Wagering Game System with Segmented Ante and Side Wagers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Novice players are deterred from participating in traditional card room poker games due to the high skill requirements and financial commitments, leading to a need for more accessible poker variants in casinos.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for conducting a wagering game that allows players to form hands using game pieces, such as playing cards, with optional side wagers, where players can choose to fold or raise based on their hand, with hand rankings determined by sets of complementary game indicia, and payouts based on comparisons to a dealer hand or pay tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional card room poker games are used, then skill development and strategic depth are improved, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate due to high skill requirements and large bankroll needs
Solution Approach 1:
The poker game is segmented into multiple independent wagering rounds (ante wager, play wager, pairs plus wager, straight flush wager) that can be played simultaneously or sequentially. Each wager type has its own resolution criteria and payout structure, allowing players to participate at different skill levels while maintaining the integrity of traditional poker gameplay.
Solution Approach 2:
The game modifies traditional poker parameters by introducing multiple wager types with different risk profiles and payout structures. The hand ranking evaluation is extended beyond traditional poker hands to include specific wager types like pairs plus and straight flush, creating a more accessible entry point for novice players while preserving strategic depth for experienced players.
2Ease of operation
If house-banked poker games are introduced, then accessibility for novice players is improved, but player engagement and strategic depth deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges elements of traditional poker gameplay with house-banked wagering structures by combining player-vs-player competition (through the ante wager) with player-vs-house wagering (through play wager, pairs plus, and straight flush wagers). This hybrid approach maintains player engagement through strategic decision-making while providing the house with multiple revenue streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The game system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a traditional poker experience for skill development, offers house-banked wagers for accessibility, enables multiple wagering options for different risk preferences, and generates revenue through various payout structures. This multi-functionality allows the same game framework to serve both novice and experienced players effectively.
3Productivity
If multiple wager types are introduced, then revenue opportunities and player options are improved, but game complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each wager type (ante, play, pairs plus, straight flush) is segmented as an independent betting component with its own resolution rules and payout structure. This segmentation allows the complex multi-wager game to be processed and resolved in discrete steps, making the complexity manageable for both players and the gaming system while maximizing revenue opportunities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for conducting a wagering game includes receiving an ante wager. A player hand of game pieces is dealt and a final player hand is formed by selecting as many sets as possible of game pieces with complementary game indicia from the player hand. For example, the object of the game may be to form as many straights as possible from the player hand. The final player hand is evaluated by comparing the final player hand to a standard, such as a pay table, a final dealer hand, and/or final player hands of other players. Payouts are issued if the final player hand is a winning hand based on the evaluation. Optionally, side wagers may be offered on the constitution of the final player hand.