Method and apparatus for playing a skill game

Abstract

A skill game rewards a player after a round of play only upon the entry of a “correct play” that is based on the rules of the game being played. A “correct play” is determined under the rules of the particular game being played and is one that gives the player a better chance to obtain the outcome desired by the player. In some games, the “correct play” is defined mathematically. In other games, the “correct play” is determined by knowing the rules of the game being played. A combination of both methods is typical. The execution by the player of a correct play is a skill. If the player enters the correct play, the player is rewarded. The reward may be to continue the play of the game and to reward a prize to the player based on the outcome of the game.

1 . A method for operating an amusement device; said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) allowing a player to preview the next event that will be played in a game involving player skill before the player elects to play the game by paying money; the game having predefined rules and a plurality of potential game plays for the displayed event;   (b) accepting a payment from the player after the player has previewed the next event that will be played;   (c) displaying the previewed event as the actual event to be played by the player; and   (d) enabling a player to input a game play decision into the displayed event using a player interface.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of determining if the game play decision input by the player is the correct game play decision, the determination being based on the predefined rules for the displayed event; and ending the game if the game play decision is not the correct game play decision. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of awarding a prize to the player if the game play decision is the correct game play decision. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of limiting the amount of time the player has to input a decision into the displayed event. 
     
     
         5 . A method for operating an electronic amusement device, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) displaying on a display device the next event that will be played in an amusement game before the player elects to play the amusement game by paying money to initiate the amusement game; the amusement game having predefined rules and a plurality of potential game plays for the displayed event;   (b) accepting payment from the player after the player has previewed the next event that will be played;   (c) displaying the previewed event as the actual event to be played by the player; and   (d) enabling a player to input a game play decision into the displayed event using a player interface.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , further comprising the step of allowing the player to initiate the preview of the next event to be played. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising the step of initiating the preview by pressing a preview button. 
     
     
         8 . A method for operating an electronic amusement device, said method comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing an opportunity for a player to preview on a display device the next event that will be played and the value of the next prize that will be awarded in an amusement game before the player elects to play the amusement game by paying money to initiate the amusement game;   (b) accepting payment from the player after the player has had the opportunity to preview the next event that will be played and the value of the next prize that will be awarded if next event is played; and   (c) displaying the previewed event as the actual event to be played by the player.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising the step of allowing the player to initiate the preview of the next event to be played. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising the step of initiating the preview by pressing a preview button. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising the step of awarding the previewed prize as the actual prize awarded as part of the play.