Card game and method for 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 an amount of credits during a current round of play, dealing at least nine playing cards face up in a grid of at least three columns by three rows, placing a hold on any cards that make up one or more predetermined winning combinations or portions of the one or more predetermined winning combinations, if any, removing any non-held cards from the grid, dealing one playing card face up in each position of the grid once occupied by a non-held card, comparing at least the rows and columns of the grid to the one or more predetermined winning combinations to determine if any of the rows or columns have a winning card combination; and paying any winning card combination according to the wager amount bet and odds associated with any winning combination for the current round of play.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a card game apparatus and method of playing a card game, and more particularly, to an apparatus and game method wherein cards are dealt in a grid format of columns and rows and are compared to predetermined winning combinations, the winning combinations or portions of winning combinations are held while the non-held cards are replaced with new cards in a final round. The cards are then compared to the predetermined winning combinations to determine a win or loss. the game may be played as a wagering game, with winnings or losses based on an initial wager amount and the odds of the winning combination for example.

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 and a level of skill involving user interaction 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 the steps of 1) dealing at least nine playing cards face up in a grid of at least three columns by at least three rows; 2) placing a hold on any cards that make up one or more predetermined winning combinations or portions of the one or more predetermined winning combinations, if any; 3) removing any non-held cards from the grid; 4) dealing one playing card face up in each position of the grid once occupied by a non-held card; 5) comparing at least one of the rows or the columns of the grid to the one or more predetermined winning combinations to determine if any of the rows or columns have a winning card combination; and 7) indicating any winning card combination. In an embodiment, the game may be a wagering game wherein the player places at least one wager, and paying any winning card combination according to the wager amount bet and odds associated with any winning combination. Losses result in forfeiture of the bet.

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 sequence(s). In such an example, after the cards are displayed, if in the three-card version, the queen of spades and 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 winning combination, or separate and apart from such a wager.

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 an arrangement of virtual playing cards and revealing a face of each of the dealt playing cards during the current round of play. A player places a hold on any cards that make up one or more predetermined winning combinations or portions of the one or more predetermined winning combinations, if any. The system then removes any non-held cards from the grid, and deals one playing card face up in each position of the grid once occupied by a non-held card. The system then compares at least one of the rows, columns or diagonals of the grid to the one or more predetermined winning combinations to determine if any winning card combination is found, and indicates any winning card combination. The system may also automatically identify any predefined combinations appearing in the rows, columns or diagonals of the arrangement of the dealt playing cards. In an embodiment, the method may further comprise electronically placing at least one wager by betting a monetary amount for a current round of play, and electronically paying any winning wager according to the monetary amount bet and odds associated with the identified progression sequences 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 an embodiment of a user interface image of an embodiment of the game of the present invention showing winning card combinations and an arrangement of dealt cards face down;

FIG. 3 illustrates the image showing a bet and possible winning opportunities depicted as broken lines through the card arrangement;

FIG. 4 illustrates the image with the arrangement of cards dealt face up;

FIG. 5 illustrates the image with a Hold placed on one card of the arrangement of cards;

FIG. 6 illustrates the image with all of the cards of the arrangement of cards re-dealt except the held card and the game results based on the new cards;

FIG. 7 illustrates an image similar to FIG. 4 showing a new round of play with different cards shown dealt face up;

FIG. 8 illustrates the image relating to the new round with all of the cards of the arrangement of cards re-dealt and the game results based on the new cards;

FIG. 9 illustrates another image showing a new round of play with different cards shown dealt face up;

FIG. 10 illustrates the image of the new round with a Hold placed on one card of the arrangement of cards;

FIG. 11 illustrates the image of the new round with all of the cards of the arrangement of cards re-dealt except the held card and the game results based on the new cards;

FIG. 12 illustrates another image similar to FIG. 4 showing a new round of play with different cards shown dealt face up;

FIG. 13 illustrates the image of the new round with a Hold placed on three cards of the arrangement of cards;

FIG. 14 illustrates the image of the new round with all of the cards of the arrangement of cards re-dealt except the held cards;

FIG. 15 illustrates the image of the new round with all of the cards of the arrangement game results based on the new cards; and

FIG. 16 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.

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 step 110, at least one wager is placed by betting a monetary or credit amount. In step 120, at least nine playing cards are dealt in an arrangement, such as an at least three by three grid of cards, and the face of each of the dealt playing cards is revealed. In step 130, the revealed playing cards are optionally, individually selected and held for the next round of play. In step 140, any of the nine positions not held are dealt and the face of each of the dealt playing cards is revealed forming the final round of play. In step 150, winning combinations of cards positioned linearly within the grid are determined and any winning wager is paid according to the monetary amount bet and the odds associated with the winning card combination for the current round of play.

Also, according to an embodiment, the player may elect subsequent to playing round of the game to risk losing a percentage of any winnings based on the played hand, such as by placing a KICKER bet. For example, in such an embodiment, a KICKER bet may be selected subsequent to a played round to risk 10% of any winnings with the chance to double winnings if the next card revealed in the game creates a winning wager. The KICKER is may be a betting position on a playing surface or a button in an electronic embodiment, such as described hereafter.

Additionally, it is contemplated that the method of play described herein may be adapted to a casino game and game board or via 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.

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.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a screen view of an embodiment of the game 10 of an embodiment of the present invention in shown. 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, or as a lottery card or video lottery game, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment shown, the playing surface is represented on a video monitor, and the cards are electronic representations. On the left side of the FIG. 2 are shown possible winning combinations 12. In various card games, particular card combinations are known to have particular significance in scoring and winning a particular hand. 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. Accordingly the winning combinations 12 can be familiar combinations to the player to help breed interest in the game and make it easier for avid card game players to recognize potentially winning cards and winning combinations. The first winning combination 14 shown in the game is the DUECE of SPADES and the TEN of DIAMONDS. The second winning combination 16 shown in the game is the JACK of SPADES and the JACK of HEARTS. The third winning combination 18 shown in the game is the QUEEN of SPADES and the JACK of DIAMONDS. The fourth winning combination 20 shown in the game is the KING of DIAMONDS and the JACK of HEARTS. The fifth winning combination 22 shown in the game is the KING of DIAMONDS and the JACK of SPADES. The last winning combination 24 is a combination of all one-eyed wild cards, the KING of DIAMONDS, the JACK of HEARTS, and the JACK of SPADES. The playing card grid 30 is positioned to the right of the winning combinations 12 and comprises three rows 32 of three cards each forming a nine card grid or grid 30. To the right of the grid 30 is a kicker 40 location where the user may wager upon an extra card as discussed below. The bottom of the screen shows the credits 50 available, the amount of the current bet 52, and the winnings 54 for a particular hand. A reset button 56 and a deal button 58 are also included to control game play as discussed below. At the top of the screen the round number 60 is displayed and directions 62 for the round are shown, such as “Begin Game!!”.

In operation, the shown embodiment of the game 10 is played by first selecting a wager by entering an amount at the current bet 52 location as shown in FIG. 3. The cards 30 are shown face down prior to the bet. It is noted that the bet may represents the bet for each possible winning opportunity, i.e. since there are three rows 32 and three columns 34, and two diagonals 36; the player has eight opportunities to win. Accordingly if the bet is twenty, the total wager may be considered actually six times the bet amount, or one hundred sixty in the example, or may be considered a single bet having multiple opportunities to win. Alternatively, only rows and columns or the like may be used. The player may also have an option to select either the straight six opportunities or the total eight opportunities. Another option could be to select one or more column combinations 34 and/or one or more row combinations 32 instead of automatically using six or eight of the combinations.

Once the wager has been made, the deal button 58 is selected and nine cards are randomly drawn and revealed as shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, only the rows and colums are used for determining winning combinations and bets for the purposes of description. In the shown embodiment of the game, two decks of cards are used with each deck having the ACES through FOURS removed leaving a total of seventy-two cards available for the nine positions of FIG. 8. Again, no winning combinations have been received, and the losses are deducted by noting credits 50 are automatically computed as seven hundred sixty, which represents the original eight hundred eighty minus the bet on each losing opportunity (six losses) or one hundred twenty credits in losses.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the game 10 has been restarted and nine cards have been randomly drawn and placed in the grid. A KING of DIAMONDS is located at the intersection of the second row and the first column. The KING of DIAMONDS is a portion of winning combinations 20, 22, and 24. Accordingly, the player identifies KING of DIAMONDS as a portion of a winning combination and selects the KING of DIAMONDS with a hold 42 so that the card is not discarded and replaced in the next round, as shown in FIG. 10.

The player then hits the deal button 58. The non-held cards are then removed from the grid and returned to the available deck or not as described previously. The non-held positions are then filled with randomly selected cards from the deck and shown face up as shown in FIG. 11. The player input is now finished as noted by the round number 60 which states “Game Over”. The game 10 automatically recognizes any winning combinations in the grid and calculates winnings based on the wager and the odds of the winning combination. The winning combination or combinations 12 on the left side of the screen may be identified by blinking, special colorization, sounds, etc. such as commonly used in games. On this occasion, the held card, the KING of DIAMONDS is now in a column with the JACK of HEARTS and the EIGHT of CLUBS. The KING of DIAMONDS and the JACK of HEARTS is a winning combination 20. In addition, the JACK of HEARTS is also in a row with the KING of CLUBS and another KING of DIAMONDS. Once again, the KING of DIAMONDS and the JACK of HEARTS is a winning combination 20 even though separated by a non-winning card. Each of the two card winning combinations all have odds of twenty to one, the winnings for the two wins are shown as eight hundred. The credits are automatically computed as one thousand seven hundred twenty which represents the original one thousand minus the bet on each losing opportunities (four losses and two wins) or eighty in losses, plus the eight hundred in winnings.

In another embodiment of the invention, subsequent to playing round of the game, the player may elect to risk a percentage of any winnings based on the played hand, such as by the grid 30. Referring to FIG. 4, the randomly drawn cards are shown face up in the grid 30 and the directions 62 change to state, “Select the Cards to Keep”. The player is then able to evaluate the cards dealt against the possible winning combinations 12 to determine if a winning combination has been dealt or if a portion of a winning combination has been dealt and keep the winning or possible winning cards. The winning combinations can appear in a single row 32 or a single column 34 of the grid 30 in any order and may be separated from each other by a non-winning card. As shown in FIG. 4, a JACK of SPADES is located at the intersection of the second row and the third column. The JACK of SPADES is a portion of winning combinations 16, 22, and 24. Once the player identifies a winning combination or a portion of a winning combination, the player selects the cards and a hold 42 is placed on the card so that the card is not discarded and replaced in the next round, as shown in FIG. 5. Once all of the winning combinations or portions of winning combinations are selected, the player then hits the deal button 58. The non-held cards are then removed from the grid and returned to the available deck or not as desired, and the deck is randomized or shuffled. The non-held positions are then filled with randomly selected cards from the deck and shown face up as shown in FIG. 6. The player input is now finished as noted by the round number 60 which states “Game Over”. The game 10 automatically recognizes any winning combinations in the grid and calculates winnings based on the wager and the odds of the winning combination. On this occasion, no winning combinations were obtained, although additional portions of winning combinations were dealt, such as the KING of DIAMONDS and the QUEEN of SPADES. It is also noted that the held card, the JACK of SPADES, remains in its original location. The credits 50 are automatically computed as eight hundred eighty, which represents the original one thousand minus the bet on each losing opportunity (six losses) or one hundred twenty credits in losses.

The game play continues by either changing the bet 52 or leaving the bet 52 at the same amount, and then selecting the deal button 58. Once again, nine cards are randomly drawn and placed in the grid as shown in FIG. 7. On this occasion, no winning combinations or portions of winning combinations have been received. As there are no cards to place a hold on, the player selects the deal button 58. The original nine cards are returned to the deck or not as desired or not as desired, and nine cards are randomly drawn and revealed in the grid as shown in placing a kicker bet. For example, in such an embodiment, a kicker bet may be selected subsequent to a played round to risk, for example, 10%, of any winnings with the chance to double winnings if the next card revealed in the game creates a winning wager. To play the kicker bet, the kicker card 40 is selected in FIG. 12, and is randomly dealt face up from the remaining deck. The kicker card 40 if played, may be one or more cards that once revealed, extend a winning combination, create a new winning further combination, or in some other way are combined with the cards already played in the round to either form a further winning combination or a losing combination. As an example, if the kicker card 40 forms a winning combination, the total winnings may be increased by a predetermined amount, or as a percentage of the winnings, or based upon some other measure as desired. Similarly, a losing kicker card 40 may deduct from the winnings or player's credited amount, a predetermined amount, a percentage of the winnings, or an amount based upon some other measure as desired. While playing the kicker card 40 may use the winnings from that round of the game, it is also contemplated that the kicker card 40 is played as an extra bet from the remaining credits. In this example, the kicker card 40 was not a winner, and the loss is deducted from the credits 50.

After continued play, the player has two thousand in credits 50 and begins round one with the screen shown in FIG. 13. At the center of the grid 30 the TEN of SPADES is shown in the center and the third column has a TEN of SPADES and the TEN of DIAMONDS separated by the KING of CLUBS. The TEN of SPADES and the TEN of DIAMONDS is a winning combination even though separated by a non-winning card. The player then places holds 42 on the winning TEN of SPADES and the TEN of DIAMONDS as well as the winning portion, the TEN of SPADES in the center of the grid 30 as shown in FIG. 14. The player then hits the deal button 58. The non-held cards are then removed from the grid and returned to the available deck. The non-held positions are then filled with randomly selected cards from the deck and shown face up as shown in FIG. 15. On this occasion, the held winning combination of the TEN of SPADES and the TEN of DIAMONDS is the only winning combination. Based on the odds of twenty to one, the winnings for the one win are shown as four hundred. The credits are automatically computed as two thousand three hundred which represents the original one two thousand minus the bet on each losing opportunities (five losses and one win) or one hundred in losses, plus the four hundred in winnings. It is noted that if the diagonal option was played, the cards as shown would have resulted in another winning combination in the TEN of SPADES in the center of the grid 30 and the TEN of DIAMONDS in the lower right hand corner of the grid 30.

It is noted that the player may not recognize a portion or a complete winning combination dealt in the first round. If the player does not place a hold 42 on the cards, the cards will be automatically removed and replaced in the next round. No credits will be awarded. Alternatively, such winning combinations may be automatically held by the system.

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. 16 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a processor-based system 300 for implementing a virtual card game 10, 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.

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 or less than two partial decks of cards as described herein. 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. In addition, it is contemplated that a custom embodiment may be provided wherein the user selects cards to form the predetermined winning combinations at the beginning of play and/or wherein the winning combinations may be changed by the user at the start of each game.

Although not shown, it is contemplated in 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 an embodiment provides a dealer to shuffle, cut, and deal the cards, and one player to place wagers. Such an embodiment constitutes a non-virtual version of the game of FIG. 1.

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.

Additionally, it is contemplated that the computerized format (i.e., a processor-based system) of the present invention may be adapted to include, 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. 14 may be adapted to a mechanical apparatus including, but not limited to, a slot machine-type apparatus.

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, comprising the steps of:

dealing a plurality of cards face up in a grid defined by a discrete number of columns and rows, wherein each of the discrete number of columns and rows is greater than one;

selectively placing a hold on any of the plurality of cards;

removing the non-held cards from the grid;

dealing one card face up in each position of the grid previously occupied by the non-held cards;

comparing at least one of the rows and the columns of the grid to one or more predetermined winning combinations to determine a winning card combination; and,

indicating any winning card combination.

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

placing at least one wager prior to dealing the plurality of cards; and,

paying any winning combination according to the at least one wager and the odds associated with any winning combination.

3. (canceled)

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of:

dealing a plurality of cards face up in a grid defined by a discrete number of columns and rows, wherein each of the discrete number of columns and rows is greater than one, comprises the step of:

dealing nine cards face up in a grid defined by three columns and three rows.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the card game is played with one or more standard playing card decks.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the card game is played with a subset of two combined standard playing card decks.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the game is played as a virtual game with the cards displayed electronically.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the game is played via a global information system.

9. A method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of:

predetermining one or more winning combinations of playing cards;

dealing a plurality of randomized playing cards face down in a grid defined by at least three columns and by at least three rows;

placing at least a first bet on the playing cards dealt face down according to the one or more predetermined winning combinations;

revealing the playing cards in the grid;

selectively placing a hold on any of the plurality of playing cards that make up at least a portion of the one or more predetermined winning combinations;

replacing the non-held cards from the grid with playing cards face up in each position of the grid previously occupied by the non-held cards; and,

indicating any winning card combination.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of:

comparing the face up playing cards in the grid to the one or more predetermined winning combinations to determine if any of the rows, columns or diagonals have a winning card combination.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of:

comparing the face up playing cards in the grid to the one or more predetermined winning combinations to determine if any of the rows or columns have a winning card combination, comprises the step of:

comparing adjacent face up playing cards in the grid to the one or more predetermined winning combinations to determine if any adjacent cards match a winning card combination.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of:

comparing the face up playing cards in the grid to the one or more predetermined winning combinations to determine if any of the rows or columns have a winning card combination, comprises the step of:

comparing the face up playing cards in the grid to the one or more predetermined winning combinations to determine if any of the cards located in a single row, column or diagonal that match a winning card combination are separated by another card.

13. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of:

comparing the revealed cards in the grid to the one or more predetermined winning combinations to determine if any of the rows, columns and the diagonals have a winning card combination.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined winning combinations are selected from the group consisting of standard winning combinations from the card games of pinochle, Kasino, and wild cards including the one-eyed Jacks and one-eyed King.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein the step of:

dealing a plurality of randomized playing cards face down in a grid defined by at least three columns and by at least three rows, comprises the step of:

dealing a plurality of randomized playing cards from at least a first deck of playing cards face down in a grid defined by at least three columns and by at least three rows; and,

wherein before the step of:

replacing the non-held cards from the grid with playing cards face up in each position of the grid previously occupied by the non-held cards, the steps comprising:

removing the non-held cards from the grid; and,

regrouping the removed non-held cards back into the at least a first deck of playing cards.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein after the step of:

revealing the face value of the playing cards in the grid, the step further comprising:

placing a kicker bet on the revealed cards for a chance to increase the winnings from the final round of play.

17. A system for implementing a virtual card game, the system comprising:

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 dealing a plurality of playing cards face up in a grid defined by a discrete number of columns and rows, placing a hold on any cards that make up one or more predetermined winning combinations or portions of the one or more predetermined winning combinations, if any, removing any non-held cards from the grid, dealing one playing card face up in each position of the grid once occupied by a non-held card, comparing at least the rows and columns of the grid to the one or more predetermined winning combinations to determine if any of the at least rows or columns have a winning card combination, and indicating any winning card combination according to the wager amount bet and odds associated with any winning combination for the current round of play;

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

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;

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

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; and

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.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the 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, further comprises:

at least a first actuator operatively connecting to the at least one processor for placing a hold on one or more cards.