Multi-Player Video Poker Payout Pools and Hand Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video poker games are limited to individual play against the house, lacking the ability for multiple players to compete against each other, which prevents direct player-to-player payouts and a rake from the house.
Innovation Solution
A multi-player video poker system that allows multiple players to compete against each other, with payouts determined by comparing hands against a pay table and allocating wagers into primary and secondary pools, where the house takes a rake from the total wagers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If video poker games are played individually against the house, then the game structure is simple and easy to operate, but player interaction is limited and the house cannot collect rake from multiple players simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The video poker system is modified to serve multiple functions: it maintains individual play against the house while simultaneously enabling player-to-player competition. The system universally supports both game modes by implementing a multi-player interface where participants can compete against each other while the house collects rake from all players, thus achieving multi-functionality without completely redesigning the core game mechanics
Solution Approach 2:
The game structure is segmented into separate functional modules: individual hand management for each player, centralized deal distribution, independent holding/ discarding decisions per player, and centralized payout distribution. This segmentation allows multiple players to play simultaneously with independent strategies while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
2Productivity
If multiple players play against each other with payouts from opposing players, then the house can take a rake from each game, but the payout determination becomes more complex requiring verification against pay tables
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where each player's final hand is automatically evaluated against the pay table by the system. The computerized console verifies winning hands by comparing player selections against predetermined payout schedules, providing immediate feedback on wins/losses. This automated verification reduces the difficulty of payout determination while enabling the house to collect rake from multiple players simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing pay table structure to automatically determine payouts without requiring complex manual intervention. The computerized console self-verify hands against the pay table and automatically distribute winnings, using the already-established payout rules to streamline the verification process rather than adding complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual hands are dealt to multiple players from a standard deck, then player interaction increases, but ensuring fair dealing and accurate hand verification becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical dealing process is replaced with a computerized random number generator that simulates fair card distribution. The system uses electronic randomness to deal hands to multiple players, eliminating concerns about physical deck manipulation or dealer bias. This substitution maintains reliability through algorithmic fairness while enabling multi-player interaction
Data Source
AI summary
A video poker game where a player selects from a variety of poker variants, including 5-Card Draw, Texas Hold'em, Omaha, 7-Card Stud, and 5-Card Stud. The player may choose to play alone or with other players. Each player places a wager to begin play, with a portion of the wager allocated to a primary pool and the remaining portion allocated to a secondary pool. Additional wagers, as dictated by the rules of the selected game, are also allocated to one or both of these pools. At the conclusion of the game, each player forms their best five-card poker hand. The player with the best hand compared to the other players is paid from the primary pool. Additionally, any player with a hand that matches a poker hand listed on a pay table is paid from the secondary pool. These games may also be dealt in an all-in style, where no player action is required beyond the initial wager, and/or in a single-handed style, where only one hand is played per game or tournament.