Method for Playing A Matching Game

Abstract

A preferred method includes displaying a plurality of indicia-bearing game pieces 12 on a gaming grid 14. A player then selects game pieces 12 that are adjacent and that have matching indicia 16. Preferably, the matching adjacent game pieces 34 that are selected are then removed from the gaming grid 14. One or more prizes are awarded in association with the selection and removal of the matching adjacent game pieces 34. Preferably, the player is also provided with the ability to shuffle any remaining non-selected game pieces 32, after all matching adjacent game pieces that are perceived by the player are selected and removed. In this regard, it is possible that the player may overlook some matching adjacent game pieces 34. Additionally, some preferred embodiment gaming methods incorporate the use of multiple indicia 16 on each game piece 12 for potentially matching with adjacent game pieces. Finally, awards can be awarded to a player based upon game speed and the number of shuffles required to clear the grid 14, amongst other criteria. Preferably, the method also includes activation of an interactive help feature 100 for the bonus game. The help feature 100 is continuously accessible, allowing access to the help feature during play of the bonus game so that a player unfamiliar with the bonus game may receive instructions on how to play the bonus game during play of an active bonus game.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 662,605 filed Sep. 15, 2003, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.COPYRIGHT NOTICE [0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention relates generally to methods for game play, and more particularly, to a method for playing a game involving the matching of symbols on a game screen. BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION [0004] As the gaming industry has expanded over the years, numerous types and variations of gaming machines have been developed for the enticement and enjoyment of players. Game play...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the interactive help feature preferably includes multiple help screens. In one preferred embodiment, the interactive help feature includes navigation controls to assist a player in moving between the multiple help screens. In accordance with another preferred aspect of the present invention, the interactive help feature includes both static and animated assets that provide explanations of game play. Preferably, the animated assets in the interactive help feature provide real time examples of game play. In still another preferred embodiment, the animated assets in the interactive help feature allow a player to participate in at least a portion of a sample bonus game.

[0020] In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention, the interactive help feature incorporates touch screen controls. Preferably, the interactive help feature is exitable by a player at any time. In one preferred embodiment, the interactive help feature occupies only part of the video screen, while in another preferred embodiment the interactive help feature occupies all of the video screen. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the interactive help feature halts play of the bonus game while the interactive help feature is activated. Alternatively, in another preferred embodiment, the interactive help feature does not affect play of the bonus game when the interactive help feature is activated.

[0021] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed towards an interactive help system for a video gaming machine, the gaming machine displaying an initial game and a bonus game. Preferably, the interactive help system provides information that allows a player to learn game rules during play of an active game. In a preferred embodiment, the help system includes a video screen that displays at least a portion of the help system when activated, a microprocessor that controls at least a portion of the help system, and an interactive help feature for the bonus game. Preferably, the help feature is continuously accessible, allowing access to the help feature at any time during play of the bonus game. In this manner, a player unfamiliar with the bonus game may receive instructions on how to play the bonus game during an active bonus game.

[0022] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed towards a method for playing a gaming machine that incorporates an interactive bonus game help feature. The method includes initiating play of a primary game; initiating play of a bonus game in response to a predetermined outcome of the primary game; in response to a selection event by a player, activating an interactive help feature for the bonus game during play of the bonus game, wherein the help feature is available on demand by the player, and wherein the help feature is initiatable at any time during play of the bonus game so that a player may receive instructions that assist in proper play of the bonus game while the bonus game is in active use; and resuming play of the bonus game after the use of the help feature is completed.

Problems solved by technology

However, none of the matching games in the prior art allow or require a player to match files or cards based upon both similar symbols as well as the location of the files with respect to one another.

Additionally, as the gaming options become more numerous and complex, players can sometimes have difficulty keeping up with the knowledge required to play these games.

If a player is losing while playing new or more complex games because of a lack of knowledge of game rules, this will tend to decrease player interest and excitement.

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