Poker playing system featuring computer generated cards and chips

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for playing a poker hand at a poker table by a plurality of players comprises: a Computer; a plurality of player consoles wherein the player consoles are distributed at the poker table in a manner to accommodate the players and wherein each player console comprises display means being responsive to the Computer; and a plurality of first transmitting means for allowing the Computer and the player consoles to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other; the Computer comprising random card generating means for effecting display of randomly generated card designations on each player console display means; and the Computer sequentially responding to wagering information being sent by a particular player console and the Computer not responding to wagering information being sent by the other player consoles.

1 . A system being capable of allowing the playing of a poker hand at a poker table by a plurality of players, said system comprising: 
 a computer;    a plurality of player consoles; said player consoles being distributed at such poker table in a manner to accommodate the players; and each player console comprising display means being capable of responding to said computer; and    a plurality of first transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and each player console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said computer comprising random card generating means being capable of effecting display of randomly generated card designations on each player console display means; and    said computer being capable of sequentially responding to wagering information being sent by each player console while not responding to wagering information being sent by the other player consoles during such poker hand.    
   
   
       2 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; and a second display surface being visible to other players.  
   
   
       3 . In the system of  claim 2:   said computer being capable of causing display of unique hole-card images on the second display surface at each respective player console display means at the end of the poker hand;    said computer determining the winning player at the end of the poker hand;    said computer designating such winning player on the second display surface at his respective player console display means at the end of the poker hand; and    said computer crediting the amount of the pot to the stored account of such winning player at the end of the poker hand.    
   
   
       4 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; and a second display surface being visible to other players; each first display surface being capable of displaying its unique hole-cards and the common cards of the poker hand; and each second display surface being capable of displaying the common cards of the poker hand.  
   
   
       5 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; and a second display surface being visible to other players; each first display surface and each second display surface being capable of displaying a graphical image of a stack of chips being numerically equivalent to the amount bet at its respective player console.  
   
   
       6 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; a second display surface being distal to such player and being visible to others players; a third display surface being right lateral to such player and being visible to other players; and a fourth display surface being left lateral to such player and being visible to other players.  
   
   
       7 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; a second display surface being distal to such player and being visible to other players; a third display surface being right lateral to such player and being visible to other players; and a fourth display surface being left lateral to such player and being visible to other players; each first display surface being capable of displaying its unique hole-cards and the common cards of the poker hand; and each second display surface, each third display surface, and each fourth display surface being capable of displaying the common cards of the poker hand.  
   
   
       8 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; a second display surface being distal to such player and being visible to other players; a third display surface being right lateral to such player and being visible to other players; and a fourth display surface being left lateral to such player and being visible to other players; each first display surface, each second display surface, each third display surface, and each fourth display surface being capable of displaying a graphical image of a stack of chips being numerically equivalent to the amount bet at its respective player console.  
   
   
       9 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; and a second display surface being visible to other players; each player console having a triangular cross-section.  
   
   
       10 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; and a second display surface being visible to other players; each player console having a triangular cross-section; each first display surface being capable of displaying its unique hole-cards and the common cards of the poker hand; and each second display surface being capable of displaying the common cards of the poker hand.  
   
   
       11 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; and a second display surface being visible to other players; each player console having a triangular cross-section; each first display surface and each second display surface being capable of displaying a graphical image of a stack of chips being numerically equivalent to the amount bet at its respective player console.  
   
   
       12 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; a second display surface being distal to such player and visible to other players; a third display surface being right lateral to such player and being visible to other players; and a fourth display surface being left lateral to such player and being visible to other players; each player console having a triangular cross-section.  
   
   
       13 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; a second display surface being distal to such player and being visible to other players; a third display surface being right lateral to such player and being visible to other players; and a fourth display surface being left lateral to such player and being visible to other players; each player console having a triangular cross-section; each first display surface being capable of displaying its unique hole-cards and the common cards of the poker hand; and each second display surface, each third display surface, and each fourth display surface being capable of displaying the common cards of the poker hand.  
   
   
       14 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; a second display surface being distal to such player and being visible to other players; a third display surface being right lateral to such player and being visible to other players; and a fourth display surface being left lateral to such player and being visible to other players; each player console having a triangular cross-section; each first display surface, each second display surface, each third display surface, and each fourth display surface being capable of displaying a graphical image of a stack of chips being numerically equivalent to the amount bet at its respective player console.  
   
   
       15 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; a second display surface being visible to other players; and rotatable cover means for making said first display surface visible only to such player.  
   
   
       16 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; a second display surface being visible to other players; and rotatable cover means for making said first display surface visible only to such player; each first display surface being capable of displaying its unique hole-cards and the common cards of the poker hand; and each second display surface being capable of displaying the common cards of the poker hand.  
   
   
       17 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; a second display surface being visible to other players; and rotatable cover means for making said first display surface visible only to such player; each first display surface and each second display surface being capable of displaying a graphical image of a stack of chips being numerically equivalent to the amount bet at its respective player console.  
   
   
       18 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; a second display surface being distal to such player and being visible to other players; a third display surface being right lateral to such player and being visible to other players; a fourth display surface being left lateral to such player and being visible to other players; and rotatable cover means for making said first display surface visible only to such player.  
   
   
       19 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; a second display surface being distal to such player and being visible to other players; a third display surface being right lateral to such player and being visible to other players; a fourth display surface being left lateral to such player and being visible to other players; and rotatable cover means for making said first display surface visible only to such player; each first display surface being capable of displaying its unique hole-cards and the common cards of the poker hand; and each second display surface, each third display surface, and each fourth display surface being capable of displaying the common cards of the poker hand.  
   
   
       20 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means comprising: a first display surface being proximal to its player and being visible to such player; a second display surface being distal to such player and being visible to other players; a third display surface being right lateral to such player and being visible to other players; a fourth display surface being left lateral to such player and being visible to other players; and rotatable cover means for making said first display surface visible only to such player; each first display surface, each second display surface, each third display surface, and each fourth display surface being capable of displaying a graphical image of a stack of chips being numerically equivalent to the amount bet at its respective player console.  
   
   
       21 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means being capable of displaying numerical equivalent images of cards being randomly generated by said computer random card generating means.  
   
   
       22 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means being capable of displaying graphical images of cards being randomly generated by said computer random card generating means.  
   
   
       23 . In the system of  claim 1 , said first transmitting means being wireless means.  
   
   
       24 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means being capable of displaying wager action be it check, fold, call, bet or raise.  
   
   
       25 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means being capable of displaying the amount of money remaining in its player's computer stored account.  
   
   
       26 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console comprising tipping means being capable of allowing its winning player to tip the dealer, if any.  
   
   
       27 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console comprising crediting means being capable of allowing its player to credit his computer stored player account.  
   
   
       28 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console comprising terminating means being capable of allowing its player to terminate play at his player console.  
   
   
       29 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console display means being capable of designating the button player console, the little blind player console, and the big blind player console at the beginning of the poker hand.  
   
   
       30 . In the system of  claim 1 , said computer being capable of computing and storing the rake amount earned by the casino at the end of the poker hand and deducting such rake amount from the final value of the pot at the end of the poker hand.  
   
   
       31 . In the system of  claim 1 , said computer being capable of computing and storing the cumulative value of all tips given to the dealer, if any, up to the end of each poker hand.  
   
   
       32 . In the system of  claim 1 , said computer being capable of computing and storing the cumulative value of all rake amounts earned by the casino up to the end of each poker hand.  
   
   
       33 . In the system of  claim 1:   each player console comprising swiping means for allowing the accessing of information relating to a player; and    said computer being capable of storing such player information, such player log-in time, and such player log-out time.    
   
   
       34 . In the system of  claim 1 , at the beginning of the poker hand, said computer designating a particular player console to be the big blind player console; said computer being capable of enabling the player console following said big blind player console; and said computer dis-enabling every other player console.  
   
   
       35 . The system of  claim 1  also comprising a secondary computer being capable of responding to said computer for continually storing: the value of each player's stored account; the cumulative value of all tips given to the dealer, if any; the cumulative value of all rake amounts earned by the casino; the card designations displayed on each player console display screen; and the wager information sent to said computer by each player console during each poker hand.  
   
   
       36 . In the system of  claim 1 , each player console comprising touch-responsive display means being capable of allowing the sending of wager information to said computer.  
   
   
       37 . In the system of  claim 1 , said computer being capable of tabulating and storing the number of poker hands played per unit time.  
   
   
       38 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a common console at such poker table; and    second transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said common console comprising display means being capable of displaying the value of the pot during the poker hand.    
   
   
       39 . In the system of  claim 38 , said second transmitting means being wireless means.  
   
   
       40 . In the system of  claim 38 , said common console comprising means being capable of activating each assigned player console at the beginning of play by the assigned player at such assigned player console.  
   
   
       41 . In the system of  claim 38 , said common console comprising printing means being capable of printing information relating to each player and the final amount of each player's computer stored account upon termination of play by each player.  
   
   
       42 . In the system of  claim 38:   each player console comprising display means being capable of visually designating its position as the button player console, the little blind player console, or the big blind player console at the beginning of the poker hand; and    said common console comprising means being capable of activating said designated button player console display, said designated little blind player console display, and said designated big blind player console display at the beginning of the poker hand.    
   
   
       43 . In the system of  claim 38:   said common console comprising swiping means being capable of accessing information relating to each player; and    said computer being capable of storing such player information, such player log-in time, and such player log-out time.    
   
   
       44 . The system of  claim 38  comprising: 
 a main console; and    third transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said main console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said main console comprising activating means being capable of activating said common console at the beginning of play.    
   
   
       45 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a common console at such poker table; and    second transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said common console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a first display surface being distal to the center of such poker table and being visible to the dealer, if any; and a second display surface being proximal to the center of such poker table and being visible to players.    
   
   
       46 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a common console at such poker table; and    second transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said common console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a first display surface being distal to the center of such poker table and being visible to the dealer, if any; and a second display surface being proximal to the center of the poker table and being visible to players; said first display surface and said second display surface being capable of displaying the common cards of the poker hand.    
   
   
       47 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a common console at such poker table; and    second transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said common console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a first display surface being distal to the center of such poker table and being visible to players; and a second display surface being proximal to the center of such poker table and being visible to players; said first display surface and said second display surface being capable of displaying a graphical image of a stack of chips being numerically equivalent to the value of the pot during the poker hand.    
   
   
       48 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a common console at such poker table; and    second transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said common console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a first display surface being distal to the center of such poker table and being visible to players; a second display surface being proximal to the center of such poker table and being visible to players; a third display surface being right lateral to the center of such poker table and being visible to players; and a fourth display surface being left lateral to the dealer and being visible to players.    
   
   
       49 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a common console at such poker table; and    second transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said common console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a first display surface being distal to the center of such poker table dealer and being visible to players; a second display surface being proximal to the center of such poker table and being visible to players; a third display surface being right lateral to the center of such poker table and being visible to players; and a fourth display surface being left lateral to the center of such poker table and being visible to players; said first display surface, said second display surface, said third display surface, and said fourth display surface being capable of displaying the common cards of the poker hand.    
   
   
       50 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a common console at such poker table; and    second transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said common console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a first display surface being distal to the center of such poker table dealer and being visible to players; a second display surface being proximal to the center of such poker table and being visible to players; a third display surface being right lateral to the center of such poker table and being visible to players; and a fourth display surface being left lateral to the center of such poker table and being visible to players; said first display surface, said second display surface, said third display surface, and said fourth display surface being capable of displaying graphical images of a stack of chips being numerically equivalent to the value of the pot during the poker hand.    
   
   
       51 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a common console at such poker table; and    second transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said common console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a first display surface being distal to the center of such poker table dealer and being visible to players; a second display surface being proximal to the center of such poker table and being visible to players; said common console having a triangular cross-section.    
   
   
       52 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a common console at such poker table; and    second transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said common console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a first display surface being distal to the center of such poker table dealer and being visible to players; a second display surface being proximal distal to the center of such poker table and being visible to players; said common console having a triangular cross-section; said first display surface and said second display surface being capable of displaying the common cards of the poker hand.    
   
   
       53 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a common console at such poker table; and    second transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said common console comprising display means; said display means comprising: a first display surface being distal to the center of such poker table dealer and being visible to players; a second display surface being proximal distal to the center of such poker table and being visible to players; said common console having a triangular cross-section; said first display surface and said second display surface being capable of displaying graphical images of a stack of chips being numerically equivalent to the value of the pot during the poker hand.    
   
   
       54 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a common console at such poker table; and    second transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said common console comprising display means; said display means being capable of displaying numerical equivalent images of the common cards being randomly generated by said computer random card generating means.    
   
   
       55 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a common console at such poker table; and    second transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said common console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said common console comprising display means; said display means being capable of displaying graphical images of the common cards being randomly generated by said computer random card generating means.    
   
   
       56 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a modular common console being removably attached to such poker table; and    second transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said modular common console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said modular common console comprising display means being capable of displaying the value of the pot during the poker hand.    
   
   
       57 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a main console; and    third transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said main console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said main console comprising display means being capable of displaying information relating to each player, the buy-in amount of each player, and the assigned player console of each player.    
   
   
       58 . In the system of  claim 1:   said main console comprising swiping means being capable of accessing information relating to each player; and    said computer being capable of storing such player information, such player log-in time, and such player log-out time.    
   
   
       59 . In the system of  claim 1:   said main console comprising swiping means being capable of accessing information relating to each player; and    said computer being capable of storing such player information.    
   
   
       60 . In the system of  claim 57 , said third transmitting means being wireless means.  
   
   
       61 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a modular main console and a base for same wherein said modular main console is removably attached to said base; and    third transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said modular main console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said modular main console comprising display means being capable of displaying information relating to each player, the buy-in amount of each player, and the assigned player console of each player.    
   
   
       62 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a main console; and    third transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said main console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said main console comprising printing means being capable of printing information relating to each player, the buy-in amount of each player, and the assigned player console of each player.    
   
   
       63 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a main console; and    third transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said main console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said main console comprising display means being capable of displaying the cumulative value of all tips given to the dealer, if any, and the cumulative value of all rake amounts earned by the casino.    
   
   
       64 . The system of  claim 1  comprising: 
 a main console; and    third transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and said main console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said main console comprising printing means being capable of printing the cumulative value of all tips given to the dealer, if any, and the cumulative value of all rake amounts earned by the casino.    
   
   
       65 . A system being capable of allowing the playing of a poker hand at a poker table by a plurality of players, said system comprising: 
 a computer;    a plurality of player consoles; said player consoles being distributed at such poker table in a manner to accommodate the players; and each player console comprising display means being capable of responding to said computer; and    a plurality of first transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and each player console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said computer comprising random card generating means being capable of effecting display of randomly generated card designations on each player console display means;    said computer being capable of sending signals to sequentially enable each player console so that the enabled player console may send wagering information to said computer; and    said computer being capable of simultaneously sending signals to dis-enable the other player consoles so that said dis-enabled player consoles may not send any wagering information to said computer while said enabled player console sends wagering information.    
   
   
       66 . A system being capable of allowing the playing of a poker hand at a poker table by a plurality of players, said system comprising: 
 a computer;    a plurality of player consoles; said player consoles being distributed at such poker table in a manner to accommodate the players; and each player console comprising display means being capable of responding to said computer; and    a plurality of first transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and each player console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said computer comprising random card generating means being capable of effecting display of randomly generated card designations on each player console display means;    said computer being capable of sequentially enabling each player console so that the enabled player console may send wagering information to said computer while said player console is enabled; and    said computer being capable of simultaneously dis-enabling the other player consoles so that the other player consoles may not send wagering information to said computer while said player console is enabled.    
   
   
       67 . A system being capable of allowing the playing of at least one betting round of a poker hand at a poker table by a plurality of players, said system comprising: 
 a computer;    a plurality of player consoles; said player consoles being distributed at such poker table in a manner to accommodate the players; and each player console comprising display means being capable of responding to said computer; and    a plurality of first transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and each player console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said computer comprising random card generating means being capable of effecting display of randomly generated card designations on each player console display means;    said computer sequentially responding to wagering information being sent by a particular player console during a betting round of the poker hand; and said computer simultaneously not responding to wagering information being sent by the other player consoles during such betting round of the poker hand.    
   
   
       68 . A system being capable of allowing the playing of poker at a plurality of poker tables by a plurality of players at each poker table, said system comprising: 
 a computer;    a plurality of player consoles being located at each poker table; said player consoles at each poker table being distributed in a manner to accommodate the players at each poker table; and each player console at each poker table comprising display means being capable of responding to said computer; and    a plurality of first transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and each player console at each poker table to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said computer comprising random card generating means being capable of effecting display of randomly generated card designations on the player console display means located at each poker table;    wherein a particular player console at a particular poker table is enabled by said computer to send wagering information relating to a check, fold, call, bet or raise to said computer while said particular player console at such particular poker table is enabled and wherein the other player consoles at such particular poker table are simultaneously dis-enabled by said computer to not send wagering information to said computer while said particular player console is enabled.    
   
   
       69 . A system being capable of allowing the playing of a poker hand at a poker table by a plurality of players, said system comprising: 
 a computer;    a plurality of modular player consoles each being removably attached to such poker table; said modular player consoles being distributed at such poker table in a manner to accommodate the players; and each modular player console comprising display means being capable of responding to said computer; and    a plurality of first transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and each modular player console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said computer comprising random card generating means being capable of effecting display of randomly generated card designations on each modular player console display means;    each modular player console comprising means being capable of allowing each active player remaining in the poker hand to check, fold, call, bet or raise while such active player's modular console is enabled by said computer and while the other modular player consoles are simultaneously dis-enabled by said computer; and said computer sequentially enabling and then dis-enabling each modular player console of the active players remaining in the poker hand.    
   
   
       70 . In the system of  claim 69:   said computer being capable of computing and storing information relating to the amount of money remaining in the account of each player;    said computer being capable of retaining said stored amount if an active player checks or folds; and    said computer being capable of deducting the amount of the call, bet or raise from said stored amount if an active player calls, bets or raises, respectively.    
   
   
       71 . In the system of  claim 70 , said computer being capable of computing and storing information relating to said deducted amounts for computing the cumulative value of the pot.  
   
   
       72 . In the system of  claim 70 , said computer being capable of deducting the time amount earned by the casino per unit time from the computer stored stack account of each player.  
   
   
       73 . A system being capable of allowing the playing of a poker hand at a poker table by a plurality of players, said system comprising: 
 a computer;    a plurality of modular player consoles; each modular player console being removably attached to such poker table and being distributed at such poker table to accommodate the players; and each modular player console comprising display means being capable of responding to said computer; and    a plurality of first transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and each modular player console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said computer comprising random card generating means being capable of effecting display of randomly generated card designations on each player console display means;    said computer being capable of sending signals to sequentially enable each modular player console so that the enabled modular player console may send wagering information to said computer while said modular player console is enabled; and    said computer being capable of simultaneously sending signals to dis-enable the other modular player consoles so that said other modular player consoles may not send wagering information to said computer while said modular player console is enabled.    
   
   
       74 . A system being capable of allowing the playing of a poker hand at a poker table by a plurality of players, said system comprising: 
 a computer;    a plurality of modular player consoles; each modular player console being removably attached to such poker table and being distributed at such poker table to accommodate the players; and each modular player console comprising display means being capable of responding to said computer; and    a plurality of first transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and each modular player console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said computer comprising random card generating means being capable of effecting display of randomly generated card designations on each modular player console display means;    said computer being capable of sequentially enabling each modular player console so that the enabled modular player console may send wagering information to said computer while the modular player console is enabled; and    said computer being capable of simultaneously dis-enabling the other modular player consoles so that said other modular player consoles may not send wagering information to said computer while said modular player console is enabled.    
   
   
       75 . A system being capable of allowing the playing of up to four betting rounds of a poker hand at a poker table by a plurality of players, said system comprising: 
 a computer;    a plurality of player consoles; said player consoles being distributed at the poker table in a manner to accommodate the players; and each player console comprising display means being capable of responding to said computer;    a plurality of first transmitting means being capable of allowing said computer and each player console to send signals to each other and to receive signals from each other;    said computer comprising random card generating means being capable of effecting display of randomly generated unique hole-card images and common card images on each player console display means;    wherein before the first betting round of the poker hand said computer random card generating means is capable of effecting display of unique hole-card images on each player console display means;    wherein during the first betting round said computer is capable of sequentially responding to wagering information being sent by each player console and simultaneously being capable of not responding to wagering information being sent by the other player consoles;    wherein after the first betting round and before the second betting round, if played, said computer random card generating means is capable of effecting display of common card images on each player console display means;    wherein during the second betting round said computer is capable of sequentially responding to wagering information being sent by each player console and simultaneously being capable of not responding to wagering information being sent by the other player consoles;    wherein after the second betting round, if played, and before the third betting round, if played, said computer random card generating means is capable of capable of effecting display of one more common card image on each player console display means;    wherein during the third betting round, if played, said computer is capable of sequentially responding to wagering information being sent by each player console and simultaneously being capable of not responding to wagering information being sent by the other player consoles;    wherein after the third betting round, if played, and before the fourth betting round, if played, said computer random card generating means is capable of effecting display of one more common card image on each player console display means; and    wherein during the fourth betting round, if played, said computer is capable of sequentially responding to wagering information being sent by each player console and simultaneously being capable of not responding to wagering information being sent by the other player consoles.    
   
   
       76 . A method for allowing the playing of a poker hand including up to four betting rounds at a poker table by a plurality of players, said method comprising the steps of: 
 Electronically designating in clockwise order when viewing the poker table from above, the player who is the button, the player who is the little blind, and the player who is the big blind;    Electronically debiting the stored account of the little blind player with the amount of the little blind and crediting the pot with such little blind amount;    Electronically debiting the stored account of the big blind player with the amount of the big blind and crediting the pot with such big blind amount;    Electronically displaying to each player random electronically generated unique hole-cards on first display means being exclusively visible to each respective player, said first display means being attached to such poker table;    Allowing each player after the big blind player and before the little blind player in clockwise order to electronically call, raise or fold as the case may be while simultaneously electronically blocking the other players from betting during the first betting round of the poker hand;    Allowing the little blind player and the big blind player to electronically call, raise or fold as the case may be in clockwise sequence while simultaneously electronically blocking the other players from betting during the first betting round of the poker hand;    Electronically debiting the stored account of each player with the amount of his call or raise as the case may be and electronically crediting the pot with each such call or raise amount;    Electronically displaying to all players random electronically generated common cards on said first display means and on second display means, said second display means being visible to the players and being attached to such poker table;    Allowing each player starting with the player after the button player and up to the button player to electronically check, bet, call, raise or fold as the case may be in clockwise sequence while simultaneously electronically blocking the other players from betting during the second betting round, if played, of the poker hand;    Electronically debiting the stored account of each player with the amount of his bet, call or raise as the case may be and electronically crediting the pot with each such bet, call or raise amount;    Electronically displaying to all players a one more random electronically generated common card on said first display means and on said second display means;    Allowing each player starting with the player after the button player and up to the button player to electronically check, bet, call, raise or fold as the case may be in clockwise sequence while simultaneously electronically blocking the other players from betting during the third betting round, if played, of the poker hand;    Electronically debiting the stored account of each player with the amount of his bet, call or raise as the case may be and electronically crediting the pot with each such bet, call or raise amount;    Electronically displaying to all players one more common random electronically generated common card on said first display means and on said second display means;    Allowing each player starting with the player after the button player and up to the button player to electronically check, bet, call, raise or fold as the case may be in clockwise sequence while simultaneously electronically blocking the other players from betting during the fourth betting round, if played, of the poker hand;    Electronically debiting the stored account of each player with the amount of his bet, call or raise as the case may be and electronically crediting the pot with each such bet, call or raise amount;    Electronically determining the winning player with the best poker hand made up of the unique hole-cards and the common cards;    Electronically designating the winning player of the poker hand and the winning poker hand on said first display means and on said second display means; and    Electronically crediting the stored account of the winning player with the net amount of the pot at the end of the poker hand.