Abstract:
Methods of playing card games of strategy and chance involving both a main pot and a bonus pot and in which players may perform atypical card game actions such as robbing or killing a dragon. Players invoke events by displaying, or playing, predetermined cards or pattern combinations of cards. Players may rob the dragon, thereby requiring all other players to return played cards back to their hand. Players may kill the dragon in order to win a bonus pot. Players may also be disqualified for committing a foul. The method of the present invention also increases revenue for a house hosting the method by requiring all players to place a wager prior to viewing his or her cards and by allowing the players more opportunities to raise his or her wagers.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods of playing card games of strategy and chance. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of playing card games of strategy and chance including atypical actions such as robbing or killing a dragon, wherein the methods also generate greater revenue for a house hosting the method by requiring all players to place a wager prior to viewing his or her cards and by allowing the players more opportunities to raise his or her wagers. 
     Various methods of playing card games of strategy and chance are known in the art. In many such games, cards are shuffled by the dealer and dealt to the players. In certain games, the players then attempt to discard the cards they have been dealt. For example, in the Uno® card game, each player attempts to remove all of his or her cards from his or her hand by placing them in a discard pile. In order for a player to discard a card, it must match the numerical value or the color of the card discarded by the previous player. 
     In other similar games, a player attempts to combine specific cards to create a predetermined pattern for the purpose of scoring points, discarding the cards in his or her hand, and/or creating a better combination than his or her competitors. For example, in the game of poker, each player attempts to win a hand by playing a higher ranking combination of cards than those played by the other competing players. 
     It also known in the art to place wagers on the outcome of card games of strategy and chance. The wagers are often placed by each player in the game. The wager is typically a sum of money, wherein the amount is determined by the players. For example, in the game of poker, each player places an initial monetary wager at the beginning of the game. During the course of play, this wager may be increased by one or more players. Any player who does not wish to increase his or her wager may withdraw from the game, or round, by returning his cards to the dealer in an act known as folding. The player who has the best combination at the end of the game is awarded the wagers. 
     Many card games of skill and chance are played in casinos. Some such games include Blackjack, Three Card Poker, Five Card Poker, and Texas Hold &#39;Em. In each of these games, the player must place a wager on the outcome of the game, wherein the amount of the wager is typically determined by the casino. The winning player is typically awarded a percentage of the wagers, wherein such percentage is typically determined by the casino. However, in some such games, such as Blackjack, if the player does not win the game, then his or her wager becomes the property of the casino. In some such games, the casino generates greater revenue as compared to those in which the winning player wins a percentage of the wagers. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly stated, in one aspect of the present invention, a method of playing a card game is provided. This method includes the following steps: receiving an initial main pot wager from each of a plurality of players; receiving an initial bonus pot wager from each of said plurality of players; dealing cards to said plurality of players in a face down manner; selecting a first player; allowing said first player to raise at least one of the group consisting of said initial main pot wager; said initial bonus pot wager; and combinations thereof; allowing each of said plurality of players other than said first player to raise at least one of the group consisting of said initial main pot wager; said initial bonus pot wager; and combinations thereof; allowing said plurality of players to view said cards; allowing said first player to become a current player and initiate a flow; allowing each subsequent player to sequentially become said current player and take a turn in said flow until either all of said players pass or one of said players holds zero cards; and initiating subsequent flows until or unless one of said players holds zero cards. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of a poker table in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  depict a flowchart of the steps of a process for playing a card game of strategy and chance in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  depict one method of calculating a house rake for in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Where a term is provided in the singular, the inventors also contemplate aspects of the invention described by the plural of that term. As used in this specification and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, e.g., “a card” may include a plurality of cards. Thus, for example, a reference to “a method” includes one or more methods, and/or steps of the type described herein and/or which will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods, constructs and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where there are discrepancies in terms and definitions used in references that are incorporated by reference, the terms used in this application shall have the definitions given herein. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary table  100  for a method of playing a card game in accordance with the present invention is depicted. Table  100  includes, inter alia, dealer seat  102 , player seats  104 , main pot location  106 , bonus pot location  108 , dealers&#39; deck of cards  110 , and discard pile  112 . Although table  100  is depicted as having an oval shape, other shapes may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. Other arrangements may also be substituted without departing from the scope hereof. 
     Additionally, table  100  is shown as including six player seats  104 . Although six seats are shown, the game of the present invention may be played with two to six players without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, each of the players receives eight (8) cards regardless of the number of players. However, alternate embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which each player receives a varying quantity of cards. In some such embodiments, the number of cards per player may range from three (3) to thirteen (13). In embodiments in which players receive a higher quantity of cards, the number of players may be reduced as needed below six (6) to avoid use of a second deck of cards. However, alternate embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which more than one deck of cards may be used. Varying quantities of players and/or cards may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Also, although table  100  is shown with a dealer seat  102 , embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which one of the players performs the functions of the dealer in lieu of an independent dealer. Also, in a two player game, one of the two players may be the dealer. Additionally, the other elements of table  100  are discussed in greater detail below in relation to the flowcharts of  FIGS. 2A through 2D . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 2A , illustrated is an exemplary method of playing a card game in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Process  200  begins at  201 , at which a game begins. Process  200  then proceeds to  202 , at which a first round of play begins. Each game is composed of a plurality of rounds. The number of rounds is determined by events that take place in the game as further discussed below. 
     Next, at  203 , each player (e.g., players seated in player seats  104 ) places a wager in player display area  114  for each of the two pots, namely, the main pot and the bonus pot. In some embodiments of the invention, the wagers are a predetermined amount or they are required to be within a predetermined range. This amount or range may be specified by any entity, however, it is envisioned that they will be set by the establishment hosting the game (e.g., a casino) or one or more players of the game. That is, in some embodiments, each player is required to contribute the same initial wager of a predetermined value to the main pot and/or the bonus pot. Or, in an alternative embodiment, each player may contribute differing wagers without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     The main pot and bonus pot are accumulations of money that represents the total of the monetary wagers that are stake at any given time. The main pot and the bonus pot are created when the dealer places each player&#39;s main and bonus wagers in a predetermined location, for example, in the main pot location  106  and the bonus pot location  108 , respectively, of exemplary table  100  as depicted in  FIG. 1 . In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 2A through 2D , all players are required to contribute to both pots at the start of a round. However, this is not required to implement the method of the present invention. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the bonus pot may be eliminated and/or players may contribute to either pot at a time other than the start of a round. In yet another alternative, one or more pots may be eliminated without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     The main pot is awarded to the player who wins the round at the conclusion of the round. The bonus pot is only awarded in specific circumstances, which are further discussed below. Therefore, unlike the main pot, the bonus pot is carried over from round to round and its value may increase as multiple rounds are played. 
     In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 2A through 2D , an individual wishing to join the game after the first round of play may select one of two options for his or her contribution to the bonus pot. First, an individual may become eligible to win the entire bonus pot by contributing an amount of money equal to the amount contributed to the current bonus pot by each player per round multiplied by the number of rounds that have occurred since a player won the bonus pot. For example, if the bonus pot has not been awarded for three rounds, then the player wishing to join the game has the option of wagering an amount equal to what they would have wagered if they had participated in all three previous rounds plus the wager for the current round. 
     Alternatively, a player wishing to join the game can become eligible to win a percentage of the bonus pot (in lieu of the entire bonus pot) by wagering an amount equal to the required bonus pot wager for that round. In this scenario, if this new player wins the bonus pot, the player would only receive a portion of the bonus pot. For example, if it takes six rounds to win the bonus pot and the new player only added wagers to the bonus pot in three of the six rounds, the player may win fifty (50) percent of the bonus pot. In the event that one or more players join after the first round and contribute partial wagers to the bonus pot, the dealer may elect to place the partial wagers in a separate location (e.g., a side pot) in order to more easily allocate the winnings when the bonus pot is awarded. However, alternate methods of apportioning and/or tracking some or all of the bonus pot may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Additionally, a player may elect to leave the game at the end of a round before a new round begins even if the bonus pot has not been awarded and it includes the player&#39;s bonus pot wager(s). In this scenario, the player loses all of his or her wagers contributed to the current bonus pot. If a player leaves the game and forfeits his or her wagers, then all other players become eligible to win the forfeited wagers. In the example discussed above, if a player who contributed wagers for all rounds from the start of the game leaves the game, then the other players become eligible to win the wagers abandoned by the original player. One exception to this would be the excusing of the player for a bathroom break. Such breaks would typically be limited in duration. For example, such breaks may be limited to two (2) minutes or some alternate time without departing from the scope of the present invention. The establishment hosting the game earns a greater commission by not allowing refunds of bonus pot wagers because the hosting establishment cannot earn a commission on a refunded wager. That is, when a wager is refunded to a player, the casino does not earn a commission on the refunded amount. However, if the wager is forfeited by the original contributor but is then later awarded to another player, the hosting establishment earns its regular commission on this amount as further discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 3A-3D . 
     After the players place their wagers in player display area  114 , process  200  proceeds to  204 , at which the player who will take the first turn (i.e., the first player) in the round is selected. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first player is selected via a random number generator (“RNG”). This can be any RNG commonly known in the art. For example, if there are five players, each player is assigned a number between one and five, and the dealer would use the RNG to select a number between one and five. The player that corresponds to the number selected by the RNG is designated to take the first turn. In a round in which there is only one player  104 , the dealer  102  acts as a player and he or she may also be selected to take the first turn. Although the depicted embodiment of the present invention utilizes a RNG, other methods of selecting the first player may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Next at  206 , the cards are dealt. The cards are dealt from a standard fifty-two (52) card deck. Each player receives eight (8) cards. If there is only one player, then the dealer also receives eight (8) cards. When there is only one player, the dealer participates in the game in the same manner as any other player with a few exceptions as described in detail herein. The dealer places the cards face down on the table in front of each person participating in the round starting with the first player selected in step  204 . After all of the required cards have been dealt, any remaining cards are placed in the dealers&#39; deck of cards (e.g., dealers&#39; deck of cards  110 ). Although each player receives eight (8) cards in the exemplary embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2A through 2D , a varying quantity of cards may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Next at  208 , the dealer collects wagers for the main and bonus pot from each player. That is, each player gives the main pot wager and bonus pot wager stored the in player display area  114  to the dealer. The dealer then places the wagers in designated locations such as main pot location  106  and bonus pot location  108 . 
     Process  200  then proceeds to step  210 , at which the selected first player may raise the wagers in the main and/or bonus pots. That is, the first player may elect to contribute additional wagers to the main pot and/or bonus pot beyond the initial wagers. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 2A through 2D , the main pot raise and the bonus pot raise may be any amount from zero up to three times the table limit. The table limit defines the minimum and maximum allowed initial wagers. The casino sets the table limit in order to maximize the revenue that they receive from the game. For example, if a table has a table limit of fifty dollars, then the initial wager must be either fifty (50) dollars or some other range having a maximum of fifty (50) dollars as defined by the casino. In this example, the maximum raise would be three times the table limit, or one hundred fifty (150) dollars. However, other acceptable raise values may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the main pot raise and bonus pot may have different limits and/or one or more of the raises may be unlimited. 
     If the selected first player elects to raise the main pot wager and/or the bonus pot wager, then the first player adds the amount of the raise to the raise pot  116 . The raise pot  116  is an accumulation of money that represents the total monetary raise wagers that are at stake at a given time. The raise pot  116  includes two subtotals; the main pot raise and the bonus pot raise. All other players participating in the current round must also determine whether to raise their main pot wager and/or bonus pot wager. Wagers are made in the same manner in which players will play their cards. For example, in one embodiment, wagers and play proceed clockwise around the table. After the current player has placed a wager or played his or her cards, the player seated to the left of the current player becomes the new current player. The current player then places his or her wager or plays his or her cards, respectively. However, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which play proceeds counterclockwise around the table. Once all players have been provided with the opportunity to raise his or her bet, the first player is again provided with an opportunity to raise. Thereafter, each of the other players also has the opportunity to re-raise his or her bets. This process continues until none of the players wish to raise his or her bets. However, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which each player is only provided a limited quantity of raises (e.g. one, two, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     The wager placed by the current player may be any amount up to three times the table limit regardless of the amount raised by the selected first player. That is, the current player may elect to raise the main pot wager and/or bonus pot wager by an amount smaller or greater than that raised by the selected first player. If a player does not elect to raise their wagers, then that player may still participate in the round. Alternatively, embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which all players are required to raise their wagers to participate in a round if a preceding player has raised his or her wager. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, all players are required to raise their wagers to an amount equal to the amount by which the preceding player has raised his or her wager. 
     Next, process  200  proceeds to  211 , at which the house rake is calculated. The house rake is a monetary amount charged by the establishment hosting the game. A house rake will typically be charged when the game is played in a casino or similar environment; however, it is not necessary to implement the methods of the present invention. It is anticipated that the house rake for the present invention will be greater than the house rake generated for a standard poker game because the present invention requires each player to place a wager before the player views his or her cards. That is, unlike traditional poker games, a player cannot fold without placing an initial wager. Additionally, the present invention allows each player to contribute an additional wager (i.e., a raise) to one or both pots at the start of each round. This should generate a higher house rake because the house takes a percentage of all raises. In some embodiments of the present invention, the hosting establishment may generate a greater house rake by giving players the opportunity to further increase their wager while a round is in progress. That is, allowing each player to raise their wager at some time after step  210  can generate a greater house rake. In such an event, the house rake may be recalculated at any time as necessary. 
     In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 2A through 2D , the house rake is the sum of three separate house rakes (i.e., the main pot rake, the bonus pot rake, and the raise rake) as depicted in  FIGS. 3A through 3D . The main pot rake is calculated by summing the main pot wagers  302  of each player. In this example, each of six players contribute fifty (50) dollars to the main pot, which sums to a main pot total  306  of three hundred (300) dollars. The main pot rake  312  is then calculated by multiplying the main pot total  306  by the main pot rake percentage  310 . In this example, the main pot rake percentage  310  is five (5) percent. Therefore, the main pot rake  312  is calculated to be fifteen (15) dollars by multiplying the main pot total  306  (i.e., $300.00) by the main pot rake percentage  310  (i.e., 5%). 
     The bonus pot rake, depicted in  FIG. 3B , is calculated by first summing the bonus pot wagers  304  of each player. In this example, each of six players contributed fifty (50) dollars which sums to a bonus pot total  308  of three hundred (300) dollars. The bonus pot rake  316  is then calculated by multiplying the bonus pot total  308  by the bonus pot rake percentage  314 . In this example, the bonus pot rake percentage  314  is five (5) percent. Therefore, the bonus pot rake  316  is calculated to be fifteen (15) dollars by multiplying the bonus pot total  308  (i.e., $300.00) by the bonus pot rake percentage  314  (i.e., 5%). 
     The raise rake, as depicted in  FIG. 3C , is calculated by summing the raise wagers of each player for the main and bonus pots. In this example, each of six players contributed a main pot raise  330  of ten (10) dollars which sums to a total main pot raise  318  of sixty (60) dollars. Each player additionally made a bonus pot raise  332  of ten (10) dollars. The total bonus pot raise  320  wagered by all six players is sixty (60) dollars. The total raise  322  is the sum of these two amounts, or one hundred twenty (120) dollars. The raise rake  326  is then calculated by multiplying the total raise  322  by the raise rake percentage  324 . In this example, the raise rake percentage  324  is five (5) percent. Therefore, the raise rake is calculated to be six (6) dollars by multiplying the total raise  322  by the raise rake percentage  324  (i.e., 5%). 
     The total house rake, as depicted in  FIG. 3D , is calculated by summing the main pot rake  312 , the bonus pot rake  316 , and the raise rake  326 . Therefore, the total house rake  328  is calculated to be thirty-six (36) dollars by summing the main pot rake (i.e., $15), the bonus pot rake (i.e., $15), and the raise rake (i.e., $6). However, other methods of calculating the house rake, if any, may be substituted. For example, the house rake may be the sum of a per round charge paid by each player. After the house rake is calculated, process  200  proceeds to step  212 . 
     At step  212 , the players are allowed to view their cards for the first time in the round. However, alternate embodiments are envisioned in which the players are allowed to view their cards earlier or later in the game. For example, players may be allowed to view their cards prior to determining whether to raise. However, such an embodiment may decrease the revenue generated by the house, if any. 
     Next, at step  213 , any player holding four consecutive pairs in his or her hand has the opportunity to declare it and display his or her hand to the other players. Four consecutive pairs is defined below. Any player who declares four consecutive pairs and who is confirmed to be holding four consecutive pairs in his or her hand automatically wins the round. Process  200  then proceeds to step  214 , at which the winning player is awarded the money in the main pot. The round then ends at  216 . 
     Next, process  200  proceeds to  217  at which it is determined whether the end of the game has been reached. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 2A through 2D , the end of the game is reached after the bonus pot is awarded. During the game, an event resulting in the bonus pot being awarded typically occurs after an average of six rounds. However, the bonus pot can be awarded during any round without departing from the scope of the present invention, including, but not limited to, the first round of play. At this point, the game ends because the bonus pot has been awarded. 
     In the event that only a portion of the bonus pot is awarded as further discussed above, then the portion of the bonus pot that remains unawarded is held by the hosting establishment and the game continues until a new winner wins the remaining bonus pot. The portion of the bonus pot that each player is eligible to win does not change at this point in the game unless a player leaves the table and forfeits his or her wagers. However, the game may conclude after a specific quantity of rounds or based upon some other event without departing from the scope of the present invention. If the game is determined to have ended, process  200  proceeds to  219  at which the game ends. Alternatively, if the game has not ended, process  200  returns to  202  at which a new round of play begins as described above. 
     Alternatively, if, at  213 , no player is holding four consecutive pairs, then process  200  proceeds to  218 , at which the selected first player places one or more cards in the player&#39;s display area such that the face of the cards are visible to the other players. In the exemplary table depicted in  FIG. 1 , player display area  114  is located directly in front of the player on the surface of table  100 . In such an embodiment of the invention, the player places his or her cards face up on the portion of the table located directly in front of the player. However, varying locations for a player display area may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     The card(s) to be placed in the player display area (i.e., the displayed cards) are strategically selected by the first player based upon the totality of the cards in the first player&#39;s hand and the possible “pattern” combinations that may be made with such cards. A pattern combination of cards is a predetermined combination of cards in accordance with the rules of the game. These predetermined combinations determine the manner in which each player is allowed to remove cards from his or her hand for placement in the player&#39;s respective card display area. Since one method of winning a round of the game is to be the player that first disposes of all of the cards in his or her hand, one strategy involved in the game is to determine which combinations, and which order of displaying such combinations, will maximize the player&#39;s chance for disposing of all of his or her cards and/or otherwise winning the round. That is, the selected first player strategically chooses to initially display a card or a pattern of cards that will maximize their chance of disposing of all cards in his or her hand before any other player disposes of the cards in his or her hand. 
     Additional strategy may be involved when the first player determines which card or pattern combination of cards to initially display as this display initiates a first “flow” of the round and it determines what cards or pattern combinations of cards may be displayed by the other players during that flow. That is, once a card or pattern combination of cards is displayed or played by the first player, all cards or pattern combinations played by subsequent players must be the same pattern. A flow is the display of cards or pattern combinations of cards by any player that occurs after the initial display of a card or a pattern combination of cards by the first player. A flow begins with the initial display of a card or a pattern combination of cards by the first player and it continues until either: 1) a player disposes of all cards in his or her hand; or 2) none of the players is able to display a card or a pattern combination of cards based upon the previously displayed cards. 
     In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 2A through 2D , a decreasing value hierarchy is assigned to each suit of cards in a standard fifty-two (52) card deck as follows: 2, A, K, Q, J, 10-3. Additionally, a decreasing hierarchy based upon suit is as follows: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. During play, each current player must display a combination of a higher value hierarchy. It should be noted that varying value and suit hierarchies may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     In addition to the hierarchies based upon suit and value, the following pattern combinations exist: a) Straight Flush (i.e., at least three cards of the same suit in the value order defined above); b) Flush (i.e., at least three cards of the same suit); c) Straight (i.e., at least three cards in the value order defined above); d) Three of a Kind (i.e., three cards of the same value); e) Pair (i.e., two cards of the same value); f) Two Consecutive Pairs (i.e., two pairs with adjacent values in the numerical value order defined above); g) Single Card (i.e., any one card regardless of value or suit); h) Three Consecutive Pairs (i.e., three pairs with adjacent values in the numerical value order defined above); i) Four Consecutive Pairs (i.e., four pairs with adjacent values in the numerical value order defined above); j) Two Consecutive Three of a Kind (i.e., two three of a kind with adjacent values in the numerical value order defined above); and k) Four of a Kind (i.e., four cards of the same value). However, varying embodiments of the present invention are envisioned with differing pattern combinations. 
     It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the lowest possible value of the lowest card in a straight flush is three (3) and the highest possible value of the highest card in a straight flush is two (2). That is, a straight flush in the form of A-2-3 or 2-3-4 is not permissible because there can be no looping of the value hierarchy. However, alternate embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which such looping is permissible without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Next, process  200  proceeds to step  228 , at which the current player&#39;s cards are queried to determine if there are any cards left in the current player&#39;s hand. If no, process  200  proceeds to step  229 . Step  229  queries the cards displayed by the winner of the round (i.e., the first player to dispose of all cards in his or her hand) to determine if the winning player displayed, or played, a card with a value of two (2) and a suit of hearts. If no, process  200  proceeds to step  214 , at which process  200  proceeds as discussed above for step  214 . Alternatively, if the player is displaying a card with a value of two (2) and a suit of hearts, then process  200  proceeds to step  226 , at which the player is awarded all or a portion of both the main pot and the bonus pot. Process  200  then proceeds to  216 , at which it proceeds as discussed above for step  216 . 
     Alternatively, if, at step  228 , the current player still holds cards in his or her hand, process  200  proceeds to step  231  at which a new player becomes the current player and takes his or her turn. In one embodiment of the present invention, play passes from player to player based upon a clockwise rotation around the table. However, other methods of determining the turn of each player may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention including, but not limited to, counterclockwise rotation. 
     Next, at step  220 , the new current player determines whether he or she has a higher value card or pattern combination of cards than that played by the previous player. In accordance with the rules of the game, cards to be displayed, or played, by a current player must have a higher ranking (as determined based upon the hierarchy discussed above) than the cards played by the previous player. Additionally, if a pattern combination of cards was previously displayed, or played, the subsequent player must display a pattern combination of cards having the same pattern and having a higher ranking. For example, if the previous player displays two consecutive pairs, then the subsequent player must display two consecutive pairs having a higher rank. In this exemplary instance, the higher ranking two consecutive pairs may be: 1) two consecutive pairs having the same value as the previously played two consecutive pairs but a higher suit ranking; 2) two consecutive pairs having a higher value than the previously played two consecutive pairs and the same suit; or 3) two consecutive pairs having a higher value and a higher ranking suit than the previously played two consecutive pairs. 
     When determining if a pattern combination of cards is higher in rank than a previously played pattern combination of cards, the highest ranking cards of each combination are compared regardless of the rank of any lower ranking or intervening cards. For example, if the previously played pattern combination of cards is two consecutive pairs and it includes a five (5) of spades, a five (5) of hearts, a four (4) of clubs, and a four (4) of diamonds, then a subsequent player would be unable to play a five (5) of diamonds, a five (5) of clubs, a four (4) of hearts, and a four (4) of diamonds. The subsequent player does not have a higher ranking pattern combination of cards because the highest ranking card of the previously played pattern is a five (5) of hearts and the highest ranking card of the subsequent player&#39;s cards is a five (5) of diamonds and a suit of hearts ranks higher than a suit of diamonds. Therefore, the two consecutive pairs played by the previous player ranks higher than the two consecutive pairs in the hand of the subsequent player. It is irrelevant that the subsequent player&#39;s consecutive pair of fours has a higher rank than the previously played pair of fours. That is, in this example, the five (5) of hearts and the five (5) of diamonds are the highest ranking card of each pattern combination of cards and it is these cards that are compared when making the determination of rank. The card whose suit is a heart ranks higher than the card whose suit is a diamond. In this scenario, the current player is required to choose a different higher ranking pattern combination of cards or to pass (as discussed below). 
     At  220 , if the current player does not possess a higher ranking card or pattern combination of cards in his or her hand, then method  200  proceeds to  222 , at which the current player must announce a “pass” and method  200  continues as depicted in  FIG. 2B  as further discussed below. However, process  200  will also proceed to  220  if the current player has a higher ranking card or pattern combination of cards in his or her hand but chooses to pass for strategic reasons. That is, if the current player possesses a higher ranking card or pattern combination of cards in his or her hand but does not wish to play the card or combination at that time, he or she may elect to pass even though he or she could display, or play, cards. For example, the current player may elect to pass even though he or she possesses a higher ranking card or combination if the player believes that one or more of the higher ranking cards or combination of cards could be better used at a later time (e.g., in a later flow) standalone or in a different pattern combination of cards. This exemplary scenario may occur, for example, if the higher ranking pattern combination of cards is a pair of fours (4), one being a spade and one being a diamond, but the current player is also holding three other cards of the diamond suit in his or her hand. In this example, the player may elect to pass in order to retain the four of diamonds to maintain the chance of potentially displaying a Flush. One exception to this rule occurs when there is only one player other than the dealer  102 . In this scenario, the dealer may not elect to refrain from playing a higher ranking card or pattern combination of cards if it is in his or her hand regardless of any potential advantage that may be gained. However, alternate embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which the dealer may pass rather than playing a higher ranking card or pattern combination of cards. 
     If, at  222 , the current player passes, then he or she may not play any other cards or pattern combination of cards for the remainder of the current flow. After the current flow has ended and a subsequent flow has begun, the passing player may again participate. 
     Alternatively, if at step  220 , the current player elects to play a higher ranking card or pattern combination of cards, then method  200  proceeds to  223 , at which the cards are displayed, or played, in the player&#39;s card display area. The played card or combination of cards may be any that rank higher than the cards or combination played by the previous player. 
     Next, method  200  proceeds to step  224 , at which it is determined if a “Rob the Dragon” event has occurred. A “Rob the Dragon” event takes place when a player plays one of a set of predetermined pattern combinations of cards. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIGS. 2A through 2D , the predetermined Rob the Dragon pattern combinations of cards include Three Consecutive Pairs or Two Consecutive Three of a Kind, both of which are defined above. However, alternate Rob the Dragon pattern combinations of cards may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     If, at  224 , the current player has played a Rob the Dragon pattern combination of cards, then a Rob the Dragon event has occurred and method  200  proceeds to step  252  as depicted in  FIG. 2C  and as discussed in greater detail below. 
     Alternatively, if a Rob the Dragon event has not occurred, method  200  proceeds to step  225 , at which it is determined if a “Kill the Dragon” event has occurred. A “Kill the Dragon” event takes place when the current player plays a specific predetermined pattern combination of cards at a specific point in the game. If the previous player played a single two (2) of any suit and the current player plays a Four of a Kind of any suit as defined above, then a Kill the Dragon event has occurred and method  200  proceeds to step  267  as depicted in  FIG. 2D  and as discussed in greater detail below. If a Kill the Dragon event has not occurred, then method  200  proceeds to step  226 . 
     Step  226  determines if a player foul has occurred. A player “fouls” and is disqualified from participating in the remainder of the round if he or she plays an invalid combination of cards. An invalid combination is any combination of cards that does not follow the pattern established for the current flow, or is not a higher ranking card or combination of cards. For example, if the previous player played a pair of threes (3), one of hearts and one of spades, and the current player plays a pair of threes (3), one of diamonds and one of clubs, then the current player has committed a foul. The reason for this is that, in this exemplary instance, the three (3) of hearts played by the previous player is higher in rank than both the three (3) of diamonds and the three (3) of clubs played by the current player. Since the pattern combination of cards played by the current player is not higher than that played by the previous player, it is considered invalid. A player may also “foul” by placing card(s) in the player&#39;s display area, changing his or her mind, and retrieving the card(s) for placement back into the player&#39;s hand. 
     If, at  226 , the current player has committed a foul, process  200  proceeds to step  227 , at which the player is disqualified. A disqualified player may not participate in the current flow or any subsequent flows for the round. After the current round is completed, the player may participate in following rounds. The player who commits the foul, therefore, loses his or her main pot wager as the main pot is awarded at the end of the current round. However, the bonus pot wager of the player who commits the foul is preserved and remains valid for the next round unless the Bonus pot is awarded during the round in which the player is disqualified. 
     Alternatively, if, at  226 , the current player has not fouled, method  200  returns to step  228  as discussed in detail above. If, at step  222 , the current player passes, then method  200  proceeds to step  232  as depicted in  FIG. 2B . At step  232 , a determination is made as to whether all players participating in the current round have passed for the current flow. If any one of the player has not passed, then method  200  returns to step  231 , at which a new player takes his or her turn and method  200  proceeds as described in detail above. 
     Alternatively, if, at step  232 , all players have passed, then method  200  proceeds to step  238 . At step  238 , the current flow ends and method  200  proceeds to step  240 , at which all cards displayed or played by the players during the course of the just ended flow are placed in a discard pile such as discard pile  112  ( FIG. 1 ). The cards remaining in the players&#39; hands or reshuffled and re-dealt. Therefore, when a new flow is initiated, each player who displayed or played cards during the previous flow will have fewer cards. The quantity of cards will be equal to the total cards received by each player at the beginning of the previous round minus any cards displayed, or played, by the player in the previous round. 
     Next, at step  242 , the last player to display, or play, a valid card or pattern combination of cards during the previous flow initiates the new flow with any valid card combination and establishes the pattern for the new flow. Method  200  then returns to step  228  and proceeds as discussed in greater detail above. 
     As discussed above, step  224  determines whether a Rob the Dragon event has occurred. If yes, process  200  proceeds to  252  as depicted in  FIG. 2C . At step  252 , all players (other than the one who is “robbing the dragon”) who have displayed cards during the current flow prior to the Rob the Dragon event must retrieve the displayed cards and return them to their respective hands. However, the player who is robbing the dragon (i.e., the one who played the Rob the Dragon combination) does not return any displayed cards to his or her hand. 
     Next, process  200  proceeds to step  253 , at which the next player takes his or her turn and becomes the new current player. Next, at  254 , the current player may check his or her hand to determine if he or she has a higher ranking Rob the Dragon pattern combination of cards. If yes, process  200  proceeds to step  256 , at which the higher ranking Rob the Dragon pattern combination of cards is displayed, or played. Process  200  then returns to step  254  and repeats the loop until the new current player does not possess a higher ranking Rob the Dragon pattern combination of cards, at which point process  200  proceeds to  258 . At  258 , the current player passes. Method  200  then proceeds to step  260 , at which it is determined if all of the players have passed. 
     If players remain who have not yet passed, method  200  proceeds to step  262  at which a new player becomes the current player. Next, at  254 , it is determined whether the current player possesses a higher ranking Rob the Dragon pattern combination of cards. If yes, process  200  proceeds to  256  at which the current player plays his or her Rob the Dragon pattern combination of cards. This loop repeats until all players have passed and process  200  proceeds to step  238  as further discussed above. Alternatively, if, at  260 , all players have passed, then process  200  proceeds to  238  as depicted in  FIG. 2B  and as discussed in greater detail above. 
     As also discussed above, step  225  determines whether a Kill the Dragon event has occurred. If yes, process  200  proceeds to  267 , as depicted in  FIG. 2D . At step  267 , the next player takes his or her turn and becomes the new current player. Next, at step  268 , the new current player may check his or her hand to determine if he or she has a higher ranking Kill the Dragon pattern combination of cards. If yes, process  200  proceeds to step  270 , at which the higher ranking Kill the Dragon pattern combination of cards is displayed, or played. Process  200  then returns to step  268  and repeats the loop until the current player does not possess a higher ranking Kill the Dragon pattern combination of cards, at which point process  200  proceeds to  272 , at which the current player passes. Method  200  then proceeds to step  274 , at which it is determined if all of the players have passed. 
     If players remain who have not yet passed, method  200  proceeds to step  275  at which a new player becomes the current player. Next, at  268 , it is determined whether the current player possesses a higher ranking Kill the Dragon pattern combination of cards. If yes, process  200  proceeds to  270  at which the current player plays his or her Kill the Dragon pattern combination of cards. This loop repeats until all players have passed and process  200  proceeds to  276 . 
     Alternatively, if all players have passed, then process  200  proceeds to  276 , at which the player who played the highest ranking Kill the Dragon pattern combination of cards is awarded some or all of the bonus pot. Method  200  then returns to  238  as depicted in  FIG. 2B  and proceeds as discussed in greater detail above. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.