Constant pace card game

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for maintaining a relatively steady pace in a card game and enhancing the drama associated with the game, such as a poker game. The method may be used with virtually any poker game to maintain a relatively constant pace in a poker tournament. In essence, as play passes to a player, the player is given a predetermined time period within which to play the hand before a restriction or penalty is imposed on the player. By limiting the amount of time for a player to play a turn, the pace of card game will be relatively constant. In order to further enhance the interest of the viewing audience in the game, visual effects may optionally be provided to provide an indication to the players, as well as the viewing audience, of the time period.

1 . A method for controlling the pace of a live card game comprising the steps of: 
 monitoring the play of a live card game having more than one player;    sensing each time when play passes to a player; and    imposing a restriction on a player that does not take action within a first predetermined time period.    
   
   
       2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further including the step of providing a shot clock for measuring said first predetermined time period.  
   
   
       3 . The method as recited in  claim 2 , further including the step of providing visual effects indicative of the end of said first predetermined time period.  
   
   
       4 . The method as recited in  claim 3 , further including the step of providing visual effects of predetermined intervals within said first predetermined time period.  
   
   
       5 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said monitoring step comprises monitoring the play of a poker game.  
   
   
       6 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said restriction is declaring the player's hand dead at the end of said first predetermined time period.  
   
   
       7 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein a subsequent time period is initiated and the player's hand is declared dead at the end of the subsequent time period if the hand is not played by the expiration of the first time period.