Personal game device and method

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a portable electronic game device programmed for playing poker, particularly “No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em” against a plurality of virtual opponents or players that each have predefined characteristics, the device having a personal computer interface, a memory accumulator for cumulatively storing earned points, and a means of communication with a hosted website or remote server computer that tracks unique identifiers for the game device and its associated player and allows the player to compete with other players for prizes based on the total accumulated points earned by the individual player or to obtain universal rankings. The invention also relates to methods of using such a portable game device.

1 . A portable electronic game device programmed for playing a poker game comprising a computer communications interface; a plurality of programmed virtual players having predefined characteristics; and a memory accumulator for cumulatively storing points; wherein said interface is accessible to a hosted website server, and wherein said server tracks unique identifiers for said device and its associated user and allows said user to compete with others based on the total accumulated points earned by said user or to obtain universal rankings. 
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said poker game is No-Limit Texas Hold 'Em. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said interface is a serial or parallel communication link or wireless communications protocol. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said serial communications link is a USB interface that is accessible to a hosted website. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said programmed virtual players having predefined characteristics are selected from the group consisting of fast, tight, solid, erratic, aggressive, call station, Fort Knox, loose, good, fisherman, bluffer, mood changer, and slow players. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said device is capable of being programmed with additional programmed virtual players having predefined characteristics. 
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said device comprises selector buttons for the following functions: fold, check, bet, raise, call, and clear bet. 
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said device comprises an internal tamperproof mechanism. 
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said device comprises a battery power supply. 
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said device has a unique serial number or other unique identification means. 
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a computer program executable on a client computer that communicates with said device and said server. 
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said client computer and said server communicate via TCP/IP. 
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a speaker that provides audio features. 
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said audio features include dealer instructions or preprogrammed audible comments from virtual players and audience. 
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said device is capable of being programmed with additional audio features. 
   
   
       16 . A method of conducting a poker tournament comprising the steps of accumulating points for each participating user during a predetermined time period using a device of  claim 1 ; transferring accumulated from said device to a hosted website server while resetting accumulated points on said device, all points being either transferred to said server prior to the conclusion of said time period or being forfeited; and comparing the total points for all of said users transferred to said server at the conclusion of said time period. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said website tracks unique identifiers for the game device and its associated user, and allows said user to compete with other subscribers for prizes based on the total accumulated points earned by the user, and to obtain universal rankings. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said interface is used for transferring points accumulated on the game device to said server. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein accumulated points are used as a basis for setting the stakes of a new session. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising a step of awarding prizes based on the number of accumulated points that have been transferred to said server during said predetermined time period.