Replacement symbol selection in a method and apparatus for symbol play

Abstract

In a symbol providing game or video poker game, the player makes a wager to play an underlying symbol providing game such as a slot-type game or a draw poker game. An additional or side bet may be required to utilize the discard gameplay option. A predetermined number of cards are dealt face-up to form an initial hand. The player may select to hold none, one, some or all of the dealt cards. The player then may choose none or at least one of the unheld cards (“discards”)—if any discards are available—to receive a narrowed selection of possible replacement cards. The narrowing of the number of possible replacement cards will most likely increase the odds of receiving a replacement card that will ultimately enhance the initial deal. The narrowed replacement card selection is based on predetermined criteria relative to the discard, a player selection, or a processor selected basis.

1 . A method of playing a wagering game in which symbols are provided to a player comprising: 
 a player making a wager on a gaming apparatus;    a displayed set of symbols being provided from a complete set of symbols to a player along at least one line of play;    the player being provided with an opportunity to accept all symbols in the at least one line or replacing at least one symbol on the line;    when the player replaces the at least one symbol, the at least one symbol is removed from the line and one symbol is randomly selected from a set of symbols as a replacement symbol;    wherein the one symbol randomly selected as a replacement symbol is selected from a replacement set of symbols that consists of a number of symbols less than the complete set of symbols.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the replacement set of symbols consists of a number of symbols that is less than the complete set of symbols less the displayed set of symbols.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the complete set of symbols comprises a defined number of various symbols and a specific number of each of the various symbols.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the player may select criteria by which the replacement set is reduced in number to less than the complete set of symbols.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the player may select criteria by which the replacement set is reduced in number to less than the complete set of symbols less the displayed set of symbols.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the complete set of symbols comprises a defined number of various symbols and a specific number of each of the various symbols.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the complete set of symbols comprises a defined number of various symbols and a specific number of each of the various symbols.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  practiced on a slot machine having at least three rows of symbols provided.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the replacement set of symbols consists of a number of symbols that is less than the complete set of symbols less the displayed set of symbols.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the complete set of symbols comprises a defined number of various symbols and a specific number of each of the various symbols.  
   
   
       11 . A method of playing a video poker game in which playing card symbols are provided from a complete set of playing cards comprising a complete number of cards in at least one line of play comprising: 
 a player placing a wager on the video poker game;    displaying a first displayed set of playing card symbols comprising a displayed number of playing cards to the player along at least one line of play;    the player selecting at least one symbol from the displayed set of playing card symbols to be discarded;    a criteria for providing replacement playing card symbols being in effect which defines limiting criteria for selection of playing cards so that playing cards available for use as replacement cards are selected from a replacement set comprising a number of cards that is less than the complete number of cards less the displayed number of cards.    
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the player may select the criteria for replacing cards.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein a processor selects the criteria for replacing cards.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the criteria comprises at least one criterium selected from the group consisting of the at least one replacement card being: 
 a) a different color than the discarded card;    b) a different suit than the discarded card;    c) a different rank than the discarded card;    d) a rank within a defined range of ranks;    e) a rank above a predetermined rank;    f) a rank below a predetermined rank; and    g) a rank other than one or more specific ranks.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein payouts for at least one winning set of symbols is lower for that set of symbols when the replacement symbol is available or when a replacement symbol is selected on the game than when the replacement symbol is not available or is not used in the game.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 11  wherein payouts for at least one winning set of playing cards is lower for that set of playing cards when the replacement playing card is available or when a replacement playing card is selected on the game than when the replacement playing card is not available or is not used in the game.