealer hand possesses more than a predetermined maximum point count total value; said predetermined card point count values including a plurality of predetermined multi-card arrangements of cards each having a zero point count value, said plurality of predetermined multi-card arrangements of cards comprising three or four of a kind and runs of three or more sequential suited cards; cancelling all of said additional bets if said dealer hand possesses more than said predetermined maximum point count total value; if said dealer hand possesses a point count total value equal to or less than said predetermined maximum point count value, counting each remaining player hand according to predetermined card point values to determine a point count total value for each remaining player hand; comparing said point count total values of said remaining player and dealer hands to determine the winner between the dealer and each remaining player; and settling bets.
Claim 61
Independent Claim 277 words
A method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of: providing a deck of playing cards including at least four different card suits with each suit including a plurality of sequentially denominated cards, and; each player initially placing an ante wager; dealing at least one initially incomplete player hand consisting of four of said playing cards; dealing at least one initially incomplete dealer hand consisting of four of said playing cards, three face-down and one face-up; providing an option to either place a bet or fold to each player; dealing at least one more card to said dealer hand and to each remaining player hand to form completed dealer and player hands; counting said dealer hand according to predetermined card point count values to determine if the dealer hand possesses more than a predetermined maximum point count total value; said predetermined card point count values including a plurality of predetermined multi-card arrangements of cards each having a zero point count value, said plurality of predetermined multi-card arrangements of cards comprising three or four of a kind and runs of three or more sequential suited cards; cancelling all of said additional bets if said dealer hand possesses more than said predetermined maximum point count total value; if said dealer hand possesses a point count total value equal to or less than said predetermined maximum point count value, counting each remaining player hand according to predetermined card point values to determine a point count total value for each remaining player hand; comparing said point count total values of said remaining player and dealer hands to determine the winner between the dealer and each remaining player; and settling bets.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method of claim 57, wherein each of said completed player and dealer hands consists of five cards.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 57, wherein cards in said at least one player hand are dealt face-up.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim 84 words
The method of claim 57, wherein said step of settling bets includes the step of paying each winning player according to the odds set forth in the following table depending upon the point count value of each winning player hand: ______________________________________ Point Count Value of Winning Hand Payoff Odds ______________________________________ 16-20 2 to 1 11-15 3 to 1 6-10 4 to 1 1-5 8 to 1 49 10 to 1 50 20 to 1 0 100 to 1 All Other 1 to 1 ______________________________________
Claim 65
Dependent Claim 33 words
The method of claim 57, wherein said step of settling bets includes the step of paying each winning player a bonus amount depending upon the point count value of each winning player hand.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim 25 words
The method of claim 57, wherein said game is played on an electronic device and said cards comprise electronically produced visual representations of playing cards.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim 26 words
The method of claim 57, wherein said game is played in a live form on a gaming table with a human dealer and conventional playing cards.
Claim 68
Independent Claim 149 words
A method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of: providing a deck of playing cards including a plurality of different card suits with each suit including a plurality of cards having different point values; dealing at least one initially incomplete player hand consisting of a first predetermined number of cards; dealing at least one initially incomplete dealer hand consisting of a second predetermined number of cards; providing an option to either place a bet or fold to at least one player; dealing at least one more card to said dealer hand and to each remaining player hand; counting said remaining player and dealer hands according to predetermined card point values to determine card point total values for said remaining player and dealer hands; and comparing point count total values of said remaining player and dealer hands to determine the winner between the dealer and each remaining player.
Claim 69
Independent Claim 149 words
A method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of: providing a deck of playing cards including a plurality of different card suits with each suit including a plurality of cards having different point values; dealing at least one initially incomplete player hand consisting of a first predetermined number of cards; dealing at least one initially incomplete dealer hand consisting of a second predetermined number of cards; providing an option to either place a bet or fold to at least one player; dealing at least one more card to said dealer hand and to each remaining player hand; counting said remaining player and dealer hands according to predetermined card point values to determine card point total values for said remaining player and dealer hands; and comparing point count total values of said remaining player and dealer hands to determine the winner between the dealer and each remaining player.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim 16 words
The method of claim 64, wherein said first predetermined number of cards consists of four cards.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim 16 words
The method of claim 65, wherein said second predetermined number of cards consists of four cards.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim 19 words
The method of claim 64, wherein said first and second predetermined numbers of cards each consists of four cards.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim 18 words
The method of claim 64, wherein each of said completed player and dealer hands consists of five cards.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 64, wherein cards in said at least one player hand are dealt face-up.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 64, wherein at least one card in said dealer hand is dealt face-up.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim 17 words
The method of claim 64, wherein at least one card in said dealer hand is dealt face-down.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim 20 words
The method of claim 64, wherein at least one predetermined multi-card arrangement of cards has a zero point count value.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim 41 words
The method of claim 72, wherein said deck of playing cards is divided into at least four different suits, with each suit including a plurality of sequentially denominated cards, and said predetermined multi-card arrangement comprises three or four of a kind.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim 44 words
The method of claim 72, wherein said deck of playing cards is divided into at least four different suits, with each suit including a plurality of sequentially denominated cards, and said predetermined multi-card arrangement comprises a run of three or more sequential suited cards.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim 20 words
The method of claim 64, wherein a plurality of predetermined multi-card arrangements of cards have a zero point count value.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim 54 words
The method of claim 75 wherein said deck of playing cards is divided into at least four different suits, with each suit including a plurality of sequentially denominated cards, and said plurality of predetermined multi-card arrangements of cards comprise three or four of a kind and runs of three or more sequential suited cards.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim 28 words
The method of claim 64, further comprising the step of each player placing an ante wager before said step of dealing at least one initially incomplete player hand.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim 20 words
The method of claim 64, further comprising the step of settling bets with remaining players after said step of comparing.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim 84 words
The method of claim 78, wherein said step of settling bets includes the step of paying each winning player according to the odds set forth in the following table depending upon the point count value of each winning player hand: ______________________________________ Point Count Value of Winning Hand Payoff odds ______________________________________ 16-20 2 to 1 11-15 3 to 1 6-10 4 to 1 1-5 8 to 1 49 10 to 1 50 20 to 1 0 100 to 1 All Other 1 to 1 ______________________________________
Claim 85
Dependent Claim 33 words
The method of claim 78, wherein said step of settling bets includes the step of paying each winning player a bonus amount depending upon the point count value of each winning player hand.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim 25 words
The method of claim 64, wherein said game is played on an electronic device and said cards comprise electronically produced visual representations of playing cards.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim 26 words
The method of claim 64, wherein said game is played in a live form on a gaming table with a human dealer and conventional playing cards.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim 25 words
The method of claim 64, further comprising the step of cancelling said bets if the dealer hand does not achieve a predetermined point count value.

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1997-12-19 1998-06-20 1998-12-20 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2001-12-19 2002-06-20 2002-12-20 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2005-12-19 2006-06-20 2006-12-20 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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