Card game and method of playing a card game

Abstract

A system and method for playing a card game are disclosed. The card game may be played with a real deck of cards and an associated playing surface or with a virtual deck of cards as part of a virtual card game on a processor-based platform. The method comprises placing at least one wager by betting a monetary amount and choosing a betting number or a range of betting numbers during a current round of play. The method further comprises dealing at least two playing cards and revealing a face of each of the dealt playing cards during the current round of play. The method also includes summing face values of the revealed playing cards to form at least one summed value for the current round of play. The method also comprises comparing the at least one summed value to the betting number or the range of betting numbers for each wager for the current round of play to determine any winning wagers. The method further includes paying any winning wager according to the monetary amount bet and odds associated with the winning wager for the current round of play.

Description

REFERENCE

This application claims priority to provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/616,451, filed on Oct. 6, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a card game and method of playing a card game. Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for playing a card game in conjunction with wagering. It is to be appreciated, however, that the method of playing a card game may find further applications in areas outside of the wagering arena.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Oftentimes, to non-initiated players, casino games such as roulette can be intimidating. For example, roulette incorporates many alternate ways of wagering and these wagering alternatives can confuse non-initiated players. Therefore, players unfamiliar with roulette and other casino games may hesitate to play. Consequently, there is a need for a casino-style game that provides easily understood wagering principles while, at the same time, provides the excitement associated with other casino games. Also, providing a casino-style game in a format or using a media that is likely already familiar to a player is desirable.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional, traditional, and proposed approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems and methods with the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of playing a card game. The method comprises placing at least one wager by betting a monetary amount and choosing one or more betting number(s) or a range of betting numbers during a current round of play. The method further comprises dealing at least two playing cards and revealing a face of each of the dealt playing cards during the current round of play. The method also includes summing face values of the revealed playing cards to form at least one summed value for the current round of play. The summed value is compared to the at least one chosen summed value or betting number(s) or the range of betting numbers for each wager in the current round of play, to determine any winning wagers. In an embodiment, the game is played as a wagering game, wherein the method further comprises placing at least one wager by betting a monetary amount, and paying on any winning wagers. Alternatively, or in addition to guessing/wagering related to the outcome of the flipped cards, players may also be allowed to make further bets or guesses relating to the “flipped” cards. For example, the player may guess/bet on the possibility that certain recognized cards appear in that particular round of play/wagering. As examples: In the game of Pinnochle, it is recognized and understood that the QUEEN of SPADES and the JACK of DIAMONDS constitute pinnochle and you count your melt accordingly. In the game of Kasino, it is recognized and understood that the TEN of DIAMONDS and DEUCE of SPADES are known as Big and Little Kasino respectively. Further, such cards as the JACK of SPADES and the JACK of HEARTS, are recognized as one-eyed Jacks, because they have only one eye. Example: The KING of DIAMONDS is the only one- eyed King. These are often wild cards in various card games. Bets/guesses on such cards may therefore give the players an award separate and in addition to whatever thy may have been entitled to from correctly guessing/hitting their wagered added sum or range. In such an example, after the cards are displayed, if Queen of Spades and/or Jack of Diamonds are both in the display, the player wins a supplemental award/credits. If the JACK of SPADES and/or the JACK of HEARTS appear, the player wins a supplemental award/credits, and the like. This type of winning may be based upon a winning wager relating to chosen sequence, or separate and apart from such a wager. The method further includes paying any winning wager according to the monetary amount bet and odds associated with the winning wager for the current round of play.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a processor-based system for implementing a virtual card game. The processor-based system comprises at least one processor to execute playing of the virtual card game, and wherein the playing of the virtual card game comprises the steps of electronically dealing at least two playing cards and electronically revealing a face of each of the dealt playing cards during the current round of play. The method also includes electronically summing face values of the revealed playing cards to form at least one summed value for the current round of play. The method also comprises electronically comparing the at least one summed value to the at least one betting number or the range of betting numbers for each wager for the current round of play to determine any winning wagers. In an embodiment, the method may be played as a wagering game, and further comprises placing at least one wager by betting a monetary amount on one or more betting number(s) or the range of betting numbers during a current round of play, and electronically paying any winning wager according to the monetary amount bet and odds associated with the winning wager for the current round of play. The system further comprises a program memory interfacing to the at least one processor to store software associated with the virtual card game and a user interface connecting to the at least one processor to allow a player of the virtual card game to select various functional inputs of the virtual card game. The system further comprises an image memory interfacing to the at least one processor to store image data of the virtual card game to be displayed. The system also includes a display controller interfacing to the image memory to extract image data from the image memory in a controlled manner and to convert the image data to video data. The system further includes a display interfacing to the display controller to accept the video data from the display controller such that the video data is presented to the player on the display.

Alternative embodiments may implement the game in an instant lottery ticket game format, wherein representations of cards are selectively revealed. Such representations may typically be masked or covered in some way, and subsequently selectively revealed to play the game. In such an embodiment, the wager placed on the game could also be selected by the player, or the odds of winning chosen by a player, as a part of playing the game, or such variables may be set by the game distributor, as desired. The placing of a wager by the player may simply comprise buying the lottery ticket.

These and other advantages and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary flowchart of an embodiment of a method of playing a card game, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a playing surface layout to accommodate betting for a non-virtual version of the method of FIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a processor-based system for implementing a virtual card game using the method of FIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a user interface image displayed by the processor-based system of FIG. 3 showing an arrangement of dealt cards face down.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of an image displayed by the processor-based system of FIG. 3 after a current round of play.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of an image displayed by the processor-based system of FIG. 3 after a current round of play.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of an image displayed by the processor-based system of FIG. 3 after a current round of play.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of an image displayed by the processor-based system of FIG. 3 after a current round of play.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of an image displayed by the processor-based system of FIG. 3 after a current round of play.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of an image displayed by the processor-based system of FIG. 3 after a current round of play.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a playing surface layout to accommodate betting for a non-virtual version of the method of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a lottery type of game according to the invention, wherein representations of playing cards are disposed on a playing surface layout to accommodate betting for a non-virtual version of the methods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is an exemplary flowchart 100 of an embodiment of a method of playing a card game, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. In this embodiment, the game is played as a wagering game, with either monetary or psuedo-monetary wagers made. At step 110, at least one wager is placed by betting a monetary amount and choosing at least one betting number or a range of betting numbers during a current round of play. In step 120, at least two playing cards are dealt and the face of each of the dealt playing cards is revealed during the current round of play. In step 130, the face values of the revealed playing cards are summed to form at least one summed value for the current round of play. In step 140, the at least one summed value is compared to the betting number or the range of betting numbers for each wager for the current round of play to determine any winning wagers. In step 150, any winning wager is paid according to the monetary amount bet and the odds associated with the winning wager for the current round of play.

Alternatively, or in addition to guessing/wagering related to the outcome of the flipped cards, players may also be allowed to make further bets or guesses relating to the “flipped” cards. For example, the player may guess/bet on the possibility that certain recognized cards appear in that particular round of play/wagering. As examples: In the game of Pinnochle, it is recognized and understood that the QUEEN of SPADES and the JACK of DIAMONDS constitute pinnochle and you count your melt accordingly. In the game of Kasino, it is recognized and understood that the TEN of DIAMONDS and DEUCE of SPADES are known as Big and Little Kasino respectively. Further, such cards as the JACK of SPADES and the JACK of HEARTS, are recognized as one-eyed Jacks, because they have only one eye. Example: The KING of DIAMONDS is the only one- eyed King. These are often wild cards in various card games. Bets/guesses on such cards may therefore give the players an award separate and in addition to whatever thy may have been entitled to from correctly guessing/hitting their wagered added sum or range. In such an example, after the cards are displayed, if Queen of Spades and/or Jack of Diamonds are both in the display, the player wins a supplemental award/credits. If the JACK of SPADES and/or the JACK of HEARTS appear, the player wins a supplemental award/credits, and the like. This type of winning may be based upon a winning wager relating to chosen added sum or range, or separate and apart from such a wager.

As used herein, the term “playing cards” shall mean actual playing cards or any other representation of playing cards, whether electronically, printed or otherwise.

As used herein, the term “shuffling” shall mean any physical or other representation or step of mixing playing cards in a normal random fashion, whether electronically or otherwise.

As used herein, the term “dealing or dealt” shall mean any physical or other representation or step of disposing the cards into a desired format to be revealed and/or displaying the playing cards or representations, whether electronically or otherwise.

As used herein, the term “wagering or placing at least one wager” shall mean any physical or other representation or step of placing monetary or psuedo-monetary bets in a normal gambling sense, whether electronically or otherwise.

As used herein, the term “paying” shall mean any physical or other representation or step of paying or awarding based upon the monetary or psuedo-monetary bet in a normal gambling sense, whether electronically or otherwise.

As used herein, the term “cutting” shall mean any physical or other representation or step of reordering playing cards in a normal random fashion, whether electronically or otherwise. It should also be understood that the cutting of the deck of cards may be unnecessary as the cards could be suitably randomized by shuffling alone.

Similarly, references to cards or the playing of a game according to the invention may be implemented in any desired format, and the described embodiments are only examples of such formats.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a playing surface layout 200 to accommodate betting for a non-virtual version of the method 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The playing surface 200 may be in the form of a casino table or a board game, for example. As seen in FIG. 2, the playing surface layout 200 comprises placeholders 210, 211, and 212 defining three positions to which three playing cards may be dealt from a standard deck of fifty-two playing cards. The playing surface layout 200 also includes an arrangement of betting numbers 220 on which a player may place, for example, chips or money when placing a bet at the beginning of a round of play. The playing surface layout 200 also includes a first range of numbers position 230 and a second range of numbers position 240 allowing a player to bet on one of two ranges of numbers by, for example, placing chips or money on the positions 230 and/or 240 at the beginning of a round of play. The playing surface layout 200 also comprises a betting number position 250 corresponding to betting on the number “21”.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, players may select or bet on the range of betting numbers 230 which includes the numbers from “3-10”, the range of betting numbers 240 which includes the numbers from “28-30”, any of the betting numbers in the arrangement 220 ranging from “11-20” and “22-27”, and the betting number “21” (position 250). The payoff odds for the ranges of betting number 230 and 240 is 15-to-1, and is 40-to-1 for any one of the betting numbers in the arrangement 220. The payoff odds for the betting number 250 is 20-to-1.

In accordance with various alternative embodiments of the present invention, the playing surface layout 200 may include placeholders defining positions which a number of playing cards other than three may be dealt. Also, other betting number arrangements and ranges are possible as well. Other non-standard decks may be used as well, in accordance with various alternative embodiments of the present invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the face value of cards having numbers two to ten is “two to ten” respectively. The face value of an Ace may be “one” or “eleven” as an example. The face value of a Jack, a Queen, and a King is typically “ten”, but another value may be ascribed thereto if desired.

As an example, during a round of play, a player places a wager on the number “22” by placing chips on that numbered position 221 on the playing surface layout 200. A dealer then proceeds to deal three playing cards from a standard deck of playing cards into the positions 210-212. If the revealed face values of the three playing cards sums to (i.e., adds up to) the betting number “22” (e.g., a King, a ten, and a two), then the player's wager is a winning wager.

Additionally, one ordinarily skilled in the art can appreciate, and it is contemplated that the method of play described herein may be adapted to a computerized format (i.e., a processor-based system) including, but not limited to, the Internet and servers, personal computers, and video games (e.g., a handheld device or a video poker system). It is further contemplated that the method of play described herein may be adapted to a mechanical apparatus including, but not limited to, a slot machine-type apparatus.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a processor-based system 300 for implementing a virtual card game using the method 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The system 300 comprises a processor 310, a program memory 320 storing virtual card game software 325, a user interface 330, an image memory 340, a display controller 350, and a display 360.

The processor 310 interfaces to the program memory 300 and executes the virtual card game software 325. The user interface 330 connects to the processor 310 to allow a player of the virtual card game to select various functional inputs of the virtual card game. The image memory 340 interfaces to the processor 310 to store image data to be displayed. The display controller 350 interfaces to the image memory 340 to extract image data from the image memory in a controlled manner and convert the image data to video data. The display 360 interfaces to the display controller 350 to accept video data from the display controller 350 such that the video data is presented to a player on the display 360.

The virtual card game software 325 is the executable program to run the virtual card game. The user interface 330 may comprise, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch-screen (i.e., the user interface 330 is combined with the display 360), or push buttons. The functional inputs controlled through the user interface 330 include, for example, an ability to select a monetary amount per wager, an ability to select at least one betting number and/or betting number range for wagering, and an ability to select that a virtual deck of playing cards be shuffled and/or cut and dealt.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a user interface image 400 displayed by the processor-based system 300 of FIG. 3 showing an arrangement of dealt cards 410 face down, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The arrangement 410 is a substantially linear arrangement of three playing cards. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the cards are electronically dealt and displayed as if the cards were randomly dealt from a shuffled deck of cards. Before the cards 410 are revealed or, alternatively, before the cards are even dealt, a player may use, for example, a mouse to click on one of the betting numbers 420 or ranges of betting numbers 430 or 440 displayed on the user interface image 400 to select a betting number or range of betting numbers for wagering. The player may also enter a dollar amount (e.g., $20) to wager in the betting window 450. An account window “Credits” 460 is initialized to a starting dollar amount (e.g., $1000). The player then clicks on the “Deal” icon 470 to reveal the faces of the dealt cards 410. Any winnings, based on the bet amount and the odds, are displayed in the winnings window 480.

FIG. 5 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of an image 500 displayed by the processor-based system 300 of FIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, a player has wagered that the betting number “25” 510 will be a winning number for the current round of play. The player has wagered on the betting number 510 by clicking on the corresponding box icon 511 and entering $20 in the betting window 520. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the betting number 510 and or box icon 511 is highlighted to indicate the selected betting number. Indeed, the face values of the dealt cards 530 (King, ten, five) do sum to the betting number “25” and, based on the $20 bet and the associated payoff odds of 40-to-1, the player's winnings is $800 and is displayed in the winnings window 540. The $800 winning is also credited to the “Credits” window 550 which shows total current credits of $1060. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a notification is displayed to the player when the player wins a wager (e.g., “You WON!” 560). Similarly, a notification may be displayed to the player when the player loses a wager.

FIG. 6 illustrates a further exemplary image 600 displayed by the processor-based system 300 of FIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, a player has wagered that the betting number range “3-10” 610 will be a winning bet for the current round of play. The player has wagered on the betting number 610 by clicking on the corresponding box icon 611 and entering $20 in the betting window 620. Indeed, the face values of the dealt cards 630 (Ace, five, two) sum to the betting number “8” which is in the betting range 610 and, based on the $20 bet and the associated payoff odds of 15-to-1, the player's winnings is $300 and is displayed in the winnings window 640. The $300 winning is also credited to the “Credits” window 650 which shows total current credits of $420.

FIG. 7 illustrates a further exemplary image 700 displayed by the processor-based system 300 of FIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, a player has wagered that the betting number range “28-30” 710 will be a winning bet for the current round of play. The player has wagered on the betting number 710 by clicking on the corresponding box icon 711 and entering $20 in the betting window 720. Indeed, the face values of the dealt cards 730 (eight, Jack, ten) sum to the betting number “28” which is in the betting range 710 and, based on the $20 bet and the associated payoff odds of 15-to-1, the player's winnings is $300 and is displayed in the winnings window 740. The $300 winning is also credited to the “Credits” window 750 which shows total current credits of $1300.

FIG. 8 illustrates a further exemplary image 800 displayed by the processor-based system 300 of FIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, a player has wagered that the betting number “21” 810 will be a winning number for the current round of play. The player has enabled the betting number 810 by clicking on the “Play 21” icon 811. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the betting number “21” 810 is a special betting option that may be enabled. The player has wagered on the betting number 810 by clicking on the corresponding box icon 812 and entering $20 in the betting window 820. Indeed, the face values of the dealt cards 830 (three, eight, ten) do sum to the betting number “21” and, based on the $20 bet and the associated payoff odds of 20-to-1, the player's winnings is $400 and is displayed in the winnings window 840. The $400 winning is also credited to the “Credits” window 850 which shows total current credits of $1000.

FIG. 9 illustrates a further exemplary image 900 displayed by the processor-based system 300 of FIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, a player has wagered that the betting number “17” 910 will be a winning number for the current round of play. The player has wagered on the betting number 910 by clicking on the corresponding box icon 911 and entering $20 in the betting window 920. However, the face values of the dealt cards 930 (four, Jack, nine) do not sum to the betting number “17” and, therefore, the player's winnings is $0 which is displayed in the winnings window 940. The $20 bet had been debited from the “Credits” window 950 which shows total current credits of $980. The notification 960 (“Sorry, Try Again.”) is displayed to the player since the player lost the wager for the current round of play.

FIG. 10 illustrates a further exemplary image 1000 displayed by the processor-based system 300 of FIG. 3 after a current round of play, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, a player has wagered that the betting number “13” 1010 will be a winning number for the current round of play. The player has wagered on the betting number 1010 by clicking on the corresponding box icon 1011 and entering $20 in the betting window 1020. However, the face values of the dealt cards 1030 (five, eight, three) do not sum to the betting number “13” and, therefore, the player's winnings is $0 which is displayed in the winnings window 1040. The $20 bet had been debited from the “Credits” window 1050 which shows total current credits of $900. The notification 1060 (“Sorry, Try Again.”) is displayed to the player since the player lost the wager for the current round of play. Also, the prompt 1070 (“Try Changing Your Number!!”) is displayed to the player to encourage the player to try betting on another number in a next round of play.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the various wagering options may be implemented on a physical playing surface layout where real playing cards and chips are used to place wagers such as shown in FIG. 2. Such an embodiment provides a dealer to shuffle, cut, and deal the cards, and at least one player to place wagers. Such an embodiment constitutes a non-virtual version of the method of FIG. 1. In such an embodiment, a player “buys in” or purchases chips of a specific color or pattern distinct from any other player currently playing.

Certain embodiments of the present invention contemplate distinct chip patterns for each player. However, another embodiment includes standard color chips corresponding to a specific monetary denomination. The rationale behind the distinct chip patterns of certain embodiments is to permit the players, dealer and staff to easily distinguish one player's wagers from the others.

It may be appreciated that numerous playing variations and combinations could be applied to the fundamental principles of the present invention. The method of the present invention may be practiced by a single player or by multiple players, wherein the player(s) play against a house dealer, against a player banker, or each other in a no bank format.

Although certain embodiments suggest payoff odds for specific wagers, it is contemplated that the odds may be modified to accommodate variables and preferences of individual casinos or houses. For instance, a specific casino may choose to structure the odds to attract players where others may choose to hold back on the odds giving the house an edge over the players.

It is further contemplated in another embodiment of the present invention that a player may use other forms of wagers including, but not limited to, cash and coins while playing the game of the present invention.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, one ordinarily skilled in the art would realize that the present invention could be played using more than one deck of cards. Additionally, it is understood that custom cards may be used in lieu of standard conventional playing cards. Accordingly, the odds of each wager may change to correspond to the probability of a specific wager in light of the use of multiple decks or custom cards.

FIG. 11 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of a playing surface layout 1100 to accommodate betting for a non-virtual version of the method 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The playing surface 1100 may be in the form of a casino table or a board game, for example. As seen in FIG. 11, the playing surface layout 1100 comprises an arrangement of placeholders 1110 defining a three-by-three row/column arrangement to which nine playing cards may be dealt from a standard deck of fifty-two playing cards. The playing surface layout 1100 also includes an arrangement of betting numbers 1120 on which a player may place, for example, chips or money when placing a bet at the beginning of a round of play. The playing surface layout 1100 also includes a first range of numbers position 1130 and a second range of numbers position 1140 allowing a player to bet on one of two ranges of numbers by, for example, placing chips or money on the positions 1130 and/or 1140 at the beginning of a round of play. The playing surface layout 1100 also comprises a betting number position 1150 corresponding to betting on the number “21”.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, players may bet on the range of betting numbers 1130 which includes the numbers from “3-10”, the range of betting numbers 1140 which includes the numbers from “28-30”, any of the betting numbers in the arrangement 1120 ranging from “11-20” and “22-27”, and the betting number “21” (position 1150). The payoff odds for the ranges of betting number 1130 and 1140 is 2-to-1, and is 5-to-1 for any one of the betting numbers 1120. The payoff odds for the betting number 1150 is 3-to-1.

Players win when their wager matches the sum of the face values corresponding to any of the rows 1111-1113, columns 1114-1116, or diagonals 1117-1118 of the cards dealt into the arrangement 1110. As a result, for any given round of play, a player has increased chances of winning (i.e., a total of eight chances of winning because there are three rows, three columns, and two diagonals). However, the odds associated with winning are lower, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 11, compared to the embodiment of FIG. 2.

Additionally, one ordinarily skilled in the art can appreciate, and it is contemplated that the method of play described with respect to FIG. 11 may be adapted to a computerized format (i.e., a processor-based system) including, but not limited to, the Internet and servers, personal computers, and video games (e.g., a handheld device or a video poker system). It is further contemplated that the method of play described with respect to FIG. 11 may be adapted to a mechanical apparatus including, but not limited to, a slot machine-type apparatus.

Alternatively, turning to FIG. 12, the game 1200 may be played using representations of cards, which may be “shuffled” or randomized for use in playing the game. For example, the game may be played in the style of an instant lottery game, where representations of cards 1202 are printed on a ticket or other medium, such as in the format shown in prior embodiments, and selectively revealed to play the game. Accordingly, the one or more betting number(s) 1204 or a range of betting numbers 1206 or the betting number 21, represented at 1208, are also printed or otherwise disposed on the medium, and are also selectively revealed by the player. Such representations 1202, 1204, 1206 and 1208 may typically be masked or covered in some way, and subsequently selectively revealed, such as by scratching, to play the game. In such an embodiment, the player may reveal one of the wagering number(s) 1204, 1206 or 1208, or each of these could be revealed for possible winnings. The wager placed on the game could also be selected by the player, or the odds of winning chosen by a player, as a part of playing the game, or such variables may be set by the game distributor, as desired. The placing of a wager by the player may simply comprise buying the lottery ticket, or different pricing for tickets could be provided for differing odds games. In any event, the wagering scheme used may make instant winning possible. Such an embodiment constitutes a non-virtual version of the game and methods according to embodiments herein.

In summary, embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for playing a card game based on wagering on a betting number or range of betting numbers and a revealed sum of face values of dealt cards. The card game may be played manually on a non-virtual playing surface or may be played as an electronic game on a processor-based platform, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.

While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of playing a card game, said method comprising:

preselecting at least one number from a set or a range of numbers during said current round of play,

dealing at least two playing cards and revealing a face of each of said dealt playing cards during said current round of play;

summing face values of said revealed playing cards to form at least one summed value for said current round of play;

comparing said at least one summed value to a preselected number or range of numbers for each wager for said current round of play to determine any winning preselected numbers; and

indicating any winning preselected number for said current round of play.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of,

placing at least one wager by betting a monetary amount on the preselcted number or range of numbers during a current round of play; and

paying any winning wager according to said monetary amount bet and odds associated with said winning wager for said current round of play.

3. A processor-based system for implementing a virtual card game, said processor-based system comprising:

at least one processor to execute playing of said virtual card game, and wherein said playing of said virtual card game comprises the steps of choosing a betting number or a range of betting numbers during a current round of play, dealing at least two playing cards and revealing a face of each of said dealt playing cards during the current round of play, summing face values of the revealed playing cards to form at least one summed value for the current round of play, comparing the at least one summed value to the betting number or the range of betting numbers for the current round of play to determine any winning betting number or the range of betting numbers;

a program memory interfacing to said at least one processor to store software associated with said virtual card game;

a user interface connecting to said at least one processor to allow a player of said virtual card game to select various functional inputs of said virtual card game;

an image memory interfacing to said at least one processor to store image data of said virtual card game to be displayed;

a display controller interfacing to said image memory to extract image data from said image memory in a controlled manner and to convert said image data to video data; and

a display interfacing to said display controller to accept said video data from said display controller such that said video data is presented to said player on said display.

4. The system according to claim 3, further comprising the steps of,

placing at least one wager by betting a monetary or psuedo-monetary amount and paying any winning wager according to the monetary or psuedo-monetary amount bet and odds associated with the winning wager for the current round of play.