Method for Playing A Matching Game

Abstract

A preferred method includes displaying a plurality of indicia-bearing game pieces 12 on a gaming grid 14. A player then selects game pieces 12 that are adjacent and that have matching indicia 16. Preferably, the matching adjacent game pieces 34 that are selected are then removed from the gaming grid 14. One or more prizes are awarded in association with the selection and removal of the matching adjacent game pieces 34. Preferably, the player is also provided with the ability to shuffle any remaining non-selected game pieces 32, after all matching adjacent game pieces that are perceived by the player are selected and removed. In this regard, it is possible that the player may overlook some matching adjacent game pieces 34. Additionally, some preferred embodiment gaming methods incorporate the use of multiple indicia 16 on each game piece 12 for potentially matching with adjacent game pieces. Finally, awards can be awarded to a player based upon game speed and the number of shuffles required to clear the grid 14, amongst other criteria. Preferably, the method also includes activation of an interactive help feature 100 for the bonus game. The help feature 100 is continuously accessible, allowing access to the help feature during play of the bonus game so that a player unfamiliar with the bonus game may receive instructions on how to play the bonus game during play of an active bonus game.

1 . A video gaming machine that displays a primary game and a secondary game, and that further provides information to assist a player in how to play a game while the game is in play, the gaming machine comprising: 
 a video screen that displays game play;    a microprocessor that controls at least a portion of the game play; and    an interactive help feature for the secondary game, wherein the help feature is continuously accessible, allowing access to the help feature during play of the secondary game so that a player unfamiliar with the secondary game may receive instructions on how to play the secondary game while the secondary game is currently active.    
   
   
       2 . The video gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the interactive help feature includes multiple help screens.  
   
   
       3 . The video gaming machine of  claim 2 , wherein the interactive help feature includes navigation controls to move between the multiple help screens.  
   
   
       4 . The video gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the interactive help feature includes both static and animated assets that provide explanations of game play.  
   
   
       5 . The video gaming machine of  claim 4 , wherein the animated assets in the interactive help feature provide real time examples of game play.  
   
   
       6 . The video gaming machine of  claim 4 , wherein the animated assets in the interactive help feature allow a player to participate in at least a portion of a sample bonus game.  
   
   
       7 . The video gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the interactive help feature incorporates touch screen controls.  
   
   
       8 . The video gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the interactive help feature is exitable by a player at any time.  
   
   
       9 . The video gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the interactive help feature occupies only part of the video screen.  
   
   
       10 . The video gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the interactive help feature occupies all of the video screen.  
   
   
       11 . The video gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the interactive help feature halts play of the bonus game while the interactive help feature is activated.  
   
   
       12 . The video gaming machine of  claim 1 , wherein the interactive help feature does not affect play of the bonus game when the interactive help feature is activated.  
   
   
       13 . An interactive help system for a video gaming machine that displays an initial game and a bonus game, wherein the interactive help system provides information that allows a player to learn game rules during play of an active game, the help system comprising: 
 a video screen that displays at least a portion of the help system when activated;    a microprocessor that controls at least a portion of the help system; and    an interactive help feature for the bonus game, wherein the help feature is continuously accessible, allowing access to the help feature at any time during play of the bonus game so that a player unfamiliar with the bonus game may receive instructions on how to play the bonus game during play of an active bonus game.    
   
   
       14 . The video gaming machine of  claim 13 , wherein the interactive help feature includes multiple help screens.  
   
   
       15 . The video gaming machine of  claim 14 , wherein the interactive help feature includes navigation controls to move between the multiple help screens.  
   
   
       16 . The video gaming machine of  claim 13 , wherein the interactive help feature includes both static and animated assets that provide explanations of game play.  
   
   
       17 . The video gaming machine of  claim 16 , wherein the animated assets in the interactive help feature provide real time examples of game play.  
   
   
       18 . The video gaming machine of  claim 16 , wherein the animated assets in the interactive help feature allow a player to participate in at least a portion of a sample bonus game.  
   
   
       19 . The video gaming machine of  claim 13 , wherein the interactive help feature incorporates touch screen controls.  
   
   
       20 . The video gaming machine of  claim 13 , wherein the interactive help feature is exitable by a player at any time.  
   
   
       21 . The video gaming machine of  claim 13 , wherein the interactive help feature occupies only part of the video screen.  
   
   
       22 . The video gaming machine of  claim 13 , wherein the interactive help feature occupies all of the video screen.  
   
   
       23 . The video gaming machine of  claim 13 , wherein the interactive help feature halts play of the bonus game while the interactive help feature is activated.  
   
   
       24 . The video gaming machine of  claim 13 , wherein the interactive help feature does not affect play of the bonus game when the interactive help feature is activated.  
   
   
       25 . A method for playing a gaming machine that incorporates an interactive bonus game help feature, the method comprising: 
 initiating play of a primary game;    in response to a predetermined outcome of the primary game, initiating play of a bonus game;    in response to a selection event by a player, activating an interactive help feature for the bonus game during play of the bonus game, wherein the help feature is available on demand by the player, and wherein the help feature is initiatable at any time during play of the bonus game so that a player may receive instructions that assist in proper play of the bonus game while the bonus game is in active use; and    resuming play of the bonus game after the use of the help feature is completed.    
   
   
       26 . The video gaming machine of  claim 25 , wherein the interactive help feature includes multiple help screens.  
   
   
       27 . The video gaming machine of  claim 26 , wherein the interactive help feature includes navigation controls to move between the multiple help screens.  
   
   
       28 . The video gaming machine of  claim 25 , wherein the interactive help feature includes both static and animated assets that provide explanations of game play.  
   
   
       29 . The video gaming machine of  claim 28 , wherein the animated assets in the interactive help feature provide real time examples of game play.  
   
   
       30 . The video gaming machine of  claim 28 , wherein the animated assets in the interactive help feature allow a player to participate in at least a portion of a sample bonus game.  
   
   
       31 . The video gaming machine of  claim 25 , wherein the interactive help feature incorporates touch screen controls.  
   
   
       32 . The video gaming machine of  claim 25 , wherein the interactive help feature is exitable by a player at any time.  
   
   
       33 . The video gaming machine of  claim 25 , wherein the interactive help feature occupies only part of the video screen.  
   
   
       34 . The video gaming machine of  claim 25 , wherein the interactive help feature occupies all of the video screen.  
   
   
       35 . The video gaming machine of  claim 25 , wherein the interactive help feature halts play of the bonus game while the interactive help feature is activated.  
   
   
       36 . The video gaming machine of  claim 25 , wherein the interactive help feature does not affect play of the bonus game when the interactive help feature is activated.