US20170087449A1

US20170087449A1 - Method of Playing a Domino Game with Multiple Wagering Instruments

Info

Publication number: US20170087449A1
Application number: US14/870,399
Authority: US
Inventors: Jason McCoy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-09-30
Filing date: 2015-09-30
Publication date: 2017-03-30

Abstract

A method of playing a domino game with multiple wagering instruments to enhance the excitement of the game and interaction between the players. The game is played as a typical domino game. The game integrates wagering throughout the game. The wagering includes an initial ante created by all of the players. The initial ante is collected at the termination of the game by a winning player. The wagering also includes at least one side ante between at least two players. The side ante is collected by either the winning player, or if not having won the game, the highest scoring player participating in the side ante. The game penalizes players who cannot play a tile because the tile does not have indicia that matches previously played tiles. The penalty ante is paid by the player who cannot play a tile, to an opposing player who played the last tile.

Description

BACKGROUND

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
The present invention is directed to a method for playing dominoes with multiple wagering instruments to enhance the excitement of the game and interaction between the players. The game is played as a typical domino game. The game integrates wagering throughout the game. The wagering includes an initial ante, at least one side ante, and a penalty ante.
It is known that a domino game is a recreational game that is played with rectangular domino tiles. The domino gaming pieces make up a domino set, sometimes called a deck or pack. The traditional domino set consists of 28 dominoes.
The inventor has played the game of dominoes for many years and was aware that the most basic domino variant is for two or more players, and required a double six set of domino tiles. Generally, the 28 tiles are shuffled face down and form the stock or boneyard. Each player draws seven tiles; the remainder are not used. Once the players begin drawing tiles, they are typically placed on-edge before the players, so that each player can see his own tiles, but none can see the value of other players' tiles. Every player can thus see how many tiles remain in the other players' hands at all times during gameplay.
The inventor also knew that one player begins by downing (playing the first tile) one of their tiles. This tile starts the line of play, a series of tiles in which adjacent tiles touch with matching, i.e. equal, values. The players alternately extend the line of play with one tile at one of its two ends. The game ends when one player wins by playing their last tile, or when the game is blocked because neither player can play. If that occurs, whoever caused the block gets all of the remaining player points not counting their own.
The inventor noticed that playing with friends often led to small wagering based on the outcome of the domino game. The inventor recognized a problem in that the wagering was undisciplined and led to arguments, since ground rules were never fully established. This argumentative and chaotic atmosphere was even more prevalent after the players had been drinking alcohol.
Through additional research, the inventor learned that and predetermined initial wager, in which each player provides an amount created a pot for the winning player at the termination of the game. This increased the interest of the players and provided structure to the wagering.
The inventor noticed that some players preferred to wager more than other. The inventor then proceeded to create rules that allowed for at least one side ante. The at least one side ante could be wagered between any combination of players. This created more flexibility for wagering and further enhanced the entertainment value of the game.
However, both the initial ante and the side ante were commenced at the start of the game. The inventor wondered if a more dynamic wagering could be integrated, such as while the game was playing.
The inventor noticed that during the game, some players were not able to take their turn because the dots on their tiles did not match the two termini tiles in the tile formation. The inventor decided to add a penalty ante, which was to be paid by the player who could not take a turn to the last player who had played. The inventor further decided that if the player could not take a turn after the first tile was played, the penalty ante was doubled.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a method of playing a domino game with multiple wagering instruments that creates one interaction between players and provides flexible wagering options that create greater interest in the game and structured wagering rules for improving the integrity of the game.
Wager-based games have been utilized in the past; yet none with the characteristics of the present invention. See U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,335,099; 7,380,792; and 8,596,642.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a domino game that integrates multiple wagering instruments both before and during the game to enhance the integrity of the game and interest in the game, and also to increase interaction between players.

SUMMARY

The present invention describes a domino game and specifically, a method of playing a domino game with multiple wagering instruments to enhance the excitement of the game, improve integrity of the rules of the game, and increase interaction between the players. The general rules of the game involve a typical domino game in which a plurality of players place a plurality of tiles having numerical indicia on their front face in a predetermined fashion on a playing surface. A winning point total is subsequently calculated after certain criteria for the played tiles have been met.
The game is unique in that it integrates wagering both prior to, and during the game. The wagering is based on the outcome of the game, the point total for the players, and on penalizing players who cannot complete a turn. The wagering includes an initial ante created by all of the players. The initial ante is collected at the termination of the game by a winning player. The wagering also includes at least one side ante between at least two players. The at least one side ante is collected by either the winning player, or if not having won the game, the highest scoring player who participated in the side ante. Both the initial ante and the at least one side ante are determined and generated prior to commencing the game.
In yet another twist to the wagering, the game is configured to penalize players who cannot play a tile because the tile does not have indicia that matches previously played tiles. This penalization aspect of the game creates dynamic wagering that is applicable to all the players, and ongoing while the game is being played. The penalty ante is imposed on a player who cannot play a tile, due to the player not having the appropriate indicia on the front face of the tiles that are possessed by the player. The penalty ante is paid by the player who cannot play a tile, to an opposing player who played the last tile.
For example, if a first player cannot match the indicia of the tiles possessed by the first player with the indicia of a previously played tile, the player must pay the penalty ante to the last player to play a previously played tile. This dynamic wagering occurs throughout the course of the game, from initiation, until a winning player is decided and the game terminates.
Integrating wagering into a typical game of domino enhances the game. For example, inclusion of the dynamic wagering creates a more defensive oriented domino game, in which the players attempt to maintain sufficient indicia, so as not to pay the penalty ante for being unable to play their tiles. Furthermore, inclusion of the initial ante and side ante creates more interaction between players, beyond the normal interaction and communications associated with playing a typical domino game.
In some embodiments, a method of playing a domino game with dynamic wagering may include an initial Step of providing a plurality of tiles associated with a domino game, the plurality of tiles defined by a front face displaying an indicia. In one embodiment, the domino game comprises a plurality of tiles. Each tile is divided by a line into two equal square halves and a front face that displays the indicia. The top surface of each front face is blank or bears indicia. The front face represents a number corresponding to the number of indicia it bears.
A subsequent Step comprises providing a plurality of players for playing the domino game with the plurality of tiles. The game accommodates two or more players. The players play in a sequential, predetermined order. The number of tiles possessed by each player depends on the number of players playing.
A Step comprises generating, by the plurality of players, an initial ante. The initial ante comprises a wagering unit determined by the players. The winning player from a prior game, or a predetermined player may raise the initial ante, or restrict raising of the initial ante. The winning player collects the initial ante at the time the game terminates.
A further Step includes generating, by at least two of the plurality of players, at least one side ante. The wagering also includes at least one side ante between at least two players. Any number of players may wager the side ante. The winning player collects the side ante, unless the winning player did not wager the side ante, whereby the highest scoring player, per rules of the domino game collects the side ante upon termination of the game.
Another Step may include randomly manipulating the plurality of tiles. Prior to playing the game, the tiles are moved about or otherwise shuffled before the being divided among the players. In one embodiment, the tiles are turned face down on the table, then randomly moved around with the hands, being careful not to flip any of the tiles over.
A Step further includes providing, to the plurality of players, an equal number of tiles from the plurality of tiles. After the tiles have been shuffled each player takes the predetermined number of tiles. In one embodiment, two or three players take 9 tiles each; four players take 7 tiles each; and more than four players take 2 or more tiles each. In any case, the players have equal number of tiles at the commencement of the game.
A Step comprises playing a first tile, the playing of the first tile comprising displaying the indicia of the first tile to the plurality of players. In one embodiment, the first tile played is a double-six tile. The player who possesses the double-six tile after taking tiles from the shuffled tiles plays the double-six tile as the first tile, and the subsequent player, either in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, plays a subsequent tile having matching indicia. Though in other embodiments, when three players are playing, and each player has 9 tiles out of a set of 28 tiles, the extra unused tile may be played as the first tile.
A Step further comprises playing, in a sequential order by the plurality of players, a plurality of subsequent tiles, the plurality of subsequent tiles being played adjacently to a previously played tile, the plurality of subsequent tiles having indicia that matches the indicia from the previously played tile. Each subsequently played tile must have indicia matching the indicia of the previously played tiles. As the tiles are played, a tile formation forms. The tile formation must have two tiles at the termini, from which the indicia of subsequently played tiles must match to be played.
The method may also include a Step of collecting at least one penalty ante from one of the plurality of players when the plurality of subsequent tiles is inhibited from being played, the plurality of subsequent tiles being inhibited from being played when the indicia for the plurality of subsequent tiles does not match the indicia for the first tile or the previously played tile. The game is configured to penalize players who cannot play a tile because the tile does not have indicia that matches previously played tiles.
This penalization aspect of the game creates dynamic wagering that is perpetual while the game is being played, and applicable to all the players. At least one penalty ante is imposed on a player who cannot play a tile, due to the player not having the appropriate indicia on the front face of the tiles that are possessed by the player. The penalty ante is paid by the player who cannot play a tile, to an opposing player who played the last tile.
A Step comprises winning the game, by a winning player, by being the first player to play all of the provided tiles. The winning player is the first player to finish playing all of the tiles on either of the two tile termini of the tile formation. In one embodiment, if the winning player can play the tile on both of the tile termini, each other player must pay the winning player a first wagering unit. In another embodiment, if the winning player can play the tile on both termini, and the last tile played by the winning player has unique indicia, such as being the last of the suit of tiles, each other player must pay the winning player a second wagering unit. The second wagering unit is generally double the first wagering unit.
Another Step comprises collecting, by the winning player, the initial ante. The winning player collects the entirety of the initial ante. The winning player also has special privileges for the next game, such as determining whether or not to raise the initial ante.
A final Step comprises collecting, by the at least two players wagering the side ante, the side ante, wherein either the winning player or the highest scoring player collects the side ante. The winning player, if involved in the side ante, collects the side ante. If the winning player did not wager the side ante, the player with the highest score (lowest dot count) collects the side ante.
One objective of the present invention is to provide a domino game that introduces multiple wagering instruments in a dynamic manner while playing the game.
Another objective of the present invention is to enhance interaction between players while playing the game through various wagering instruments.
Another objective of the present invention is to win the game by being the first to play all of the tiles.
Another objective of the present invention is to generate an initial ante by the plurality of players, and collect the initial ante by the winning player.
Yet another objective of the present invention is to generate at least one side ante between at least two players that is collected by the winning player or highest scoring player at the termination of the game.
Yet another objective is to create a defensive strategy through use of the penalty ante.
Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture domino game with dynamic wagering.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and drawings where:

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a flowchart diagram of an exemplary a method for playing a domino game with dynamic wagering;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a plurality of domino tiles displaying indicia;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the tiles being randomly manipulated; and

FIG. 4 illustrates the domino game with a tile formation having a first tile and two tile termini, and also showing three sets of player wagering units for wagering an initial ante, at least one side ante, and a penalty ante.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention, referenced in FIGS. 1A-4, is directed to a method 100 of playing a domino game 200 with multiple wagering instruments. The integration of various wagering instruments into the game 200 enhances the excitement of the game 200, improves integrity of the rules of the game 200, and increases interaction between the players. The general rules of the game 200 follow the general conduct of a typical domino game in which a plurality of players place a plurality of tiles 202 having numerical indicia 218 on their front face in a predetermined fashion on a playing surface. A winning point total is subsequently calculated after certain criteria for the played tiles 202 have been met.
In one exemplary play of the game 200, a first tile 204 starts the line of play, which includes a series of subsequently played tiles 208 a-b that form a tile formation. The tiles 202 are played by each player in a predetermined order, such that adjacent tiles 202 touch with matching, i.e. equal, values. The players alternately extend the line of play by placing one tile 202 adjacently to one of two tile termini 216 a-b. The game 200 ends when one player wins by playing their last tile 202, or when the game 200 is blocked because neither player can play, or after a predetermined duration has passed.
The game 200 is unique in that it integrates wagering both prior to, and during the game 200. The wagering is based on the outcome of the game 200, the point total of the players, and on penalizing players who cannot complete a turn. Each player has a player wagering unit 206, which may include poker chips. From this player wagering unit 206, the players may perform the desired wager, both before and during the game 200.
The wagering comprises an initial ante 210 that is generated by all of the players. The initial ante 210 is collected at the termination of the game 200 by a winning player. The wagering also includes at least one side ante 212 that is generated between at least two players. The at least one side ante 212 is collected by either the winning player, or if not having won the game 200, the highest scoring player who participated in the side ante 212. Both the initial ante 210 and the at least one side ante 212 are determined and generated prior to commencing the game 200.
In yet another twist to the wagering, the game 200 is configured to penalize players who cannot play a tile 202 because the tile 202 does not have indicia 218 that matches previously played tiles. This penalization aspect of the game 200 creates dynamic wagering that is applicable to all the players, and ongoing while the game 200 is being played. The penalty ante 214 is imposed on a player who cannot play a tile, due to the player not having the appropriate indicia 218 on the front face of the tiles 202 that are possessed by the player. The penalty ante 214 is paid by the player who cannot play a tile to an opposing player who played the last tile. If the penalized player cannot play after the first tile, the penalty ante 214 is doubled.
For example, if a first player cannot match the indicia 218 of the tiles 202 possessed by the first player with the indicia 218 of a previously played tile, the player must pay the penalty ante 214 to the last player to play a previously played tile. This dynamic wagering occurs throughout the course of the game 200, from initiation, until a winning player is decided and the game 200 terminates.
Integrating wagering into a typical game 200 of domino enhances the game 200. For example, inclusion of the dynamic wagering creates a more defensive oriented domino game 200, in which the players attempt to maintain sufficient indicia 218, so as not to pay the penalty ante 214 for being unable to play their tiles 202. Furthermore, inclusion of the initial ante 210 and side ante 212 creates more interaction between players, beyond the normal interaction and communications associated with playing a typical domino game 200.
Looking now at the flowchart diagrams of FIGS. 1A and 1B, a method 100 of playing a domino game 200 with multiple wagering instruments is referenced. The method 100 may include an initial Step 102 of providing a plurality of tiles 202 associated with a domino game 200, the plurality of tiles 202 defined by a front face displaying an indicia 218. In one embodiment, the domino game 200 comprises a plurality of tiles 202. Each tile 202 is divided by a line into two equal square halves and a front face that displays the indicia 218. The top surface of each front face is blank or bears indicia 218. The front face represents a number corresponding to the number of indicia 218 it bears. The front face of the tile 202 looks like the two uppermost faces of a pair of dice, and each half bears indicia 218, such as a number spots, from one through six, or is blank without spots
As referenced in FIG. 2, the domino faces bear from 0 to 6 dots, and the game 200 is usually played with 28 dominoes representing all possible combinations of 2 faces bearing from 0 to 6 dots. This is commonly called the “double six” variation. However, the game 200 may also be played in other variations, including a game 200 where the dominoes bear from 0 to 9 dots; 0 to 12 dots; or 0 to 16 dots. In these larger dot embodiments, the game 200 may be played with 55 dominoes similarly representing all possible combinations of the 2 faces, and commonly called the “double nine” variation. Though, any number of other variations known in the art may be played.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the tiles 202 provide tactile and auditory sensations while being manipulated. In one possible embodiment, the tiles 202 take the form of flat rectangular blocks that are substantial in mass and smooth to the touch. Moreover, the tiles 202 provide a satisfying clicking sound similar to casino chips. Suitable materials for the tiles 202 may include, without limitation, ivory, a rigid polymer, and bone.
A subsequent Step 104 comprises providing a plurality of players for playing the domino game 200 with the plurality of tiles 202. The game 200 accommodates two or more players. The players play in a sequential, predetermined order. The number of tiles 202 possessed by each player depends on the number of players playing.
A Step 106 comprises generating, by the plurality of players, an initial ante 210. The initial ante 210 comprises a wagering unit determined by the players. The winning player from a prior game 200, or a predetermined player may raise the initial ante 210, or restrict raising of the initial ante 210. The winning player collects the initial ante 210 at the time the game 200 terminates.
A further Step 108 includes generating, by at least two of the plurality of players, at least one side ante 212. The at least one side ante 212 occurs between at least two players. Any number of players may wager the side ante 212. For example, two players, three players, or all of the players involved in the game may wager the side ante 212. Multiple side antes are also possible between different combinations of players. The winning player collects the side ante 212. However, if the winning player did not wager the side ante 212, the highest scoring player, per rules of the domino game 200 collects the side ante 212 upon termination of the game 200. For example, the player with the lowest dot count.
Another Step 110, shown in FIG. 3, may include randomly manipulating the plurality of tiles 202. Prior to playing the game 200, the tiles 202 are moved about or otherwise shuffled before the being divided among the players. In one embodiment, the tiles 202 are turned face down on the playing surface, then randomly moved around with the hands, being careful not to flip any of the tiles 202 over.
The responsibilities of randomly shuffling the tiles 202 rotate through each player that did not win a previous round, until a winning streak ends. Though in some embodiments, the player who played before the winning player may start the random manipulation of tiles. The winning player of each new round pulls the first tile 204. However, the winner may not randomly manipulate the tiles 202 for subsequent rounds unless the winning streak has ended for the winning player. Furthermore, the winning player is the first to take tiles 202 after they have been randomly manipulated. Once the winning player touches the tiles 202, the other players may take their allotted number of tiles 202.
In one possible embodiment, the tiles 202 are shuffled by arranging the palm and fingers of both hands of one of the players there over and imparting a symmetry movement thereto (FIG. 3). This shuffling method 100 is efficacious for enhancing the integrity of the game 200 because skillful or dishonest players are capable of arranging the dominoes in the most desirable situation, such that the skillful or dishonest player may self-deal the dominoes. Furthermore, a thorough shuffling is useful because some of the tiles 202 may be inadvertently pushed from the surface on which they are shuffled or turned face upward in the act of shuffling.
A Step 112 further includes providing, to the plurality of players, an equal number of tiles 202 from the plurality of tiles 202. This is illustrated in the game setup of FIG. 4. After the tiles 202 have been randomly manipulated each player takes the predetermined number of tiles 202. In one embodiment, two or three players take 9 tiles each; four players take 7 tiles each; and more than four players take 2 or more tiles each. In any case, the players have equal number of tiles 202 at the commencement of the game 200. The players then hide the indicia 218 from the view of other players by standing the tiles 202 on the table, or grasping the edges of the tiles 202 in an orientation that prevents the opposing players from seeing the face of their tiles 202. The players may then take turns placing one of their tiles 202 adjacent to and in the same plane as previously-played tiles.
At this point, the order of play is determined. The game 200 provides various options for selecting the order of play. In one embodiment, the winner from the last game 200 begins play. In another embodiment, each player picks one extra tile from the bone yard. The player who draws the tile with the highest total value goes first. In another embodiment, each player reviews the possessed hand and reveals the tile with the highest total value of indicia 218. In another embodiment, the player with the highest number goes first. In another embodiment, each player reveals a double (a tile with the same number on either end) from the hand, and the player with the highest double goes first. In yet another embodiment, one player flips a coin and the other player calls it. Whoever wins the flip plays first.
The method 100 may further include a Step 114 that comprises playing a first tile 204, the playing of the first tile 204 comprising displaying the indicia 218 of the first tile 204 to the plurality of players. In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 4, the first tile 204 played is a double-six tile, or the highest double indicia tile. The player who possesses the double-six tile after taking tiles 202 from the shuffled tiles 202 plays the double-six tile as the first tile 204. Then, the subsequent player, either in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, plays a subsequent tile 208 a having matching indicia 218. Though in other embodiments, when three players are playing, and each player has 9 tiles out of a set of 28 tiles.
In one possible embodiment, once the players begin drawing tiles 202, they are typically placed on-edge before the players, so that each player can see his own tiles 202, but none can see the value of other players' tiles 202. The line of play is the configuration of played tiles 202 on the playing surface.
To initiate the game 200, one player begins by playing the first tile 204 from one of their tiles 202. This may include placing the first tile 204 concentrically between the players, such that the indicia 218 is visible to all the players. The first tile 204 played is generally a double six, though the highest double indicia tile can also be used.
A Step 116 further comprises playing, in a sequential order by the plurality of players, a plurality of subsequent tiles 208 a-b, the plurality of subsequent tiles 208 a-b being played adjacently to a previously played tile, the plurality of subsequent tiles 208 a -b having indicia 218 that matches the indicia 218 from the previously played tile.
In one possible embodiment, the general strategy of the game 200 involves matching regular patterns of dots formed on opposite ends of the tiles 202. From one to six dots may be arranged in consistent patterns on opposite ends, and the tiles 202 are arranged end to end, with matching patterns placed adjacent to one another. Each subsequently played tile 208 a-b must have indicia 218 matching the indicia 218 of the previously played tiles. As the tiles 202 are played, a tile formation forms. The tile formation must have two termini tiles 216 a-b that conclude the tile formation. The indicia 218 of subsequently played tiles 202 must match the indicia of either of the two termini tiles 216 a-b in order to be played.
As FIG. 4 references, the players add one tile 208 a to either narrow end of the first tile 204. The players can only add a subsequent tile 208 a to the tile formation if the indicia 218 indicates a number that matches a number on two termini tiles 216 a-b of the tile formation. For example, if the first tile 204 is a pair of 4 dots, the subsequent player can only play a subsequent tile 208 a that has one end marked with four dots. The tiles 202 are placed adjacently to each other, end on end to show that they are matched. As the players play their tiles 202, the shape of the tile formation typically grows in two opposite directions as players add matching tiles. In practice, players often play tiles 208 a-b at right angles when the line of play gets too close to the edge of the playing surface.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that if the playing surface runs out of space, it is acceptable to play a tile 208 a onto the appropriate side of the tile termini 216 a-b so that the line of tiles 202 turns. This has no strategic value, and is only done to save space. Further, when placing a double tile, it is customary to set the tile perpendicular to the tile being played onto. Regardless of orientation, only one side of the double tile—the side opposite the touching side—is considered free. Every player can thus see how many tiles 202 remain in the other players' hands at all times during game play.
The method 100 may also include a Step 118 of collecting at least one penalty ante 214 from one of the plurality of players when the plurality of subsequent tiles 208 a-b is inhibited from being played, the plurality of subsequent tiles 208 a-b being inhibited from being played when the indicia 218 for the plurality of subsequent tiles 208 a-b does not match the indicia 218 for the first tile 204 or the previously played tile. The game 200 is configured to penalize players who cannot play a tile 208 a because the tile 208 a does not have indicia 218 that matches previously played tiles.
This penalization aspect of the game 200 creates dynamic wagering that is perpetual while the game 200 is being played, and applicable to all the players. At least one penalty ante 214 is imposed on a player who cannot play a tile 202, due to the player not having the appropriate indicia 218 on the front face of the possessed tiles 202. The penalty ante 214 is paid by the player who cannot play a tile 208 a, to an opposing player who played the last tile 202.
A Step 120 comprises winning the game 200, by a winning player, by being the first player to play all of the provided tiles 202. The winning player is the first player to finish playing all of the tiles 202 on either of the two termini 216 a-b of the tile formation. In one embodiment, if the winning player can play the tile on both of the tile termini 216 a-b, each other player must pay the winning player a first wagering unit. In another embodiment, if the winning player can play the tile on both of the tile termini 216 a-b, and the last tile played by the winning player has unique indicia 218, such as being the last of the suit of tiles 202, each other player must pay the winning player a second wagering unit. The second wagering unit is generally double the first wagering unit. If the second wagering unit happens with a double indicia tile, the second wagering unit is four times the initial ante.
In other possible embodiments for determining the winning player, the player who plays all 7 or any number of the tiles 202 is the winning player, and receives points equal to the total of all the dots on the opposing players' remaining tiles 202. If none of the players are able to finish, all the players reveal their hands and add up the total of tiles 202 in each one. The player who has the lowest total number indicia 218 wins the round, and receives points equal to the difference between the total and the opposing players' total indicia. In the case of a tie, the initial ante is split.
Another Step 122 comprises collecting, by the winning player, the initial ante 210. The winning player collects the entirety of the initial ante 210. The winning player also has special privileges for the next game 200, such as determining whether or not to raise the initial ante 210.
In one alternative embodiment, the winning player collects a prize ante from the plurality of players. The prize ante may include a value at least equal to the initial ante. In any case, the prize ante is paid to the winning player by all of the other players.
A final Step 124 comprises collecting, by the at least two players wagering the side ante 212, the side ante 212, wherein either the winning player or the highest scoring player collects the side ante 212. The winning player, if involved in the side ante 212, collects the side ante 212. If the winning player did not wager the side ante 212, the player with the highest score (lowest dot count) collects the side ante 212.
While the inventor's above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the number of tiles may be 58 or greater, and the number of dots may reach up to 16 dots displaying on each half of the front face of the tiles. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of playing a game with multiple wagering instruments, the method comprising:

providing a plurality of tiles associated with a domino game, the plurality of tiles defined by a front face displaying an indicia;

providing a plurality of players for playing the domino game with the plurality of tiles;

generating, by the plurality of players, an initial ante;

generating, by at least two of the plurality of players, at least one side ante;

randomly manipulating the plurality of tiles;

providing, to the plurality of players, an equal number of tiles from the plurality of tiles;

playing a first tile, the playing of the first tile comprising displaying the indicia of the first tile to the plurality of players;

playing, in a sequential order by the plurality of players, a plurality of subsequent tiles, the plurality of subsequent tiles being played adjacently to a previously played tile, the plurality of subsequent tiles having indicia that matches the indicia from the previously played tile;

collecting at least one penalty ante from one of the plurality of players when the plurality of subsequent tiles is inhibited from being played, the plurality of subsequent tiles being inhibited from being played when the indicia for the plurality of subsequent tiles does not match the indicia for the first tile or the previously played tile;

winning the game, by a winning player, by being the first player to play all of the provided tiles;

collecting, by the winning player, the initial ante; and

collecting, by the at least two players wagering the side ante, the side ante, wherein either the winning player or the highest scoring player collects the side ante.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the game is a domino game.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tiles are twenty-eight rectangular blocks.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the indicia are zero to six dots that display on opposite ends of the front face.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of players are two to four players.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the initial ante and the at least one side ante are generated prior to commencing the game.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the wining player has an option of raising the initial ante.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the initial ante, the at least one side ante, and the penalty ante are poker chips.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of randomly manipulating the plurality of tiles, further comprises turning the plurality of tiles with the front face down on a playing surface and shuffling the plurality of tiles with the hands.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing, to the plurality of players, an equal number of tiles from the plurality of tiles, comprises seven tiles for each player.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of playing, in a sequential order by the plurality of players, further comprises playing in a clockwise direction or a counter-clockwise direction.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first tile played is a double-six tile.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first tile played is an extra 28^thtile is not used in the game.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the penalty ante is doubled for not having a matching indicia to the first tile played.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the played tiles form a tile formation having two termini, with each terminus having indicia.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of winning the game, by a winning player, by being the first player to play all of the provided tiles, further comprises the winning player collecting a first wagering unit from the rest of the plurality of players if the last tile played by the winning player can be played with either of the two termini in the tile formation.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the wherein the step of winning the game, by a winning player, by being the first player to play all of the provided tiles, further comprises the winning player collecting a second wagering unit from the rest of the plurality of players if the last tile played by the winning player can be played with either of the two termini in the tile formation, and if the last tile played has a unique indicia.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the unique indicia is a suit of indicia possessed only by the winning player.

19. A method of playing a game with multiple wagering instruments, the method comprising:

generating, by the plurality of players, an initial ante;

randomly manipulating the plurality of tiles;

playing, in a sequential order by the plurality of players, a plurality of subsequent tiles, the plurality of subsequent tiles being played adjacently to a previously played tile, the plurality of subsequent tiles having indicia that matches the indicia from the previously played tile,

wherein the played tiles form a tile formation having two termini, with each terminus comprising indicia;

collecting at least one penalty ante from one of the plurality of players when the plurality of subsequent tiles is inhibited from being played, the plurality of subsequent tiles being inhibited from being played when the indicia for the plurality of subsequent tiles does not match the indicia for the first tile or the previously played tile,

wherein the penalty ante is doubled for not having a matching indicia to the first tile that is played;

collecting, by the winning player, a first wagering unit from the rest of the plurality of players if the last tile played by the winning player can be played with either of the two termini in the tile formation;

collecting, by the winning player, a second wagering unit from the rest of the plurality of players if the last tile played by the winning player can be played with either of the two termini in the tile formation, and if the last tile played has a unique indicia;

collecting, by the winning player, the initial ante;

collecting by the winning player a prize ante from the plurality of players, the prize ante comprising a value at least equal to the initial ante; and

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the unique indicia is a suit of indicia possessed only by the winning player.