US20040251626A1

US20040251626A1 - Dice game

Info

Publication number: US20040251626A1
Application number: US10/861,363
Authority: US
Inventors: Sammy Porter; Dale Porter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-06-12
Filing date: 2004-06-07
Publication date: 2004-12-16

Abstract

The present dice game includes provision for a series of wagers on virtually any possible outcome of the toss of a pair of conventional cubical dice. The present game allows players to place wagers on the possibility of (a) a specific single number coming up on either of the dice, (b) any doubles number in general, (c) a specific additive total counting both dice, (d) an odd or even number additive total, and/or (e) a high or low additive total, i.e. above or below a median number. Odds are provided in accordance with the probability of each of the above noted possibilities occurring. The present game is well suited for casino play, and a gaming table layout is provided with a series of player stations each having a series of positions for placing wagers in accordance with the above possibilities.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/477,764, filed Jun. 12, 2003.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to table games and the like involving wagering on the outcome of a random event. More specifically, the present game comprises a dice game providing for wagers on virtually all of the possible outcomes of a toss of a pair of conventional cubical dice, i.e., any single number, doubles, even or odd totals, or above or below a median number. Winning wagers are paid according to odds which vary depending upon the probability of any given event.

2. Description of the Related Art

Wagering games using various devices for generating a random event, have been known for generations. One of the most common of these devices is the conventional cubical die, with its six faces having a series of six different numbers or other markings thereon. A pair of such dice each having markings representing the sequential numbers from one to six inclusive, is used conventionally to randomly generate a series of numbers ranging from two to twelve inclusive in various games.

The best known of such wagering games is almost certainly the game of craps, with bettors placing wagers on the outcome of the toss of a pair of such dice. The game of craps is somewhat involved, particularly when the basic simplicity of the two cubical dice used, is considered. The basic wager in craps is based upon the outcome of multiple (i.e., at least two) tosses of the dice pair, with a given numerical outcome resulting in either a win or a loss, depending upon the initial number produced by the first dice toss. In some instances, it can require several dice tosses in order to resolve the outcome of an initial wager in craps. Yet, for all the complexity of the wagering system used with the game of craps, the game is still quite limited, as there is no provision for betting upon many of the possible outcomes of the toss of the dice pair.

The present game responds to this problem by providing a wagering system and table layout which allow players to wager on virtually any possible outcome of a single toss of a pair of conventional cubical dice. The present game provides for wagers upon the likelihood of any of the following: (a) either of the dice coming up on a single number; (b) both dice coming up with the same number, i.e., doubles; (c) the additive total number produced by both dice; (d) an even number, or odd number, result; and (e) a number higher than, or lower than, a median number. The wagering rules of the present game thus allow a player to place a wager upon any possible outcome of a single toss of a pair of dice, with a win or loss being determined at each toss.

A discussion of the related art of which the present inventors are aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,334,685 issued on Jun. 15, 1982 to Anthony Robbins et al., titled “Three Dice Wagering Game,” describes a dice game providing for wagers upon most, but not all, of the possible numerical outcomes of the toss of a single die and of two dice. The Robbins et al. game is relatively complex in that the count of all three dice is used to determine the outcome of one series of wagers, the count of two essentially identical dice is used to determine the outcome of another series of wagers, and the outcome of the toss of the differently colored third die used to determine the outcome of yet another series of wagers. Robbins et al. provide payouts at different odds for three dice totals from three to eighteen inclusive, as well as for any triple number or specific triple number generated. They also provide similar payouts for numbers ranging from two to twelve inclusive, and for any double or specific double generated using the two identical dice. Craps wagers are also provided for the two dice numerical totals of two, three, seven, and twelve. Finally, players may wager on the likelihood of a single specific number turning up on the single differently colored die. However, Robbins et al. do not provide for any wagers on even or odd numbers in general, nor for number totals higher or lower than a predetermined medial number, which even/odd and high/low wagers are permitted in the present wagering system and game. Moreover, Robbins et al. provide only a single wagering station for all of the wagers and players. This requires each player to be assigned differently marked (i.e., colored) chips, in order to distinguish the wagers of the different players from one another. This limits the wagering amounts, as different colors are generally used to indicate different chip values. In contrast, the present game provides a series of player stations on the table or board, with each player having his or her own station. This allows the players to use identically colored chips or chip groups, with differently colored chips representing different values, as is conventional in wagering play.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,351 issued on May 9, 1995 to Thomas L. Franklin, titled “Method Of Playing A Dice Game,” describes a relatively complex game using three dice and many of the wagers used in craps. Various triple and double wagers are provided, similar to the triple and double wagers provided in the Robbins et al. '685 U.S. Patent discussed above. However, the Franklin game requires a dealer, with the dealer tossing the dice along with the player(s). Certain predetermined dice totals result in automatic wins for the dealer, or for the player(s). A major part of the Franklin game is a requirement for the player(s) to toss a subsequent total higher than that of the dealer's throw total, where no automatic win or loss has occurred. The present game has no such multiple toss outcome, but provides a win or loss situation with each toss of the dice pair.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,248 issued on Nov. 12, 1996 to Anthony C. Parra et al., titled “Casino Dice Game Apparatus Using Three Dice And Played On A Semicircular Gaming Table,” essentially describes a game played using the conventional rules for craps, but adding a third die and provision for additional payouts when identical numbers (i.e., triples) are generated by all three dice. In contrast, the present game (a) does not include any of the wagers used in craps; (b) does not require multiple dice tosses in order to determine a win or a loss, as frequently occurs in craps; (c) does not require the use of a third die, or special apparatus for keeping the third die separate from the other two dice during the toss; (d) provides considerably greater variation for wagers on virtually all possible outcomes of a single dice toss; and (e) provides a completely different table or board layout.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,193 issued on Dec. 9, 1997 to Richard C. Cheung, titled “Method Of Playing A Dice Game,” describes a game utilizing three dice, in which the object is to roll doubles with two of the dice. The third die is used to determine the relative rank of the count, in comparison with the dice numbers attained by other players. Cheung does not disclose any provision for wagering on other possibilities, i.e., two dice numerical totals, higher or lower counts than a predetermined medial number, or even or odd numerical totals, nor does he make any provision for payouts according to different odds, as is done in the present dice game.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,728 issued on Nov. 24, 1998 to Ming Pan Kao, titled “Method Of Playing A Dice Casino Game,” describes a multiple player game adapted for casino play, and including a dealer. The object is for each player to toss a total count using two dice, which is higher than that tossed by the dealer. Certain counts result in automatic wins for the player(s), and other certain counts result in an automatic win for the dealer. Kao makes no provision for varying the payouts according to the odds of a specific number being tossed, nor does he provide any payouts for doubles or high, low, even, or odd numbers, nor for any specific counts. The only consideration in the Kao game is whether a player's count beats the dealer's count.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,924,926 issued on Jul. 20, 1999 to J. Breck Brown, titled “Game Wager Control System,” describes an electronic wagering table and scoring system for a game combining aspects of blackjack and craps. The dice or craps portion of the game uses only the conventional playing and wagering rules associated with the game of craps. Brown does not provide any additional wagers for doubles tosses or high, low, even, or odd number totals, as provided by the present game invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,579 issued on Jul. 10, 2001 to Michael J. Horan, titled “Dice Game Having Dead-Even Odds,” describes a game in which two players play against one another, or perhaps a single player plays against a casino dealer. The possible outcomes of dice pair tosses are divided into two groups, with all of the tosses of the first group having the same probability of occurring as all of the tosses of the second group. A player tosses the dice, and wins if the toss is the same as one of the possibilities in the first group. If the possibility is one of those in the second group, the player loses. Horan does not provide any payouts according to the odds of making a specific toss, as indicated by the title of his patent. Moreover, Horan does not provide payouts for various other possibilities provided for in the present game, i.e., high, low, even, or odd numbers, and doubles.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,225 issued on Oct. 15, 2002 to Derek J. Webb, titled “Method And Apparatus For Playing A Dice Game,” describes a game using three dice, in which all players can wager upon various outcomes of a single dice toss by one of the players. Webb provides for wagers on the majority of the three dice coming up with either even or odd numbers as secondary or side bets, with one player continuing to toss the dice so long as that player continues to win an even or odd side bet placed with each toss. However, this requires three dice, as opposed to the two dice used in the present game, and Webb does not provide any payouts for high or low number totals, as provided by the present game.

Finally, British Patent Publication No. 2,066,086 published on Jul. 8, 1981 to William C. W. Gordon, titled “Dice Game,” describes a game and table layout having features and aspects of roulette, but using only dice as the random number generating means. Accordingly, Gordon provides for wagers on even or odd numbers, as in roulette, and also provides a series of specific numbers which are colored red or black on his table layout, enabling a bettor to place a wager upon the likelihood of a dice toss resulting in any of the numbers of the red positions or of the black positions. Gordon also provides different payout odds, depending upon the probability of any given number occurring. However, Gordon does not make any provision for players to place wagers upon a high group or low group of numbers to either side of a median number, as provided by the present dice game. Moreover, Gordon does not disclose any provision for separate player stations in order to differentiate each players' wager(s) from one another, which could lead to the problems noted with the Robbins et al. '685 U.S. Patent, discussed further above. The present game includes a separate wagering station for each player in order to avoid confusion between wagers placed by different players.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus a dice game solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a dice game utilizing a pair of conventional cubical dice, with spots or other markings on their six faces representing the numbers one through six, inclusive. Such a dice pair is used conventionally in the game of craps, as well as being used to generate random numbers in numerous other games. The present game is a wagering game, i.e., players may make wagers against one another and/or against a casino or house, on the probability of virtually any combination of a number of different possible numbers and/or number combinations resulting from each toss of the dice. The present game includes provisions for wagering on the possibility of (a) any specific number coming up on either or both dice, (b) identical numbers (doubles) coming up on both dice, (c) a numerical total being lower or higher than a median number, and/or (d) an odd or an even numerical total. The present game thus does not restrict players to only a relatively few wagers, but also provides the resolution of each wager at each toss of the dice, unlike craps where it may be necessary to toss the dice several times before certain wagers may be resolved.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a dice game utilizing a pair of conventional cubical dice, in which players may place wagers on any or all of the possible outcomes of any given toss of the dice pair, i.e., any specific single or additive number, doubles, even or odd number totals, or high or low number totals, as desired.

It is another object of the invention to provide a dice game in which payouts having different odds are provided, in accordance with the probability of each of various possible combinations occurring on a throw of the dice.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a dice game in which all wagers are resolved and collected or paid after each toss of the dice.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a wagering table or surface for a dice game, including at least one, and preferably a series of, individual playing stations, each having positions and odds for each of the possible outcomes of a single toss of the dice pair.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a table layout for the dice game of the present invention, showing its general features and player stations. [0026]
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a single one of the player stations of the table layout of FIG. 1, showing various details thereof. [0027]
FIGS. 3A and 3B are respectively the top and bottom portions of a flow chart showing the basic steps involved in the method of play of the present dice game. [0028]
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. [0029]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention comprises a dice game having provisions for wagering upon virtually any possible number or combination which may occur when using two conventional identical cubical dice to generate random numbers. Players may place wagers on the possibility of: (a) any specific single number turning up on either of the two dice; (b) a specific additive total number turning up, using the count of both dice; (c) identical numbers, i.e. doubles, occurring with both dice; (d) either an even or an odd additive total, using both dice; and/or (e) an additive total either higher or lower than a predetermined median number. Different odds are provided for winning wagers, depending upon the probability of any specific outcome occurring. The present game resolves all wagers immediately following each toss of the two dice, with the outcome of all wagers being determined by the result of the immediately preceding dice toss. [0030]
FIG. 1 of the drawings illustrates an [0031] exemplary playing surface 10 which may be used with the present dice game. The playing surface may be applied to a gaming table or felt thereon, or other surface as desired. Alternatively, the surface 10 may be in the form of an electronic representation on a computer screen or the like, with the present game being programmed into a computer system, if so desired. The basic rules described herein remain the same, whether the game is in a physical or electronic, computerized form.
The table or [0032] surface 10 includes a series of identical individual player stations 12. While a series of six such player stations 12 is illustrated on the playing surface 10 of FIG. 1, it will be understood that more or fewer such player stations 12 may be provided upon a single playing surface, as desired. A single one of these player stations 12 is illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings, where various details thereof are more clearly shown.
Each of the [0033] player stations 12 includes a series of six specific single die number wagering positions, respectively 14 a through 14 f. These single die number positions 14 a through 14 f are respectively numbered consecutively from one through six inclusive, to represent the numbers which may be attained using a single conventional six-sided die. These positions 14 a through 14 f provide for a player to place a wager upon the possibility of either of the two dice turning up with the number selected. As an example of the above, a player may place a wager upon the 14 d position having the number four therein. If either of the two dice turns up with the number four, the player wins the wager. It should be noted that this series of wagering positions 14 a through 14 f is only for the number turning up on a single one of the two dice used in the present game. Additive totals, i.e. the counts of both dice combined, are not considered in wagers on the single die positions 14 a through 14 f.
The present dice game provides for wagers upon such two dice additive counts by a series of eleven wagering positions having the consecutive numbers two through twelve inclusive, designated respectively as [0034] 16 a through 16 k. This series may be further divided about its median number seven, with the lower numbered positions 16 a through 16 e positioned to one side of the median seven position 16 f, and the higher numbered positions 16 g through 16 k positioned to the opposite side of the median position 16 f.
The provision of three different groups of wagering positions, i.e. the single [0035] die number positions 14 a through 14 f, the additive dice lower number positions 16 a through 16 e, numerically below the median position 16 f, and the additive dice higher number positions 16 g through 16 k, numerically above the median position 16 f, lend themselves to forming the three sides of a triangular configuration, as shown by the exemplary player stations 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The six single die number positions 14 a through 14 f are used to form a generally horizontal base row for the triangular player locations 12, as the single number which may be determined by a single die form the basis for the present game, with two dice additive numbers building thereon. The two lower and higher additive number position groups, i.e. the positions 16 a through 16 e and 16 g through 16 k to either side of the median position 16 f, form the two opposed sloping sides of the triangle, with the median seven count position 16 f forming the apex of the triangle. The individual wagering positions 16 a through 16 k making up the two sloping sides of the triangular configuration of the player locations 12, may be formed as trapezoids if so desired, rather than the square or rectangular shapes illustrated. Such trapezoidal shapes may have their inner and outer lateral sides sloped parallel to one another to form a smooth triangular shape for the player stations 12, if so desired. The apex position 16 f may be formed as a triangular cap for the wagering position assembly, to complete the triangular configuration.
A series of additional positions may also be incorporated with the [0036] player station 12 of the present game, in addition to the above described numerical positions 14 a through 14 f and 16 a through 16 k. For example, it is possible for both dice to turn up the same number, e.g. two threes, two fives, etc. While two of these numbers form the lowest and highest numbers attainable with two dice, i.e. the number two and the number twelve, respectively represented by the first and last additive number positions 16 a and 16 k, other doubles numbers are not specifically represented on the player station 12 of the present game. In order to provide for wagering on the possibility of doubles being tossed with the two dice, a doubles position 18 is provided for any doubles other than the double ones which equal the first or numerically lowest additive position 16 a, and the double sixes which equal the final or numerically highest additive position 16 k. This “any doubles” position 18 is shown in the center of the single die number base row comprising positions 14 a through 14 f.
The [0037] player stations 12 preferably provide for wagers on further possible dice toss outcomes, in addition to those described above. A pair of conventional cubical dice is capable of generating an additive series of eleven numbers ranging from two to twelve inclusive, as noted further above. The various dice combinations which may occur to form any given number, result in the number seven being the most likely to be formed. Other numbers above and below the number seven are individually less likely, as fewer dice combinations exist to form these other numbers. For example, it will be seen that only one dice combination (out of thirty six possible) will form an additive total of two, with another single combination forming the highest additive total of twelve. On the other hand, there are a total of six different dice combinations which may occur to form the additive total of seven. However, the odds of tossing any general number below seven are identical to the odds of tossing any general number above seven, i.e. fifteen out of eighteen or five out of six, using two conventional cubical dice. This provides the opportunity for players to wager on the possibility of a two dice additive number being either below or above the median number seven. This option is provided respectively by the “low” wagering position 20, and the “high” wagering position 22. The specific additive totals comprising such low and high wagers, i.e. two through six inclusive for the low wagering position 20 and eight through twelve inclusive for the high wagering position 22, may be included in their respective wagering positions, as shown. These low and high positions 20 and 22 may be placed respectively relatively low and relatively high in a central column or bisector of wagering positions, as illustrated in the player position 12 of FIG. 2.
The present game includes a further wagering option, i.e. wagering on the chance of the two dice additive number total being either odd or even. Accordingly, odd and even additive number wagering positions, respectively [0038] 24 and 26, are provided in each of the player stations 12. As in the case of the low and high additive number positions 20 and 22, these odd and even positions 24 and 26 may be used to form a perpendicular bisector for the triangular playing station 12, if so desired. It will be seen that while there is one less odd number than even number in the eleven number series from two to twelve, the chances of either an even or an odd number coming up with any given toss of the two dice are exactly equal to one another, i.e. eighteen out of thirty six, or one out of two chances. Thus, the players and house will break even as an average, when the casino or house pays out winning wagers at even money. This may be adjusted by requiring a commission to be paid to the house for a winning wager on even and odd number wagers, if so desired.
It will be noted that color representations or coding is shown on the [0039] various player stations 12 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The provision of color upon each of the different basic types of wagering positions, enables players to more quickly and easily differentiate between different general types of betting options. As an example of the above, the single die number wagering positions 14 a through 14 f (along with the central doubles position 18) may have a green color 28 applied thereto, while the two sides formed by the additive number dice wagering positions 16 a through 16 k may have a red color or shading 30 applied thereto. The central column comprising wagering positions 20 through 26 may have a contrasting color, or may have a lighter or darker shade or tint applied thereto, e.g. similar to the base color 28. Other color alternatives and options may be used as desired, or the player stations may remain uncolored, if so desired.
While the chances of any specific number turning up on a single die are equal, i.e. one in six, the odds for various two dice additive numbers differ from one another, as noted further above. These odds will generally differ somewhat from the actual payout odds provided in casino play, due to the casino's “edge” or profit margin generally established for all wagers in all games. For example, an additive total of seven occurring in any single toss of the dice will happen an average of six out of every thirty six tosses, or one time in six. The present game provides payout odds of four to one, rather than six to one, in order to provide the margin required by the casino or house. The odds may vary from the two to one [0040] odds 32 provided for any single die number along the lower row of positions 14 a through 14 f, to differing odds 34 for the two dice additive number wagering positions 16 a through 16 k. Additional odds 36 may be provided for the even, odd, high, and low number wagering positions 20 through 26, and for the doubles position 18.
The above described apparatus and a conventional pair of identical six sided dice provide the physical structure required for play of the present game, with the rules and method of play being described below and generally shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B of the drawings. Initially, the players are selected and the order of play determined, with each of the players being assigned one of the playing [0041] stations 12 on the table or playing surface 10, generally as shown in FIG. 1. Initially, all participating players place one or more wagers on one or more of their respective wagering positions 16 a through 26, generally as indicated by the first step 100 of FIG. 3A. A first player tosses the dice, generally in accordance with the second step 102 of FIG. 3A, with the dice toss passing from player to player after each of the wagers of the previous play have been resolved and new wagers placed. Wagering players at any of the player stations or locations 12 may pass their turn to toss the dice to the next player, if so desired.
Wagers are resolved in accordance with the results of the dice toss, with any one of thirty-six different outcomes being possible with each toss of the two cubical dice. One wagering option is for players to wager that a specific single number will turn up on at least one of the two dice by placing a wager on at least one of the single number wagering positions [0042] 14 a through 14 f of the player station 12, generally as indicated by the third step 104 of FIG. 3A. A player placing such a wager will win, if either or both of the two dice turn up on the selected single number. If only one die matches the wagered number, as indicated by the fourth step 106 of FIG. 3A, the player is paid according to the amount of his or her wager and the predetermined payout odds, e.g. two to one (or other, as determined), in accordance with the fifth step 108 of FIG. 3A. In the event that both dice turn up on the selected number, as indicated by the sixth step 110 of FIG. 3A, the player is paid at the predetermined odds for each die, or twice the single die payout, in accordance with the seventh step 112 of FIG. 3A. However, no higher payout is provided for doubles, unless the player has specifically placed a doubles wager on the position 18 of the player station 12 of FIG. 2. Where the player has not placed a single number wager, and/or neither of the dice result in the single number wagered, no payout is provided, with players then making further wagers and the dice passing to the next player, generally as indicated by the eighth step 114 shown at the bottom of FIG. 3B.
Another wagering alternative is for players to wager that a specific two dice additive total number will turn up from the dice toss, generally as indicated by the [0043] ninth step 116 of FIG. 3A. This is accomplished by players placing wagers along one or more of the specific additive number positions 16 a through 16 k, respectively comprising the numbers two through twelve inclusive, illustrated on the exemplary playing station 12 shown in detail in FIG. 2. Players may place one or more wagers upon any of these positions 16 a through 16 k as desired, with an additive count on the two dice which equals the count or number of a position upon which a wager was placed resulting in a win for the wagering player, generally as indicated by the tenth step 118 of the flow chart of FIG. 3A. Winning wagers are paid according to the payout odds shown on those positions 16 a through 16 k in FIG. 2, or other odds as determined, generally as indicated by the eleventh step 120 of FIG. 3A. Once the winning and losing wagers have been resolved, the dice pass to the next player for continued play, in accordance with the previously noted eighth step 114 at the bottom of FIG. 3B.
The present dice game also provides for wagers on the possibility of two identical counts, i.e. doubles, coming up simultaneously on the two dice on a single toss of the dice. Players may place wagers on this possibility by placing one or more markers, chips, etc. on the “any double” [0044] position 18 along the center of the bottom row of wagering positions in the player station shown in detail in FIG. 2, generally in accordance with the twelfth step 122 of the flow chart near the top of FIG. 3B. If doubles occur, which possibility is provided for by the thirteenth step 124 along the upper portion of FIG. 3B, then a payout is provided for winning wagers in accordance with the fourteenth step 126 of FIG. 3B.
The occurrence of any doubles number, including double ones or double sixes respectively provided for in the two additive number wagering positions [0045] 16 a and 16 k of FIG. 2, provides the same payout odds for any player who has placed a wager on the non-specific “any double” position 18 of the player station 12. Higher payouts are only provided in those cases where the player has placed a wager specifically upon the chance of either double ones or double sixes occurring, which would be the case if a total number of two or twelve were to come up, as provided for respectively by the two additive number wagering positions 16 a and 16 k. Losing wagers are collected by the casino or house, as in the case of other losing wagers in the present game.
Players may also place wagers on the possibility of the two dice resulting in either an even or an odd additive total number, generally as indicated by the [0046] fifteenth step 128 of FIG. 3B. To do so, players place wagers on either the even number position 26 or the odd number position 24 of the player station 12 shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. Either one or the other situation will occur, generally in accordance with the sixteenth step 130 of the flow chart of FIG. 3B. While there are six even numbers and five odd number totals which may be generated using a pair of conventional cubical dice, the odds that the numerical total will be either even or odd are precisely the same, i.e. eighteen out of thirty six for either possibility, or one out of every two chances, for either wager. Accordingly, the casino or house may take a commission on such wagers in order to make a profit, if so desired, or may pay out such wagers at their actual even odds or one to one, while making a profit upon other wagers provided by other wagering positions on the playing station 12. The payout of winning wagers is provided for in the seventeenth step 132 of the flow chart of FIG. 3B.
Still another alternative provided by the present dice game is the option of wagering upon the probability that the additive total of the two dice will be higher or lower than a predetermined median number, e.g. seven, generally as indicated by the [0047] eighteenth step 134 of the flow chart of FIG. 3B. Seven is the most likely single additive total to result from the toss of a pair of cubical dice, with seven occurring an average of six out of every thirty six tosses, or one in six times. There are also an equal number of possible numbers which may occur below and above seven, using a pair of conventional cubical dice. The odds of the two dice resulting in a number either higher than or lower than seven are equal to one another, i.e. fifteen out of every thirty-six tosses on an average, or five out of six. Assuming that the two dice total matches the wager, e.g. the two dice total is higher than seven and the player has placed a wager upon the “high” position 22 of the player station 12 of FIG. 2, generally as indicated by the nineteenth step 136 of the FIG. 3B flow chart, then a payout is made to the winning player in accordance with the amount wagered and the payout odds (generally even odds, in order to provide a slight “edge” to the house), generally in accordance with the twentieth step 138 of FIG. 3B. As in the case of other wagers of the present game, once all wagers have been resolved and new wagers placed, the dice are passed to the next player to toss, generally as indicated by step 114 at the bottom of the flow chart of FIG. 3B.
In conclusion, the present dice game provides a number of additional wagering possibilities encompassing virtually all of the various permutations and combinations which may occur using two conventional cubical dice. No single dice game of which the present inventors are aware include all of the various wagering possibilities of the present game. Yet, the present dice game is relatively simple and straightforward, compared to dice games of the prior art such as craps, as well as many others. The present game does not base a win or loss upon a number generated by a previous toss of the dice, with a subsequent winning or losing number varying depending upon the initial number generated, as in craps. Rather, each wager, subsequent dice toss, and resulting wins, losses, and payouts, are separate sets of activities, with no relationship between each and any previous or subsequent activity. This allows the present game to be understood very easily by prospective players, and allows all players to keep up with the action much more easily than with other dice games. Accordingly, the great versatility of wagering provisions, along with the ease of understanding and play of the present game, should make the present game a popular attraction in gambling casinos and other locations where it is played. [0048]
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. [0049]

Claims

We claim:

1. A dice game apparatus, comprising:

two identically configured cubical dice;

a playing surface, having a plurality of individual player stations disposed thereon, each of the stations further including at least:

a plurality of specific single die number wagering positions disposed thereon;

a plurality of specific additive dice number wagering positions disposed thereon; and

at least one additional dice wagering position disposed thereon;

whereby wagers on a throw of the dice are placed on the playing surface.

2. The dice game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

a first color is disposed upon said plurality of specific single die number wagering positions; and

a second color is disposed upon said plurality of specific additive dice number wagering positions.

3. The dice game apparatus according to claim 1, further including payout odds disposed upon each of said plurality of single die and additive dice number wagering positions and said at least one additional dice wagering position.

4. The dice game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

each of said individual player stations has a triangular configuration including a base and opposed first and second sloping sides;

said plurality of specific single die number wagering positions form said base of said triangular configuration; and

said plurality of specific additive dice number wagering positions form said opposed first and second sloping sides of said triangular configuration.

5. The dice game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one additional dice wagering position comprises a doubles position.

6. The dice game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one additional dice wagering position comprises:

an even additive number position; and

an odd additive number position.

7. The dice game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one additional dice wagering position comprises:

a high additive number wagering position having numbers from eight to twelve, inclusive; and

a low additive number wagering position having numbers from two to six, inclusive.

8. A method of playing a dice game using the dice game apparatus of claim 1, comprising the steps of:

(a) selecting a plurality of players;

(b) determining an order of play among the selected players;

(c) placing wagers upon at least one of the die number wagering positions, as desired;

(d) tossing the two dice, thereby developing a randomly generated number between two and twelve inclusive;

(e) paying any players who placed wagers upon at least one of the die number wagering positions matching the randomly generated number of the two dice, after each dice toss; and

(f) collecting any wagers placed upon any of the die number wagering positions which do not match the randomly generated number of the two dice, after each dice toss.

9. A method of playing a dice game, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing two identically configured cubical dice;

(b) further providing a playing surface;

(c) placing a plurality of individual player stations upon the playing surface;

(d) placing a plurality of specific single die number wagering positions upon each of the individual player stations;

(e) placing a plurality of specific additive die number wagering positions upon each of the individual player stations;

(f) selecting a plurality of players;

(g) determining an order of play among the selected players;

(h) placing wagers upon at least one of the die number wagering positions, as desired;

(i) tossing the two dice, and thereby developing a randomly generated number between two and twelve inclusive;

(j) paying any players who placed wagers upon at least one of the die number wagering positions matching the randomly generated number of the two dice, after each dice toss; and

(k) collecting any wagers placed upon any of the die number wagering positions which do not match the randomly generated number of the two dice, after each dice toss.

10. The method of playing a dice game according to claim 9, further including the steps of:

(a) coloring the plurality of specific single die number wagering positions with a first color; and

(b) coloring the plurality of specific additive dice number wagering positions with a second color.

11. The method of playing a dice game according to claim 9, further including the steps of:

(a) placing payout odds upon each of the plurality of single die and additive dice number wagering positions; and

(b) paying winning wagers according to the payout odds placed upon the single die and additive dice wagering positions.

12. The method of playing a dice game according to claim 9, further including the steps of:

(a) configuring each of the individual player stations in a triangular pattern having a base and opposed first and second sloping sides;

(b) placing the plurality of specific single die number wagering positions along the base of the triangular pattern; and

(c) placing the plurality of specific additive dice number wagering positions along the opposed first and second sloping sides of the triangular pattern.

13. The method of playing a dice game according to the method of claim 9, further including the steps of:

(a) further providing at least one doubles position on each of the individual player stations;

(b) selectively placing wagers upon the doubles positions, as desired;

(c) paying any players who placed wagers upon a doubles position, when a dice toss results in identical counts on each die; and

(d) collecting any wagers placed upon any of the doubles positions, when a dice toss results in different counts on each die.

14. The method of playing a dice game according to claim 9, further including the steps of:

(a) further providing at least one even additive number position on each of the individual player stations;

(b) further providing at least one odd additive number position on each of the individual player stations;

(c) selectively placing wagers upon the at least one even additive number position and upon the at least one odd additive number position, as desired;

(d) paying any players who placed wagers upon an even additive number position, when a dice toss results in an even additive number count using both dice;

(e) collecting any wagers placed upon an even additive number position, when a dice toss results in an odd additive number count using both dice;

(f) paying any players who placed wagers upon an odd additive number position, when a dice toss results in an odd additive number count using both dice; and

(g) collecting any wagers placed upon an odd additive number position, when a dice toss results in an even additive number count using both dice.

15. The method of playing a dice game according to claim 9, further including the steps of:

(a) further providing a high additive number wagering position having numbers from eight to twelve, inclusive, on each of the individual player stations;

(b) further providing a low additive number wagering position having numbers from two to six, inclusive, on each of the individual player stations;

(c) selectively placing wagers upon the high additive number position and upon the low additive number position, as desired;

(d) paying any players who placed wagers upon the high additive number position, when a dice toss results in an additive number count from eight to twelve inclusive, using both dice;

(e) collecting any wagers placed upon the high additive number position, when a dice toss results in an additive number count from two to six inclusive, using both dice;

(f) paying any players who placed wagers upon the low additive number position, when a dice toss results in an additive number count from two to six inclusive, using both dice; and

(g) collecting any wagers placed upon the low additive number position, when a dice toss results in an additive number count from eight to twelve inclusive, using both dice.