Abstract:
A poker-type multistage wagering card game played between a dealer and at least one player or played amongst at least two players and providing a bonus card or other poker advantage to the dealer and/or player(s) according to a pre-determined set of rules.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to corresponding provisional applications U.S. Ser. No. 60/986,829, filed Nov. 9, 2007 and U.S. Ser. No. 61/123,706, filed Apr. 10, 2008 both in the name of the applicant of this application. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to card games and methods therefore and, more specifically, to a poker-type multistage wagering card game which provides an additional benefit to hands meeting certain predetermined requirements. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    It is often the case that casinos are not able to provide a true poker game to its patrons due to legal and regulatory constraints. However, sometimes the law allows poker-like house games to be played despite forbidding the playing of traditional poker. Should casinos fail to provide poker-like house games, such casinos may lose potential revenue from their patrons interested in poker but less interested in the other forms of gaming offered by such casinos. To mitigate this potential loss in revenue, game developers have developed several different types of poker-like table games and video betting machines. 
         [0004]    Unfortunately, many of the different types of poker-like table games fail to posses the familiarity of Texas Hold-em, which is currently one of the most, if not the most, popular poker game being played. Additionally, the creation of these various poker-like games has caused poker-loving casino goers to crave additional variations of poker presented on casino floors. 
         [0005]    Furthermore, many parallels can be drawn between sporting games and poker games. In both areas there can be a rapid turnaround, from a poor outlook to a much brighter one, in a very short time span. Such rapid turnarounds often contribute to a sport or a game&#39;s popularity. In the game of football, an intercepted pass is one such example. In the game of poker, many of the highlighted hands from televised poker tournaments involve the unlikely winner, or the underdog in the hand, attaining a winning status only following the dealer&#39;s revealing of the last card, which happens to increase the value of the underdog&#39;s hand. Accordingly, a poker-type game in which a player is given the chance to receive an additional card, or some other desirable benefit, that would transform the player&#39;s underdog hand into an improved hand would greatly add to the attraction of the game. 
         [0006]    This invention provides a new poker-type multistage wagering card game that provides some benefit or poker advantage to provide an opportunity to rapidly improve a given hand of a player and/or dealer if the hand meets specific pre-determined requirements. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,994,624 issued to Gold describes a game of video poker in which the player, following a discard-and-replace cycle, has a hand equal to four cards to a royal flush. In this case, the player receives one additional card in an attempt to make a royal flush. The additional card in the Gold patent is awarded only if the hand in question is equal to four cards to a royal flush. There is no claim to an additional card if the hand is different from this predetermined value. As such, this patent is separate and distinct from this application. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,705,613; 6,113,101 and 5,845,906 issued to Wirth all describe games that follow the same general format. They are games of draw poker in which the player places a first wager; then views an initial five-card hand; then either: a) folds or b) continues the game by placing a second wager. Upon making the second wager, the player may discard one card and use a sixth card to improve his/her initial hand. The player&#39;s final hand is then compared to all or one of: a) other player&#39;s hands, b) a dealer&#39;s hand, and c) a payout table to determine various winning hand awards. 
         [0009]    There is no claim in the Wirth patents that places a restriction on the player&#39;s initial hand in order to qualify for the sixth card. As such, these patents are separate and distinct from this application. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,022 issued to Wood describes a game of five-card draw poker in which a player places a first wager and receives a first hand. Following a discard-and-replace cycle, the player possesses a second hand. Based on this second hand, the player is given an option to place a second wager in order to receive a sixth card. This sixth card generates a third hand that potentially is higher rank than the second hand. Awards for various winning hands are paid out from a pay table. 
         [0011]    In the Wood patent there is a restriction on whether the option to place a second wager is offered (see Claims  1 -f and  4 -f). That restriction is that there must be a possibility that the third hand will have a rank of straight or higher. This limits the second hand rank to one of: a) a four-card or five-card straight, b) a four-card or five-card flush, c) three of a kind, or d) two pair. Wood provides no claim to offering the option if the second hand is different than these predetermined values. It is only offered if the second hand is exactly equal to one of those defined in the preceding paragraph. As such, this patent is separate and distinct from this application. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    An object of the present invention is to provide a poker-type multistage wagering card game that can be played at casinos in light of laws and regulations forbidding the public hosting by casinos of classic poker rooms. 
         [0013]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a poker-type multistage wagering card game that utilizes common community cards to be used by both the dealer and all players. 
         [0014]    Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a poker-type multistage wagering card game that provides a bonus card or other poker advantage if an initial hand is above or below preset limits to the dealer, the player, multiple players or any combination of the above to increase the occurrence of higher ranking hands, and thereby increase the attraction of the game. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0015]    A method of playing a poker-type multistage wagering card game is disclosed, comprising, in combination, the steps of: providing at least one deck of playing cards, requiring at least one player to wager at least one wager, dealing at least one card to at least one player in order to provide the player with an initial player hand, dealing at least one card to a dealer in order to provide the dealer with an initial dealer hand, providing a predetermined poker advantage to one of the at least one player and the dealer when at least one of the initial player hand and the initial dealer hand being one of above and below a predetermined poker value, wherein the predetermined poker advantage being at least one of a greater number of cards, at least one additional card, and a selection choice of cards, determining a final player hand for the at least one player wherein the final player hand being one of the initial player hand wherein the at least one player has not received the predetermined poker advantage, and a player advantaged hand wherein the at least one player has received the predetermined poker advantage, determining a final dealer hand wherein the final dealer hand being one of the initial dealer hand wherein the dealer has not received the predetermined poker advantage, and a dealer advantaged hand wherein the dealer has received the predetermined poker advantage, comparing the final player hand for the at least one player to the final dealer hand, declaring a winning hand between the at least one final player hand and the final dealer hand wherein the winning hand having a higher poker value, paying at least a portion of the at least one wager to the at least one player when the at least one player having a winning hand, collecting at least a portion of the at least one wager from the at least one player when the dealer having a winning hand, declaring a tie when the at least one final player hand and the final dealer hand being of equal poker value, and returning at least a portion of the at least one wager to the at least one player when the final player hand and the final dealer hand being of equal poker value. 
         [0016]    A method of playing a poker-type multistage wagering card game is disclosed comprising, in combination, the steps of, providing at least one deck of playing cards, requiring at least one player to wager an ante wager, dealing at least one bonus card face down, dealing at least two community cards face up, dealing at least two cards to each the at least one player having wagered the ante wager, wherein a combination of the at least two cards dealt to each the at least one player and the at least two community cards form an initial player hand having at least five cards, dealing at least two cards face down to a dealer, requiring each the at least one player having wagered the ante wager to perform one of wagering a second wager, checking, and folding, collecting the ante wager from each the at least one player having performed the act of folding, revealing the at least two cards dealt to the dealer, wherein a combination of the at least two cards dealt to the dealer and the at least two community cards form an initial dealer hand having at least five cards, revealing the at least one bonus card when at least one of the initial dealer hand and the initial player hand having less than a first predetermined poker value, assigning the at least one bonus card to at least one of the initial dealer hand and the at initial player hand to create at least one of an advantaged dealer hand having at least six cards and an advantaged player hand having at least six cards when at least one of the initial dealer hand and the initial player hand having less than a first predetermined poker value, paying an amount equal to the ante wager and returning the ante wager and the second wager to each player having wagered a second wager ante wager when the final dealer hand having a poker value of less than a second predetermined value, paying an amount at least equal to the ante wager and the second wager and returning the ante wager and the second wager to each remaining the at least one player when the at least one player having one of the initial player hand having a higher poker value than that of the advantaged dealer hand, the initial player hand having a higher poker value than the initial dealer hand when the dealer has not received the advantaged dealer hand, the advantaged player hand having a higher poker value than the initial dealer hand when the dealer has not received the advantaged dealer hand, and the advantaged player hand having a higher poker value than the advantaged dealer hand, returning the ante wager and the second wager to the at least one player having one of the advantaged player hand having an identical poker value to that of the advantaged dealer hand, the advantaged player hand having an identical poker value to that of the initial dealer hand when the dealer has not received the advantaged dealer hand, the initial player hand having an identical poker value to that of the advantaged dealer hand when the player has not received the advantaged player hand, and the initial player hand having an identical poker value to that of the initial dealer hand when the player has not received the advantaged player hand and the dealer has not received the advantaged dealer hand, and collecting the ante wager and the second wager from each remaining the at least one player having one of the initial player hand and the advantaged player hand with a lower poker value than one of the initial dealer hand when the dealer has not received the advantaged dealer hand and the advantaged dealer hand. 
         [0017]    A method of playing a poker-type multistage wagering card game is disclosed comprising, in combination, the steps of providing at least one deck of playing cards, requiring at least one player to wager an ante wager, dealing a bonus card face down, dealing two community cards face up, dealing three cards to each the at least one player having wagered the ante wager, wherein a combination of the three cards dealt to each player and the two community cards form a five-card player hand, dealing three cards face down to a dealer, requiring each the at least one player having wagered the ante wager to perform one of wagering a second wager equal to the ante wager and folding, collecting the ante wager from each the at least one player having performed the act of folding, revealing the three cards dealt to the dealer, wherein a combination of the three cards dealt to the dealer and the two community cards form a five-card dealer hand, revealing the bonus card when at least one of the five-card dealer hand and the five-card player hand having less than a pair, assigning the bonus card to the five-card dealer hand to create a six-card dealer hand when the five-card dealer hand having less than a pair, assigning the bonus card to the five-card player hand to create a six-card player hand when the five-card player hand having less than a pair, paying an amount equal to the ante wager and returning the ante wager and the second wager to each player having wagered a second wager equal to the ante wager when the six-card dealer hand having a poker value of less than king-queen high, paying an amount at least equal to the ante wager and the second wager and returning the ante wager and the second wager to each remaining the at least one player when the at least one player having one of the five-card player hand having a higher poker value than that of the six-card dealer hand, the five-card player hand having a higher poker value than the five-card dealer hand when the dealer has not received the bonus card, the player six-card hand having a higher poker value than the five-card dealer hand when the dealer has not received the bonus card, and the six-card player hand having a higher poker value than the six-card dealer hand, returning the ante wager and the second wager to the at least one player having one of the six-card player hand having an identical poker value to that of the six-card dealer hand, the six-card player hand having an identical poker value to that of the five-card dealer hand when the dealer has not received the bonus card, the five-card player hand having an identical poker value to that of the six-card dealer hand when the player has not received the six-card player hand, and the five-card player hand having an identical poker value to that of the five-card dealer hand when the player has not received the six-card player hand and the dealer has not received the six-card hand, collecting the ante wager and the second wager from each remaining the at least one player having one of the five-card player hand and the six-card player hand with a lower poker value than one of the five-card dealer hand when the dealer has not received the bonus card and the six-card dealer hand. 
         [0018]    A method of playing a poker-type multistage wagering card game is disclosed comprising, in combination, the steps of providing at least one deck of playing cards, requiring at least two players to wager an ante wager into a wagering pot, dealing at least one card to each the at least two players in order to provide each the at least two players with an initial player hand, providing a predetermined poker advantage to each the at least two players having an initial player hand being one of above and below a predetermined poker value, wherein the predetermined poker advantage being at least one of a greater number of cards, cards having a higher poker value, and having a selection choice of the cards, determining a final poker hand for each of the at least two players, the final poker hand being one of a player&#39;s the initial player hand wherein the player has not received the predetermined poker advantage and a player advantaged hand, comparing the final poker hand of each the at least two players, declaring a winning player wherein the winning player having a higher the final poker hand, paying an award from the wagering pot to the winning player, declaring a tie when the final hand of the at least two players being equal and returning the ante wagers to each the at least two players. 
         [0019]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIGS. 1-3  collectively form a flow diagram of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrated embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals and symbols represent like elements. 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the preferred embodiment of the poker-type multistage wagering card game of the present invention is disclosed. The card game is initiated by the dealer allowing at least one player to place an ante wager (see step  102 ). Once the dealer accepts any ante wagers placed by the players (see step  104 ) the dealer preferably deals one bonus card face down (see step  106 ), two community cards face up (see step  108 ), three dealer cards face down (see step  110 ), and three player cards to each player having placed an ante wager (see step  112 ). While, in this embodiment of the present invention, the dealer deals a bonus card it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which another poker advantage, such as additional cards, a player selection of cards, or cards having a higher poker value are provided. Also, while in the preferred embodiment, the dealer deals three cards to the dealer and three cards to each player along with two community cards it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which an alternate number of cards are dealt to either the player or the dealer or to the community (even no community cards) as long as the player and dealer receive a total of at least three and preferably five playing cards. 
         [0023]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , at this point, the player preferably combines his/her three player cards with the two community cards to form a five-card hand (see step  112 ) and is then required to place a second wager or fold (see step  114 ). If the player places a second wager, the dealer accepts the second wager (see step  116 ). If the player folds, the game is over for the player and the dealer collects the player&#39;s ante wager (see  FIG. 3 , step  138 ). 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , once the dealer accepts the second wager, the dealer preferably reveals the three dealer cards and combines them with the two community cards to form a five-card hand (see step  118 ). If the dealer&#39;s five-card hand does not have a poker value of a pair or higher, the dealer will reveal the bonus card and combine it with his five-card hand to create a six-card hand (see steps  120  and  122 ). While, in the preferred embodiment, the predetermined poker value which determines whether the dealer (or player) receives an additional card (or other poker advantage) is that of a pair, it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the predetermined poker value is greater or lower than the preferred value of a pair. Preferably, if the dealer&#39;s best five-card poker hand from his six-card hand is less than a king-queen, the dealer&#39;s hand is preferably considered non-qualifying and the dealer pays the player&#39;s ante wager one-to-one and returns the player&#39;s second wager (see steps  124  and  126 ). While, in the preferred embodiment, the dealer hand must qualify (and that qualification is a hand value of king-queen or better), it should be clearly understood that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the dealer hand does not need to qualify or in which the poker value for qualification deviates, even substantially, from king-queen. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , if the dealer&#39;s initial five-card hand has a poker value of a pair or higher, or if the dealer&#39;s five-card poker hand from his six-card hand has a poker value of a king-queen or higher, the dealer will then preferably inspect the player&#39;s hand to determine if it has a poker value of at least a pair (see step  128 ). If the player&#39;s hand does not have a poker value of a pair or higher, the dealer will preferably reveal the bonus card (if not already revealed) and combine the bonus card with the player&#39;s five-card hand to form a six-card hand (see steps  128  and  130 ). The dealer then compares his best five-card hand, whether using the bonus card or not, to the player&#39;s best five-card hand, whether using the bonus card or not (see step  132 ). If the player&#39;s hand has a higher poker value than the dealer&#39;s poker hand, the player&#39;s ante wager and second wager are paid one-to-one and the game is over (see steps  132 ,  134 , and  1389 ). If the dealer&#39;s hand has a higher poker value than the player&#39;s poker hand, the player&#39;s ante wager and second wager are collected and the game is over (see steps  132 ,  137 , and  138 ). If the dealer&#39;s hand and the player&#39;s hand have the same poker value as one another, the hands tie and the player&#39;s ante wager and second wager are returned and the game is over (see steps  132 ,  136 , and  138 ). 
         [0026]    In addition to the aforementioned method of play, each player may be given the option of placing a bonus wager at the time of placing a first wager and prior to dealing by the dealer. Placement of the bonus wager provides the player with the opportunity of receiving a bonus payout regardless of whether the player places a second wager or folds. Similarly, even if the player folds and does not place a second wager, the player will preferably be given the chance to combine the bonus card with the player&#39;s five-card player hand. The bonus wager will then be paid according to a predetermined payout structure displayed on the table and based upon the player&#39;s final hand ranking, whether the player&#39;s hand is a five-card player hand or a six-card player hand. 
         [0027]    While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to several embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example while the multistage wagering card game of the present invention is preferably played live at a table, it should be clear that substantial benefit could be derived from an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the multistage wagering card game of the present invention is played on a video gaming device, such as a video slot machine or a computer. 
       Statement of Operation 
       [0028]    This new invention is a game of stud poker in which a player eventually wins by achieving a higher poker hand than an opponent. The opponent may be another player or a house dealer. Upon placing an ante wager, a player is dealt an initial hand. The opponent or dealer is also dealt an initial hand. 
         [0029]    The player now has a choice. In a first embodiment of the invention, the player may either make a second wager or fold. In a second embodiment, the player may either place a second wager or check. The central element of this step is that the player is provided with a choice to make. 
         [0030]    Assuming the player does not fold, then after this decision has been made by the player, the player is provided with the poker advantage of an additional card if his/her initial hand is less than a predetermined poker value. This card is displayed openly for later verification of player eligibility. 
         [0031]    In the preferred embodiment, the player&#39;s initial hand is five cards and he/she is granted one additional card if his/her initial hand is less than a pair. This additional card gives the player six cards from which to form a best five-card final hand. Notably, hands less than a pair are considered relatively worthless, so a player holding such a hand faces long odds of winning. If the player&#39;s initial hand is a pair or higher, the player must play his/her initial hand without benefit of the additional card. 
         [0032]    In the above first embodiment of the invention, the same poker advantage is also granted to the opponent. In the second embodiment, the opponent is granted a poker advantage different from the above advantage. The central point of this step is that the player is provided with an extra card if his/her initial hand is fairly worthless, and the opponent or dealer is likewise granted a poker advantage of some kind. 
         [0033]    After using any poker advantages that apply, the final hands of the player and opponent are compared and the highest poker hand wins the game. The player with the winning hand receives a predetermined award.