Head to head electronic poker game assembly and method of operation

Abstract

An electronic poker game assembly preferably provides a head-to-head poker game for two players. The assembly has a housing that is preferably a table and contains at least a portion of a computer system that generates and shuffles a virtual poker card deck, deals the cards and performs other tasks typically associated with a dealer. The housing supports an electronic player interaction area (EPIA) for each player and a common display area. Dealt virtual hole cards are displayed on screens of each EPIA and virtual common cards are preferably displayed on a screen of the common display area. Mechanical actuators for each EPIA are operated by the players when playing poker, sending electric signals to the computer system for play of the game.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 722,019, filed Sep. 29, 2005, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 822,428, filed Aug. 15, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 743,436, filed Mar. 8, 2006, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to a poker game assembly, and more particularly, to an electronic head-to-head poker game assembly and method of operating the same. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Gaming is an increasingly popular form of entertainment. Games, particularly, games of chance and skill in which one or more players play and place wagers on the outcome thereof may be played in a variety of ways, including at a casino or on the Internet. Of the various forms of games which are available for play, many are played with playing cards. Of these, poker is arguably the most popular. [00...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is an electronic poker game assembly that can be used in places like restaurants or casinos. It is self-contained and easy to operate, with a computer system that generates and shuffles a virtual poker deck, deals the cards, and determines the winner. The assembly has a housing with an electronic player interaction area for each player and a common display area. The screens of the player interaction areas display virtual hole cards and virtual common cards. Mechanical actuators are operated by the players to play the game. The assembly can be used in places without gambling licenses and game history can be downloaded for future viewing. The invention has a compact design, accentuated bluffing aspects, and a horizontal table top for both beverage and food service and play of the game."

Problems solved by technology

One of the problems with traditional poker is that it suffers from the possibility of human / dealer error.

Thus, another problem associated with traditional poker games in this context is the training and retention of dealers.

Such poker-like video games, however, typically challenge a single player only and thus the game is not a true form of poker and lacks the enjoyment of the human element.

Unfortunately, these tables are complex and generally not stand-alone.

They are thus expensive and not practical for use in social environments and establishments such as bars and restaurants.

Moreover, the known electronic poker tables generally for use in casinos do not necessarily cater to the preferences of, for instance, restaurant patrons.

In fact, at a true “casino” poker table, the mechanical operation of an arcade game could be considered a distraction by many players.

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