Patent Publication Number: US-2009227309-A1

Title: Playing Method Of Card Game And Game Machine

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/034,750 filed on Mar. 7, 2008. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a method of playing card games and a game machine. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, games played at real casinos include those employing cards (trumps). The above games employing cards include poker, blackjack, and baccarat, for example. In recent years, players have also enjoyed poker games such as a PAIGOW poker and a Caribbean Stud poker. 
     With the prevalence of gaming places and game arcades in recent years, game machines have been introduced which allow computers to take over a dealer in such games employing cards, such that players can casually enjoy the games as described above. In this game machine, the dealing of cards and the determination of what numbers or symbols of the dealt cards might be are executed by gaming machines executing programs. The players recognize what cards have been dealt by way of images of the cards displayed on the display devices such as liquid crystal displays, and perform game operation with the use of input devices. Such game machines are disclosed in US Published Patent Application No. 20070004512. 
     Further, game machines also exist which are capable of performing the PAIGOW poker. The rules of the PAIGOW poker are partially different from those of other poker games. First, seven cards are dealt to each of the persons consisting of a banker and players. Then, the banker and players divide seven cards into a group of five cards and a group of two cards, respectively. Further, they compare hands of five cards with each other, and then, those of two hands with each other. The winner or loser of the game is determined only when either of at least one of the players and the banker has won at both of the above hands. There are procedures for dividing dealt-cards  72  into two groups, and the players must win at both of the above hands. Therefore, the players are required to adopt a strategy different from those of other poker games, which becomes a kind of amusing attractiveness of the game. 
     In addition, a game machine exists which is capable of accepting a side BET different from a normal BET. For example, in blackjack, in a case where one of the dealer&#39;s two cards, for example, a card “A” is faced up, the players can perform a side BET called “Insurance” in addition to a normal BET. In a case where “Insurance” is performed, the players can additionally make a first bet at half price. In a case where the dealer&#39;s hand is “Natural 21”, the amount of bet, which is twice of the side BET (insurance), is paid back. 
     In the Caribbean Stud poker, for example, a side BET is accumulatively stored as a progressive jackpot. The players can acquire all or part of the progressive jackpots in accordance with an established hand when performing a side BET in addition to an ante (a normal BET). Games for accepting the side BET are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,789,801, 5,711,525, and 6,874,786, for example. 
     However, in the conventional game machine, dealt cards per se never vary partway. Thus, players can predict what kind of combination is realized to some extent, since a game is conducted in consideration of only the dealt cards. On the other hand, where a combination of the dealt cards is out of the player&#39;s anticipation, an unfavorable outcome of the game can also be predicted. Thus, there has been a possibility that the player&#39;s anticipation to the game is lowered at the time point at which the originally dealt card  72  is visually recognized. Therefore, a need exists for the advent of new methods of playing card games and game machines with new entertainment. 
     The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstance. It is an object of a card game playing method and game machine, having new entertainability. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention is a method of playing card games, including the steps of: (a) dealing a predetermined number of cards as player&#39;s cards and dealing a predetermined number of cards as banker&#39;s cards from among plural types of cards; (b) varying a predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to another kind of card at a predetermined timing in a case where the player&#39;s cards include the predetermined card for a duration from dealing of cards to an end of a game in the step (a); and (c) determining a winner or a loser by comparing hands of the player&#39;s cards with hands of the banker&#39;s cards. 
     According to the present invention, the card game playing method, with new entertainability, can be provided, in which in a case where the dealt cards of a player&#39;s hand include a predetermined card, for example, a joker, a player can anticipate that the joker is unexpectedly varied in the course of a game, and, in addition to the first dealt cards, the player can enhance anticipation for the subsequent progress of a game, for example, anticipation for the progress that a higher combination of cards might be realized. 
     A second aspect of the present invention is the card game playing method of the first aspect of the invention, wherein the step (b) includes the step of varying the predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to another kind of card in a case where an input is made from an input device for accepting the player&#39;s operation. 
     According to the present invention, for example, the player is given an opportunity of selecting a combination so that the joker is varied to another card by performing an operation of making a selection, and then, a higher combination of cards can be obtained in the case where the dealt cards include a predetermined card, for example, a joker. Therefore, the card game playing method, with entertainability, can be provided which allows the player to enhance anticipation that a higher combination might be realized. 
     A third aspect of the present invention is the card game playing method of the first aspect of the invention, wherein the step (b) includes the step of varying the predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to a card inclusive of a symbol for paying a special bonus. 
     According to the present invention, the card game playing method, with new entertainability, can be provided in which the player is allowed to have anticipation that, in addition to payout in a base game, another special bonus, for example, a large amount of jackpot payout can be received at the same time. 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention is a method of playing card games, including the steps of: (a) dealing a predetermined number of cards as player&#39;s cards and dealing a predetermined number of cards as banker&#39;s cards from among plural kinds of cards; (b) varying a predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to another kind of card at a predetermined timing for a duration from dealing of cards to an end of a game in the step (a) in a case where the player&#39;s cards include the predetermined card and in a case where an input is made from an input device for accepting the player&#39;s operation; and (c) determining a winner or a loser by comparing hands of the player&#39;s cards and hands of the banker&#39;s cards. 
     A fifth aspect of the present invention is the card game playing method of the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the step (b) includes the step of varying the predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to a card inclusive of a symbol for paying a special bonus. 
     A sixth aspect of the present invention is a method of playing card games, including the steps of: (a) dealing a predetermined number of cards as player&#39;s cards and dealing a predetermined number of cards as banker&#39;s cards from among plural types of cards; (b) dividing the predetermined number of player&#39;s cards into two groups of cards; (c) dividing the predetermined number of banker&#39;s cards into two groups of cards; (d) varying the predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to another type of card at a predetermined timing in a case where the player&#39;s cards divided into the two groups include the predetermined card for a duration from dealing of cards to an end of a game in the step (a); and (e) determining a winner or a loser by comparing hands of the player&#39;s cards divided into the two groups with hands of the banker&#39;s cards divided into the two groups. 
     A seventh aspect of the present invention is the card game playing method of the sixth aspect of the invention, the step (d) includes the step of varying the predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to another kind of card in a case where an input is made from an input device for accepting the player&#39;s operation. 
     An eighth aspect of the present invention is the card game playing method of the sixth aspect of the invention, wherein the step (d) includes the step of varying the predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to a card inclusive of a symbol for paying a special bonus. 
     A ninth aspect of the present invention is a method of playing card games, including the steps of: (a) dealing a predetermined number of cards as player&#39;s cards and dealing a predetermined number of cards as banker&#39;s cards from among plural types of cards; (b) dividing the predetermined number of player&#39;s cards into two groups of cards; (c) dividing the predetermined number of banker&#39;s cards into two groups of cards; (d) varying a predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to another kind of card at a predetermined timing for a duration from dealing of cards to an end of a game in the step (a) in a case where the player&#39;s cards include the predetermined card and in a case where an input is made from an input device for accepting the player&#39;s operation; and (e) determining a winner or a loser by comparing hands of the player&#39;s cards divided into the two groups with hands of the banker&#39;s cards divided into the two groups. 
     A tenth aspect of the present invention is a game machine, including the step (d) includes the step of varying the predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to a card inclusive of a symbol for paying a special bonus. 
     An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a game machine, including a display device for displaying plural kinds of cards; an input device for accepting a player&#39;s operation; a memory for storing variation video data for varying a predetermined card of plural kinds of cards to another kind of card; and a processor for controlling the display device, the input device, and the memory, the processor being programmed to execute processing operations of: (a) displaying a predetermined number of player&#39;s cards and a predetermined number of banker&#39;s cards on the display device; (b) varying a predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to another kind of card at a predetermined timing, based upon the variation video data stored in the memory, in a case where the player&#39;s cards include the predetermined card for a duration from dealing of cards to an end of a game in the process (a); and (c) determining a winner or a loser by comparing hands of the player&#39;s cards with hands of the banker&#39;s cards, the cards being divided into the two groups. 
     According to the present invention, the game machine with new entertainability can be provided, in which in a case where the dealt cards of a player include a predetermined card, for example, a joker, a player can anticipate that the joker unexpectedly is varied in a game, and, in addition to the first dealt cards, the player can enhance anticipation associated with the subsequent progress of a game, for example, anticipation that a higher combination of cards might be realized. 
     A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the game machine of the eleventh aspect of the invention, wherein the processor varies the predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to another kind of card, based upon the variation video data stored in the memory in a case where an input is made from the input device in the process (b). 
     According to the present invention, the game machine, with entertainability, can be provided in which, for example, the player is given a opportunity of selecting a combination so that the joker is varied to another card by performing an operation of making a selection, and then, a higher combination of cards can be obtained in the case where the dealt cards include a predetermined card, for example, a joker. Therefore, the game machine, with entertainability, can be provided which allows the player to enhance anticipation that a higher combination might be realized. 
     A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the game machine of the eleventh or twelfth aspect of the invention, wherein the processor varies the predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to a card inclusive of a symbol for paying a special bonus in the process (b). 
     According to the present invention, the game machine with new entertainability can be provided in which the player is allowed to have anticipation that, in addition to payout in a base game, another special bonus, for example, a large amount of jackpot payout can be received at the same time. 
     A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a game machine, including: a display device for displaying plural kinds of cards; an input device for accepting a player&#39;s operation; a memory for storing variation video data for varying a predetermined card of plural kinds of cards to another kind of card; and a processor for controlling the display device, the input device, and the memory, the processor being programmed to execute processing operations of: (a) displaying a predetermined number of player&#39;s cards and a predetermined number of banker&#39;s cards on the display device; (b) varying a predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to another kind of card at a predetermined timing, based upon the variation video data stored in the memory, in a case where the player&#39;s cards include the predetermined card and in a case where an input is made from the input device for a duration from dealing of cards to an end of a game in (a); and (c) determining a winner or a loser by comparing hands of the player&#39;s cards with hands of the banker&#39;s cards. 
     A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is the game machine of the fourteenth aspect of the invention, wherein the processor varies the predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to a card inclusive of a symbol for paying a special bonus in the process (b). 
     A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a game machine, including: a display device for displaying plural kinds of cards; an input device for accepting a player&#39;s operation; a memory for storing variation video data for varying a predetermined card of plural kinds of cards to another kind of card; and a processor for controlling the display device, the input device, and the memory, the processor being programmed to execute processing operations of: (a) displaying a predetermined number of player&#39;s cards and a predetermined number of banker&#39;s cards on the display device; (b) varying a predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to a card inclusive of a symbol for paying a special bonus at a predetermined timing, based upon the variation video data stored in the memory, in a case where the player&#39;s cards include the predetermined card and in a case where an input is made from the input device for a duration from dealing of cards to an end of a game in the process (a); and (c) determining a winner or a loser by comparing hands of the player&#39;s cards with hands of the banker&#39;s cards, the cards being divided into the two groups. 
     A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is a game machine, including: a display device for displaying plural kinds of cards; an input device for accepting a player&#39;s operation; a memory for storing variation video data for varying a predetermined card of plural kinds of cards to another kind of card; and a processor for controlling the display device, the input device, and the memory, the processor being programmed to execute processing operations of: (a) displaying a predetermined number of player&#39;s cards and a predetermined number of banker&#39;s cards on the display device; (b) dividing the predetermined number of player&#39;s cards into two groups of cards; (c) dividing the predetermined number of banker&#39;s cards into two groups of cards; (d) varying a predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to another kind of card at a predetermined timing for a duration from dealing of cards to an end of a game in the process (a), based upon the variation video data stored in the memory, in a case where the player&#39;s cards include the predetermined card; and (e) determining a winner or a loser by comparing hands of the player&#39;s cards divided into the two groups with hands of the banker&#39;s cards divided into the two groups. 
     An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the game machine of the seventeenth aspect of the invention, wherein the processor varies the predetermined card to another kind of card, based upon the variation video data stored in the memory in a case where an input is made from the input device in the process (d). 
     An nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the game machine of the seventh aspect of the invention, wherein the processor varies the predetermined card to another kind of card, based upon the variation video data stored in the memory in a case where an input is made from the input device in the process (d). 
     A twentieth aspect of the present invention is a game machine, including a display device for displaying plural kinds of cards; an input device for accepting a player&#39;s operation; a memory for storing variation video data for varying a predetermined card of plural kinds of cards to another kind of card; and a processor for controlling the display device, the input device, and the memory, the processor being programmed to execute processing operations of: (a) displaying a predetermined number of player&#39;s cards and a predetermined number of banker&#39;s cards on the display device; (b) dividing the predetermined number of player&#39;s cards into two groups of cards; (c) dividing the predetermined number of banker&#39;s cards into two groups of cards; (d) varying a predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to a card inclusive of a symbol for paying a special bonus at a predetermined timing, based upon the variation video data stored in the memory, in a case where the player&#39;s cards include the predetermined card for a duration from dealing of cards to an end of a game in (a) and in a case where an input is made from an input device for accepting the player&#39;s operation; and (e) determining a winner or a loser by comparing hands of the player&#39;s cards divided into the two groups with hands of the banker&#39;s cards divided into the two groups. 
     A twenty first aspect of the present invention is the game machine of the twentieth aspect of the invention, wherein the processor varies the predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to a card inclusive of a symbol for paying a special bonus in the process (d). 
     A twenty second aspect of the present invention is a game machine, including a display device for displaying plural kinds of cards; an input device for accepting a player&#39;s operation; a memory for storing variation video data for varying a predetermined card of plural kinds of cards to another kind of card; and a processor for controlling the display device, the input device, and the memory, the processor being programmed to execute processing operations of: (a) displaying a predetermined number of player&#39;s cards and a predetermined number of banker&#39;s cards on the display device; (b) dividing the predetermined number of player&#39;s cards into two groups of cards; (c) dividing the predetermined number of banker&#39;s cards into two groups of cards; (d) varying a predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to a card inclusive of a symbol for paying a special bonus at a predetermined timing for a duration from dealing of cards to an end of a game in the process (a), based upon the variation video data stored in the memory, in a case where the player&#39;s cards include the predetermined card and in a case where an input is made from an input device for accepting the player&#39;s operation; and (e) determining a winner or a loser by comparing hands of the player&#39;s cards divided into the two groups with hands of the banker&#39;s cards divided into the two groups. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed on a liquid crystal display  10  included in each of stations  3  according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 1B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed on the liquid crystal display included in each of the stations according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view schematically illustrating an appearance and an configuration of a game machine according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view schematically illustrating an appearance and an configuration of each of the stations included in the game machine according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed on a front panel display device included in the game machine according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed on a liquid crystal display included in the game machine according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram depicting an internal configuration of the game machine shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram depicting an internal configuration of each of the stations included in the game machine shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed on the liquid crystal display included in each of the stations according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 8B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed on the liquid crystal display included in each of the stations according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 9A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed on the liquid crystal display included in each of the stations according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 9B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed on the liquid crystal display included in each of the stations according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 10A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed on the liquid crystal display included in each of the stations according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 10B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed on the liquid crystal display included in each of the stations according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 11A  is a flowchart showing main control unit processing executed at a main control unit included in the game machine according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 11B  is a flowchart showing main control unit processing executed at a main control unit included in the game machine according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 12A  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of station processing executed in each of the stations according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 12B  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of station processing executed in each of the stations according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 12A  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of station processing executed in each of the stations according to the second embodiment; and 
         FIG. 12B  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of station processing executed in each of the stations according to the first embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A game machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with referring to the drawings. First, referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , essential parts of the present invention will be described in detail. Here, players and a banker perform a method of playing card games. These figures are views each showing an exemplary game image displayed on the liquid crystal display included in each of the stations. 
     In the present invention, in a game, from among plural kinds of cards, a predetermined number of players&#39; cards are dealt to players, and a predetermined number of the banker&#39;s cards are dealt to the banker. From the dealing of cards to the end of the game, if the player&#39;s cards include a predetermined card (for example, a joker), that card is varied to another kind of card at a predetermined timing. Then, a winner or loser is determined by comparing hands of the players&#39; cards with those of the banker&#39;s cards. 
     Subsequently, the embodiments that follow describe in detail a case in which the PAIGOW poker is performed, and then, a joker  70  of the cards dealt to the player is varied to another predetermined card or a trigger for giving a payment. 
     First, the rules of the PAIGOW poker will be described in detail. In the  PAIGOW poker of the present embodiment, one or more players complete against a banker with the use of one set of 52 trump cards (playing cards) excluding a joker. 
     Seven cards are dealt to each of the persons consisting of a banker and the players. Each of them divides seven cards into two groups of five cards and of two cards. At this time, a hand of five cards (a high hand) must be as strong as or must be stronger than that of two cards (a low hand). 
     Next, it is judged as to which one of the players&#39; hands is strong or weak after comparing the five cards of each of the banker&#39;s and players&#39; hands with each other. Similarly, it is judged as to which one of the players&#39; hands is strong or weak after comparing the two cards of each of the banker&#39;s and players&#39; hands with each other. In a case where the banker&#39;s hands are stronger in both of the two groups of five and two cards, it is judged to be the banker&#39;s win. In a case where one of the players&#39; hands is stronger in both of the two groups of five and two cards, it is judged to be the player&#39;s win. In a case where the player&#39;s hands are stronger in one of the two groups consisting of five cards and two cards, and the banker&#39;s hand is stronger in the other one, it is judged to be “draw”. In addition, in a case where the player&#39;s hand and the banker&#39;s hand are identical to each other in strength with respect to both of the two groups of five and two cards, it is judged to be the banker&#39;s win. 
     The hands of five cards include “Royal Flush”, “Straight Flush”, “Four of a Kind”, “Full House”, “Straight”, “Three of a Kind”, “Two of a Kind”, and “No Pair” in order of strength. The hands of two cards include “One Pair” and “No Pair” in order of strength. 
     In addition, in a case where the player&#39;s and banker&#39;s hands are identical to each other, it is judged as to which one of the players&#39; hands is strong or weak after comparing the numbers or alphabets drawn in cards constituting the hands with each other. The card&#39;s numbers and alphabets include “A”, “K”, “Q”, “J”, “10”, “9”, “8”, “7”, “6”, “5”, “4”, “3”, and “2” in sequential order from the strongest combination of the five cards. 
     In the embodiments that follow, the PAIGOW poker, which accepts a normal BET and a side BET, is executed. The normal BET is to be performed as to a win or loss of the PAIGOW poker in a game in which the joker  70  might be varied when the joker  70  has been dealt. Alternatively, if the joker  70  is at hand, video data indicative of variation of the joker  70  may be selected on condition that the side BET is performed. Among the betted or side-betted currency values, a predetermined rate is accumulatively stored as a jackpot (hereinafter, referred to as a JP). The first embodiment describes a case in which a dealer takes over the banker. 
       FIG. 1A  shows an exemplary PAIGOW poker. First, from among plural kinds of cards, seven player&#39;s cards  72  (in predetermined number) are dealt to each of the players, and seven banker&#39;s cards are dealt to the banker. 
     Next, the player divides the dealt player&#39;s cards  72  into two groups of cards. As shown in  FIG. 1A , the player divides the player&#39;s cards into a group of five cards of a high hand and that of two cards of a low hand. Similarly, the banker divides the dealt banker&#39;s cards into these two groups of cards, five cards of a high hand and two cards of a low hand. In this case, for a duration from dealing of the cards to the end of the game the player&#39;s cards divided into the two groups include the “joker” card  71  (a predetermined card). Thus, this joker card is varied to a card  71  of “3 of Diamond” (another kind of card) at a predetermined timing. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , the players are given an opportunity of selecting cards again. In this case, a combination “three of a kind”, which is higher than that of the first selected card, is realized, thus making it possible to select the combination “three of a kind” at a high hand and a combination “two pairs” at a low hand. Then, a winner or loser is determined by comparing the hands (high and low hands) of the player&#39;s cards divided into two groups with those of the banker&#39;s cards. The predetermined timing may be determined when a side BET is performed. Further, the above-mentioned “joker” card  71  may be varied to a symbol for paying a special bonus. 
     &lt;Description of Appearance of the Game Machine&gt; 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 2 , the game machine  1  according to the first embodiment will be described.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view schematically illustrating an appearance and a configuration of the game machine  1  according to the first embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the game machine  1  is basically made up of a main monitor  2  and five stations  3  (stations  3   a  to  3   e ). While the first embodiment describes in detail a case in which the game machine  1  is provided with a plurality of stations  3  (five stations), the game machine, in the present invention, may include five or more stations. 
     A front panel display  21  is provided at the center of the main monitor  2 , and displays images of a dealer and plural kinds of cards. In the embodiments of the present invention, the front panel display  21  is equivalent to a display device. At the upper side of the main monitor  2 , further, a speaker  22 , which outputs music or effect sounds in accordance with the progress of games executed by the game machine  1 ; and an LED 23  lit up at the time of various effects are provided. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an appearance and a configuration of stations  3  that are included in the game machine  1  will be described in detail.  FIG. 3  is a perspective view schematically illustrating an appearance and a configuration of stations  3  included in the game machine  1  shown in  FIG. 2 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a liquid crystal display  10 , which displays images pertinent to operation (for example, plural kinds of cards), is provided at the upper center of each of the stations  3 . In the embodiment of the present invention, the liquid crystal display  10  is equivalent to a display device. Further, a touch panel  10  for inputting operations such as BET is provided on the top face of the liquid crystal display  10 . In the embodiment of the present invention, the station  3  is equivalent to an input device for accepting the player&#39;s operation. 
     An operational button  12  for making payout operation and a coin insertion slot  13  for inserting coins or medals are provided in front of the liquid crystal display  10 . A bill insertion slot  14  for inserting bills is provided at the front top right end of the station  3 . Provided downwardly of the bill insertion slot  14  is a coin payout opening  15  through which the coins or medals corresponding to stored credit are paid out to the players when a payout operation is made. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an image displayed on the front panel display  21  will be described in detail.  FIG. 4  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed on a front panel display included in a game machine. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the front panel display  21  serves to display a dealer image  30  indicative of a dealer (banker), a table image  31  indicative of a table, and a card image  32  indicative of seven banker&#39;s cards. The card image  32  is displayed in a faced down manner when cards are dealt to the dealer. When high and low hands are determined, the card image  32  is displayed in a faced up manner. In  FIG. 4 , the left five cards toward the dealer indicate a high hand, and the right two cards indicate a low hand. 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 5 , an image displayed on the liquid crystal display  10  will be described in detail.  FIG. 5  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed on the liquid crystal display  10  included in the station  3 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a high hand display section  80 , which displays a player&#39;s high hand, and a low hand display section  81 , which displays a low hand, are provided at the upper side of the liquid crystal display  10 . The high hand display section  80  and the low hand display section  81  serve to display card images  82  indicative of a high hand card and a low hand card, respectively, in a faced up manner. The liquid crystal display  10  is equivalent to a display device in the first embodiment. 
     A dealt-card display section  83  is provided at the lower side of the high hand display section  80 . A card image indicative of the seven player&#39;s cards dealt to each of the players is displayed in a faced up manner at seven portions enclosed by the dotted line of the dealt-card display section  83 . A high hand determination button  84  and a low hand determination button  85 , for determining cards constituting a high hand and a low hand, are provided at the right side of the dealt-card display section  83 . A player can determine a high hand by selecting a card desired to be high hand, via a touch panel  11 , from among the cards displayed at the dealt-card display section  83 , and then, operating the high hand determination button  84 . The card determined to be a high hand is displayed at the high hand display section  80 . Similarly, the player determines a low hand by selecting a card desired to be a low hand, via the touch panel  11 , from among the cards displayed at the dealt-card display section  83 , followed by operating a low hand determination button  85  via the touch panel  11 . 
     A BET button display section  86  is provided at the lower side of the dealt-card display section  83 . The BET button display section  86  serves to display a BET button  87  for inputting a BET number. The player can input a normal BET number and a side BET number by operating a BET button  87  via the touch panel  11 . 
     A normal BET number display section  88 , which displays the number of normally betted coins, is provided at the right side of the BET button display section  86 . In  FIG. 5 , it is shown that 28 coins have been betted. In a case where betting of these 28 coins is input, the player may operate “10” of the BET button  87  twice, “5” of the BET button  87  once, and “1” of the BET button  87  three times. 
     A side BET number display section  89 , which displays the number of side-betted coins, is provided at the right side of a normal BET number display section  88 . In  FIG. 5 , it is shown that 10 coins have been betted. A credit number display section  90  is provided at the right side of the side BET number display section  89 . In the figure, it is shown that 500 coins have been credited. 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram depicting an internal configuration of the game machine shown in  FIG. 2 . As shown in the figure, the game machine  1  is provided with the main monitor  2  and stations  3  (input devices). The main control unit  40  is provided with a microcomputer  45 , an I/O interface, an image processing circuit  47 , a voice circuit  48 , an LED driving circuit  49 , and a communication interface  50 . The main monitor  2  is provided with the front panel display  21 , the speaker  22 , and the LED 23 . 
     The microcomputer  45  included in the main control unit  40  is provided with a CPU 41  (processor), a RAM 42  (memory), a ROM 43  (memory), a bus  44 , and a timer  95 . This game machine is basically constituted while the microcomputer  45  made up of the CPU 41 , the RAM 42 , the ROM 43 , the timer  95 , and the bus  44  for transferring data therebetween is employed as a base. 
     The CPU 41  (processor) controls the devices connected to the game machine  1 , such as the front panel display  21 , the stations  3  (input devices), the RAM 42  (memory), and the ROM 43  (memory). The CPU 41  is connected via the I/O interface  46  to the image processing circuit  47 , the voice circuit  48 , the LED driving circuit  49 , and the communication interface  50 . 
     The CPU 41  controls: game programs stored in the ROM 43  (memory) (including a PAIGOW poker game program, a side-game program, variation video data for varying a predetermined card of plural kinds of cards to another kind of card, and a data table of the above data); and a game (PAIGOW poker) conducted in the game machine  1 . This controlling operation is performed based upon various signals received from the station  3 . For example, there is a program which causes a computer to execute processing of varying the predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to another kind of card at a predetermined timing. This processing operation is performed based upon the variation video data stored in the RAM in a case where the predetermined card is included in the player&#39;s cards from the display of cards to the end of the game. Further, the CPU 41  controls the front panel display  21  to display an image, the speaker  22  to output sounds, and the LED 23  to light up. This controlling operation is performed based upon the above-mentioned game programs. Furthermore, the CPU 41  transmits various signals to stations  3 , based upon the game programs. In the first embodiment, the CPU 41  is equivalent to a processor for controlling a display device, an input device, and a memory. 
     The RAM 42  is a memory for temporarily storing various data computed by the CPU 41 . The stored data includes various items of information such as: BET information; side-BET information; credit information; side-BET flag information; card information for a joker  70 ; variation video data; and jackpot information. In the first embodiment, the RAM 42  is equivalent to a memory for storing variation video data for varying a predetermined card of plural kinds of cards to another kind of card. 
     The ROM 43  stores various programs for performing required processing for controlling the game machine  1  and a data table. The data table includes, for example, a variation video data table. 
     The bus  44  is connected to the CPU 41 , the RAM 42 , the ROM 43 , the timer  95 , and the I/O interface. The information contained in the microcomputer is moved via the bus  44 . The timer  95  serves to perform clock measurement. 
     The I/O interface  46  included in the main control unit is connected to the bus  44 , the image processing circuit  47 , the voice circuit  48 , the LED driving circuit  49 , and the communication interface  50 . 
     The front panel display  21  constituting the main monitor  2  is connected to the image processing circuit  47 ; the speaker  22  constituting the main monitor  2  is connected to the voice circuit  48 ; and the LED 23  constituting the main monitor  2  is connected to the LED driving circuit  49 . One or more stations  3  are connected to the communication interface  50 . Although  FIG. 2  shows that five stations are connected as an example, one station or seven stations may be connected. 
     The display device  2  included in the game machine  1  is provided with the front panel display  21 , the speaker  22 , and the LED 23 . The CPU 41  controls the front panel display to display an image via the bus  44  and the I/O interface  46 , the speaker  22  to output sounds from the speaker  22 , and the LED 23  to light up. This controlling operation is performed based upon the above-mentioned game programs. 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 7 , an internal configuration of each of the stations  3  will be described in detail.  FIG. 7  is a block diagram depicting the internal configuration of each of the stations  3  included in the game machine  1  shown in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , each of the stations  3  is provided with: a microcomputer  55 ; a liquid crystal panel driving circuit  57 ; a liquid crystal display  10 ; a touch panel driving circuit  58 ; a touch panel  11 ; a hopper driving circuit  59 ; a hopper  62 ; a payout complete signal circuit  60 ; a coin detecting section  63 ; an inserted-coin detection signal circuit  67 ; an inserted-coin detecting section  68 ; a bill detection signal circuit  64 ; a bill detecting section  65 ; an operation signal circuit  66 ; operational buttons  12 ; and a communication interface  61 . Further, the station  3  is constituted while the microcomputer  55  made up of the CPU 51 , the RAM 52 , the ROM 63 , and the bus  54  for transferring data therebetween is employed as a base. 
     The CPU 51  included in the microcomputer  55  is connected via the bus  54  and the I/O interface  56  to a liquid crystal panel driving circuit  57 , a touch panel driving circuit  58 , a hopper driving circuit  59 , a payout complete signal circuit  60 , an inserted-coin detection signal circuit  67 , a bill detection signal circuit  64 , an operational signal circuit  66 , and a communication interface  61 . Further, the CPU 51  conducts a game (PAIGOW poker) at the station  3 , based upon the game programs (including a PAIGOW poker game program) stored in the ROM 43  and various signals received from the main control unit  40 . Furthermore, the CPU 51  controls the liquid crystal display  10  to display an image, based upon the above-mentioned game programs, and then, transmits the various signals to the stations  3 , based upon the above-mentioned game programs. 
     The RAM 52  is a memory for temporarily storing the various data computed by the CPU 51 . The stored data includes various items of information such as: BET information; side-BET information; credit information; side-BET flag information; card information for a joker  70 ; variation video data; and jackpot information. In the first embodiment, the CPU 51  is equivalent to a processor for controlling a display device, an input device, and a memory. 
     The ROM 53  stores various programs for the CPU 51  to perform required processing for controlling stations  3  and a data table. The data table includes a variation video data table. 
     The liquid crystal display  10  is connected to the liquid crystal display panel driving circuit  57  connected to the I/O interface  56 . The touch panel  11  is connected to the touch panel driving circuit  58 . The hopper  62  is connected to the hopper driving circuit  59 . The coin detecting section  63  is connected to the payout complete signal circuit  60 . The inserted-coin detecting section  68  is connected to the inserted-coin detection signal circuit  67 . The bill detecting section  65  is connected to a bill sampling signal circuit  64 , and operational buttons  12  are connected to the operational signal circuit  66 , respectively. 
     The liquid crystal display  10  is for displaying a game screen, for example, plural kinds of cards dealt to the player. In the first embodiment, the liquid crystal display  10  is equivalent to a display device. The touch panel  11  is for accepting the player&#39;s operation, for example, a selection operation. 
     The hopper  62  is provided inside the station  3 , and pays out coins from a coin payout opening  15 , based upon a control signal outputted from the CPU 51 . The coin detecting section  63  is provided inside the coin payout opening  15 , and transmits signals to the CPU 51  in the case of detecting that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payout opening  15 . 
     Upon detecting that coins have been inserted through the coin insertion slot  13 , the inserted-coin detecting section  68  detects the amount of the detected coins, and then, transmits to the CPU 51  a detection signal indicative of the detected amount. The detected coins are stored in the RAM 52  while a predetermined amount is handled as one credit. 
     At the time of acceptance of bills, the bill detecting section  65  detects the amount of the accepted bills, and then, transmits to the CPU 51  a detection signal indicative of the detected amount. The detected bills are stored in the RAM 52  while the predetermined amount is handled as one credit. The operation button  12  is intended for performing payout operation in a case where coin payout has been determined. 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , an exemplary case in which a player actually performs a game will be described in detail.  FIGS. 8A and 8B  are views each showing an exemplary game screen displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display  10  of the game machine  1 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , when a game is started, at first, the cards  72  dealt to the player are displayed at a dealt-card display section  83 . Then, the player selects cards via the touch panel  11  (input device), and the selected high hand is displayed at a high hand display section  80 , and the selected low hand is displayed at a low hand display section  81 . In this case, from among seven cards after displayed (“K of clover”, “7 of clover”, “joker 70”, “7 of diamond”, “7 of spade”, “5 of clover”, and “5 of heart”), the player selects five cards (“K of clover”, “7 of clover”, “joker 70”, “7 of diamond”, “7 of spade”) at high hand and two cards (“5 of clover”, and “5 of heart”) at low hand. At the lower side of the dealt-card display  72 , a normal BET number display section  88 ; a side-BET number display section  89 , which displays the number of side-betted coins; and a credit amount display section  90  are provided. In this case, 28 coins are normally betted, 10 coins are side-betted, and 500 coins are credited. However, the joker  70  is kept unchanged as it is ( FIG. 8B ). The role of the “joker 70” is handled as A (Ace) with no suit. 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , another exemplary screen of a game actually performed will be described in detail.  FIGS. 9A and 9B  are views each showing an exemplary image displayed on the liquid crystal display  10  of each of the stations  3  in the game machine  1  according to the first embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 9A , at first, the cards dealt to the player  72  is displayed at the dealt-card display section  83 , and then, the player selects cards via the touch panel  11  (input device). The selected high hand is displayed at the high hand display section  80  and the selected low hand is displayed at the low hand display section  81 . From among the seven cards after displayed (“10 of diamond”, “J of spade”, “joker 70”, “J of diamond”, “5 of heart”, “3 of spade”, and “3 of clover”), the player selects five cards (“10 of diamond”, “J of spade”, “joker 70”, “J of diamond”, and “5 of heart”) at high hand and two cards (“3 of spade”, and “3 of clover”) at low hand. At the lower side of the dealt-card display  72 , further, a normal BET number display section  88 ; a side-BET number display section  89 , which displays the number of side-betted coins; and a credit amount display section  90  are provided. In this case, 28 coins are normally betted, 10 coins are side-betted, and then, 500 coins are credited. 
     After that, the joker  70  is varied to J of clover ( FIG. 9A ). In general, the role of the joker  70  is handled as A (Ace) with no suit. As mentioned above, however, the “joker 70” is varied to “J of clover”. If the player selects “10 of diamond”, “J of spade”, “joker 70”, “J of diamond”, and “5 of heart” at high hand and “3 of spade” and “3 of clover”, a combination “three of a kind” is realized at high hand ( FIG. 9 ). 
     Next, referring to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , another example of an actual game screen will be described in detail.  FIG. 10A  and  FIG. 10B  are views each showing an exemplary image displayed on the liquid crystal display  10  of each of the stations  3  in the game machine  1  according to the first embodiment. In this example, the player&#39;s hands are seven cards (“10 of diamond”, “J of spade”, “joker 70”, “J of diamond”, “5 of heart”, “3 of spade”, and “3 of clover”) displayed at the dealt-card display section  83  of  FIG. 10B . The player selects five cards (“10 of diamond”, “J of spade”, “joker 70”, “J of diamond”, and “5 of heart”) at high hand and two cards (“3 of spade”, and “3 of clover”) at low hand. At the lower side of the dealt-card display  72 , further, a normal BET number display section  88 ; a side-BET number display section  89 , which displays the number of side-betted coins; and a credit amount display section  90  are provided. In this case, 28 coins are normally betted, 10 coins are side-betted, and then, 500 coins are credited. After that, the “joker 70” is varied to a trigger for a jackpot ( FIG. 10A ). In general, the role of the “joker 70” is handled as A (Ace) with no suit. As mentioned above, however, the joker  70  is varied to the trigger for the jackpot, and the player can accept jackpot payout. 
     &lt;Flow of Gaming&gt; 
     Next, processing operations to be performed at the main control unit  40  and station  3  will be described in detail.  FIGS. 11A and 11B  are flowcharts each showing main control unit processing to be executed at the main control unit  40  included in the game machine  1  according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11A , the main control unit performs processing of receiving a start signal at the first step S 101 . In this processing operation, the CPU 41  included in the main control unit  40  receives the start signal from any of the stations  3 . The start signal serves as a trigger for conducting a PAIGOW poker game in the game machine  1 . 
     Next, at step S 102 , the CPU 41  performs processing of receiving BET information. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  receives BET information from the station  3  (see  FIG. 2 ). The BET information is pertinent to BET, and generally includes: information indicative of whether normal BET or side-BET has been performed; and information indicative of amounts of the normal BET and side-BET. 
     Next, at step S 103 , the CPU 41  performs dealt-card determination processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  determines seven cards to be dealt to each of the persons consisting of the players and the banker from one group of trump cards, with the use of random numbers. The seven cards determined to be dealt to each of the players at step S 103  are equivalent to a predetermined number of the player&#39;s cards of the present invention. On the other hand, the seven cards determined to be dealt to the banker is equivalent to a predetermined number of the banker&#39;s cards according to the present invention. Further, the front panel display  21  (see  FIG. 2 ) included in the game machine  1  displays in a faced-down manner a card image indicative of the seven banker&#39;s cards. Next, at step S 104 , JP accumulation processing is performed. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  handles, as a JP, a predetermined rate of a betted currency value or a side-betted currency value, and then, accumulatively stores the rate in the RAM 42 , based upon the BET information received at the step S 103 . 
     Next, at step S 105 , dealt-card information transmission processing is performed. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  transmits dealt-card information to the station  3 . The dealt-card information includes information indicative of kinds of cards determined to be dealt to the players and banker (such as suits (heart, clover, spade, and diamond), and joker  70 ). The station  3  causes the liquid crystal display  10  to display a card image indicative of the seven player&#39;s cards, based upon the received dealt-card information. Further, this station accepts entry for dividing the dealt cards into a group of five cards (high hand) and a group of two cards (low hand). 
     Next, at step S 106 , selection information reception processing is performed. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  receives selection information from the station  3 . The selection information is indicative of which five cards were selected at high hand and which two cards were selected at low hand, from among the dealt seven cards. 
     Next, at step S 107 , the CPU 41  performs the banker&#39;s high hand and low hand determination processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  performs processing of dividing the seven banker&#39;s cards into two groups of cards. In this case, these seven cards are divided into the banker&#39;s high and low hands. 
     Next, at step S 108 , card opening processing is performed. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  controls the front panel display  21  in a faced up manner a card image of the banker&#39;s cards indicative of the high and low hands determined at step S 107 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 11B , at step S 109 , the CPU 41  judges whether or not information of the joker  70  is present. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  judges whether or not a predetermined card (joker  70 ) is present at the player&#39;s hand. In a case where the judgment result is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step S 110 . Otherwise, the routine proceeds to step S 115 . 
     At step S 110 , the CPU 41  performs variation video data selection processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  samples a random number value from among the numeric range of predetermined random number values. This sampling operation is performed based upon the game programs (including a PAIGOW poker game program) stored in the ROM 43 . Then, this CPU selects one item of variation video data from a table for selecting variation video data, which is stored in the RAM 42 . This selection is performed based upon the sampled random number value. 
     Namely, for a duration from the display of cards to the end of a game, processing of determining whether or not to vary the predetermined card included in the player&#39;s cards to another kind of card, is executed at a timing after the banker&#39;s cards are opened, for example. Another kind of card also includes a symbol for paying a special bonus, the symbol being adapted to receive jackpot payout (see  FIG. 10 ). 
     Next, at step S 111 , it is judged whether or not to vary a video image. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  judges whether or not the variation video data selected at step S 110  varies a predetermined card. In a case where the judgment result is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step S 112 . Otherwise, the routine proceeds to step S 115 . 
     Next, at step S 112 , the CPU 41  performs variation video data transmission processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  transmits to the station  3  the variation video data stored in the RAM 42 , via the bus  44 , the I/O interface  46 , and the communication interface  50 . 
     Next, at step S 113 , the CPU 41  judges whether or not jackpot information is present. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  judges whether or not the jackpot information stored in the RAM 42  is present. In a case where the judgment result is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step S 118 . Otherwise, the routine proceeds to step S 114 . 
     Next, at step S 115 , winner-loser determination processing is performed. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  executes processing of determining a winner or a loser, based upon the selection information received at step S 106  or S 114  and the high and low hands determined at step S 107 . Namely, this CPU executes processing of determining a winner or a loser by comparing the hands of the player&#39;s hands divided into two groups with those of the banker&#39;s cards. 
     Specifically, the player&#39;s high and low hands are compared with the banker&#39;s, it is judged as to which of the dealt cards in combination is strong or weak, and then, a winner or a loser are determined based upon the judgment result. Further specifically, in a case where the player&#39;s high and low hands are stronger than the banker&#39;s, it is judged to be the player&#39;s win; in a case where the banker&#39;s high and low hands are stronger than the player&#39;s, it is judged to be the banker&#39;s win; or in a case where the player is stronger at either one of the high and low hands and the banker is stronger at the other hand, it is judged to be “Draw”. 
     Next, at step S 116 , winner-loser information transmission processing is performed. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  transmits to the station the information indicative of the winner and loser determined at step S 115  (hereinafter, referred to as winner-loser information). At the station  3 , upon the receipt of winner-loser information, the liquid crystal display  10  displays any one of the images inclusive of messages “You&#39;ve won”, “You&#39;ve lost”, and “Draw”, based upon the received winner-loser information. 
     Next, at step S 117 , normal-BET payout information transmission processing is performed. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  transmits to the station  3  the normal-BET payout information stored in the RAM 42 . The normal-BET payout information is indicative of the amount of credit (currency value) to be paid out in response to normal BET. Specifically, in the case of the player&#39;s win, this CPU transmits information indicative of credit of which amount is twice of that of normal BET. In the case of “Draw”, this CPU transmits information indicative of credit of which amount is equal to that of normal BET. In the case of the banker&#39;s win, further, this CPU transmits information indicative of the fact that the amount of credit to be given is 0. 
     Next, at step S 118 , JP payout information transmission processing is performed. In this processing operation, the CPU 41  transmits JP payout information to the station  3 . The JP payout information is indicative of the amount of credit (currency value) to be paid out in a game or a side game. Specifically, this CPU transmits information indicative of the credit determined based upon combinations of “Royal Flush”, “Straight Flush”, “Four of a Kind”, “Full House”, “Flush”, “Straight”, “Three of a Kind”, “Two Pairs”, “One Pair”, and “No Pair”. The CPU 41  terminals main control unit processing upon executing the processing of step S 118 . 
     Next, the processing operation performed at the station  3  will be described in detail with referring to the drawings. Because the processing pertinent to the main control unit  40  was already described with referring to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , only the processing performed at the station  3  will be described in detail.  FIGS. 12A and 12B  are flowcharts showing subroutines of the station processing to be executed at the station  3  according to the first embodiment. 
     First, as shown in  FIG. 12A , at step S 201 , the CPU 51  included in the station  3  performs BET acceptance processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 51  accepts normal BET and side BET entries. 
     Next, at step S 202 , the CPU 51  performs BET information transmission processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 51  transmits to the main control unit  40  the BET information serving as information pertinent to input BET. Upon the receipt of the BET information, the main control unit  40  determines the cards to be dealt to the players and the banker (see step S 102  of  FIG. 11A ). 
     Next, at step S 203 , the CPU 51  performs dealt-card information reception processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 51  receives from the main control unit  40  the dealt-card information indicative of the cards to be dealt to the players. 
     Next, at step S 204 , the CPU 51  performs card display processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 51  controls a dealt-card display section  83  of the liquid crystal display  10  to display a card image indicative of the seven player&#39;s cards. This controlling operation is performed based upon the dealt-card information received at step S 203 . 
     Next, at step S 205 , the CPU 51  performs selection acceptance processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 51  accepts, via the touch panel  11 , an entry for making a selection to divide the player&#39;s cards into two groups of cards (high and low hands). Namely, the player can determine the high and low hands from among the dealt cards  72  by operating a high hand determination button  84  and a low hand determination button  85  of the touch panel  11  (input device). The high and low hands of the player&#39;s cards are displayed at the high and low hand display sections  80  and  81 , respectively (see  FIG. 8A ). Namely, the CPU 51  divides the predetermined number of the player&#39;s cards into two groups of cards, based upon input from the input device. 
     Next, at step S 206 , the CPU 51  performs selection information transmission processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 51  transmits to the main control unit  40  the selection information that is based upon selection of the high and low hands. Upon the receipt of selection information, the main control unit  40  executes processing of determining the high and low hands of the banker&#39;s cards, followed by determining a winner or a loser (see step S 107  of  FIG. 11A ). 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 12B , at step S 207 , the CPU 51  determines whether or not variation video data has been received. In this processing operation, the CPU 51  judges whether or not variation video data has been received from the main control unit  40 . In a case where the judgment result is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step S 208 . Otherwise, the routine proceeds to step S 211 . 
     Next, at step S 208 , the CPU 51  judges whether or not JP information is present. In this processing operation, the CPU 51  judges whether or not the variation video data transmitted from the main control unit  40  at step S 207  is a JP payout trigger. In a case where the judgment result is affirmative, the routine proceeds to step S 214 . Otherwise, the routine proceeds to step S 209 . 
     Next, at step S 209 , the CPU 51  performs selection acceptance processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 51  accepts entries for selecting high and low hands. The player can select the high and low hands via the touch panel  11 . Namely, the CPU 51  divides the predetermined number of the player&#39;s cards into two groups of cards, based upon input from the input device. 
     Next, at step S 210 , the CPU 51  performs selection information transmission processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 51  transmits to the main control section  40  the selection information that is based upon selection of the high and low hands. Upon the receipt of selection information, the main control section  40  executes processing of determining a winner or a loser (see step S 107  of  FIG. 11A ). 
     Next, at step S 211 , the CPU 51  performs winner-loser information reception processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 51  receives winner-loser information from the main control unit  40 . Subsequently, the dealt-card display section  83  of the liquid crystal display  10  displays any one of the images inclusive of messages “You&#39;ve won”, “You&#39;ve lost”, and “Draw”, based upon the received winner-loser information at a predetermined time (10 seconds in the first embodiment). 
     Next, at step S 212 , the CPU 51  performs normal-BET payout information reception processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 51  receives normal-BET payout information from the main control unit  40 . Upon the receipt of the normal-BET payout information, the CPU 51  stores in the RAM 52  the credit data that is based upon the normal-BET payout information. 
     Next, at step S 213 , the CPU 51  performs normal-BET payout processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 51  performs payout, based upon the normal-BET payout processing received at step S 212 . 
     Next, at step S 214 , the CPU 51  receives jackpot payout information from the main control unit  40 . Upon the receipt of the jackpot payout information, the CPU 51  stores in the RAM 52  the credit data that is based upon the received jackpot payout information. 
     Next, at step S 215 , the CPU 51  performs jackpot payout processing. In this processing operation, the CPU 51  pays out credit, based upon the jackpot payout information received at step S 214 . After executing the processing of step S 215 , the CPU 51  terminates this subroutine. 
     While the first embodiment described a case of dividing respective ones of the seven player&#39;s cards and the seven banker&#39;s cards into a group of five cards and a group of two cards, the present invention is not limitative thereto. 
     While the first embodiment described a case of performing a PAIGOW poker, the present invention is not limitative thereto in particular, as long as a game is performed such that the players and the banker complete against each other with the use of the players&#39; cards and the banker&#39;s card. For example, apart from the PAIGOW poker, games such as blackjack, a Draw poker, baccarat, a Let It Ride, and a Caribbean Stud poker may also be performed. 
     While the first embodiment described a case of employing trump cards, the present invention is not limitative thereto. For example, cards such as tarot cards, trading cards, mah-jongg cards, domino cards, and its analogous (such as mah-jongg tiles, for example) may be employed as long as they can be provided in games. 
     While the first embodiment described a case in which the dealer takes over the banker, one player may take over the banker if a plurality of players participate in games in the present invention. 
     While the first embodiment described a case in which the player performs the PAIGOW poke while visually recognizing the liquid crystal display  10  included in the station  3 , the game machine of the present invention may be provided with either of a main monitor and a liquid crystal display (included in a station). In this configuration, the dealer&#39;s (banker&#39;s) cards and the player&#39;s cards may be displayed on the main monitor or station display. 
     While the present embodiment described a case in which the joker  70  is varied on condition that the player performs BET, this joker may be varied on condition that the player performs side-BET. 
     In the first embodiment, the method for playing card games is implemented by the CPU executing it. 
     While the embodiment according to the present invention has been described, the description presents only some of the specific examples and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way and specific constructions of each means and the like can be properly changed in terms of design. Besides, the effects described in the embodiment of the present invention are only the most preferable effects generated from the present invention and the effects to be caused by the present invention is not limitative thereto. 
     The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined, rather broadly, in order that the aforementioned detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that were described above and which formed the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, upon explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limitative in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the aforementioned description or illustrated in the drawings. According to the invention, other embodiments can be variously practiced and carried out as well. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are merely intended for the descriptive purpose and should not be regarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other systems and methods for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. These matters together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matters in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     The detailed descriptions aforementioned may be presented in terms of program procedures executed on a computer or network of computers. These procedural descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. These steps require physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared and otherwise manipulated. It proves convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be noted, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Further, the manipulations performed are often referred to in terms, such as adding or comparing, which are commonly associated with mental operations performed by a human operator. No such capability of a human operator is necessary, or desirable in most cases, in any of the operations described herein which form part of the present invention; the operations are machine and/or manual operations. Useful machines for performing the operation of the present invention include general purpose digital computers or similar devices. The present invention also relates to apparatus for performing these operations. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purpose or it may comprise a general purpose computer as selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. The procedures presented herein are not inherently related to a particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose machines may be used with programs written in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove more convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps. The required structure for a variety of these machines will appear from the description given.