Card game method and device

Abstract

A game method includes defining at least two rule sets that have differing conditions defining a winning hand. A player places an ante wager and receives a partial hand of playing cards. A player elects a rule set by placing a wager. The player receives at least one additional playing card and forms a player hand using one or more of the playing cards dealt. The elected rule set is used to determine whether the player hand is a winning hand. A reward is issued to players with a winning hand.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to card game methods and devices. More specifically, the present invention is a card game method in which a player is dealt a partial hand of playing cards and, by his wager, elects from a plurality of game rule sets for resolution of his hand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a number of card games known in the art. One of the best known and most popular games is poker. The game of video draw poker begins with a player placing a wager and receiving a hand of five cards. The player is allowed to discard and replace zero or more cards from the player's hand. The final hand, including the replacement cards, is compared to a paytable to determine whether the player will receive a reward or lose his wager. The game of stud poker is similar to that of draw poker, except that a player must rely on his dealt cards, without discarding or replacing any cards, in resolving his wager.

There are also games such as the game shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,324,041. In this game, commonly referred to as CASINO WAR®, a dealer compares the ranking of a single player card to the ranking of a single dealer card. If the player has a higher ranking card, the player is rewarded; if the dealer has a higher ranking card, the dealer collects the player's wager.

Another game known in the art is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,774. This game, commonly referred to as THREE CARD POKER®, includes each player making a wager at the beginning of the game to determine whether the player's hand will be resolved against the dealer hand, a paytable, or both.

The drawback to all of these games is that the player is confined to a single set of rules for resolution of his hand. Even in THREE CARD POKER®, where the player has a choice to resolve his hand against a dealer hand, a paytable, or both, the player must select the form of resolution before any cards are dealt. This has two effects. First, a player may tire of playing the same game repeatedly. Players often require new and exciting events through the play of a game to maintain their attention.

Second, a player with a poor hand under the rules is faced with an inevitable loss. Many players would have some interest in playing a game in which the player can choose rules during a game to suit the player's hand.

Therefore, it can be seen that there is a need in the art for a method and device for playing a card game in which the player elects from a plurality of rules sets for resolution of a player hand during play of the hand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a card game method and a device for conducting a card game method. It is noted that the card game method of the present invention could be conducted in a live format such as at a gaming table, could be conducted using a gaming machine, or could be conducted as a combination thereof. The present card game is conducted for at least one player using playing cards or electronic representations thereof.

At least two rule sets are defined. The conditions for a winning hand in each rule set differs from the other rule sets. Optionally, the conditions for a winning hand in two or more of the rule sets are mutually exclusive.

For example, in one optional embodiment, a lows rule set could be used. In such an optional embodiment, the object would be to obtain a sum of the values of the playing cards in the player hand less than a predetermined maximum. Additionally or alternatively, in an optional embodiment, a highs rule set could be used. The object of a high rules set would be to obtain a sum of the values of the playing cards in the player hand greater than a predetermined minimum. In yet another optional embodiment, a poker rules set could be used. In such an optional embodiment, the object would be to obtain a player hand with a poker ranking higher than a predetermined minimum.

The player makes an ante wager and a partial hand of playing cards is dealt to the player. After receiving the partial hand, the player elects a rule set by placing a wager corresponding to the elected rule set. In an optional embodiment, the player is allowed to select only one rule set. In a further optional embodiment, the player may also have the option to fold. In such an optional embodiment, the ante wager is collected from the player electing to fold and play is terminated as to that player.

After electing a rule set, at least one additional playing card is dealt to the player. The player forms a player hand using one or more of the playing cards dealt to the player. For example, in one optional embodiment, the partial hand consists of four playing cards, that is, four playing cards are dealt prior to the election of a rule set, and two additional playing cards are dealt after the election of a rule set. In forming a player hand in such an optional embodiment, the player selects five of the six cards dealt.

A determination is made whether the player hand is a winning player hand using the elected rule set. Thus, for example, if the player elects the lows rule set, the player hand is evaluated using the lows rule set. The player is rewarded if the player hand is a winning player hand according to the elected rule set.

As noted, the method of the present invention could be conducted in a live table format or in a gaming machine format. In an optional embodiment in which the method is implemented in a gaming machine, a device for conducting the method could include a data processor communicating with a display, wager receiver, reward device, and input device. The data processor also communicates with a data structure. The data structure stores representations of playing cards and at least two rule sets. The rule sets stored at the data structure include conditions for a winning player hand which differ among one another. In an optional embodiment, the conditions for a winning hand in at least two of the rule sets are mutually exclusive. Again, the rule sets could include a lows rule set, a highs rule set, and/or a poker rules set.

The data structure also stores instructions executable by the data processor to conduct a game method. According to an optional embodiment, the method includes receiving an ante wager at the wager receiver. In response to receipt of an ante wager, the data processor deals a partial hand of playing cards to the player and displays the partial hand at the display.

After receiving the partial hand, the player elects a rule set by placing a wager corresponding to the elected rule set at the wager receiver and inputting an election at the input device. Optionally, the data processor accepts the election of only one rule set. In an alternate optional embodiment, the player may be allowed to fold, in which case the player's ante wager is retained by the device and play by the player is terminated. In response to the election of a rule set, the data processor deals at least one additional playing card to the player and displays the playing cards dealt to the player at the display. A player hand is formed using one or more of the playing cards dealt to the player.

The data processor determines whether the player hand is a winning player hand according to the elected rule set. A reward is issued at the reward device if the player hand is a winning player hand according to the elected rule set.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a layout used in a table game embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout. Turning first to FIG. 1, the present invention includes a method for conducting a card game for a player. By using the term “card” it is noted that physical playing cards, electronic representations of playing cards, tiles, dominoes, symbols, or any other form of symbol or indicia are included. Thus, the examples and descriptions below using the term “playing card” or “card” should be read as exemplary rather than limiting.

The method of the present invention could be conducted in any manner and in any format. For example, it is contemplated that the game could be operated in a table format using physical playing cards or electronic representations of playing cards, at a gaming machine, at a general purpose computer, over a computer network such as the Internet, or in any other manner or fashion.

At least two rule sets are defined 10. These rule sets may include any number of similarities or differences among them. However, the conditions for a winning player hand in at least two of the rule sets differ. By stating that the conditions for a winning player hand in each rule set differs, any difference among the conditions would be sufficient.

In an optional embodiment, it is contemplated that the conditions for a winning hand in at least two of the rule sets are sufficiently different to be mutually exclusive. That is, in such an optional embodiment, the conditions for winning a player hand in a first rule set would be mutually exclusive from the winning conditions in a second rule set. As an example, the winning conditions for one rule set may be directed to poker hands of high ranking and the winning conditions for one rule set may be directed to poker hands of low ranking.

It is contemplated that any number of rules sets could be defined 10. Moreover, it is contemplated that the rules sets may use any measure for ordering player hands including the values of the playing cards of the player hand, the rank of the playing cards of the player hand, and/or the rank of the combination of playing cards of the player hand. It is also contemplated that any one game may include rules sets using a variety of measures to order player hands.

As an example, in one optional embodiment, a lows rule set may be defined 10. In such an optional embodiment, the player's objective is to obtain a sum of the playing cards of the player's hand that is less than a predetermined maximum. Specifically, such a rules set includes assigning values to playing cards. In an optional embodiment, face cards, that is, Kings, Queens, and Jacks, may be assigned a value of zero, Aces may be assigned a value of one, and the remaining playing cards may have a value equal to their face value. Thus, in such a lows rules set, the hand of K J J 6⋄ 2 would have a sum of “8” because 0+0+0+6+2=8. In determining whether a hand is a winning hand under such an example lows rules set, any maximum could be used. However, in an optional embodiment, hands with sums of 9 or less are winning hands. Thus, in the example, the player would have a winning hand under such a lows rule set.

In another optional embodiment, a highs rule set may be defined 10. In such an optional embodiment, the player's objective is to obtain a sum of the playing cards of the player's hand that is greater than a predetermined minimum. In such a rules set, the playing cards would also be assigned values, but the values could be the same as, or different from, those used in the lows rule set. For example, in an optional embodiment, face cards may be assigned a value of ten, Aces may be assigned a value of eleven, and the remaining playing cards may have a value equal to their face value. Thus, under such a highs rule set, the same example hand of K J J 6⋄ 2 would have a sum of “38” because 10+10+10+6+2=38. In determining whether a hand is a winning hand under such a highs rule set, any minimum could be used. However, in an optional embodiment, hands with sums of 46 or greater are winning hands. Thus, in the example, the player would have a losing hand under such a highs rule set.

In yet another optional embodiment, a poker rule set may be defined 10. In such an optional embodiment, the player's objective would be to obtain a player hand with a poker ranking higher than a predetermined minimum ranking. In an optional embodiment, conventional poker rankings could be used. Thus, under such a poker rule set, the same example hand of K J J 6⋄ 2 would have a poker ranking of “a pair of Jacks.” While any minimum could be used in determining whether a hand is a winning hand, in an optional embodiment, a hand of “two pair” or higher is a winning hand. Thus, in the example, a player would have a losing hand under such a poker rules set.

Returning to the method of the present invention shown in FIG. 1, each player places 12 an ante wager and is dealt 14 a partial hand of playing cards. Any number of playing cards could be dealt in the partial hand. The player inspects the partial hand and, based on the partial hand and the rule sets, elects 16 a rule set by placing a wager corresponding to the elected rule set. That is, a player decides which rule set the player wishes to be used in determining whether the player hand is a winning hand and places a wager on the elected rule set. As will be discussed in greater detail below, in the layout of FIG. 2, a wager area corresponds to each rule set. A player of such an optional embodiment elects 16 a rule set by placing a wager in the corresponding wager area.

While it is possible in an optional embodiment for a player to elect more than one rule set, it is likewise contemplated that a player may be restricted to electing only one rule set. Thus, a player of such an optional embodiment would elect one rule set to the exclusion of the other possible rule sets.

As shown in FIG. 3, it is also possible that a player may have the option to fold 18 in an optional embodiment. For example, in one optional embodiment, a player may choose not to elect any rule set and surrender his ante wager. In such an optional embodiment, when a player opts to fold 18, the player's ante wager is collected 20 and play is terminated with respect to the player.

Returning to FIG. 1, at least one additional playing card is dealt 22 to the player after a rule set is elected. As noted above, the quantity of cards dealt to the player before and after the rule set is elected may vary. However, in the optional embodiment of FIG. 1, it is contemplated that at least one card is dealt 14 before the player elects 16 a rule set and at least one card is dealt 22 after the player elects a rule set.

The player forms 24 a player hand using one or more of the playing cards dealt to the player. That is, the player forms 24 a player hand from the playing cards dealt to the player before and after the rule set is elected. It is noted that the player hand could include any number of playing cards and could include all, or some, of the cards dealt to the player. For example, in an optional embodiment, discussed in greater detail below, four playing cards are dealt 14 to a partial hand before the player elects 16 a rule set and two playing cards are dealt 22 after election. The player of such an optional embodiment then uses five of the six cards dealt to form 24 a five-card player hand.

The elected rule set is applied to the player hand and a determination 26 is made whether the player hand is a winning player under the elected rule set. That is, whether the player hand is a winning player hand under one or more non-elected rule set is irrelevant. Rather, only the elected rule set is used.

If the player hand is a winning hand, the player is rewarded 28. The reward may be a fixed reward, but in an optional embodiment, the reward is determined 30 according to a schedule of rewards. In such an optional embodiment, the schedule of rewards may vary depending upon the player's holding. For example, in an optional embodiment where a player elects a lows rule set and in which a player is dealt six playing cards, as described above, the following example schedule of rewards may be used:

TABLE 1
Holding              Payout
Six card sum of 0    100:1
Five card sum of 0   10:1
Five card sum of 1   6:1
Five card sum of 2   5:1
Five card sum of 3   3:1
Five card sum of 4-6 2:1
Five card sum of 7-9 1:1

Thus, in such an optional embodiment, if the player elects a lows rule set and has a sum less than “9,” the player is paid on his or her ante wager, optionally at even money or 1:1, and on his or her wager placed when electing the lows rule set according to the schedule. Conversely, if the player elects a lows rule set and has a sum greater than “9,” the player loses his or her ante wager and the wager placed when electing the lows rule set.

Similarly, in an optional embodiment where a player elects a highs rule set and in which a player is dealt six playing cards, as described above, the following example schedule of rewards may be used:

TABLE 2
Five Card Holding Payout
Sum of 54         200:1
Sum of 53         11:1
Sum of 52         6:1
Sum of 50-51      2:1
Sum of 46-49      1:1

Thus, in such an optional embodiment, if the player elects a highs rule set and has a sum greater than “46,” the player is paid on his or her ante wager, optionally at even money or 1:1, and on his or her wager placed when electing the highs rule set according to the schedule. Conversely, if the player elects a highs rule set and has a sum less than “46,” the player loses his or her ante wager and the wager placed when electing the highs rule set.

In an optional embodiment where a player elects a poker rule set and in which a player is dealt six playing cards, as described above, the following example schedule of rewards may be used:

TABLE 3
Five Card Holding Payout
Royal Flush       200:1
Straight Flush    50:1
Four of a Kind    10:1
Full House        6:1
Flush             5:1
Straight          4:1
Three of a Kind   3:1
Two Pair          2:1

Thus, in such an optional embodiment, if the player elects a poker rule set and has a five-card poker holding higher than “two pair,” the player is paid on his or her ante wager, optionally at even money or 1:1, and on his or her wager placed when electing the poker rule set according to the schedule. Conversely, if the player elects a poker rule set and has a five-card poker holding lower than “two pair,” the player loses his or her ante wager and the wager placed when electing the poker rule set.

Turning to FIG. 2, an example layout 32 used for a table form of the present invention is shown. The layout 32 includes a plurality of player areas 34 and a dealer area 36. Each player area 34 includes an ante wager area 38 and a plurality, in this case three, wager areas 40, 42, 44. The optional embodiment to which this example layout is directed includes a highs rule set, a lows rule set, and a poker rules set. Consequently, a separate wager area is provided for each rule set. Specifically, a highs wager area 40 corresponds to a highs rule set, a lows wager area 42 corresponds to a lows rule set, and a poker wager area 44 corresponds to a poker rules set.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-3, a game conducted according to an optional embodiment of the present invention could begin with a player placing 12 an ante wager at the ante wager area 38. The dealer deals 14 a four playing card partial hand to the player, for example, Q 7⋄ 4⋄ 4. As noted above, the player could, in this optional embodiment, opt to fold 18, in which case the player would lose 20 his ante wager and end his play. However, the player inspects his partial hand and, since this partial hand is likely to fail under either the highs rule set or lows rule set but may succeed under the poker rule set, the player elects 16, in this example, the poker rule set by placing a wager at the poker wager area 44.

Continuing with the example, the player is dealt 22 two additional cards, for example, 10 4, such that the six playing cards dealt to the player are: Q 10 7⋄ 4⋄ 4 4. Since the poker rule set is defined 10 as the best five playing cards dealt to the player, the player forms 24 a player hand of Q 10 4⋄ 4 4 which has a poker rank of “three of a kind.” Assuming that the example schedule given above is used 30, the player holding of “three of a kind” is determined 26 to be a winning hand that is rewarded 28 at a rate of 3:1. Thus, in this optional embodiment, the player is rewarded 28 at even money on his or her ante wager and rewarded 28 at 3:1 on his or her wager placed when electing 16 the poker rule set.

Turning to FIG. 4, the present method could also be conducted in a device embodiment. It is noted that the device of the present invention could take many different forms, including a gaming machine, a kiosk or terminal, a general purpose computer such as a personal computer, a computer operating over a computer network such as the Internet, or any other form of machine.

A device according to the present invention includes a data processor 50. The data processor 50 can take any form. The data processor 50 communicates with a display 52. Again, the display 52 can take many different forms, including a cathode-ray tube or CRT monitor, a plasma screen, a liquid crystal display or LCD, or any other form of display. The data processor 50 also communicates with an input device 54. The input device 54 can take many different forms. For example, the input device 54 could be a computer mouse, controller, keyboard or keypad, panel button (such as those used on gaming machines), touchscreen, or the like.

The device also includes a wager receiver 56 and a reward device 58 in communication with the data processor 50 for receiving wagers and issuing rewards, respectively. These wager handling elements could take many different forms including a ticket reader, ticket printer, coin handler, bill handler, credit register for tracking stored game credits, card reader, credit/debit account link, or any other hardware or software that can receive, store, or debit a wager and issue or credit a reward.

A data structure 50 communicates with the data processor 60. The data structure 60 can take many forms including optical storage, magnetic storage, electronic or electrical storage, random access memory or RAM, read-only memory or ROM, flash memory, or any other form of data storage. Moreover, it is contemplated that the data structure 60 could be remote from the data processor 50 and that physically different or physically separate data structures could be used in combination to store data.

The data structure 60 stores representations of playing cards, definitions 10 of at least two rule sets having different conditions for determining a winning player hand, and instructions executable by the data processor 50 to conduct a method according to the present invention.

Referring generally to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the player places 12 an ante wager at the wager receiver 56. In response to the receipt of the wager, the data processor 50 deals 14 a partial hand of playing cards to the player and displays the partial hand at the display 52. As known in the art, many different methods are known for randomly generating a set of outcomes such as a partial hand of playing cards.

After receiving the partial hand, the player elects 16 a rule set using the wager receiver 56 and the input device 54. That is, the player places an additional wager through the wager receiver 56 and inputs the election through the input device 54. Optionally, the player may be limited to election of only one rule set. The additional wager could be placed through the same variety of mechanisms used to place the ante wager, including allocating game credits or inserting coins, bills, printed tickets, or the like. With regard to the rule sets themselves, any rule sets could be used, including, for example, the lows rule set, highs rule set, and/or poker rule set discussed above. In an optional embodiment, the player may also have the option to fold 18 at this point, which would result in the loss 20 of the ante wager and termination of play. In such an optional embodiment, the option to fold 18 may be inputted through the input device 54.

In response to the election of a rule set, the data processor 50 deals 22 at least one additional playing card to the player and displays the playing cards dealt to the player at the display 52. A player hand is formed 24 using at least one of the playing cards dealt to the player. That is, all or some of the playing cards may be included in the player hand. In an optional embodiment, fewer than all, such as five of six, of the playing cards dealt to the player are used in the player hand. In such an optional embodiment, the player may select the playing cards to be used in the player hand or the data processor 50 may select the best player hand for the player.

Again, the elected rule set is used by the data processor 50 to determine 26 whether the player hand is a winning player hand. If the player hand is a winning player hand, the player is rewarded 28 at the reward device 58. Again, the reward device could issue some fungible media of exchange, such as coins, currency, vouchers, tickets, or the like, add to the credits stored at the machine, or credit a financial account. Optionally, the reward is determined 30 by a schedule of rewards such as those shown in Tables 1-3.

While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described it is to be understood that the present invention is subject to many modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims presented herein.

Claims

1. A card game method for at least one player using playing cards, comprising:

defining at least two rule sets wherein conditions for a winning player hand in each rule set differs from at least one other rule set;

said player making an ante wager;

dealing a partial hand of playing cards to said player;

after receiving said partial hand, said player electing a rule set by placing a wager corresponding to the elected rule set;

after electing a rule set, dealing at least one additional playing card to said player;

forming a player hand using one or more of the playing cards dealt to said player;

determining whether the player hand is a winning player hand according to said elected rule set; and

rewarding said player if said player hand is a winning player hand.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising, providing an option for said player to fold after receiving said partial hand, such that if said player opts to fold, said player's ante wager is collected and play is terminated as to said player.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said player may elect only one rule set.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein conditions for a winning hand in at least two of said rule sets are mutually exclusive.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein one of said rule sets is a lows rule set comprising:

dealing four playing cards to said partial hand and two additional playing cards after said lows rule set is elected;

selecting five of the six playing cards dealt to said player to form a player hand;

summing the values of the selected five playing cards, wherein face cards have a value of zero, aces have a value of one, and numbered cards have a value equal to their face value; and

designating a player hand to be a winning player hand if said sum is less than a predetermined maximum.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein one of said rule sets is a highs rule set comprising:

dealing four playing cards to said partial hand and two additional playing cards after said highs rule set is elected;

selecting five of the six playing cards dealt to said player to form a player hand;

summing the values of the selected five playing cards, wherein face cards have a value of ten, aces have a value of eleven, and numbered cards have a value equal to their face value; and

designating a player hand to be a winning player hand if said sum is greater than a predetermined minimum.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein one of said rule sets is a poker rule set comprising:

dealing four playing cards to said partial hand and two additional playing cards after said poker rule set is elected;

selecting five of the six playing cards dealt to said player to form a player hand; and

designating a player hand to be a winning player hand if the poker ranking of said player hand is greater than a predetermined minimum.

8. A card game method for at least one player using playing cards, comprising:

defining at least two rule sets wherein conditions for a winning player hand in each rule set differs from the other rule sets and conditions for a winning hand in at least two of said rule sets are mutually exclusive;

said player making an ante wager;

dealing a partial hand of playing cards to said player;

after receiving said partial hand, said player electing a rule set by placing a wager corresponding to the elected rule set;

after electing a rule set, dealing at least one additional playing card to said player;

forming a player hand using one or more of the playing cards dealt to said player;

determining whether the player hand is a winning player hand according to, said elected rule set; and

rewarding said player if said player hand is a winning player hand.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein said player may elect only one rule set.

10. The method of claim 8 further comprising, providing an option for said player to fold after receiving said partial hand, such that if said player opts to fold, said player's ante wager is collected and play is terminated as to said player.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein one of said rule sets is a lows rule set comprising:

dealing four playing cards to said partial hand and two additional playing cards after said lows rule set is elected;

selecting five of the six playing cards dealt to said player to form a player hand;

summing the values of the selected five playing cards, wherein face cards have a value of zero, aces have a value of one, and numbered cards have a value equal to their face value;

designating a player hand to be a winning player hand if said sum is less than a predetermined maximum; and

determining said reward based on a schedule of rewards varying by sum.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein one of said rule sets is a highs rule set comprising:

dealing four playing cards to said partial hand and two additional playing cards after said highs rule set is elected;

selecting five of the six playing cards dealt to said player to form a player hand;

summing the values of the selected five playing cards, wherein face cards have a value of ten, aces have a value of eleven, and numbered cards have a value equal to their face value;

designating a player hand to be a winning player hand if said sum is greater than a predetermined minimum; and

determining said reward based on a schedule of rewards varying by sum.

13. The method of claim 8 wherein one of said rule sets is a poker rule set comprising:

dealing four playing cards to said partial hand and two additional playing cards after said poker rule set is elected;

selecting five of the six playing cards dealt to said player to form a player hand;

designating a player hand to be a winning player hand if the poker ranking of said player hand is greater than a predetermined minimum; and

determining said reward based on a schedule of rewards varying by poker ranking.

14. A card game method for at least one player using playing cards, comprising:

defining at least a first rule set and a second rule set wherein conditions for a winning player hand under said first rule set is different from, and mutually exclusive of, conditions for a winning player hand under said second rule set;

said player making an ante wager;

dealing a partial hand of playing cards to said player;

after receiving said partial hand, said player either (a) folding or (b) electing only one rule set by placing one of a first wager corresponding to said first rule set or a second wager corresponding to said second rule set;

if said player folded, collecting said player's ante wager and terminating play as to the player;

if said player elected a rule set, dealing at least one additional playing card to said player;

forming a player hand using one or more of the playing cards dealt to said player;

if said player placed a first wager, determining whether the player hand is a winning player hand according to said first rule set;

if said player placed a second wager, determining whether the player hand is a winning player hand according to said second rule set; and

rewarding said player if said player hand is a winning player hand.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein one of said rule sets is a lows rule set comprising:

dealing four playing cards to said partial hand and two additional playing cards after said lows rule set is elected;

selecting five of the six playing cards dealt to said player to form a player hand;

summing the values of the selected five playing cards, wherein face cards have a value of zero, aces have a value of one, and numbered cards have a value equal to their face value;

designating a player hand to be a winning player hand if said sum is less than a predetermined maximum; and

determining said reward based on a schedule of rewards varying by sum.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein one of said rule sets is a highs rule set comprising:

dealing four playing cards to said partial hand and two additional playing cards after said highs rule set is elected;

selecting five of the six playing cards dealt to said player to form a player hand;

summing the values of the selected five playing cards, wherein face cards have a value of ten, aces have a value of eleven, and numbered cards have a value equal to their face value;

designating a player hand to be a winning player hand if said sum is greater than a predetermined minimum; and

determining said reward based on a schedule of rewards varying by sum.

17. The method of claim 14 further comprising a third rule set that may be elected by placing a third wager corresponding to said third rule set in place of said first wager or said second wager, comprising:

dealing four playing cards to said partial hand and two additional playing cards after said third rule set is elected;

selecting five of the six playing cards dealt to said player to form a player hand;

designating a player hand to be a winning player hand if the poker ranking of said player hand is greater than a predetermined minimum; and

determining said reward based on a schedule of rewards varying by poker ranking.

18. A device for conducting a wagering game for a player using representations of playing cards, comprising:

a data processor;

a display communicating with said data processor;

an input device communicating with said data processor;

a wager receiver communicating with said data processor;

a reward device communicating with said data processor; and

a data structure communicating with said data processor, said data processor storing said representations of playing cards, at least two rule sets wherein conditions for a winning player hand in each rule set differs from the other rule sets and conditions for a winning hand in at least two of said rule sets are mutually exclusive, and instructions executable by said data processor to conduct a method comprising: receiving an ante wager at said wager receiver; in response to receipt of an ante wager, dealing a partial hand of playing cards to said player; displaying said partial hand to said player at said display; after receiving said partial hand, said player electing a rule set by placing a wager corresponding to the elected rule set at said wager receiver and inputting an election at said input device; in response to the election of a rule set, dealing at least one additional playing card to said player; displaying the playing cards dealt to said player at said display; forming a player hand using one or more of the playing cards dealt to said player; determining whether the player hand is a winning player hand according to said elected rule set; and rewarding said player if said player hand is a winning player hand at said reward device.

19. The device of claim 18 wherein said data processor allows election at said input device of only one rule set per game.

20. The device of claim 18 wherein said method further comprises, providing an option for said player to fold after receiving said partial hand, such that if said player inputs at said input device an instruction to fold, said player's ante wager is collected and play is terminated as to said player.

21. The device of claim 18 wherein one of said rule sets stored at said data structure is a lows rule set comprising:

said data processor dealing four playing cards to said partial hand and two additional playing cards after said lows rule set is elected through said input device;

selecting through said input device five of the six playing cards dealt to said player to form a player hand;

said data processor summing the values of the selected five playing cards, wherein face cards have a value of zero, aces have a value of one, and numbered cards have a value equal to their face value;

said data processor designating a player hand to be a winning player hand if said sum is less than a predetermined maximum; and

said data processor determining said reward based on a schedule of rewards varying by sum.

22. The device of claim 18 wherein one of said rule sets stored at said data structure is a highs rule set comprising:

said data processor dealing four playing cards to said partial hand and two additional playing cards after said highs rule set is elected through said input device;

selecting through said input device five of the six playing cards dealt to said player to form a player hand;

said data processor summing the values of the selected five playing cards, wherein face cards have a value of ten, aces have a value of eleven, and numbered cards have a value equal to their face value;

said data processor designating a player hand to be a winning player hand if said sum is greater than a predetermined minimum; and

said data processor determining said reward based on a schedule of rewards varying by sum.

23. The device of claim 18 wherein one of said rule sets stored at said data structure is a poker rule set comprising:

said processor dealing four playing cards to said partial hand and two additional playing cards after said poker rule set is elected;

selecting through said input device five of the six playing cards dealt to said player to form a player hand;

said processor designating a player hand to be a winning player hand if the poker ranking of said player hand is greater than a predetermined minimum; and

said data processor determining said reward based on a schedule of rewards varying by poker ranking.