Abstract: An amusement/gaming device which provides means for the selective release of game pieces, such as balls, for replay. The amusement/gaming device comprises an array of positions, each position representing a score in a game such as draw poker. Each position includes a hole to hold a ball in that position and an optical detector to identify residence of the ball in the hole. An array of rotatable rods having fingers are mounted below the holes. Solenoids are mounted at the ends of the rods for selectively rotating two intersecting rods to release the ball allowing return of one or more balls for replay. A microprocessor control and a video display interact with the player.

Abstract: The poker amusement game includes five rubber balls and a playing field with twenty-five openings in which the rubber balls may reside. A microprocessor has inputs connected to a plurality of switches for determining the location of the five balls, a plurality of outputs connected to solenoids to be used for ejecting the balls from the openings, and an output connected to a video display for displaying messages to the player concerning the play of the game, the points received, etc. When the microprocessor detects that a coin has been inserted and that the DEAL/DRAW switch has been pushed, the locations of the five balls are sensed and the corresponding ejectors are energized to eject the balls in a manner that causes the balls to randomly bounce in the playing area. Balls coming to rest in the openings cause switches to close which in turn, will cause the microprocessor to display on the video the identity of the poker card represented by the occupied openings.