Abstract: Playing cards that include a machine-readable bar code in the form of a number of mutually parallel and juxtaposed bars, wherein the code is adapted to be read by light sensitive detectors. Each playing card includes at least one six-position binary code in which a bar is either present or absent at each of the six positions. The code includes a reference code in the form of an additional bar in at least one further position adjacent to the six-position binary code. The reference code is positioned for detection by a light sensitive detector. The binary code is intended to be read by means of the light sensitive detectors when the existence of the reference code is detected.

Abstract: A domino including pieces (1) which have on their back or sides an indication device with several identifying positions, and a device for storing and transporting the same. The indication device provided on the back of the pieces allows the pieces corresponding to each player to be marked so as to carry out the same distribution in other matches. The device for storing and transporting the pieces (1) is made up of four cases (9) which have means to allow them to be identified or for the indication device of the pieces (1) housed in each of them to be viewed.

Abstract: A stacking block game kit includes a set of game cards, a number of stackable game pieces, and a set of rules for discarding the game cards and for manipulating the game pieces. Each game card has a card point value and depicts a card indicia thereon. The game pieces are stackable in layers having a fixed maximum number of the game pieces. Game piece indicia are applied to the game pieces, with a portion of the game piece indicia being associated with the card indicia. The method of playing the stacking block game involves distributing game cards from the stacking block game kit into card hands amongst players of the game, and constructing a structure from the stackable game pieces. Game cards are then discarded from the card hands in accordance with the set of rules and an associated one of the game pieces, with the discarding step being repeated amongst the players until a predetermined terminating step is obtained.

Abstract: A collectible trading card, investment game using a set of trading cards, and a method of playing the investment game designed to raise awareness in the concepts of investing in the equities market. Each trading card features a unique publicly traded corporate business entity and includes printed indicia including at least one of corporate, product, service and financial information of a corporate business entity associated with the card and represents at least one theoretical share of stock in a corporate business entity. The printed indicia allows a collector to engage in a trade of at least one card to another collector based on at least the actual stock price of the corporate business entity associated with the card.

Abstract: Games of skill or chance which provide a player, who has received a wild indicia during one game, with the opportunity to reserve that wild indicia for use in a subsequent game.

Abstract: A Method for playing a game on a game board divided into a plurality of horizontal rows bearing the first letter of an alphabet and segmented into a plurality of rectangles by a plurality of vertical columns labeled with one, or a combination of, a multiplier and a color zone which intersect the rows. Each player receives a defined number of letters having a letter value from the letters of the alphabet being used. The players in order play the game by positioning their letters on the board adjacent to the first letter of the alphabet or adjacent to a prior formed word to form a new word. The point scores for the new word formed are calculated by summing the points for the individual letters of the formed word and multiplying them by the designated multiplier intersecting the last letter of the word, Additional points and bonus tiles are awarded for longer words ending in colorized zones.

Abstract: An interesting educational game is provided which is fun, appealing, and effective to readily teach children arithmetic. The child-friendly educational game can include a set of playing cards. Each card can have a different graphical representation of one or more Arabic numerals corresponding to a number and can also have a word corresponding to another number. In order to further teach children words associated with numbers, each card has a graphical representation of a hand with pointed fingers, such that the number of pointed fingers corresponds to the numerical value of the word appearing on the playing card.

Abstract: A board game 20 is provided including a support member 22, and a planar shaped game board 36 supported on the support member. The game board 36 is provided with four spaced aligned elongated playing surfaces 40 having twelve numbered triangle shaped numbered spaces 48 formed on each playing surface. A plurality of triangular shaped position spaces 54 are provided on the board 36 adjacent each of the playing surfaces 40. The board game 20 is also provided with forty nine triangularly shaped game pieces 60. The game pieces 60 are formed in seven groups of seven pieces each having distinct surface markings 72. Each game piece 60 is provided with a predetermined pair of numbered designations. The board game 20 is also provided with a set of scoring members 80. The game pieces 60 are used in conjunction with the scoring members 80 and the triangular shaped numbered spaces 48 on the playing surface 40 to score points and implement the game playing strategy for ultimately winning the game.

Abstract: A collectible element suitable for use in an educational game having a plurality of collectible elements each having a frequency of occurrence related to the number of occurrences of the collectible element with respect to the number of occurrences of other collectible elements of the plurality of collectible elements is disclosed. The collectible element includes an indicia of the frequency of occurrence of the collectible element disposed upon the collectible element. The collectible elements can be cards and a player of a card game can obtain credit in accordance with the frequency of occurrence including in accordance with skill. Furthermore, the collectible element can set forth a character and a player of the game can obtain credit in accordance with skill in identifying the character. The frequency of occurrence of a collectible element is related to the amount of skill required to identify the character set forth on the collectible element.

Abstract: A game, referred to as Dazzle, that is played with flat, twelve-sided regular polygon tiles. The tiles are radially divisible by segments from the center point to the corners of the external sides into six sections—two sections encompassing one external edge, two encompassing two external edges, and two encompassing three external edges. By arrangement of these different-shaped “wedges” five tile types are generated. Three different colors, textures, or other unifying property different tiles are used with further constraints to produce a basic set. The game is played by a player selecting a tile from a pool. The first player then places the tile in the playing area, and is awarded a pre-set number of points. Subsequent players in turn select a tile from the pool and play it on the playing area. Tiles are placed so that the sides of adjacent tiles-match evenly.

Abstract: The combination of a deck of playing cards and a carrying case for them. Each of the cards in the deck of playing cards are elongated, have rounded semicircular ends connected by linear sides, suitable card names and denominations printed in the upper left and lower right corners, and have a height to width ratio in the range of 3.0 to 3.8. The carrying case is shaped to fit the deck of cards, is elongated with rounded ends and has a generally truncated ellipsoidal shape. The carrying case opens from the middle with the opening of each end having an oval shape. When closed, the top end telescopes snugly and securely with the bottom end.

Abstract: An electronic gaming device and method for operating the same is disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, the device is a video poker machine that displays an initial hand of cards to a player. The player considers the initial hand and executes a game strategy by selecting certain of the cards to hold and others to discard, if any. A player's selection of cards causes a signal to be received by the device. The signal indicates which of the of the cards in the initial hand are to be held and which are to be dicarded. Based on the signal, the device determines a number of cards to be drawn. For each discard card, the device displays an additional draw card in place thereof and determines a payout based on a ranking of the final hand and the number of cards drawn.

Abstract: A children's game is provided, including a figurine having a compartment for receiving flat objects, at least one card dimensioned to be insertable into the compartment, and a lock for sealing the compartment. The game is intended to enable a child to make a wish and, in a ritualistic manner, expect to enhance the realization of the wish while at the same time keeping the wish a secret.

Abstract: Games of skill or chance which provide a player, who has received a wild indicia during one game, with the opportunity to reserve that wild indicia for use in a subsequent game.

Abstract: A method of playing a multi-line poker game of cards on a computer-based video gaming device is disclosed. The poker game has a game hand line and a plurality of bonus lines that are combined to create a game array. The game array itself has a plurality of paylines used in determining winnings for the play of the game. The method of playing the multi-line poker comprises determining a set of game parameters from a set of input signals from a player. Next a plurality of cards are randomly dealt from a deck of cards to fill the game hand line. The player selects cards from the within the game hand that are to be held and the cards that are to be discarded. Cards from the deck of cards are randomly dealt to replace all of the cards discarded from within the game hand. Each card now within the game hand is duplicated and randomly placed within the plurality of bonus lines until all of the locations within the game array are filled with cards.

Abstract: Sets of tessellatable elements are disclosed, in which a relatively low number of different elements may be combined together to provide very attractive tessellating patterns. The elements may be in the form of tiles, for paving or for covering flooring or walls, for example, game pieces, including television and computer games, pieces for use in maze construction and for many other applications.

Abstract: A game, comprising a number of elements (2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12) with at least one nontransparent zone (7, 14) and at least one opening (5, 13) or transparent zone, which are so made that by forming a pile of at least two elements (2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12) a predetermined figure can be made visible, characterised in that the predetermined figure can be formed by the overlapping (parts of) openings (5, 13) or transparent zones of the elements of a pile. A playing apparatus, comprising a screen and means for selecting elements (2, 3, 4, 10, 11, 12) one after another, provided for obtaining a predetermined figure on the screen through a suitable selection of elements, and provided for playing a game that is based on the principle of the game according to this invention.

Abstract: An electronic gaming device and method for operating the same is disclosed. According to one aspect of the invention, the device is a video poker machine that displays an initial hand of cards to a player. The player considers the initial hand and executes a game strategy by selecting certain of the cards to hold and others to discard, if any. A player's selection of cards causes a signal to be received by the device. The signal indicates which of the of the cards in the initial hand are to be held and which are to be dicarded. Based on the signal, the device determines a number of cards to be drawn. For each discard card, the device displays an additional draw card in place thereof and determines a payout based on a ranking of the final hand and the number of cards drawn.

Abstract: The present invention provides a card game and method of playing a card game which enables a player to purchase an option to buy a bonus card to better the player's hand. The method of playing the game includes a dealer accepting an optional insurance fee from each player of the card game who chooses to pay the optional insurance fee and accepting a first wager from each player. The dealers then deals a selected number of cards to each player. After dealing these cards to each player, the dealer allows each player to elect in turn to place an additional wager. If a player does not place an additional wager when requested by the dealer, the player folds and is no longer in the game. The dealer then deals cards to each player who elects to place additional wagers. After the dealer has dealt each player a standard number of cards, the dealer deals a bonus card to a player who paid insurance fees and if the player has a losing hand.

Abstract: A player deposits money into a video poker machine to cause the machine to provide a display of a video image of a five card stud poker hand. The machine then disgorges a five card stud payout in accordance with a five card stud payout schedule. The player has an option of causing the machine to provide a video representation of an exchange any or all of the cards of the five card stud poker hand for randomly selected cards from the deck, whereby the machine provides a video image of a draw poker hand. The machine then disgorges a five card draw payout to the player in accordance with a five card draw payout schedule. The machine is then operable to provide a video display of an image of the draw poker hand augmented by two randomly selected cards. A seven card stud payout is then disgorged in accordance with a seven card stud payout schedule.

Abstract: The progress of each player in playing an auxiliary incentive game simultaneously with a primary card game is controlled and displayed at a gaming table. A prize display (34) is attached to the table and the prize display indicates at least one prize available to the player who accumulates a predetermined number of bonus points playing the auxiliary game. A player interface unit (30) is positioned on the table adjacent to each player. The player interface unit displays the number of bonus points received by the associated player. A dealer interface unit (32) is positioned on the table adjacent the dealer. The dealer interface unit includes control elements to allow the dealer to display the bonus points awarded to each player on the associated player interface unit and to activate a prize award control element on the player interface unit. The winning player selects a randomly indexed prize indicated on the prize display by manipulating the prize award control element on their player interface unit.

Abstract: A multi-player board game for use with dominos has a board with a plurality of notches disposed around the peripheral edge of the board. The board further has token areas disposed on the surface. Each token area is disposed adjacent to a corresponding notch. Each token area has a corresponding token. Each notch, token area, and token corresponds to a player. During the game, a domino may be placed in the notches. A placed domino starts a train or string of dominoes. Matching dominoes are placed next to previously placed dominoes to extend the length of the trains. Players continue taking turns until a player eliminates all of their respective dominos. A player places a token on the player's corresponding token area to indicate that the domino train issuing from the corresponding notch is playable by any of the opponents. At certain times, a player may remove the token from the player's corresponding token area to indicate that the domino train is non-playable by opponents.

Abstract: An electronic amusement device and a method for operating the device are disclosed. The device conducts a game of chance that preferably incorporates game elements that change and expire during the game. The device performs the steps of generating and displaying a subject game element having a first class. The step of displaying includes displaying an indicia of the first class. The device further assigns a second class to the subject game element, and displays the subject game element, thereby displaying an indicia of the second class.

Abstract: A board game and method of playing a board game is provided. The game has at least pieces representing the fifty-two cards in a standard playing card deck and at least four wild cards arranged in the standard playing card suits, at least one wild card for each suit. A game board is provided having a flat playing surface of rectangular dimension arranged in four columns, one for each card suit. Each column has fourteen squares for placement of the pieces. A plurality of racks holds at least five of the pieces, one rack for each game player. The game is played by having each player, in clockwise rotation, place at least one piece in an open board square having the same suit as the suit on the piece. Up to five pieces may be placed in open board squares per turn to form either three or four of a kind or three or more of a run in a straight line horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

Abstract: A deck of game playing cards is disclosed containing approximately 104 playing cards, each card having a back side which is similar to each of the other playing cards such that the cards cannot be distinguished by observing the back side, and a front side containing an indication of location, quantity and suit, such that when a first playing card is placed adjacent to a second playing card, the combination results in a playing card similar to a standard playing card, but approximately twice the size of the standard playing card.

Abstract: A set of playing cards is disclosed including a plurality of cards, wherein each card includes distinct indicia printed thereon such that a first image is revealed under lighted conditions and a second image is revealed under non-lighted conditions.

Abstract: A board game is provided including a plurality of transparent plastic sheets each mounted along a periphery thereof. Each transparent sheet is equipped with an edge being free from the game board to define an opening facing the central extent thereof. Also included is a plurality of basketball cards, a plurality of dice with numerals printed thereon, and a plurality of tokens. Next provided is a plurality of basketball trading cards each removably positioned within the opening of one of the sheets of the game board.

Abstract: Games of skill or chance which provide a player, who has received a wild indicia during one game, with the opportunity to reserve that wild indicia for use in a subsequent game.

Abstract: An educational board game includes a game board divided into a plurality of play locations sized to accept player position markers. The play locations are divided into five categories of spaces. Landing of each type of location produces distinct results. Motion of the position markers along the play path is governed by a random number generator, such as a pair of dice. Some of the play locations have associated decks of cards, with each of the cards testing a player's knowledge of behavior appropriate for dangerous situations or safety rules. Players are given reward tokens for providing correct responses to the questions posed by the cards. Other play locations require players to recite an accepted rule for safe street crossing; players receive tokens for correctly reciting one of the rules. Players also receive tokens for landing upon "safe haven" locations. The tokens are traded for six types of collectible items, with possession of each type of item being required to win the game.

Abstract: A bridge bidding device having a keypad visible only to the user and a display board visible to the other players. The keypad and display board are each arranged in two rows of ten blocks. The keypad has bidding indicia on each block that includes the numbers one through seven, the four card suits and NT, and PASS, DBL, REDBLE, SKIP BID and ALT. The keypad also has the control indicia for BID, ER and CLOSE. The keypad blocks are also touchpads for the transmission of the bidding and control information. The top row of the display board can exhibit the numbers one through seven and PASS, DBL, REDBLE, SKIP BID and ALT. The bottom row of the display board can exhibit the four card suits and NT. The bidding information is exhibited by means of light emitting diodes. A large-scale silicon integrated active component and support components mounted on a multilayer printed circuit board controls the accumulation and dissemination of information.

Abstract: An improved game of Pai Gow is set forth which includes offering the player an optional bonus wager. Should the tiles of the Player's hand match any predetermined bonus outcome tile combination, the Player receives a reward for their bonus wager regardless of whether or not the Player has won their hand according to the rules of Pai Gow.

Abstract: A dominos-style mathematical operation game is provided including a plurality of dominos each having a top face and a bottom face. The bottom face of each domino has a pair of equally sized sides each with a unique combination of a number indicia and a mathematical sign.

Abstract: A method of playing a stacking block game is disclosed. The game uses a plurality of game blocks have a generally parallelepiped shape aid generally similar dimensions. Each game block has indicia applied to at least one end thereof. The indicia include a suit and a rank. Each player receives a number of game blocks. The first player lays a first game block on its face or on its side on a playing surface. The next player has to lay a game block of the same suit or rank as the first game block on top of or optionally on the same level as the previously laid game block to thereby build a tower.

Abstract: In a mah jong game apparatus for a single player, a predetermined number of tiles randomly selected from a plurality of tiles are supplied to only the single player, and the player completes a hand by combining own tiles while exchanging the supplied tiles and an arbitrary tile in a randomly supplied tile, thereby going out. Thus, the player can enjoy the game while concentrating on making hands independently.

Abstract: A card game in which luck and chance play little or no part in determining the outcome; skill, memory, and deception determine the winner. There are two sets or decks of cards. Each player has his own set of cards. Each set is comprised of nine cards, identical in size, shape (square), and color. Each card has identical indicia on its face. The cards differ only in the number of indicia on each card from zero (a blank card) to eight. The indicia are uniformly placed on the cards in the corners sequentially from one to four, and on the sides, from five to eight. The placement of the indicia enables a player to masquerade one card for another by hiding one or none of the indicia on a card with his thumb or finger.

Abstract: Magnetic cards are formed by plural, coadjoining, generally planar, parallel layers. Outermost layers form outer sides of each card. At least a first visible image is provided on a first of the outer sides. The card includes a generally planar, permanently magnetized layer formed by one or more permanently magnetizable planar components that are fixedly positioned preferably within a frame between the opaque outer sides or a magnetizable material layer only -part of which has been selectively permanently magnetized. The permanently magnetized layer or permanently magnetized portion of a larger, magnetizable layer has a predetermined configuration which is related at least in informational content to the first visible image. A silhouette of the predetermined configuration can be magnetically reproduced by placing a card on a magnetically actuated fluid display panel.

Abstract: A electronic domino game including a housing having a top face, a bottom face, and a periphery formed therebetween defining an interior space. An electronic display board is situated on the top face of the housing. The display board is adapted to display thereon a plurality of dominos in a plurality of configurations. A plurality of play stations are situated adjacent an associated edge of the top face of the housing. Each play station includes an elongated rectangular player display situated on the top face of the housing adjacent an associated edge of the display board. The player display is adapted to display a plurality of dominos thereon in linear alignment. Each play station further has a plurality of buttons for allowing play of the game. Lastly, a score display pad is provided having a plurality of digital displays each corresponding to a corresponding play station for displaying a current score of each player.

Abstract: A modified poker card game allows a player to sequentially build a card hand after each round of play. The rules of play for the card game including dealing a first pair of cards to the player. The player then selects one of the pair of cards for the card hand, and discards the other card. The player repeats this process until the player has selected a predetermined number of cards that form the card hand. The resulting card hand is then compared to a predetermined winning schedule and/or to other players playing the modified poker game.

Abstract: Specially made combination cards for learning and practicing the optimal decisions which arise in the game of blackjack as played in casinos. The face of each card is an overlapping combination of cards found in a standard deck of playing cards. They are presented so as to resemble the way they look to the player when dealt with both initial cards dealt face down or face up. A first card portion (11) appears at the upper left-most edge. A second card portion (12) appears to overlap the first one. Each of the composite cards has the same combination in separate sections (10 and 10) presented in opposing orientations so that they can be readily read in either direction. The back of each card is either blank or patterned similarly to those used in casinos. No information about the front of the card can be deduced or inferred from the back of the card.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a role playing game for 2-6 players. The game is broken down into a series of class games to decide a plurality of class winners, each of said games utilizing a different game board and game pieces. The class winners, once determined, unite to play against an ultimate final opponent, Malreath. Game play includes game cards which are directly affected by the resulting roll of a pair of dice. In addition, every game card sold is individual numbered, certain of the cards being more or less rare than the others.

Abstract: A game set which comprises a set of two-dimensional or three-dimensional game pieces of the same size and geometrical configuration and a method of playing with this game set, with or without a computer. In preferred embodiment, each game piece has a square-shaped playing surface. Each of the four sides of each playing surface of each game piece has a selected visible indicia. The criteria determining how the indicia are to be arranged on the sides are mathematically selected so as to permit the use of the game as a mathematical puzzle that may be played by one player, played competitively by two players, or for other purposes of entertainment or intellectual simulation. In many of the games, the game pieces are arranged in a mutually abutting side-by-side relationship, whereby the indicia on each of the sides may match and align with the indicia on respective abutting sides of other game pieces of the set, and with the top surfaces of the abutting game pieces forming a square.

Abstract: A device for decoding distorted images from a sheet which includes a reflecting geometric figure to be placed on the sheet and can include portions of the decoded image being permanently applied to the reflecting surface for combination with decoded distortion images from the sheet to form a complete image. A reflecting surface can be applied onto a beverage can to decode an anamorphic image applied onto a separate sheet. A reflecting canister can be used to decode distorted images and include a removable top to hold images therein and a light source to illuminate distorted images for reflection. A game is described which uses geometric reflecting pieces to decode commands of the game. A teaching game described having a question sheet with a distorted image representing the answer to the question which can be decoded by use of a geometric reflecting device.

Abstract: The present invention is preferably played with dominoes. The preferability of dominoes obtains for the invention the physical sensation of some weight and sound not found with cards or video presentation of a gaming software, although both of those methods are appropriate for playing the game of the present invention.This present invention comprises a two handed game in which comparison is made between the two hands of a player and a banker. Both hands of the player must have a point total greater than the corresponding two hands of the banker in order to win. Each hand of the player and the banker contain only two dominoes or cards.

Abstract: A game element, a game and a method for playing a game employing a plurality of game elements. The game element comprising a body that is disposed in contact with a playing surface and in an upright position relative to the surface. Incorporated in the body is a sound emission assembly which emits a sound component directly from the body when the body moves from the upright position in a predetermined displacement. The game comprising a plurality of game elements having respective sound components and being disposed uprightly to form an array so that, when toppled in cascade, they emit the respective sound components sequentially along the array to generate one or more sound sequences.

Abstract: A coin operated game playing machine is operated by a microprocessor so as to permit tournament play among a number of players. Names of top ranking players are displayed and a portion of the playing receipts is allocated to an award fund for distribution to the tournament winners as determined by numerical scoring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a playing card (12) comprising a base layer (22) of a paper stock material. The base layer (22) is coated on opposite sides with opaque paper coatings (36, 38). The coatings (36, 38) are printed with graphics (18, 20). The base layer (22) is then laminated with top and bottom clear, plastic films (24, 26) on top of the printed coatings (36, 38). The films are high or medium gloss fills and provide a Tappi gloss in the range of about 85.degree. to 105.degree.. The films are mechanically embossed with embossments (48). The embossments (48) provide a static slip in the range of about 7.degree. to about 15.degree. and a Tappi gloss in the range of 50.degree. to 85.degree.. The embossments (48) reduce gloss without significant loss in ink density, color, or image distinctness.

Abstract: A card game comprising a plurality of playing cards representing current U.S. political figures. Each playing card has a front surface and a back surface. The front surface displays a picture of a political figure accompanied by his/her name and job title. The back surface contains information about the political figure depicted on the front surface. Each playing card may also include information encoded thereon indicating the political ideology (Liberal, Moderate, Conservative, or the like) of the political figure depicted on the front surface. The encoded information is not immediately decipherable by the casual observer. The playing cards may be integrated into a game system via a looseleaf-type game binder divided into state sections representing the states of the United States. The game binder may include apparatus for revealing the encoded political ideology of each political figure when his/her playing card is placed therein.

Abstract: A novel card game set including a plurality of card game block-style tiles. Each tile bears traditional Western-style card indicia. Each tile is made of a plurality of individually laminated wood layers permanently prressed together to form a high gade plywood piece. Each tile is completely covered with a protective waterproof enamel coating. The waterproof enamel coating has a granular substance to give each tile a semi-rough exterior surface to facilitate gripping. The tiles are of sufficient thickness for convenient handling by young, unskilled and arthritic persons. Each tile is of sufficient weight to resist the force of wind and sudden drafts for facilitating the playing of games outdoors. The card game set also including a rack for supporting the tiles in strategic alignment.

Abstract: A card game which comprises a set of cards of the same size and geometrical configuration, each having a square playing surface. Each of the four sides of each card has a selected visible indicia. The criteria determining how the indicia are to be arranged on the sides of the cards are mathematically selected so as to permit the use of the game as a mathematical puzzle that may be played by one player, played competitively by two players, or for other purposes of entertainment or intellectual stimulation. In many of the games the cards or other playing pieces are arranged in a mutually abutting side-by-side relationship whereby the indicia on each of the sides may match and align with the indicia on respective abutting sides of other cards of the set, and with the top surfaces of the abutting cards forming a square.

Abstract: A deck of playing cards with a changing message provided on the edge thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the cards are tapered with a portion of the cards having a first set of letters provided on the edge thereof and with the remaining portion of the cards having a second set of letters on the edge thereof. A first message is provided when the first set of letters are adjacent the second set of letters whereas a second message is provided when the two sets are positioned apart. In an alternate embodiment, the first portion of cards have a narrow width whereas the second portion of cards have a wide width.