System for a Massive Multi-player Game of Skill

Abstract

A gaming system includes a server and player device. The server randomly selects shared icons from an icon space then requests a first wager from each player. For each active player, the server randomly selects a set of player icons from the icon space. After the server collects the first wager, the server displays the shared icons to all active players, sets a timer, and requests a second wager from each player. Until all player icons are displayed, each active player is presented a next subset of the hole cards and each player that makes the wager is declared as active. After all player icons are presented, a winner(s) is/are declared based upon a score of the player icons of each player combined with the shared icons. In one embodiment, the icon space includes a cherries icon, a bar icon, a lemon icon, a lucky-7 icon, and a bell icon.

Claims

1. A gaming system comprising: a server; a plurality of player client devices, each associated with a player; an icon space containing a set of possible icons; the server creates shared icons that contains a random set of icons from the icon space; the server requests a wager concurrently from each player client device and starts a time period; after the time period ends, for the each player client device that made the wager within the time period: the server collects the wager and adds the wager to a pot, the server displays the shared icons on a display of the each client device, the server randomly selects player icons from the icon space, the server reveals a first subset of the player icons for this player on the each player client device of that player, and the server concurrently requests a next wager from the each player client device to open a second round of betting; and the server starts a next time period; until all betting rounds have concluded: after the next time period ends, for each player client device that made the next wager within the next time period: the server collects the next wager and adds the next wager to the pot, the server displays a next subset of the player icons for the player on the each player client device of that player, and the server concurrently requests the next wager from the each player client device; and the server starts the next time period; and after all betting rounds have concluded, a plurality of winners is declared based upon a score of the player icons of that player and the shared icons using a payout table.

2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the icon space comprises a cherry icon, a lemon icon, a bell icon, a number-7 icon, and a bar icon.

3. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of winners includes a top percentage of highest values of the scores.

4. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein a scoring table is used to determine the score for each icon in the icon space.

5. The gaming system of claim 4, wherein the score for each icon is dependent upon a total number of appearances of the each icon in a combination of the player icons and the shared icons.

6. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the pot is retained as a fee.

7. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the shared icons are two icons from the icon space.

8. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the time period is not equal to the next time period.

9. A method of gaming by a set of players, the method comprising: randomly selecting a set of shared icons from a digital representation of an icon space; on a display associated with each player, requesting a first wager within a time period; after the time period expires, for the each player that made the first wager within the time period: adding the first wager to a pot and adding the each player to a set of active players; for the each player in the set of active players, randomly selecting player icons from the icon space; for each player in the set of active players, displaying the shared icons and a subset of the player icons for that player on the display associated with the each player; concurrently requesting a next wager from each player that is in the set of active players and starting a next time period; until all player icons are revealed, after the next time period expires, removing each player that failed to make the next wager from the set of active players, then for the each player that remains in the set of active players: adding the next wager to the pot, displaying a next subset of the player icons for that player on the display associated with that player and concurrently displaying a request that the next wager be made within the next time by the each player on the display associated with the each player in the set of active players; and resetting the next time period; and after all of the player icons are revealed to the each player that is in the set of active players, for each player in the set of active players: generating a score for each player using a combination of the player icons for that player and the shared icons, and declaring a plurality of winners based upon a ranking of the score for each player.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the icon space comprises a cherry icon, a lemon icon, a bell icon, a number-7 icon, and a bar icon.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of winners includes a top percentage of highest of the scores on a payout table.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of generating the score for each player using the combination of the player icons for that player and the shared icons includes using a scoring table to determine the score for each icon in the player icons for that player and the shared icons.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the scoring table includes the score for each icon in the icon space that depends upon a count of the each icon in the player icons for that player and the shared icons.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the shared icons are two icons from the icon space.

15. Program instructions tangibly embodied in a non-transitory storage medium comprising at least one instruction configured to implement a system for gaming between a set of players, wherein the at least one instruction comprises: computer readable instructions executed by a processor causing the system for gaming to randomly select a set of shared icons from an icon space; the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to request a wager concurrently from each player of the set of players and to start a time period; after the time period ends, the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to remove each player that fails to make the wager within the time period from the set of players and for each player in the set of players: the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to add the wager to a pot, the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to randomly select a set of player icons for the each player in the set of players, the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to display the set of shared icons to all players in the set of players, and for the each player in the set of players, the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to display a first subset of the player icons for that player, and the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to concurrently request a wager from the each player that is in the set of players; and the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to start the time period; until all player icons are revealed: after the time period expires, removing players that fail to make the wager from the set of players and, for each player remaining in the set of players: the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to add the wager to the pot and for the each player in the set of players, the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to display a next subset of the player icons for that player; and the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to reset the time period; and after all player icons are revealed, the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to generate a score for each player in the set of players, and to declare a plurality of winners based upon the score of each player in the set of players.

16. The program instructions tangibly embodied in the non-transitory storage medium comprising the at least one instruction configured to implement the system for gaming between the set of players of claim 15, wherein the at least one instruction that comprises the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to randomly select shared icons from the icon space selects two icons from the icon space.

17. The program instructions tangibly embodied in the non-transitory storage medium comprising the at least one instruction configured to implement the system for gaming between the set of players of claim 15, wherein the at least one instruction that comprises the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to randomly select player icons from the icon space selects five icons from the icon space.

18. The program instructions tangibly embodied in the non-transitory storage medium comprising the at least one instruction configured to implement the system for gaming between the set of players of claim 15, wherein the at least one instruction that comprises computer readable instructions executed by a processor causing the system for gaming to the computer readable instructions executed by the processor causing the system for gaming to generate the score for each player in the set of players uses a scoring table, the scoring table having a score value for each icon in the icon space.

19. The program instructions tangibly embodied in the non-transitory storage medium comprising the at least one instruction configured to implement the system for gaming between the set of players of claim 18, wherein the scoring table has a score value for each icon in the icon space that is dependent upon a count of appearances of the each icon in a combination of the player icons and the shared icons.

20. The program instructions tangibly embodied in the non-transitory storage medium comprising the at least one instruction configured to implement the system for gaming between the set of players of claim 15, wherein the icon space comprises a cherry icon, a lemon icon, a bell icon, a number-7 icon, and a bar icon.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates schematic view of a skill gaming system.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a typical computer system.

[0030] FIG. 3 a typical initial user-interface for a game format where a player will be randomly dealt three Hole Cards with four cards designated as Community Cards.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates the same user interface in FIG. 3 after the game has started.

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates the user interface in FIG. 3 after the initial round of staged wagering has been concluded, the player's Hold Cards have been dealt and revealed, and the first set of Community Cards are revealed.

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates the user interface in FIG. 3 after the second round of staged wagering has been concluded and the third of four Community Cards is revealed.

[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates the user interface in FIG. 3 after the third round of staged wagering has been concluded and the fourth of four Community Cards is revealed.

[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates the user interface in FIG. 3 after the fourth and final round of staged wagering and a final ranking and payout has occurred.

[0036] FIG. 9 a typical initial user-interface for a game format that uses icons where a player receives a total of five icons and shares two icons with all other players.

[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates the same user interface in FIG. 9 after the game has started; two of the player's icons have been generated and revealed, and the shared icons are revealed.

[0038] FIG. 11 illustrates the user interface in FIG. 9 after the initial round of wagering has been concluded and another of the player's icons have has generated revealed.

[0039] FIG. 12 illustrates the user interface in FIG. 9 after another round of wagering has been concluded and another of the player's icons has been generated and revealed.

[0040] FIG. 13 illustrates the user interface in FIG. 9 another round of wagering has concluded and all of the player's icons have been generated and revealed.

[0041] FIG. 14 illustrates the user interface in FIG. 9 after the final round of wagering has concluded and a final ranking and payout has occurred.

[0042] FIG. 15 a typical initial user-interface for a game format that uses numbers as in a lottery where a player receives a random set of five numbers and is scored based upon a community set of numbers that are shared with all other players.

[0043] FIG. 16 illustrates the same user interface in FIG. 15 after the game has started; two of the player's numbers have been generated and revealed, and the community set of numbers are revealed.

[0044] FIG. 17 illustrates the user interface in FIG. 15 after the next round of wagering has been concluded and another of the player's numbers have has generated revealed.

[0045] FIG. 18 illustrates the user interface in FIG. 15 after another round of wagering has been concluded and another of the player's numbers has been generated and revealed.

[0046] FIG. 19 illustrates the user interface in FIG. 15 another round of wagering has concluded and all of the player's numbers have been generated and revealed.

[0047] FIG. 20 illustrates the user interface in FIG. 15 after the final round of wagering has concluded and a final ranking and payout has occurred.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

[0049] Throughout this description, an example is made using a gaming system that is similar to the well-known game of poker. It is fully anticipated to implement the same or similar gaming system using solitaire, trivia, board games, etc., having multiple rounds of betting in which each player makes bets based upon how that player did during the current round, before executing the next round.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic view of a gaming system is shown. Multiple player client devices 20 (computers, smart phones, etc.) connect to the game server 40 through a network 10, for example, through the Internet.

[0051] Game details and settings are stored in a game storage area 42 that is accessible by the game server 40, such as, the deck, community cards, each player's hands, number of players, total amount in the pot, etc. User data storage that is accessible by the game server 40 includes data such as login credentials, preferences, available funds, name, picture, etc., are stored in a user data area 44.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic view of a typical computer system is shown. The example computer system represents a typical computer system used as the game server 40 and/or the player client devices 20. The example computer system is shown in its simplest form, having a single processor. Many different computer architectures are known that accomplish similar results in a similar fashion and the present invention is not limited in any way to any particular computer system. The present invention works well utilizing a single processor system, as shown in FIG. 2, a multiple processor system where multiple processors share resources such as memory and storage, a multiple server system where several independent servers operate in parallel (perhaps having shared access to the data), or any combination, etc. In such systems, a processor 70 executes or runs stored programs that are generally stored for execution within a memory 74. The processor 70 is any processor or a group of processors, for example an Intel Pentium-4 CPU or the like. The memory 74 is connected to the processor, for example, by a memory bus 72 and is any memory 74 suitable for connection with the selected processor 70, such as SRAM, DRAM, SDRAM, RDRAM, DDR, DDR-2, etc. Also interfaced to the processor 70 is a system bus 82, for example, interfacing peripheral subsystems such as a network interface 80, persistent storage 88 (e.g., a hard disk), removable storage (e.g., DVD, CD, flash drive) 90, a graphics adapter 84 and a keyboard/mouse 92, etc., to the processor 70. The graphics adapter 84 receives commands and display information from the system bus 82 and generates a display image that is displayed on the display 86.

[0053] In general, the persistent storage 88 is used to store programs, executable code and data such as user financial data in a persistent manner. The removable storage 90 is used to load/store programs, executable code, images and data onto the persistent storage 88.

[0054] These peripherals are examples of persistent storage 88 and other examples of persistent storage devices 88 include core memory, FRAM, flash memory, etc. Other examples of removable media storage 90 include CDRW, DVD, DVD writeable, Blu-ray, SD cards, other removable flash media, floppy disk, etc. In some embodiments, other devices are connected to the system through the system bus 82 or with other input-output connections/arrangements as known in the industry. Examples of these devices include printers; graphics tablets; joysticks; and communications adapters such as modems and Ethernet adapters.

[0055] The network interface 80 connects the computer-based system to the network 10 through a link 78 which is, preferably, a high speed link such as a cable broadband connection, a Digital Subscriber Loop (DSL) broadband connection, fiber optics, a T1 line, or a T3 line.

[0056] The game server 40 maintains a representation of a deck of cards 45 (e.g., a set of cards from a standard poker deck, represented electronically) and during a game, software running on the game server 40 randomly selects the community cards 132 from the deck of cards 45, eliminating the community cards 132 from the deck of cards 45. Then, the software running on the game server 40 randomly selects each player's hole cards 130 from the remaining cards in the deck of cards 45. As the game progresses, the game server 40 presents user interfaces a described later showing the community cards 132, collects bets from the player client devices 20, maintains the pot, etc. As each round of the game is made, the software running on the game server 40 delivers one or more of the player's hole cards 130 to the player client devices 20 for display to the player for making decisions as to whether to remain in the game (pay more) or fold, etc.

[0057] In alternate embodiments, the game server 40 maintains a representation of sets of symbols (e.g., as in slot machines) or sets of numbers (e.g., as in a lottery-style game). During game play, for a slot machine-like game, software running on the game server 40 randomly selects the shared icons 230 and randomly selects each player's set of player icons 232 from an icon space (e.g., a set of icons that are used in the game). Note that in this game, there are no restrictions on how many of each icon from the icon space is in either the shared icons 230 or the player icons 232. For example, it is fully anticipated that all of the player icons 232 be cherries, if cherries are in the icon space. During game play, for a lottery-like game, software running on the game server 40 randomly selects unique community symbols 330 (e.g., numbers or letters from the symbol space) and randomly selects each player's symbols 332 (e.g., numbers or letters from the same symbol space) that are also unique (e.g., the player does not receive two of the same symbols. The symbol space is a set of all possible symbols for the game such as numbers from 1 to 75. As the game progresses, the game server 40 presents user interfaces a described in FIGS. 9-20 showing the icons or numbers, collects bets from the player client devices 20, maintains the pot, etc. As each round of the game is made, the software running on the game server 40 delivers/reveals one or more of the player's symbols/numbers to the player client devices 20 for display to the player for making decisions as to whether to remain in the game (pay more) or fold, etc.

[0058] FIG. 3 represents a typical initial user-interface for the game format where each player will be randomly dealt three hole cards with four cards designated as community cards. In this initial user-interface, an amount of real or virtual money in the pot 100 is shown, which grows as more players enter the contest. Since the game has yet to start, only the cumulative number of players that are in the game 102 is shown (e.g., 260 players) and the count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is shown as zero (nobody has folded yet). A countdown clock 106 indicates a deadline when new players will no longer be admitted and the game will start. A prospective player must select an entry directive 108 in order to play the game. In this example, the entry directive 108 includes the amount required to play (the “ante”), if any shown as, for example, $1. In this embodiment, no cards are shown at this time, though in some embodiments, it is anticipated that one or more cards be exposed.

[0059] The player's current score 120 is displayed, which is zero since the game has yet to start. The player's current rank 126 is displayed, which shows as “N/A”, again because the game has yet to start. The player's best hand 124 is displayed, which will be the best five card combination of their hole cards when combined with the visible community cards, again, no hand since the game has not commenced. Also, a projected payout table 128 is shown that displays the projected payouts based on the size of the pot 100, the number of players who played the game and the number of players that are currently in the game 102. As such, the projected payout table 128 is shown representing a pot of $260, as 260 players were in the game at the beginning of the game.

[0060] FIG. 4 represents the same typical user interface after the game has started. The community cards 132 are now exposed to all players and betting is open (either the player bets or folds based upon the player's opinion of the community cards 132). The pot 100 has grown to $460 to reflect the 200 players who have elected to pay an additional $2 by selecting the “In Next” directive 110, and remain in the game (the number of players that are currently in the game 102 indicates 200 players). The count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is now shown as 60 players, which represents the number of players who have elected to fold and exit the game (e.g., by default or by pressing the fold directive 114). If a player does not want to bother with making each individual bet, the player selects the “IN ALL” directive 112, which allows the player to pay (e.g., in this example, an additional $8) and stay in all subsequent rounds until the end of the game.

[0061] There are no changes yet to the player's current score 120, the player's current rank 126 and the player's best hand 124 as the player does not yet see any of their hole cards 130. Now, the projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 of $660, 260 players at the start of the game and currently 200 players still in the game (e.g., 260*$1+200*$2=$660). All of the hole cards 130 are shown face down. The three community cards 132 are shown face up to all players.

[0062] FIG. 5 represents the same typical user interface after the initial round of staged wagering has been concluded. In this, two of the player's hole cards 130 have been revealed (only to that player). The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $980 to reflect the additional fees for the number of players that are currently in the game 102 which is now 160 player (the count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is now 100) to reflect an additional 40 players who have folded. The countdown clock 106 indicates the time (e.g., 30 seconds) until the third card from the hole cards 130 will be revealed. This is the deadline for all players to submit the required additional payment by selecting the “In Next” directive 110 to remain in the game or to fold by selecting the fold directive 114. If no action is taken, when the countdown clock 106 reaches zero, the default action will be taken (e.g., the player will automatically fold). Note that the “In Next” directive 110 and the “IN ALL” directive 112 display fees that correspond with the stage of the game (e.g., $2 and $6, respectively).

[0063] The player's current score 120 is now 1,323 based upon five cards (the three community cards 132 and the two hole cards 130). The player's current rank 126 remains as “N/A” and the player's best hand 124 at this time now shows the player's best hand combination from the five visible cards (e.g., a pair of kings, A, 10, 9 high). The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $980. The hole cards 130 shows the faces of the first two hole cards 130 with the other two hole cards 130 remaining face down.

[0064] FIG. 6 represents the same typical user interface after the second round of staged wagering has been concluded. In this, the hole cards 130 now shows the third hole cards 130 that is now revealed only to this player. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $1,180 to reflect the additional fees for the number of players that are currently in the game 102 which is now 100 players (the count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is now 160) as an additional 40 players who have folded. The countdown clock 106 indicates the time (e.g., 30 seconds) until the fourth card from the hole cards 130 will be revealed. This is the deadline for all players to submit the required additional payment by selecting the “In Next” directive 110 to remain in the game or to fold by selecting the fold directive 114. If no action is taken, when the countdown clock 106 reaches zero, the default action will be taken (e.g., the player will automatically fold). Note that the “In Next” directive 110 and the “IN ALL” directive 112 display fees that correspond with the stage of the game (e.g., $2 and $4, respectively).

[0065] The player's current score 120 is now 1,325 based upon six cards (the three hold cards and the three community cards). The player's current rank 126 remains as “N/A” and the player's best hand 124 at this time now shows the player's best hand combination from the five visible cards (e.g., a pair of kings, A, 10, 9 high). The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $1,180. The hole cards 130 shows the faces of the first three hole cards 130 with the final hole card 130 remaining face down.

[0066] FIG. 7 represents the same typical user interface after the third round of staged wagering has been concluded. In this, the hole cards 130 now shows the fourth and last hole card 130 that is now revealed only to this player. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $1,280 to reflect the additional fees for the number of players that are currently in the game 102 which is now 50 players (the count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is now 210) as additional players have folded. The countdown clock 106 indicates the time (e.g., 30 seconds) until the game ends. This is the deadline for all players to submit the required additional payment by selecting the “In Next” directive 110 to remain in the game or to fold by selecting the fold directive 114. If no action is taken, when the countdown clock 106 reaches zero, the default action will be taken (e.g., the player will automatically fold). Note that the “In Next” directive 110 displays fees that correspond with the final stage of the game (e.g., $2).

[0067] The player's current score 120 is now 8675 based upon seven cards (the three community cards 132 and the four hole cards 130). The player's current rank 126 remains as “N/A” and the player's best hand 124 at this time now shows the player's best hand combination from the seven cards (e.g., three kings, A, 10 high). The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $1,280. The faces of the all four hole cards 130 are shown.

[0068] FIG. 8 represents the same typical user interface after the fourth and final round of staged wagering. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is $1,280 (see FIG. 7). The “In Next” directive 110 and the fold directive 114 are no longer displayed since they are no longer applicable. A next game button 118 enables the player to play in the next game, which in preferred embodiments occurs sequentially after the current game ends.

[0069] The player's current score 120 is 8675 based upon seven cards (the three community cards 132 and the four hole cards 130). The player's current rank 126 now shows their rank as fifth (e.g., three kings tanks as fifth out of all of the remaining players) and the player's best hand 124 at this time now shows the player's best hand combination from the five visible cards (e.g., three kings, A, 10 high). The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 of $1,280. The faces of all hole cards 130 are shown to the player. The amount won 125 by the player 142 is shown based on player's current score 120 (e.g., 8,675) and the player's current rank 126 (e.g., fifth) dividing a portion of the pot 100 (e.g., the pot 100 minus a fixed amount or percentage retained by the house) between some number of the highest ranking players (in this example, 50).

[0070] It is fully anticipated to provide different variations of the gaming system with more or less rounds of betting. For example, in some embodiments, betting is performed only after the player sees one or more of the player's hole cards 130. In some embodiments, the bet changes for each round, increasing or decreasing. In some embodiments, there are more or less hole cards 130 and the hole cards are exposed in the same or different sequences such as one hole card 130 at a time; two hole cards 130, one and one; three hole cards 130, one and one, etc. In some embodiments, there are more or less community cards 132, for example, two community cards 132 or four community cards 132.

[0071] In general, ranking of hands in poker is well known (e.g., a royal flush, a straight flush, four of a kind, a full-house . . . ) and is generally ranked between the best five cards (e.g., a pair of aces, king, ten, three high). As the disclosed system is intended for a large number of concurrent players, it is anticipated that more granularity will be needed to break ties, as, for example, it is possible that several players have the same best five cards (e.g., four kings, ace high). In such, it is anticipated to utilize all cards (e.g., four hole cards and three community cards) and, therefore, the hand four kings, ace, seven, four will beat the hand four kings, ace, seven two. In some embodiments, it is anticipated that suits will be given differentiating value (e.g., spades highest, thein hearts, diamonds, and clubs). With such, if two hands have the same run (A, K, Q, J, 10), then the hand with the ace of spades will beat the hand with the ace of hearts. In some embodiments, a combination of both the suit and more than five cards is considered in ranking the hands.

[0072] Although the above examples describe an initial showing of the community cards followed by sequential betting and showing of a player's hole cards, it is equally anticipated that there be an initial showing of the player's hole cards (the player is only able to see their own hole cards) along with sequential betting and showing of the community cards.

[0073] FIG. 9 represents a typical initial user-interface for the game format that uses icons (e.g., slot machine-like icons or any icon) where each player receives a total of five player icons 232 (see FIGS. 10-14) and shares two shared icons 230 (see FIGS. 10-14) with all other players. Note that this is an example and it is fully anticipated to have different quantities of shared icons 230 and player's icons 232. In this initial user-interface, an amount of real or virtual money in the pot 100 is shown, which grows as more players enter the contest. Since the game has yet to start, only the cumulative number of players that are in the game 102 is shown (e.g., 260 players) and the count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is shown as zero (nobody has folded yet). A countdown clock 106 indicates a deadline for when new players will no longer be admitted and the game will start. A prospective player must depress an entry directive 108 in order to play the game. In this example, the entry directive 108 includes the amount required to play (the “ante”), if any, shown as, for example, $1. In this embodiment, no icons are shown at this time, though in some embodiments, it is anticipated that one or more icons are exposed before the game begins.

[0074] The player's current score 120 is displayed, which is zero since the game has yet to start. The player's current rank 126 is displayed, which shows as “N/A”, again because the game has yet to start. A scoring table 228 is displayed to show the player how many points are awarded for achieving certain combinations of icons. For example, if the player achieves one lemon, 4 points are awarded, but if the player achieves seven lemons, 3,000 (3K) points are awarded. Also, a projected payout table 128 is shown that displays the projected payouts based on the size of the pot 100, the number of players who started the game and the number of players that currently remain playing the game 102. As such, the projected payout table 128 is shown representing a pot of $260, as 260 players were in the game at the beginning of the game.

[0075] FIG. 10 represents the same typical user interface after the game has started. Two of the player icons 232 are revealed to the player and the shared icons 230 are now exposed to all players. Betting is open (either the player bets or folds based upon the player's opinion of the shared icons 230 with the player's icons 232). The pot 100 has grown to $660 to reflect the 200 players who have elected to pay an additional $2 by selecting the “In Next” directive 110, and remain in the game (the number of players that are currently in the game 102 indicates 200 players). The count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is now shown as 60 players, which represents the number of players who have elected to fold and exit the game (e.g., by default or by pressing the fold directive 114 or missing the betting window). If a player does not want to bother with making each individual bet, the player selects the “IN ALL” directive 112, which allows the player to pre-pay for all bets (e.g., in this example, an additional $8) and stay in all subsequent rounds until the end of the game.

[0076] The player's current score is 185, the player's current rank 126 is not disclosed until all icons are exposed. Now, the projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 of $660, 260 players at the start of the game and currently 200 players still in the game (e.g., 260*$1+200*$2=$660).

[0077] FIG. 11 represents the same typical user interface after the next round of concurrent wagering has been concluded. Now, three of the player icons 232 have been revealed (only to that player). The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $980 to reflect the additional fees for the number of players that are currently in the game 102 which is now 160 players (the count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is now 100) to reflect an additional 40 players who have folded. The countdown clock 106 indicates the time (e.g., 30 seconds) until the player must decide to stay or fold. This is the concurrent deadline for all players to submit the required additional payment by selecting the “In Next” directive 110 to remain in the game or to fold by selecting the fold directive 114. If no action is taken, when the countdown clock 106 reaches zero, the default action will be taken (e.g., the player will automatically fold or the player is automatically in). Note that the “In Next” directive 110 and the “IN ALL” directive 112 display fees that correspond with the stage of the game (e.g., $2 and $6, respectively).

[0078] The player's current score 120 is now 250 based upon five icons (the two shared icons 230 and the three player icons 232). The player's current rank 126 remains as “N/A”. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $980. The player's icons 232 and the shared icons 230 are shown along with empty boxes where the remaining two player icons 232 will be shown.

[0079] FIG. 12 represents the same typical user interface after another round of wagering has been concluded. In this, a total of four player icons 232 are revealed only to this player. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $1,180 to reflect the additional fees for the number of players that are currently in the game 102 which is now 100 players (the count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is now 160) as an additional 40 players who have folded. The countdown clock 106 indicates the time (e.g., 30 seconds) until the final player icon 232 will be revealed. This is the deadline for all players to submit the required additional payment by selecting the “In Next” directive 110 to remain in the game or to fold by selecting the fold directive 114. If no action is taken, when the countdown clock 106 reaches zero, the default action will be taken (e.g., the player will automatically fold). Note that the “In Next” directive 110 and the “IN ALL” directive 112 display fees that correspond with the stage of the game (e.g., $2 and $4, respectively).

[0080] The player's current score 120 is now 650 based upon six icons (the two shared icons 230 and four revealed player icons 232). The player's current rank 126 remains as “N/A”. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $1,180.

[0081] FIG. 13 represents the same typical user interface after the next round of wagering has concluded. In this, all player icons 232 are now revealed only to this player. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $1,280 to reflect the additional fees for the number of players that are currently in the game 102 which is now 50 players (the count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is now 210) as additional players have folded. The countdown clock 106 indicates the time (e.g., 30 seconds) until the game ends. This is the deadline for all players to submit the required additional payment by selecting the “In Next” directive 110 to remain in the game or to fold by selecting the fold directive 114. If no action is taken, when the countdown clock 106 reaches zero, the default action will be taken (e.g., the player will automatically fold). Note that the “In Next” directive 110 displays fees that correspond with the final stage of the game (e.g., $2).

[0082] The player's current score 120 is now 654 based upon seven icons (the two shared icons 230 and five revealed player icons 232). The player's current rank 126 remains as “N/A” so the player is still not informed how their five player icons 232 fair with respect to other players. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $1,280.

[0083] FIG. 14 represents the same typical user interface after the final round of wagering. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is $1,280 (see FIG. 13). The “In Next” directive 110 and the fold directive 114 are no longer displayed since they are no longer applicable. A next game button 118 enables the player to play in the next game, which in preferred embodiments occurs sequentially after the current game ends.

[0084] The player's current score 120 is 654 based upon seven icons (the two shared icons 230 and the five player icons 232). The player's current rank 126 now shows their rank as fifth (e.g., two cherries yield 75, two triple-bars yields 500, one ‘7’ yields 50, one lemon yields 4, and one bell yields 25). The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 of $1,280. The five player icons 232 and two shared icons 230 are shown to the player. The set of icons and score for the top ten players is shown in a top-ten box 242.

[0085] The amount won 125 by the player is shown based on player's current score 120 (e.g., 654) and the player's current rank 126 (e.g., fifth), dividing a portion of the pot 100 (e.g., the pot 100 minus a fixed amount or percentage retained by the house) between some number of the highest-ranking players (in this example, 88).

[0086] It is fully anticipated to provide different variations of the gaming system with more or less rounds of betting. For example, in some embodiments, betting is performed only after the player sees one or more of the five player icons 232. In some embodiments, the bet changes for each round, increasing or decreasing. In some embodiments, there are more or less player icons 232 and the five player icons 232 are exposed in the same or different sequences such as one the player icon 232 at a time; two player icons 232, etc. In some embodiments, there are more or less shared icons 230, for example, two player icons 232 and four shared icons 230.

[0087] Although the above examples describe an initial showing of the shared icons 230 followed by sequential betting and showing of the player icons 232, it is equally anticipated that there be an initial showing of one or more of the five player icons 232 (the player is only able to see their own, revealed player icons 232) along with sequential betting and showing of the shared icons 230.

[0088] FIG. 15 represents a typical initial user-interface for the game format that uses numbers or letters (e.g., lottery-like symbols or any symbol) where each player receives a total of five player symbols 332 (numbers in this example) and scores based upon five shared symbols 330 that are shared with all other players. Note that this is an example and it is fully anticipated to have different quantities of shared symbols 330 and player's symbols 332, though it is preferred that the counts of both match (e.g., seven shared symbols 330 and seven player's symbols 332). In this initial user-interface, an amount of real or virtual money in the pot 100 is shown, which grows as more players enter the contest. Since the game has yet to start, only the cumulative number of players that are in the game 102 is shown (e.g., 260 players) and the count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is shown as zero (nobody has folded yet). A countdown clock 106 indicates a deadline for when new players will no longer be admitted and the game will start. A prospective player must depress an entry directive 108 in order to play the game. In this example, the entry directive 108 includes the amount required to play (the “ante”), if any, shown as, for example, $1. In this embodiment, no symbols are shown at this time, though in some embodiments, it is anticipated that one or more symbols are exposed before the game begins.

[0089] The player's current score 120 is displayed, which is zero since the game has yet to start. The player's current rank 126 is displayed, which shows as “N/A”, again because the game has yet to start. A scoring table 328 is displayed to show the player how many points are awarded for achieving certain matches of symbols. For example, if one of the player's symbol 332 matches one of the shared symbols 330 the player is awarded 1000 points; if one of the player's symbols 332 matches the shared symbol 330 of the same position, the player is awarded 1000 points; and if there is no match, the player is awarded one point for each percentage that the player's symbol 332 is close to one of the shared symbols 330. The projected payout table 128 is shown that displays the projected payouts based on the size of the pot 100, the number of players who started the game and the number of players that currently remain playing the game 102. As such, the projected payout table 128 is shown representing a pot of $260, as 260 players were in the game at the beginning of the game.

[0090] FIG. 16 represents the same typical user interface after the game has started. Two of the player symbols 332 are revealed to the player and the shared symbols 330 (five of such) are now exposed to all players. Betting is open (either the player bets or folds based upon the player's opinion of the shared symbols 330 with the player's symbols 332). The pot 100 has grown to $660 to reflect the 200 players who have elected to pay an additional $2 by selecting the “In Next” directive 110, and remain in the game (the number of players that are currently in the game 102 indicates 200 players). The count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is now shown as 60 players, which represents the number of players who have elected to fold and exit the game (e.g., by default or by pressing the fold directive 114 or missing the betting window). If a player does not want to bother with making each individual bet, the player selects the “IN ALL” directive 112, which allows the player to pre-pay for all bets (e.g., in this example, an additional $8) and stay in for all subsequent rounds until the end of the game.

[0091] The player's current score 120 reflects the percentage difference between the player's symbols 332 and the shared symbols 330 and the player's current rank 126 is not available. Now, the projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 of $660, 260 players at the start of the game and currently 200 players still in the game (e.g., 260*$1+200*$2=$660).

[0092] FIG. 17 represents the same typical user interface after the next round of wagering has been concluded. Now, three of the player symbols 332 have been revealed (only to that player). The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $980 to reflect the additional fees for the number of players that are currently in the game 102 which is now 160 players (the count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is now 100) to reflect an additional 40 players who have folded. The countdown clock 106 indicates the time (e.g., 30 seconds) until the player must decide to stay or fold. This is the deadline for all players to submit the required additional payment by selecting the “In Next” directive 110 to remain in the game or to fold by selecting the fold directive 114. If no action is taken, when the countdown clock 106 reaches zero, the default action will be taken (e.g., the player will automatically fold). Note that the “In Next” directive 110 and the “IN ALL” directive 112 display fees that correspond with the stage of the game (e.g., $2 and $6, respectively).

[0093] The player's current score 120 is now 1222 based upon comparisons between the player's symbols 332 and the shared symbols 330.The player's current rank 126 remains as “N/A”. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $980. The player's symbols 332 and the shared symbols 330 are shown along with empty boxes where the remaining two player symbols 332 will be shown.

[0094] FIG. 18 represents the same typical user interface after another round of wagering has been concluded. In this, a total of four player symbols 332 are revealed only to this player. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $1,180 to reflect the additional fees for the number of players that are currently in the game 102 which is now 100 players (the count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is now 160) as an additional 40 players who have folded. The countdown clock 106 indicates the time (e.g., 30 seconds) until the final player symbol 332 will be revealed. This is the deadline for all players to submit the required additional payment by selecting the “In Next” directive 110 to remain in the game or to fold by selecting the fold directive 114. If no action is taken, when the countdown clock 106 reaches zero, the default action will be taken (e.g., the player will automatically fold). Note that the “In Next” directive 110 and the “IN ALL” directive 112 display fees that correspond with the stage of the game (e.g., $2 and $4, respectively).

[0095] The player's current score 120 is now 3322 based upon comparisons between four of the player's symbols 332 and the shared symbols 330. The player's current rank 126 remains as “N/A”. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $1,180.

[0096] FIG. 19 represents the same typical user interface after the next round of wagering has concluded. In this, all player symbols 332 are now revealed only to this player. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $1,280 to reflect the additional fees for the number of players that are currently in the game 102 which is now 50 players (the count of players who have folded and left the game 104 is now 210) as additional players have folded. The countdown clock 106 indicates the time (e.g., 30 seconds) until the game ends. This is the deadline for all players to submit the required additional payment by selecting the “In Next” directive 110 to remain in the game or to fold by selecting the fold directive 114. If no action is taken, when the countdown clock 106 reaches zero, the default action will be taken (e.g., the player will automatically fold). Note that the “In Next” directive 110 displays fees that correspond with the final stage of the game (e.g., $2).

[0097] The player's current score 120 is now 3414 based upon comparisons between the player's symbols 332 and the shared symbols 330. The player's current rank 126 remains as “N/A” so the player is still not informed how the player's symbols 332 fair with respect to those of other players. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is now $1,280.

[0098] FIG. 20 represents the same typical user interface after the final round of wagering. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 that is $1,280 (see FIG. 13). The “In Next” directive 110 and the fold directive 114 are no longer displayed since they are no longer applicable. A next game button 118 enables the player to play in the next game, which in preferred embodiments occurs sequentially after the current game ends.

[0099] The player's current score 120 is 3414 based upon comparisons between the player's symbols 332 and the shared symbols 330. The player's current rank 126 now shows their rank as fifth based upon the scores of all other players. The projected payout table 128 reflects a payout schedule based on a pot 100 of $1,280. The five player symbols 332 and the shared symbols 330 are shown to the player. The amount won 125 by the player is shown based on player's current score 120 (e.g., 3414) and the player's current rank 126 (e.g., fifth), dividing a portion of the pot 100 (e.g., the pot 100 minus a fixed amount or percentage retained by the house) between some number of the highest-ranking players (in this example, 88). Each of the player symbols 332 of the top ten players is shown in a conclusion display area 342.

[0100] It is fully anticipated to provide different variations of the gaming system with more or less rounds of betting. For example, in some embodiments, betting is performed only after the player sees one or more of the five player symbols 332. In some embodiments, the bet changes for each round, increasing or decreasing. In some embodiments, there are more or less player symbols 332 and the five player symbols 332 are exposed in the same or different sequences such as one player symbol 332 at a time; two player symbols 332, etc. In some embodiments, there are more or less player symbols 332 and, preferably, a matching number of shared symbols 330, for example, eight player symbols 332 and eight shared symbols 330.

[0101] Although the above examples describe an initial showing of the shared symbols 330 followed by sequential betting and showing of the player symbols 332, it is equally anticipated that there be an initial showing of one or more of the player symbols 332 (the player is only able to see their own player symbols 332) along with sequential betting and showing of the shared symbols 330.

[0102] Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

[0103] It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.