Patent Application
20090124334
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains or may contain material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the photocopy reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure in exactly the form it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
Solitaire is a family of well-known single-player card games which are generally similar in character, but vary in detail. One widely known solitaire game is Klondike, sometimes referred to herein as “Klondike Solitaire.”
Klondike Solitaire utilizes a conventional deck of 52 playing cards. To begin a play of a game of Klondike Solitaire, 28 cards of the 52 card deck are dealt into seven piles. Each pile occupies a position. The first pile includes one card, the second pile includes two cards, and so on up to seven cards in the seventh pile. The top card of each pile is dealt face up and the other cards in each pile are dealt face down. The space the piles occupy is sometimes referred to as the “field.”
The remaining 22 cards of the 52 card deck, which were not dealt into the initial seven piles, are referred to as stock cards. The stock cards are left face-down in a stock pile. The stock cards are turned up from the stock pile sequentially during game play. In certain versions of Klondike Solitaire, the stock cards are turned face up one at a time. In other versions, the stock cards are turned face up three at a time (i.e., every third card is turned face up). In some versions of Klondike Solitaire, the player may run through the stock cards one time during a play of the game. In other versions, the player may run through the stock cards multiple times during a play of the game.
Klondike Solitaire also includes four banks positioned above the seven piles. Klondike Solitaire includes one bank for each suit of cards (i.e., one for each of diamonds, hearts, spades and clubs). When the cards are initially dealt, these four banks or positions do not have any cards in them. Cards can only be placed in each respective bank or position in order (i.e., ace, two, three . . . King).
The ultimate objective of Klondike Solitaire is to accumulate all 52 cards of the deck into the respective banks. Cards must be accumulated in each respective bank in-suit and in ascending sequence (i.e., ace to king of the respective suit). A player completes or solves the Klondike Solitaire game when each bank includes all 13 cards of its respective suit. Placing a card in a bank or causing a card to be placed in a bank is sometimes referred to as “banking” a card. To accomplish this objective, a player may move or cause the movement of the cards according to a designated set of governing rules which are generally explained below.
The movement of the cards are governed by specific rules. When the stock cards are turned face up (as discussed below), they are placed in a discard pile, placed in the field or placed in one or more of the banks. A player may move cards from the stock pile, the discard pile and the field into the banks according to these rules, after they are turned up. Once turned up, the stock cards may also be moved to the field or the discard pile, according to these rules. Cards from the discard pile may be moved to the field or placed into a bank. A player may move face-up cards in any of the piles in the field either to another pile in the field or into a bank. A series of rules also govern the arrangement of cards in the field.
More specifically, a player may associate a number of cards with the face-up card on the top of each pile by “building” cards into a column. In Klondike Solitaire, cards must be built in descending sequence and alternating in color (i.e., red from black or black from red). For example, if the king of spades is face up on the top of a pile, a player may build a queen of hearts or a queen of diamonds onto the king of spades.
A player may move a face-up card from one pile or column to another pile or column, within these guidelines. Multiple face-up cards from one column may be built onto another pile or column as a unit. For example, if a column includes a seven of clubs and an eight of diamonds, a player may move these two cards together and build them onto a nine of spades or nine of clubs on another pile or at the bottom of another column.
When the player uncovers a face-down card on a pile, that card may be turned face up. The player is always entitled to seven piles. Thus, if no cards remain in the position of a pile, the player may put a king in that pile or position to start the pile.
A card may not be placed in a bank from the field unless it is “free.” Cards which are free include cards which are face-up and either not associated with any other cards or the lowest card in a column. For example, if a built column includes a king of spades, a queen of hearts and a jack of spades, and a ten of spades is already in the bank associated with spades, then the jack of spades is “free” and may be moved into its respective bank.
Klondike Solitaire is a very popular game and is probably one of the best-known and most played solitaire games in the world. This game is played with conventional decks by hand by millions of people and played on millions of personal computers, handheld communication devices and other electronic devices worldwide.
While simple to play (i.e., moving cards subject to the governing rules), Klondike Solitaire is extremely complicated. Some estimates are that there are billions of possible different ways that a Klondike Solitaire game can be played with a standard 52 card deck based on the order of the cards and the movements of the cards by the player. Despite the vast popularity of this game, the exact proportion of Klondike games that will be won is currently unknown because no mathematical model known to the inventors is simple enough to allow direct computation of such exact probability or probabilities. No consensus also exists as to the probabilities associated with various non-winning game outcomes for each play of the game (i.e., the probability associated with having each of a number of less than 52 cards banked at the end of a game or before a player can not make any further moves of the cards). Similarly, formulas for determining such probabilities within suitable determinable margins of error or limited tolerances are not known. This is because of the amount of variables. Casino or gambling games typically require all of the exact probabilities or probabilities within limited tolerances of winning a game to be known, calculated and verifiable. For example, three wheel slot games typically have the exact probabilities worked out. Because the probabilities of Klondike Solitaire games are not known or calculated (within suitable tolerances) even with intense study, Klondike Solitaire has not been made into a suitable casino or wagering game.
Moreover, while such probabilities are not exactly known or known within suitable determinable margins of error or limited tolerances, it is somewhat known that people solve or complete the game about one in forty-five plays. Thus, another problem with making Klondike Solitaire a casino game is that a relatively big award can not be associated with solving the game because it happens too often.
More specifically, to create a suitable Klondike Solitaire wagering game, one would have to create a suitable paytable. Paytables are typically created to achieve a suitable designated average expected payback percentage and thereby be verifiable and approvable by gaming regulatory agencies. The average expected payback percentage of a paytable is a function of the respective exact probabilities or probabilities within limited tolerances of the player achieving each and every of the outcomes in the paytable and the respective awards associated with those outcomes.
Thus, to create a suitable paytable for a Klondike Solitaire game, one would need to know the exact probabilities of or have verifiable probabilities with limited tolerances associated with each of the various outcomes or events one seeks to include in the paytable. Absent these exact or verifiable probabilities (with limited tolerances), awards associated with those outcomes are difficult, if not impossible, to calculate such that the paytable achieves a suitable designated average expected payback percentage.
It is noted that in some land-based and online casinos, Las Vegas Solitaire is played. Las Vegas Solitaire is similar to Klondike Solitaire. In Las Vegas Solitaire, the player turns over stock cards one at a time, and is only allowed to go through the stock pile once. The player is provided with an award for each card successfully banked. In one known version, it costs the player 52 credits to play a game. The game pays 5 credits for each card banked. To break even, the player needs to bank 10 cards before going through the stock pile one complete time. The players are awarded as play progresses by the cards banked.
Accordingly, a need exists for (a) a method for determining the suitable probabilities within acceptable tolerances associated with the various Klondike Solitaire outcomes based on various strategies and rules of play; and (b) at least one paytable based on these probabilities which achieves a suitable designated average expected payback percentage.
Also, a need exists for a gaming device including a suitable wagering Klondike Solitaire game associated with such a paytable.
The present disclosure provides a method of determining suitable paytables for wagering Klondike Solitaire games or type games and a gaming system, gaming device and method for providing such wagering games with such paytables.
One embodiment of the present disclosure includes an optimizer which is used to determine the probabilities within limited tolerances of each of the possible outcomes which can result from plays of the desired Klondike Solitaire game based on designated rules or a designated set of rules for that game. The determined probabilities and a desired payback percentage are employed to determine a paytable for the game. In one embodiment, the paytable includes the outcomes in the form of ranges of the total numbers of cards which are banked at the time play terminates and the awards associated with each range.
In various embodiments of the paytable, the ratio of at least one award to a respective: (a) number of cards banked; (b) lowest number of cards in a range of numbers of cards banked; (c) highest number of cards in a range of numbers of cards banked; and (d) total number of cards in a range of numbers of cards banked is different than that for other awards in the paytable. For example, in one embodiment of the paytable, the ratio of a first award to a first number of cards banked associated with that award is different than the ratio of a second, different award to a second, different number of cards banked associated with the second award.
The present disclosure includes a gaming system, gaming device and methods for playing a Klondike Solitaire game according to a set of rules and providing awards to a player which are determined by a paytable created using such an optimizer. In the respective various embodiments, the set of rules governing play of the Klondike Solitaire game utilized by the optimizer are the same as the set of rules governing play of the Klondike Solitaire game played on the gaming system or device.
In various embodiments, the Klondike Solitaire game includes one stage or multiple stages. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the game includes multiple stages. In this embodiment, if the player wins, completes or solves the Klondike Solitaire game, the player advances to a next stage of play, wherein the player is dealt a new Klondike Solitaire game. In this embodiment, the player continues to advance in such a manner upon winning each respective stage until no further stages remain. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, a player may advance to subsequent stages independent of the result of previous stages based on other designated game events or upon an additional wager.
In various embodiments, the present disclosure also provides a paytable for multiple related plays of the Klondike Solitaire game. This paytable includes example Klondike Solitaire game outcomes and respective awards associated with those outcomes for three stages of play or three plays of the game. Such a paytable is what primarily enables solitaire to be made into a wagering casino game. As discussed above, it is somewhat known that people solve or complete a Klondike Solitaire game about one in forty-five plays. Thus, a problem facing the inventors in making Klondike Solitaire a casino game was that a relatively big award could not be associated with solving the game because it happens too often. Based on the estimate of one solve of a Klondike Solitaire game per forty-five plays, the probability of a player solving three consecutive games would be approximately one in 91,125 plays [(1/45)*(1/45)*(1/45)]. This lower probability, which is accomplished by enabling the player to play, in this example, three consecutive games, allows a relatively much larger award to be associated with solving the game in a third stage of play.
In various embodiments, the paytable includes outcomes applicable to three stages of play or plays of the game and three different awards associated with each of those outcomes, each of the different awards associated with a different stage of play or play of the game.
The present disclosure thus provides the ability to create paytables for different Klondike Solitaire games which each achieve a suitable desired average expected payback percentage and enable such wagering Klondike Solitaire games to be commercially implemented in casinos, other gaming establishments and through data networks such as the internet.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, elements, components, steps and processes.
The present disclosure may be implemented in various configurations for gaming systems or gaming devices, including but not limited to: (1) a dedicated gaming device, wherein the computerized instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming device) are provided with the gaming device prior to delivery to a gaming establishment; and (2) a changeable gaming device, where the computerized instructions for controlling any games (which are provided by the gaming device) are downloadable to the gaming device through a data network when the gaming device is in a gaming establishment. In one embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling any games are executed by at least one central server, central controller or remote host. In such a “thin client” embodiment, the central server remotely controls any games (or other suitable interfaces) and the gaming device is utilized to display such games (or suitable interfaces) and receive one or more inputs or commands from a player. In another embodiment, the computerized instructions for controlling any games are communicated from the central server, central controller or remote host to a gaming device local processor and memory devices. In such a “thick client” embodiment, the gaming device local processor executes the communicated computerized instructions to control any games (or other suitable interfaces) provided to a player.
In one embodiment, one or more gaming devices in a gaming system may be thin client gaming devices and one or more gaming devices in the gaming system may be thick client gaming devices. In another embodiment, certain functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thin client environment and certain other functions of the gaming device are implemented in a thick client environment. In one such embodiment, computerized instructions for controlling any primary games are communicated from the central server to the gaming device in a thick client configuration and computerized instructions for controlling any secondary games or bonus functions are executed by a central server in a thin client configuration.
Referring now to the drawings, two example alternative embodiments of an example gaming device for providing the present disclosure are illustrated in
In the embodiments illustrated in
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD or USB memory device. In other embodiments, part or all of the program code and/or operating data described above can be downloaded to the memory device through a suitable network.
In one embodiment, an operator or a player can use such a removable memory device in a desktop computer, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computing device, or other computerized platform to implement the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the gaming device or gaming machine disclosed herein is operable over a wireless network, such as part of a wireless gaming system. In this embodiment, the gaming machine may be a hand held device, a mobile device or any other suitable wireless device that enables a player to play any suitable game at a variety of different locations. It should be appreciated that a gaming device as disclosed herein may be a device that has obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission or a device that has not obtained approval from a regulatory gaming commission. It should be appreciated that the processor and memory device may be collectively referred to herein as a “computer” or “controller.”
In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, the gaming device randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data. In one such embodiment, this random determination is provided through utilizaton of a random number generator (RNG), such as a true random number generator, a pseudo random number generator or other suitable randomization process. In one embodiment, each award or other game outcome is associated with a probability and the gaming device generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to the player based on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment, since the gaming device generates outcomes randomly or based upon one or more probability calculations, there is no certainty that the gaming device will ever provide the player with any specific award or other game outcome.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In other embodiments, the at least one display device is a mobile display device, such as a PDA or tablet PC, that enables play of at least a portion of the primary or secondary game at a location remote from the gaming device. The display devices may include, without limitation, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a liquid crystal display (LCD) a display based on light emitting diodes (LED), a display based on a plurality of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a plurality of surface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a projected and/or reflected image or any other suitable electronic device or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the display device includes a touch-screen with an associated touch-screen controller. The display devices are of any suitable size and configuration, such as a square, a rectangle or an elongated rectangle.
The display devices of the gaming device are configured to display at least one and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images, symbols and indicia such as any visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects such as mechanical, virtual or video reels and wheels, dynamic lighting, video images, images of people, characters, places, things and faces of cards, and the like.
As illustrated in
As seen in
In one embodiment, one input device is a bet one button. The player places a bet by pushing the bet one button. The player can increase the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the bet one button. When the player pushes the bet one button, the number of credits shown in the credit display preferably decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet display preferably increases by one. In another embodiment, one input device is a bet max button (not shown) which enables the player to bet the maximum wager permitted for a game of the gaming device.
In one embodiment, one input device is a cash out button 34. The player may push the cash out button and cash out to receive a cash payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the number of remaining credits. In one embodiment, when the player cashes out, a payment device, such as a ticket, payment or note generator 36 prints or otherwise generates a ticket or credit slip to provide to the player. The player receives the ticket or credit slip and may redeem the value associated with the ticket or credit slip via a cashier (or other suitable redemption system). In another embodiment, when the player cashes out, the player receives the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray. It should be appreciated that any suitable payout mechanisms, such as funding to the player's electronically recordable identification card may be implemented in accordance with the gaming device disclosed herein.
In one embodiment, as mentioned above and seen in
The gaming device may further include a plurality of communication ports for enabling communication of the processor with external peripherals, such as external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, an SCSI port or a key pad.
In one embodiment, as seen in
In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a sensor, such as a camera in communication with the processor (and possibly controlled by the processor) that is selectively positioned to acquire an image of a player actively using the gaming device and/or the surrounding area of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the camera may be configured to selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to acquire the images in either an analog, digital or other suitable format. The display devices may be configured to display the image acquired by the camera as well as display the visible manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and the processor may incorporate that image into the primary and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia.
After either adding a related symbol to the first string of related symbols or marking the first string of related symbols as complete, the gaming device proceeds as described above for each of the remaining classified strings of related symbols which were previously classified or formed from related symbols on the first and second reels.
In one embodiment, in addition to winning credits or other awards in a base or primary game, such as solitaire, the gaming device may also give players the opportunity to win credits in a bonus or secondary game or bonus or secondary round. The bonus or secondary game enables the player to obtain a prize or payout in addition to the prize or payout, if any, obtained from the base or primary game. In general, a bonus or secondary game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the base or primary game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the base or primary game and is accompanied with more attractive or unusual features than the base or primary game. In one embodiment, the bonus or secondary game may be any type of suitable game, either similar to or completely different from the base or primary game.
In another embodiment, the gaming device processor 12 or central server 56 randomly provides the player one or more plays of one or more secondary games. In one such embodiment, the gaming device does not provide any apparent reasons to the player for qualifying to play a secondary or bonus game. In this embodiment, qualifying for a bonus game is not triggered by an event in or based specifically on any of the plays of any primary game. That is, the gaming device may simply qualify a player to play a secondary game without any explanation or alternatively with simple explanations. In another embodiment, the gaming device (or central server) qualifies a player for a secondary game at least partially based on a game triggered or symbol triggered event, such as at least partially based on the play of a primary game.
In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a program which will automatically begin a bonus round after the player has achieved a triggering event or qualifying condition in the base or primary game. In another embodiment, after a player has qualified for a bonus game, the player may subsequently enhance his/her bonus game participation through continued play on the base or primary game. Thus, for each bonus qualifying event, such as a bonus symbol, that the player obtains, a given number of bonus game wagering points or credits may be accumulated in a “bonus meter” programmed to accrue the bonus wagering credits or entries toward eventual participation in a bonus game. The occurrence of multiple such bonus qualifying events in the primary game may result in an arithmetic or exponential increase in the number of bonus wagering credits awarded. In one embodiment, the player may redeem extra bonus wagering credits during the bonus game to extend play of the bonus game.
In one embodiment, no separate entry fee or buy in for a bonus game need be employed. That is, a player may not purchase an entry into a bonus game, rather they must win or earn entry through play of the primary game thus, encouraging play of the primary game. In another embodiment, qualification of the bonus or secondary game is accomplished through a simple “buy in” by the player, for example, if the player has been unsuccessful at qualifying through other specified activities. In another embodiment, the player must make a separate side-wager on the bonus game or wager a designated amount in the primary game to qualify for the secondary game. In this embodiment, the secondary game triggering event must occur and the side-wager (or designated primary game wager amount) must have been placed to trigger the secondary game.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the game outcome provided to the player is determined by a central server or controller and provided to the player at the gaming device. In this embodiment, each of a plurality of such gaming devices are in communication with the central server or controller. Upon a player initiating game play at one of the gaming devices, the initiated gaming device communicates a game outcome request to the central server or controller.
In one embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and randomly generates a game outcome for the primary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for the secondary game based on probability data. In another embodiment, the central server or controller randomly generates a game outcome for both the primary game and the secondary game based on probability data. In this embodiment, the central server or controller is capable of storing and utilizing program code or other data similar to the processor and memory device of the gaming device.
In an alternative embodiment, the central server or controller maintains one or more predetermined pools or sets of predetermined game outcomes. In this embodiment, the central server or controller receives the game outcome request and independently selects a predetermined game outcome from a set or pool of game outcomes. The central server or controller flags or marks the selected game outcome as used. Once a game outcome is flagged as used, it is prevented from further selection from the set or pool and cannot be selected by the central controller or server upon another wager. The provided game outcome can include a primary game outcome, a secondary game outcome, primary and secondary game outcomes, or a series of game outcomes such as free games.
The central server or controller communicates the generated or selected game outcome to the initiated gaming device. The gaming device receives the generated or selected game outcome and provides the game outcome to the player. Central production or control can assist a gaming establishment or other entity in maintaining appropriate records, controlling gaming, reducing and preventing cheating or electronic or other errors, reducing or eliminating win-loss volatility and the like.
In another embodiment, one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with a central server or controller for monitoring purposes only. That is, each individual gaming device randomly generates the game outcomes to be provided to the player and the central server or controller monitors the activities and events occurring on the plurality of gaming devices. In one embodiment, the gaming network includes a real-time or on-line accounting and gaming information system operably coupled to the central server or controller. The accounting and gaming information system of this embodiment includes a player database for storing player profiles, a player tracking module for tracking players and a credit system for providing automated casino transactions.
In one embodiment, the gaming device disclosed herein is associated with or otherwise integrated with one or more player tracking systems. Player tracking systems enable gaming establishments to recognize the value of customer loyalty through identifying frequent customers and rewarding them for their patronage. In one embodiment, the gaming device and/or player tracking system tracks any players gaming activity at the gaming device. In one such embodiment, the gaming device includes at least one card reader 38 in communication with the processor. In this embodiment, a player is issued a player identification card which has an encoded player identification number that uniquely identifies the player. When a player inserts their playing tracking card into the card reader to begin a gaming session, the card reader reads the player identification number off the player tracking card to identify the player. The gaming device and/or associated player tracking system timely tracks any suitable information or data relating to the identified player's gaming session. Directly or via the central controller, the gaming device processor communicates such information to the player tracking system. The gaming device and/or associated player tracking system also timely tracks when a player removes their player tracking card when concluding play for that gaming session. In another embodiment, rather than requiring a player to insert a player tracking card, the gaming device utilizes one or more portable devices carried by a player, such as a cell phone, a radio frequency identification tag or any other suitable wireless device to track when a player begins and ends a gaming session. In another embodiment, the gaming device utilizes any suitable biometric technology or ticket technology to track when a player begins and ends a gaming session.
During one or more gaming sessions, the gaming device and/or player tracking system tracks any suitable information or data, such as any amounts wagered, average wager amounts and/or the time these wagers are placed. In different embodiments, for one or more players, the player tracking system includes the players account number, the player's card number, the players first name, the player's surname, the player's preferred name, the player's player tracking ranking, any promotion status associated with the player's player tracking card, the player's address, the player's birthday, the player's anniversary, the player's recent gaming sessions, or any other suitable data. In one embodiment, such tracked information and/or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is displayed on a player tracking display 40. In another embodiment, such tracked information and/or any suitable feature associated with the player tracking system is displayed via one or more service windows (not shown) which are displayed on the central display device and/or the upper display device.
In one embodiment, a plurality of the gaming devices are capable of being connected together through a data network. In one embodiment, the data network is a local area network (LAN), in which one or more of the gaming devices are substantially proximate to each other and an on-site central server or controller as in, for example, a gaming establishment or a portion of a gaming establishment. In another embodiment, the data network is a wide area network (WAN) in which one or more of the gaming devices are in communication with at least one off-site central server or controller. In this embodiment, the plurality of gaming devices may be located in a different part of the gaming establishment or within a different gaming establishment than the off-site central server or controller. Thus, the WAN may include an off-site central server or controller and an off-site gaming device located within gaming establishments in the same geographic area, such as a city or state. The WAN gaming system may be substantially identical to the LAN gaming system described above, although the number of gaming devices in each system may vary relative to each other.
In another embodiment, the data network is an internet or intranet. In this embodiment, the operation of the gaming device can be viewed at the gaming device with at least one internet browser. In this embodiment, operation of the gaming device and accumulation of credits may be accomplished with only a connection to the central server or controller (the internet/intranet server) through a conventional phone or other data transmission line, digital subscriber line (DSL), T-1 line, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, or other suitable connection. In this embodiment, players may access an internet game page from any location where an internet connection and computer, or other internet facilitator is available. The expansion in the number of computers and number and speed of internet connections in recent years increases opportunities for players to play from an ever-increasing number of remote sites. It should be appreciated that enhanced bandwidth of digital wireless communications may render such technology suitable for some or all communications, particularly if such communications are encrypted. Higher data transmission speeds may be useful for enhancing the sophistication and response of the display and interaction with the player.
As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the present disclosure may be employed in a server based gaming system. In one such embodiment, as described above, one or more gaming devices are in communication with a central server or controller. The central server or controller may be any suitable server or computing device which includes at least one processor and a memory or storage device. In alternative embodiments, the central server is a progressive controller or another gaming machine in the gaming system. In one embodiment, the memory device of the central server stores different game programs and instructions, executable by a gaming device processor, to control the gaming device. Each executable game program represents a different game or type of game which may be played on one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system. Such different games may include the same or substantially the same game play with different pay tables. In different embodiments, the executable game program is for a primary game, a secondary game or both. In another embodiment, the game program may be executable as a secondary game to be played simultaneous with the play of a primary game (which may be downloaded to or fixed on the gaming device) or vice versa.
In this embodiment, each gaming device at least includes one or more display devices and/or one or more input devices for interaction with a player. A local processor, such as the above-described gaming device processor or a processor of a local server, is operable with the display device(s) and/or the input device(s) of one or more of the gaming devices.
In operation, the central controller is operable to communicate one or more of the stored game programs to at least one local processor. In different embodiments, the stored game programs are communicated or delivered by embedding the communicated game program in a device or a component (e.g., a microchip to be inserted in a gaming device), writing the game program on a disc or other media, downloading or streaming the game program over a dedicated data network, internet or a telephone line. After the stored game programs are communicated from the central server, the local processor executes the communicated program to facilitate play of the communicated program by a player through the display device(s) and/or input device(s) of the gaming device. That is, when a game program is communicated to a local processor, the local processor changes the game or type of game played at the gaming device.
In another embodiment, a plurality of gaming devices at one or more gaming sites may be networked to the central server in a progressive configuration, as known in the art, wherein a portion of each wager to initiate a base or primary game may be allocated to one or more progressive awards. In one embodiment, a progressive gaming system host site computer is coupled to a plurality of the central servers at a variety of mutually remote gaming sites for providing a multi-site linked progressive automated gaming system. In one embodiment, a progressive gaming system host site computer may serve gaming devices distributed throughout a number of properties at different geographical locations including, for example, different locations within a city or different cities within a state.
In one embodiment, the progressive gaming system host site computer is maintained for the overall operation and control of the progressive gaming system. In this embodiment, a progressive gaming system host site computer oversees the entire progressive gaming system and is the master for computing all progressive jackpots. All participating gaming sites report to, and receive information from, the progressive gaming system host site computer. Each central server computer is responsible for all data communication between the gaming device hardware and software and the progressive gaming system host site computer. In one embodiment, an individual gaming machine may trigger a progressive award win. In another embodiment, a central server (or the progressive gaming system host site computer) determines when a progressive award win is triggered. In another embodiment, an individual gaming machine and a central controller (or progressive gaming system host site computer) work in conjunction with each other to determine when a progressive win is triggered, for example through an individual gaming machine meeting a predetermined requirement established by the central controller.
In one embodiment, a progressive award win is triggered based on one or more game play events, such as a symbol-driven trigger. In other embodiments, the progressive award triggering event or qualifying condition may be by exceeding a certain amount of game play (such as number of games, number of credits, or amount of time), or reaching a specified number of points earned during game play. In another embodiment, a gaming device is randomly or apparently randomly selected to provide a player of that gaming device one or more progressive awards. In one such embodiment, the gaming device does not provide any apparent reasons to the player for winning a progressive award, wherein winning the progressive award is not triggered by an event in or based specifically on any of the plays of any primary game. That is, a player is provided a progressive award without any explanation or alternatively with simple explanations. In another embodiment, a player is provided a progressive award at least partially based on a game triggered or symbol triggered event, such as at least partially based on the play of a primary game.
In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are each funded via a side bet or side wager. In this embodiment, a player must place or wager a side bet to be eligible to win the progressive award associated with the side bet. In one embodiment, the player must place the maximum bet and the side bet to be eligible to win one of the progressive awards. In another embodiment, if the player places or wagers the required side bet, the player may wager at any credit amount during the primary game (i.e., the player need not place the maximum bet and the side bet to be eligible to win one of the progressive awards). In one such embodiment, the greater the player's wager (in addition to the placed side bet), the greater the odds or probability that the player will win one of the progressive awards. It should be appreciated that one or more of the progressive awards may each be funded, at least in part, based on the wagers placed on the primary games of the gaming machines in the gaming system, via a gaming establishment or via any suitable manner.
In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are partially funded via a side-bet or side-wager which the player may make (and which may be tracked via a side-bet meter). In one embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are funded with only side-bets or side-wagers placed. In another embodiment, one or more of the progressive awards are funded based on player's wagers as described above as well as any side-bets or side-wagers placed.
In one alternative embodiment, a minimum wager level is required for a gaming device to qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressive awards. In one embodiment, this minimum wager level is the maximum wager level for the primary game in the gaming machine. In another embodiment, no minimum wager level is required for a gaming machine to qualify to be selected to obtain one of the progressive awards.
In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices in a gaming system participate in a group gaming environment. In one embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices work in conjunction with one another, such as playing together as a team or group, to win one or more awards. In one such embodiment, any award won by the group is shared, either equally or based on any suitable criteria, amongst the different players of the group. In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices compete against one another for one or more awards. In one such embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices participate in a gaming tournament for one or more awards. In another embodiment, a plurality of players at a plurality of linked gaming devices play for one or more awards wherein an outcome generated by one gaming device affects the outcomes generated by one or more linked gaming devices.
The present disclosure provides one or more methods of determining suitable paytables for wagering Solitaire type games such as Klondike Solitaire and other similar type games and a gaming system, gaming device and method for providing such wagering games.
In one embodiment, an optimizer is used to determine each of the outcome probabilities associated with a designated Klondike Solitaire game. The optimizer simulates a designated number of plays of a designated Klondike Solitaire or similar type game according to: (a) specific designated rules for that game (such as those discussed above and below); and (b) designated strategies of play for that game.
Klondike Solitaire and similar games are associated with sets of game rules which govern moves or at least one placement of the cards, such as those described above. The optimizer simulates the designated number of plays of the designated Klondike Solitaire game according to the designated set of these rules. It should be appreciated that in different versions of Klondike Solitaire and solitaire generally, certain of these rules may vary. In one example, the designated rules input into the optimizer include the rules governing movement of the cards (such as those discussed above), wherein cards from the stock pile are turned face up one at a time and a player is allowed to go through the stock pile one time.
Klondike Solitaire may be played with various different play strategies. The play strategies include optimal methods of play within the confines of the governing rules. Many Klondike Solitaire play strategies are known. Other play strategies may be determined by statistically analyzing a sample pool of player game play decisions or by other suitable methods. These play strategies include both: (a) strategies applicable to the movement of cards within the field or from the field to the banks, sometimes referred to as “field move strategies;” and (b) strategies applicable to movement of the cards from the stock pile or discard pile to the field, sometimes referred to as “discard pile move strategies.”
Examples of known Klondike Solitaire play strategies which may be input into the optimizer include: (a) always immediately playing an ace or deuce wherever one can; (b) always making the play or transfer that frees (or allows a play that frees) a face-down card, regardless of any other considerations; (c) when faced with a choice, always making the play or transfer that frees (or allows a play that frees) the downcard from the biggest pile of face-down cards; (d) transferring cards from pile to pile only to allow a face-down card to be freed; (e) not clearing a position a pile may occupy unless there is a king immediately waiting to occupy that position; (f) only playing a king that will benefit the pile with the biggest pile of face-down cards, unless the play of another king will at least allow a transfer that frees a face-down card; (g) only banking cards other than an ace or deuce when there is a spot on the board for the next lowest card below the potential bank card; (h) not playing or transferring a 5, 6, 7 or 8 anywhere unless at least it's next highest even/odd partner is in the column, it will allow a play or transfer that will immediately free a face-down card, there have not been any other cards already played to the column (it will be the second card from the top of the column) or there is no other choice; and (i) when all necessary cards are covered, immediately place any remaining free cards in their appropriate banks. It should be appreciated that other suitable strategies may be employed.
Referring now to
Referring again to
Paytables utilized by gaming devices are typically constructed to achieve a designated average expected payback percentage. A paytable's average expected payback percentage is a function of the respective probabilities (within limited tolerances) of achieving each and every outcome in the paytable and the respective awards associated with those outcomes. Thus, using such calculated probabilities (within limited tolerances) for designated outcomes, appropriate awards to associate with each respective outcome such that a paytable achieves a desired average expected payback percentage may be calculated. It should be appreciated that the probabilities (within limited tolerances) associated with various game outcomes vary according to the designated game rules and strategies utilized by the optimizer 100. Accordingly, the strategies input into the optimizer 100 may be varied and the awards in any resulting paytable may be adjusted in response to varying resulting probabilities (within limited tolerances). It should also be appreciated that the strategies utilized by the optimizer 100 may or may not reflect actual play of a player during a play of the game. Specifically, referring again to
If the optimizer 100 does not find a move consistent with the field move strategies 120, the optimizer checks the discard pile move strategies to determine if a move consistent with the discard pile move strategies is available, as illustrated in 124. If the optimizer 100 finds a discard pile move, the optimizer 100 makes the move, updates the history and again checks the field move strategies for a move, as illustrated by 126, 134, 130 and 120.
If the optimizer 100 finds neither a field move nor a discard pile move, the optimizer determines if the play of the game is over, as illustrated in 128. For purposes of the optimizer 100, the game is over if: (a) no cards remain in the stock pile and no field moves or placements are available; or (b) all 52 cards of the deck are banked. If the game is not over, the optimizer 100 turns over the next card in the stock pile, updates the history and again checks for field move strategies, as illustrated by 128, 136, 130 and 120.
If the optimizer 100 determines that a play of the game is over, the optimizer 100 updates the history and shuffles the deck, beginning simulated play of another game (if any), as illustrated by 128, 138 and 114.
The optimizer 100 continues to simulate play of Klondike Solitaire games until the optimizer 100 is stopped. It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the optimizer stops upon the occurrence of any one of: (a) the passage of a predetermined or randomly determined amount of time; (b) the manual stopping of the optimizer by a user; (c) the simulated play of a predetermined or randomly determined number of games; or (d) any other suitable event.
It should be appreciated that the optimizer may determine that a variety of field moves or placements or discard pile moves or placements are available during a play of a Klondike Solitaire game. In certain embodiments, the strategies input into the optimizer are arranged in a hierarchy, such that certain moves or at least one placement are made before others if multiple moves or placements are available. In other embodiments, which move the optimizer selects from any available moves may be randomly determined.
In various embodiments, after the probabilities associated with desired Klondike Solitaire outcomes or events have been determined, awards are associated with those outcomes or events, and ultimately, a paytable is created which achieves a designated average expected payback percentage (as discussed above).
In various embodiments, the Klondike Solitaire or similar type game outcomes or events associated with awards in a created paytable could include any of: (a) the placement of a designated number of cards in a certain bank, also sometimes referred to as “payout zone” (i.e., five cards in the hearts payout zone); (b) the placement of a designated range of numbers of cards in a certain payout zone (i.e., five to ten cards in the clubs payout zone); (c) the placement of a total designated number of cards in the payout zones, collectively (i.e., one card in each of the hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs payout zones); (d) the placement of a designated range of numbers of cards in the payout zones, collectively (i.e., five to nine cards total in the hearts, diamonds, spades and dubs payout zones); and (e) any other suitable outcome or event.
One example paytable for a wagering Klondike Solitaire game having an average expected payback percentage of about 97 percent is illustrated in
The paytable 90 includes outcomes including different ranges of the total number of cards which are banked, or placed in the payout zones, at the time a stage of play of the game terminates. The size of certain ranges are also different. In various embodiments of the paytable, the ratio of at least one award to a respective: (a) number of cards banked; (b) lowest number of cards in a range of numbers of cards banked; (c) highest number of cards in a range of numbers of cards banked; and (d) total number of cards in a range of numbers of cards banked is different than the ratio of another different award in the paytable to such respective values.
In one embodiment the ratio of the lowest number of cards in a range of numbers of cards banked to one award is different than that of at least one different award to a respective lowest number of cards in a range of numbers of cards banked. For example, referring now specifically to the paytable 90 in
Similarly, in one embodiment, the ratio of the upper number of cards in a range of numbers of cards banked to one award is different than that of at least one different award to a respective upper number of cards in a range of numbers of cards banked. For example, referring now specifically to the paytable 90 in
In the paytable 90 of
Also, in various embodiments, certain awards in the paytable have a different ratio to the total number of cards in their respective range of numbers of cards banked than other different awards in the paytable. For example, referring to
It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, such as for other sets of rules, awards associated with designated numbers of cards or ranges of numbers of cards the payout zones can be different, and in particular can have alternate relationships to their respective number of cards or range of numbers of cards. It should also be appreciated that the size of any ranges of numbers of cards associated with various awards need not be equal. For example, the paytable 90 includes ranges of the total number of cards in the deck spanning up to 15 cards, as illustrated in
The awards in a paytable created using an optimizer such as that discussed above could include both primary awards and bonus awards. In various embodiments using such a paytable, a player could receive bonus awards associated with any of a variety of Klondike Solitaire or similar type game outcomes or events. The Klondike Solitaire game outcomes or events associated with bonus awards may include any of: (a) the placement of a designated card or cards in a payout zone or the payout zones, collectively (i.e., the placement of an eight of hearts in the hearts payout zone or bank); (b) the non-placement of or inability to place a certain card or cards in a payout zone or the payout zones, collectively, during a play of the game (i.e., the unavailability of aces during a play of the game); (c) the placement of at least a designated number of cards in each of the payout zones (i.e., one card in each payout zone or bank); (d) the placement of at least a designated number of cards in a certain payout zone or bank; (e) the “filling” of one or more payout zones (i.e., placement of thirteen cards in the diamonds payout zone or bank); (f) the completion of a designated consecutive number of moves or placements (i.e., four manual moves); (g) the completion of play within a certain period (i.e., a designated amount of time); and (h) any other suitable outcome or event.
The present disclosure also contemplates that a bonus game or opportunity to win a bonus award can be employed in place of one of the payouts. In one such example, the average expected payout of the bonus game is the same as the replaced payout. This bonus game may be any suitable bonus game.
For example, the example paytable 90 includes an award associated with zero cards banked in the payout zones, as illustrated in
The present disclosure also includes a gaming device for providing a wagering Klondike Solitaire or similar type game. In various embodiments, the Klondike Solitaire game includes one stage or multiple stages. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the game includes multiple stages. In this embodiment, if the player wins, completes or solves the Klondike Solitaire game, the player advances to a next stage of play, wherein the player is dealt a new Klondike Solitaire game. In this embodiment, the player continues to advance in such a manner upon winning each respective stage until no further stages remain. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, a player may advance to subsequent stages independent of the result of previous stages based on other designated game events or upon an additional wager.
The present disclosure provides a paytable 90 illustrated in
Providing three stages of play provides more than just enhanced excitement for the player. It is somewhat known that people solve or complete a Klondike Solitaire game about one in forty-five plays. Thus, a problem facing the inventors in making Klondike Solitaire a casino game was that a relatively big award could not be associated with solving the game because it happens too often. Based on the estimate of one solve of a Klondike Solitaire game per forty-five plays, the probability of a player solving three consecutive games would be approximately one in 91,125 plays [(1/45)*(1/45)*(1/45)]. This lower probability, which is accomplished by enabling the player to play, in this example, three consecutive games, allows a relatively much larger award to be associated with solving the game in a third stage of play. This approximate analysis is based on an embodiment in which the player wins, completes or solves the game to advance to the next stage of play. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments in which the player need not win, complete or solve the game to advance to a next stage of play, the same general methodology applies, but with different probabilities, depending on the criteria set for player advancement.
It should be appreciated that in various other embodiments, the player is not automatically entitled an enhanced award for winning, completing or solving the game in the third stage of play. In one embodiment, the player is entitled to such an enhanced award in the third stage of play if the player places an additional wager upon initiation of the plays of the game or wagers a designated amount.
An example of such an embodiment is illustrated in
In this embodiment, the wager of 100 credits entitles the player to a play or round of plays of Klondike Solitaire. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the wager includes: (a) a wager on a designated number of cards being placed in a certain payout zone or bank; (b) a wager on a designated number of cards being placed in the payout zones, collectively; (c) a wager on a designated range of numbers of cards being placed in a certain payout zone; (d) a wager on a designated range of numbers of cards being placed in the payout zones, collectively; (e) a wager on a designated number of cards being placed in a certain combination of payout zones or banks (i.e., diamonds and hearts); (f) a wager on a designated range of numbers of cards being placed in a certain combination of payout zones or banks (i.e., clubs and spades); (g) any combination of these; or (h) a wager on any other suitable outcome.
After the player places the wager, the gaming device 10a or 10b causes a game of Klondike Solitaire to be dealt and displayed on the display 16. In this embodiment, cards turned face up from the stock pile 62 are displayed one at a time in the discard pile 66, as illustrated in
Each of the piles 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d, 60e, 60f and 60g include one card dealt face-up, as illustrated in
In various embodiments disclosed herein, the Klondike Solitaire game includes a manual mode, an automatic mode or a semi-automatic mode. In the manual mode, the player makes all Klondike Solitaire strategy decisions and causes the cards to move accordingly. In the automatic mode, the gaming device makes all of the moves or at least one placement for the player, wherein the gaming device determines what moves or placements to make for the player based on designated game strategy criteria. In one semi-automatic mode, the gaming device suggests or makes moves or at least one placement for the player if the player appears stuck or does not make a move within a designated period of time. In various embodiments, the gaming device also makes moves or at least one placement for the player which are guaranteed safe moves. Safe moves are moves which can only have a positive effect. Such moves may include, for instance, automatically banking an ace or a two, automatically banking any card of face value N when all cards of face value 1 to N-2 have been banked, automatically moving a King to an empty spot when there are sufficient empty spots for all Kings, and automatically drawing the next card when no other move is possible.
In various embodiments, the gaming device assists the player during play of the Klondike Solitaire game. The gaming device assists the player under a variety of circumstances. For example, the gaming device may assist the player if: (a) a designated period (such as an amount of time) has passed between moves; (b) only one move is available; (c) the game is in automatic mode; (d) a designated game event occurs; (d) any combination of these; or (e) under any suitable circumstances. In this embodiment the player places the game in automatic mode by selecting the Auto Move button 70, as illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the gaming device assists the player in a variety of ways. For example, in various embodiments, the gaming device assists the player by: (a) suggesting moves; (b) performing moves for the player (i.e., automatically placing aces and deuces in their respective banks when they are free); (c) pointing out missed potential moves; (d) allowing the player to undo one or more moves; (e) any combination of these; or (f) other suitable methods. In one embodiment, the gaming device enhances audio associated with the game or the brightness of the display to emphasize certain suggestions or in association with assistance to the player in any suitable capacity.
Turning now specifically to the series of figures beginning with
The player makes three further moves manually. The result of those moves is illustrated in
The player selects the Auto Move button 70 to have the gaming device make their fifth move, as illustrated in
The player selects the Auto Move button 70 two more times. The gaming device builds the eight of spades from pile 60f onto the nine of diamonds on pile 60c. The two of hearts is then turned face-up on pile 60f, as illustrated in FIG. 7E. Then, the gaming device builds the seven of hearts from the discard pile 66 onto the eight of spades, which is now associated with pile 60c, as illustrated by
The player makes their next two moves manually. First, the player builds the queen of dubs from the discard pile 66 onto the king of hearts on pile 60g, as illustrated in
The foregoing two moves result in the turning up of the ace of diamonds on pile 60c, as illustrated in
The player selects the Auto Move button 70 five more times. This results in the gaming device making five more moves on behalf of the player. The result of these five moves is illustrated in
The player uses the Auto Move feature to play the rest of the game. In this example, the gaming device solves the game. Accordingly, 52 cards are placed in the payout zones, as illustrated in
In this embodiment, when a player or the gaming device solves the game, the player automatically advances to a second stage. The second stage includes a play of a newly dealt Klondike Solitaire game. If the player or the gaming device does not solve the first stage, the game is over. If the player or the gaming device solves the game in the second stage, the player automatically advances to a third stage. If the player or gaming device does not solve the game in the second stage, the game is over. In this example, the gaming device advances the player to a second stage of play, as illustrated in
It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the awards associated with various game Klondike Solitaire outcomes or events vary or are modified according to any of: (a) what stage of play the player has advanced to; (b) an amount of time (i.e., the duration of the game); (c) the number of payout zones into which cards are placed; or (d) which payout zone or payout zones cards are placed in (i.e., payout may vary by suit or each payout zone may be associated with a multiplier); (e) any suitable combination of these; and (f) any other suitable criteria. In one embodiment, awards are modified by a modifier (i.e., a multiplier) which in different embodiments, is predetermined, randomly determined, determined based on the player's status (such as determined through a player tracking system), determined based on time, determined based on a random determination by the central controller, determined based on a random determination at the gaming machine, determined based on one or more side wagers placed or determined based on any other suitable method or criteria.
It should be appreciated that the example paytable 90 includes awards which are modified by a multiplier in the second and third stages of game play, as illustrated in
The player utilizes the Auto Move feature for the entire play of the second stage by repeatedly selecting the Auto Move button 70, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the gaming device provides the player with a bonus award for each payout zone into which cards are placed during a play of the game, as illustrated in the alternative outcome of
Now referring to
Also, in this embodiment, the gaming device enables the player to “undo” one or more moves performed by the player or the gaming device. In this embodiment, the gaming device charges the player a designated amount of credits to undo one or moves. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the gaming device enables the player to undo one or more moves for free. In an alternative embodiment, the gaming device charges the player a certain number of credits each time the player moves a card from the discard pile or performs other designated moves.
In one example, the player places a wager of 100 credits to play the Klondike Solitaire game as illustrated in
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the gaming device is configured to recognize a player's style of play and thus be at least someone reflexive. Once the gaming device has recognized a players style of play, in various embodiments, the gaming device may: (a) place a player in a certain style category having its own set of outcome probabilities and related paytable; or alternatively (b) run an optimizer using the player's strategy as that input into the optimizer, with the optimizer outputting a set of probabilities specific for that player. Each of the style categories may be associated with its own respective paytable. In one embodiment, once a player's style is categorized, the gaming device assigns a certain alternative paytable associated with that style to the player's play or plays of the game. In another embodiment, if an optimizer determines a set of probabilities associated with a player's specific style, the gaming device creates a paytable specifically for that player. In that embodiment, the gaming device adjusts awards in a paytable for future plays of the game by the player such that the paytable achieves a designated average expected payback percentage.
It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, each payout zone or bank has its own paytable. In various such embodiments, one or more of the paytables associated with the respective payout zones are different. In such embodiments, a player could have a same number of cards banked at the end of each of two plays of the game, but receive a different award, based on which payout zones the respective cards were banked in for each play of the game. Differences in the magnitude of awards in the paytables associated with respective payout zones in such embodiments could influence a player's strategy. In other embodiments, red suits (diamonds and hearts) and black suits (clubs and spades) could each have their own respective paytables.
It should be appreciated that the designated game strategies utilized by the gaming device in automatic mode may be the same as those input into the optimizer or different than those input into the optimizer. In one embodiment disclosed herein, the game play strategies utilized by the optimizer and the gaming device in automatic mode are the same. Accordingly, in that embodiment, the probabilities associated with actual game play in automatic mode are substantially identical to those predicted by the optimizer.
In one embodiment, the gaming system enables the player to begin play of the Klondike Solitaire game with various predetermined or randomly determined mid-game scenarios. When a player begins play with a mid-game scenario, the player begins play of a game which has automatically been played up to a designated point and begins play of the game at that designated point. Any suitable method may be employed to get to the designated mid-game point.
In another embodiment, the gaming system enables players to play in a Klondike Solitaire tournament. Tournament play may begin randomly or upon the occurrence of a designated triggering or starting event or time. During tournament play in various embodiments, participating players play the same dealt Klondike Solitaire game (i.e., play head-to-head) or play different Klondike Solitaire games and compete on the basis of number of cards placed in the payout zones or other criteria. It should be appreciated that the designated triggering event triggering tournament play could be any of: (a) exceeding a certain amount of game play (such as number of games, number of credits, or amount of time); (b) reaching a specified number of credits earned during game play; or (c) any other suitable event.
In one embodiment, the Klondike Solitaire game is associated with one or more progressive or multi-level progressive awards as discussed above and adapted to be provided to a player. In one embodiment, a player's eligibility for a progressive or multi-level progressive award is a function of the amount of time it takes the player to play the game. In other words, if a player is playing too slow, the player is not eligible for a progressive or multi-level progressive award. Any other suitable function can be used to provide the player such progressive awards.
In another embodiment, a player wagers on the placement of certain cards in the payout zones. When laid out, the cards in the payout zones at the end of a play of the game lie on paylines, such as those one would wager on when playing a slot-type game. Prior to prompting the player to place a wager on a Klondike Solitaire game, the display 16 illustrates a variety of paylines 52a to 52h to the player and a paytable 96 associated therewith, as illustrated in
It should be appreciated that although this disclosure focuses on Klondike Solitaire, any and all of the gaming devices, games and methods disclosed herein may be adapted to other versions of solitaire.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of provisional U.S. Application No. 60/986,509, filed on Nov. 8, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60986509 | Nov 2007 | US |
