Concepts for playing poker

Abstract

Concepts, methods and apparatus for playing poker, in which an individual participant has an equal opportunity for winning, notwithstanding that other participants have previously-acquired poker sills. Rectangular-periphery, symmetrical-arrangement patterns establish straight-line locations for display of playing cards to be distributed. Locations for play and wagering are selected by a participant before distribution of cards. Symmetrical patterns, as taught, enable play of multiple hands by multiple players while relying on a single deck of playing cards.

1  Method for playing poker, comprising 
 (A) providing individual participants with an equal opportunity for winning in a round of poker, regardless of previously-acquired poker-playing skills of participating individuals;  
 (B) providing a rectangular-periphery symmetrical pattern for distribution of playing cards for display; such pattern presenting: 
 (i) an equal number of straight-line rows  
 (ii) an equal number of straight-line columns, and  
 (iii) a pair of straight-line diagonals, with  
 (iv) each of such straight-line rows, columns and diagonals defining a location for a poker hand of the same number of cards in each such straight-line location;  
 
 (C) selecting at least one such straight-line location by a participant; then  
 (D) distributing playing cards, from a single deck, face-up into each such straight-line location for receiving playing cards; and  
 (E) evaluating cards in each such selected straight-line location, in accordance with an agreed-upon poker hand combination of cards to determine if a winning hand exists at any such selected straight-line location.  
 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , in which 
 a participant selects from one to eight straight-line locations, from such a symmetrical pattern, which provides: 
 three rows for receiving three cards each,  
 three columns for receiving three cards each, and  
 two diagonals for receiving three cards each.  
   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , in which 
 a player selects from one to ten straight-line locations from such a symmetrical pattern, which provides: 
 four rows for four cards each  
 four columns for four cards each, and  
 two diagonals for four cards each.  
   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , in which 
 a player selects from one to twelve straight-line locations from such a symmetrical pattern, which provides: 
 five rows for receiving five cards each,  
 five columns for receiving five cards each, and  
 two diagonals for receiving five cards each.  
   
     
     
         5 . Apparatus for playing poker according to  claim 1 , comprising 
 symmetrical pattern means for presenting such straight-line locations for distribution and display of playing cards, selected from the group consisting of: 
 (i) software-operated video screen device,  
 (ii) table-top holding tray means,  
 (iii) table-cover playing surface means, and  
 (iv) software-operated hand-held game device.  
   
     
     
         6 . A poker game providing an equal opportunity chance of winning to participants, regardless of previous poker skills, comprising 
 (A) pattern means presenting card location arrangements, in which 
 card arrangement locations are selected from the group consisting of: 
 (i) a rectangular-periphery symmetrical arrangement pattern for nine playing cards, located in three straight-line rows for three straight-line cards each, three straight-line columns for three cards each, which 
 provide for two straight-line diagonals of three cards each, so as to provide eight straight-line individual playing hand locations,  
 
 (ii) a rectangular-periphery symmetrical arrangement pattern for sixteen playing cards located in four straight-line rows and four straight-line columns of four cards each, which 
 provide for two straight-line diagonals so as to provide ten straight-line individual locations for playing hands, and  
 
 (iii) a rectangular-periphery symmetrical arrangement pattern for twenty-five playing cards located in five rows and five columns of five cards each, and two straight-line diagonals, each such location having five cards, so as to provide for twelve individual locations for playing hands; with  
 
   (B) a player designating at least one such location, in a selected pattern for play of a poker hand, with such designation taking place before such playing cards are displayed; and in which    (C) values for poker hand combinations, in each such selected location, are determined based on agreed-upon winning card combinations, after distribution of such playing cards.    
     
     
         7 . Apparatus for symmetrical-arrangement displays for card locations, for playing poker as set forth in claim  6 , selected from the group consisting of: 
 (a) computer-operated video machines,    (b) holding trays, and    (c) table cover playing surfaces.    
     
     
         8 . A poker game of random chance, comprising 
 card arrangement pattern means, as set forth in  claim 6 , used prior to wagering and selection of playing hand locations with such pattern means, in which 
 a plurality of playing cards are arranged face-up for start of play.