Method of playing a dice game

Abstract

A novel game and board or surface is played in combination with two sets of playing pieces consisting of three dice each, one set being visibly distinguishable from the second set and wherein in one embodiment all bets are placed on the board or surface before the first set of dice is throw to speed up the method of play and payoffs for each bet are set by the house. Optionally, the house may set and take additional bets between a throw of the first set of dice and a throw of the second set of dice. In another embodiment of the invention, players use the two sets of dice in sequence wherein winning bets are related to poker hands such as open numbers from 3-35; 3 of a kind; 4 of a kind; 5 of a kind, straight; any 3 pair; 6 of a kind, and six sixes (but specifically excluding two of a kind to provide decisive winning odds for the house) and where the payoffs for each bet are 2 for 1, 3 for 1, 4 for 1, 5 for 1, 8 for 1, 8 for 1, 12 for 1, and 20 for 1, respectively, for example. In yet another embodiment of the invention, odds for all bets are again set by the house and a defined whole or percentage of the remaining losing bets form a progressive pot for 6 of a kind and / or six sixes comprises part of the betting.

Description

[0001]This is a divisional application of application Ser. No. 09 / 391,445 filed Sep. 8, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,423. Applicant claims the benefit of the filing thereof for all commonly disclosed subject matter.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to casino games, and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a wagering game employing dice in combination with common poker-like winning hands that is intended to be played in gambling casinos, but which game can also be played in non-gambling settings. Even more particularly, the instant invention is intended to give a novel and new look and feel to the currently popular games of craps and poker, yet have simplified rules and procedures designed both to encourage use by novice gamblers and to increase the betting decisions per hour to maximize casino profit.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Games of chance employing dice are as old as the invention of dice themselves. The c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0025]For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a combination of variety and simplicity of betting wherein a winning bet is easily recognized. In many of the prior art dice games six dice are thrown and points are scored or accumulated by throwing “triplets.” While these games provide a means for a number of players to compete they do not provide the added challenge of receiving points for throwing different poker-like combinations of dice. These prior art games, further, do not provide a means of providing suspense and also allowing a winning bet at each successive throw. The prior art games are to a great extent based on accumulated point value of the throw. It would be a benefit, therefore, to have a dice game allowing players to compete against one another by throwing poker-related face of the die combinations such as two of kind, three of a kind, four of a kind, five of a kind, six of a kind, any three pair, a straight, and substantially equally difficult-throwing six sixes, based on throwing these various combinations of dice. It would be a further benefit to have a dice game that has a second set of die for rolling to either double or triple a thrown score after a number of points have been accumulated during a first throw.

[0031]The present dice game, while exhibiting many valuable gaming features, as explained below in more detail, also can be inexpensively manufactured and incurs minimal operational overhead expenses. While the present invention may, in one embodiment, comprise a separate, approximately five-foot by eight-foot rectangular table, the present playing surface may be formed as a thin overlay to be placed atop existing casino game table equipment such as craps tables. In addition, if there are an insufficient number of players to warrant operating a full table, the table may be split in half, with one half of the table unoccupied, and the other half utilized for playing the game. Advantageously, the operational expenses associated with the present game are low. To operate the present game, the casino need only employ one dealer. Moreover, the game can easily be played with artificial money at home as a family recreation.

[0033]In the case of electronic dice an actuating button or similar device would be made accessible to each player on a rotating basis. In one preferred embodiment, if the “rolling player,” or “shooter,” wins his or her bet, the shooter continues to roll the dice. Otherwise, the dice are passed to the next player. In an alternative embodiment, there is a new shooter after each and every roll of the dice. Therefore, the present game advantageously increases the number of players directly involved in the ultimate outcome of the game, and thereby increases player participation and satisfaction.

[0035]In the preferred embodiment of the present game of chance, every wager is effective until each set of three dice is thrown or rolled. A game is over after only two rolls of dice. Therefore, in contrast to the prior art games, such as craps, the present game produces more wagering decisions, successes or failures, per hour. This results in more overall revenue for the casino. Moreover, the present invention yields a higher advantage to the casino than do the prior art games. Thus the present invention represents a substantial improvement over casino games of the prior art because it simplifies play and encourages wagering, which in turn leads to increased entertainment and increased revenue for the casino.

Problems solved by technology

Dice thrown into a dice box can occasionally result in a miss, wherein the dice miss the box or fly out of it after being thrown.

However, the game of craps presents various betting schemes that appear complicated to the uninitiated and the speed of play intimidates the beginner.

As a result craps has a reputation of being difficult to learn and play.

As a result, although craps is generally perceived to be exciting and attractive, many casino patrons are intimidated and discouraged from playing.

This results in lost business for the casinos, and less gaming diversity for the gambling public.

That is, every player at the craps table wagers whether the shooter will “make a pass” and win the game or fail to make a pass and thereby lose control of the dice to the next shooter.

Disadvantageously, there are no markings on the craps table to indicate either the odds of success or the return on investment for any particular wager.

However, if the shooter rolls a 7 prior to repeating a roll of the point, the shooter does not pass, or “seven-out”, and the pass line wagers lose while the don't pass line wagers win.

The payoffs are apportioned to adequately reward players who have risk a wager on a given number but not yet quite adequately compensate them in proportion to the risk they have taken.

Consequently, even experienced craps players often hesitate before placing such wagers, resulting in lost betting opportunities for them, and lost revenue for the casino.

However, the great number of possible bets causes even experienced players to occasionally forget the odds and payoffs associated with one or more particular wagers, which in turn results in slow play and disruption to the flow of the game.

This results in less wagering decisions per hour for the casino, less revenue, and ultimately, diminished enjoyment for the players.

Although craps is a popular table game, there are relatively few wagering options, and even these few options are not intuitively obvious nor readily apparent to the casual observer.

Moreover, the payoffs and odds of success are not generally known to the betting public, not easily discernable from observing the game, and gambling is thereby discouraged.

The pace at which craps is played is intimidating, leaving little opportunity for the novice player to acquire knowledge of the game.

This game provides more betting options than does craps, but the game involves somewhat complicated hardware.

This increases the complexity of the game and associated operational overhead.

This game provides numerous betting options, but the game involves somewhat complicated and increasing or decreasing odds depending on the number of decks of cards used.

Disadvantageously, roulette does not allow players to fully participate in the game.

Therefore, despite the popularity of both craps and roulette, these games present several disadvantages to the casinos and players alike.

Although there have been attempts to improve upon existing games and to develop new games of chance, none of the prior art games have been able to overcome the disadvantages described herein above.

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