Personal game device and method

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a portable electronic game device programmed for playing poker, particularly “No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em” against a plurality of virtual opponents or players that each have predefined characteristics, the device having a personal computer interface, a memory accumulator for cumulatively storing earned points, and a means of communication with a hosted website or remote server computer that tracks unique identifiers for the game device and its associated player and allows the player to compete with other players for prizes based on the total accumulated points earned by the individual player or to obtain universal rankings. The invention also relates to methods of using such a portable game device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 60 / 785,743, filed Mar. 24, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]In an embodiment, the present invention is directed to a portable electronic game device programmed for playing poker, particularly “No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em” against a plurality of virtual opponents or players that each have predefined characteristics, the device having a personal computer interface, a memory accumulator for cumulatively storing earned points, and a means of communication with a hosted website or remote server computer that tracks unique identifiers for the game device and its associated player and allows the player to compete with other players for prizes based on the total accumulated points earned by the individual player or to obtain universal rankings. In another embodiment, invention also relates to methods of using such...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

One problem for commercial gaming establishments is that the game is player versus player, as opposed to player versus the house.

Because each hand can take a considerable amount of time, given the number of betting rounds and the time inherent in bluffing, attempting to read other players, and so on, the profit margin for the house is limited.

In addition, many would-be customers are simply too intimidated to play against other players, especially in light of the fact that the other players may be professional card players with considerable experience.

The '546 Publication does not disclose a stand-alone game device that can accumulate game points for later uploading or an interactive website.

Also, the '546 Publication does not disclose prize competitions based on points accumulated by playing the game.

There lacks, however, a portable electronic game device programmed for playing poker, particularly “No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em” against a plurality of virtual opponents or players that each have predefined characteristics, the device having a personal computer interface, a memory accumulator for cumulatively storing earned points, and a means of communication with a hosted website or remote server computer that tracks unique identifiers for the game device and its associated player and allows the player to compete with other players for prizes based on the total accumulated points earned by the individual player or to obtain universal rankings.

Images