Computer gaming device and method for computer gaming

Abstract

A system for computer gaming includes a processor configured to provide a first table of a first group of players grouped together to play a first hand and provide to each of the first group of players one or more cards for the first hand. The system includes an interface couple to the processor and configured to receive from a first player of the first group of players a request to fold the one or more cards of the first player. The processor is also configured to automatically move the first player to a second table of a second group of players grouped together to play a second hand.

1 - 46 . (canceled) 
     
     
         47 . A gaming system, comprising:
 a server provided in communication with a plurality of subscriber terminals, to maintain a virtual gaming environment that includes a plurality of gaming tables, wherein:   each gaming table represents a virtual location for subscribers to play a hand of poker according to a respective selection of game type;   the server, responsive to requests, from first players at a first table of the plurality of gaming tables, to fold before gameplay at the first table is concluded, adds the first players to a queue;   the server assigns the first players in the queue to a second table after the queue has enough first players to start a new hand at the second table before gameplay at the first table is concluded; and   the server maintains an appearance that the first players are active at the first table from times of the respective requests to fold until gameplay at the first table reaches positions of the first players.   
     
     
         48 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein:
 gameplay remains active at the first table for at least one player not in the queue.   
     
     
         49 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein:
 the server, in response to the requests to fold, prevents further participation at the first table by the first players in the queue.   
     
     
         50 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the first players in the queue are prevented from seeing any information associated with the queue. 
     
     
         51 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the server determines a location of a dealer button with respect to the first players seating positions at the second table based on a fairness algorithm. 
     
     
         52 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the server determines seating locations of the first players at the second table based upon seating locations of the first players at the first table. 
     
     
         53 . A method for managing gaming tables, comprising:
 providing, by a server in communication with a plurality of subscriber terminals, a virtual gaming environment that includes a lobby area and a plurality of gaming tables, wherein each gaming table represents a virtual location for subscribers to play a hand of poker according to a respective selection of game type;   responsive to requests, from first players at a first table of the plurality of gaming tables, to fold before gameplay at the first table is concluded, adding the first players to a queue;   assigning the first players in the queue to a second table after the queue has enough first players to start a new hand at the second table before gameplay at the first table is concluded; and   maintaining an appearance that the first players are active at the first table from times of the respective requests to fold until gameplay at the first table reaches positions of the first players.   
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein:
 gameplay remains active at the first table for at least one player not in the queue.   
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein:
 the server, in response to the requests to fold, prevents further participation at the first table by the first players in the queue.   
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the first players in the queue are prevented from seeing any information associated with the queue. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the server determines a location of a dealer button with respect to the first players seating positions at the second table based on a fairness algorithm. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the server determines seating locations of the first players at the second table based upon seating locations of the first players at the first table. 
     
     
         59 . A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon program instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:
 providing, by a server in communication with a plurality of subscriber terminals, a virtual gaming environment that includes a lobby area and a plurality of gaming tables, wherein each gaming table represents a virtual location for subscribers to play a hand of poker according to a respective selection of game type;   responsive to requests, from first players at a first table of the plurality of gaming tables, to fold before gameplay at the first table is concluded, adding the first players to a queue;   assigning the first players in the queue to a second table after the queue has enough first players to start a new hand at the second table before gameplay at the first table is concluded; and   maintaining an appearance that the first players are active at the first table from times of the respective requests to fold until gameplay at the first table reaches positions of the first players.   
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 59 , wherein:
 gameplay remains active at the first table for at least one player not in the queue.   
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 59 , wherein:
 the server, in response to the requests to fold, prevents further participation at the first table by the first players in the queue.   
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 59 , wherein the first players in the queue are prevented from seeing any information associated with the queue. 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 59 , wherein the server determines a location of a dealer button with respect to the first players seating positions at the second table based on a fairness algorithm. 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 59 , wherein the server determines seating locations of the first players at the second table based upon seating locations of the first players at the first table.