Game and bonus game play for slot machines

Abstract

A bonus game is initiated when a specific trigger is achieved in a main game. This bonus game may be virtual, mechanical/virtual or mechanical, and may replace the main game on the main screen, or appear in a separate screen or as a top box. Masked or non-masked cards, symbols or credit amounts are distributed into characteristic-specific pools, the aggregate card, symbols or credit amount in each pool having a relationship to each other. The amounts are compared, and specific predetermined relationships may provide wins, losses or termination criteria.

1 . A method of playing a wagering game or bonus event on a mechanical, mechanical/video or video gaming apparatus comprising: 
 a player placing a wager to play in the game;    at least two comparable groups having a distinguishable characteristic are provided, the at least two comparable groups having a basis of comparison;    a determined relation of comparison between the comparable groups provides a basis of award to the player on the wager;    randomly providing units of the basis of comparison to a single one of the comparable groups;    determining the relationship of the basis of comparison between the at least two comparable groups; and    providing an award when the relationship meets a predetermined standard.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the determination of the relationship for the purpose of providing an award is made at the conclusion of randomly providing units.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein existence of a specific relationship between the at least two comparable groups determines the conclusion of randomly providing units.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the units of comparison are numerical units.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the distinguishable characteristic is displayed on a monitor in the form of relative weight.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the distinguishable characteristic is displayed on a monitor in the form of relative weight.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the distinguishable characteristic is displayed on a monitor in the form of relative weight.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the distinguishable characteristic is displayed on a monitor in the form of relative weight.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the relative weight is displayed as a balance scale.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the relative weight is displayed as a balance scale.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the relative weight is displayed as a balance scale.  
   
   
       12 . A method of playing a wagering game or bonus event on a mechanical, mechanical/video or video gaming apparatus comprising: 
 a player placing a wager to play in the game;    a basis of comparing different groups is provided;    random quantities of units are provided to one group at a time;    after provision of random quantities of units to a group, a comparison is made between the groups according to the basis of comparison;    if the comparison shows a predetermined relationship between at least two groups, providing an award to the player.    
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the units of comparison are numerical units.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the distinguishable characteristic is displayed on a monitor in the form of relative weight.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the distinguishable characteristic is displayed on a monitor in the form of relative weight.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the relative weight is displayed as a balance scale.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the predetermined relationship is equivalency.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the predetermined relationship is exceeding or equaling a specific weight difference.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the specific weight difference is selected in each play of the game.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 12  wherein there are exactly two groups compared; 
 the basis of comparing different groups is a visual image representing weight;    random quantities of units are provided to one group at a time;    after provision of random quantities of units to one group, a comparison is made between the two groups according to the basis of comparison; and    if the comparison shows a predetermined relationship between the two groups, providing an award to the player.    
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the predetermined relationship is equivalency.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the predetermined relationship is exceeding or equaling a specific weight difference.