US20140265124A1

US20140265124A1 - Games of chance and methods for playing such games

Info

Publication number: US20140265124A1
Application number: US14/194,250
Authority: US
Inventors: Craig J. Madson
Original assignee: Madson Products LLC
Current assignee: Madson Products LLC
Priority date: 2013-03-14
Filing date: 2014-02-28
Publication date: 2014-09-18
Also published as: WO2014152958A1; EP2973452A1; EP2973452A4

Abstract

A game of chance for one or more wagering players has a plurality of random number selectors for determining a point sum by adding together the randomly selected numbers, and a game layout. The game layout has a plurality of point sum zones, each point sum zone indicating at least one point sum indicia associated with that point sum zone and a plurality of wagering zones. The plurality of wagering zones has a plurality of primary wager zones, each primary wager zone being associated with one of the plurality of point sum zones and the point sum indicia associated with such point sum zone; a plurality of secondary wager zones, each secondary wager zone being associated with more than one of the plurality of point sum zones and the point sum indicia associated with each such point sum zone; and at least one tertiary wager zone, the tertiary wager zone being associated with more than one of the plurality of secondary wager zones, the point sum zones associated with each of the more than one secondary wager zones, and the point sum indicia associated with each such point sum zone. Each of the plurality of wagering zones has predetermined odds indicia. The wagering player is paid according to the odds indicia when the point sum matches the point sum indicia associated with at least one of the wagering zones.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/781,224 that was filed on Mar. 14, 2013, for an invention titled “Games of Chance and Methods for Playing Such Games.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to games of chance and methods for playing such games of chance. More specifically, the present invention relates to various games of chance that implement associated wagering regions and the sum of multiple number selectors.
2. The Relevant Technology
Games incorporating elements of chance are well known. These games are known both in the context of casino games as well as parlor games. Games of chance generally revolve around the outcome or outcomes of some random or quasi-random event or events. These events have a limited set of possible outcomes, although the set of possible outcomes may be very large. Generally, game players attempt to predict the outcome of one or more events prior to their occurrence. Game winners may be determined by correctly predicting all or part of the outcome of the event or events.
Games of chance have particular application in the field of casino gaming. Casino gaming as used herein is understood to include gambling applications outside of actual casinos, for example, in locations such as bars, airports and the like which may have gambling. It is understood that casino gaming may include both table-based gaming, as well as machine-based gaming, including, for example, mechanical slot machine gaming, computer-controlled machine gaming, and gaming using a personal mobile device such as a laptop, a tablet, and a smart phone.
Well known casino games include craps, roulette, blackjack, pai gow poker, pai gow, the wheel of fortune, slot machines, video poker, keno, baccarat, mini-baccarat, Spanish-21, casino war, and poker. Also, games such as state lotteries and daily numbers drawings are well known.
The principal goal of games of chance is to provide entertainment. In the casino and gambling context, successful games attract and maintain the interest of players, thereby generating income for the casino or other game host. These games of chance ideally provide action and excitement for players, have relatively easy to learn rules which do not use complicated rankings of various outcomes (e.g., poker hand valuations), and permit a variety of different wagers to keep players' interest.
In order to create a sense of competition, and therefore excitement and interest, certain presently-known games of chance determine winners by comparing the outcome of a player's event (such as the roll of one or more dice) against the results of a similar event of a “dealer” or other player.
One example of such a game of chance applicable in the casino setting is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,351, which discloses a dice game involving wagering on the outcome of a roll of three dice. One or more players place wagers and then roll dice against a dealer. Game results depend on the occurrence of a predefined set of outcomes and/or the relative values of the player's and dealer's outcomes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,850 discloses a game in which a player and a dealer develop “hands” based on the outcome of one or more rolls of several dice by both the dealer and player. Game results depend on the value of the dealer's hand relative to the player's hand according to a predefined set of relatively complex rules.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,563 discloses a game in which a player and a dealer each roll a set of dice. Wagers are made on the relative outcome of the two rolls. The player's dice and dealer's dice may be differentiated from one another by color so to avoid confusion upon each rolling his respective dice.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,695,193 discloses a game in which players play against one another or against a dealer. Game results are based on predefined combinations of dice outcomes. Outcome combinations are compared to that of each player in turn and the combination with the highest value according to predefined point values assigned to each possible outcome is deemed the winner.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,011,663 discloses a game of chance that defines a set of wagers on the outcome of a plurality of differentiable random events. The random events define an aggregate event to which a set of payout odds are associated. Up to five dice may be differentiated from one another by color so to differentiate the dice for different wagering combinations. After wagers are accepted, a plurality of random events is generated. Winning wagers are paid according to the payout odds.
Many players, however, seek to avoid confrontation and so disfavor games involving such inter-personal competition, even when such competition is against a casino as personified by a dealer.
Other presently-known games attempt to create excitement by providing multiple wagering stages during the course of a single game. U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,851, for example, discloses a dice-based game requiring players to place at least one additional wager on at least one additional roll of several dice after successfully wagering on the outcome of a first roll of the several dice.
Still other presently-known games attempt to attract players by providing a limited set of wagers which players may learn quickly. One such game is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,948, which discloses a dice-based game having a small set of available wagers. The outcome of the game is dependent on no more than two rolls of a pair of dice. The game may be terminated upon the occurrence of a predefined outcome during a first roll of dice, or upon the occurrence of certain outcomes of a second roll of dice relative to the outcome of the first roll the dice.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,482 discloses a multiple dice game wherein players' wagers relate to the outcome of a roll of three dice without differentiation of three dice. Wagers are limited to wagers regarding the total of the three dice and/or the existence of two or three identical numbers being rolled.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,469 discloses a multiple-dice game wherein players wager on the sum of the outcome of two rolls of three dice each and/or on poker-like outcomes (e.g., three-of-a-kind, straights, etc.) without differentiation of the dice. Wagers may be made before the first roll and/or between the first and second rolls.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,209,874 discloses a three-dice game having dice of three different colors. Players are limited to six types of wagers on the result of rolling three dice. A first type of wager is on the face-up sides of a selected two of the dice being equal both to each other and to a number selected by the player. A second type of wager is on the face-up side of a selected one of the dice indicating a selected number. A third type of wager is on the face-up side of a selected one of the dice indicating a number that is alternatively higher or lower than numbers indicated by the other two dice. A fourth type of wager is on the face up sides of the dice each being equal to each other and to a number selected by the player. A fifth type of wager is on the face-up sides of the dice indicating numbers having a sum which is a selected total number. A sixth type of wager is on the sum of numbers indicated by the face-up sides of the three dice being alternatively an odd number or an even number.
Due to the limited scope of available wagers, however, these games may not adequately maintain the interest of players. Certain presently-known games address this issue by providing more complicated rules. One example is U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,175, which discloses a dice-based game wherein players wager on the outcomes of successive rolls of several dice. The game terminates upon the happening of certain pre-defined combinations of outcomes of the several rolls of the dice.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,872 discloses a combination card and dice-based game which proceeds through three distinct phases of random card and dice events. These games, however, may present rules which are too complicated for a number of typical players to comfortably learn or understand.
Finally, several currently-known games involve game play which does not adequately develop excitement for players.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,847 discloses a game wherein players wager on the outcome of a single event such as the roll of a pair of dice. Several pre-defined wagers are disclosed, such as the outcome of the event being included in one or more predefined sets of outcomes. The single event results in a final and unequivocal outcome of all wagers, and so players are required to re-wager after each event, and no wager relies on the outcome of more than a single event.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,378,869 discloses a dice-based game wherein players wager on the outcome of rolls of two dice followed by the roll of a third die. Disclosed wagers include individual wagers for each possible sum of the dice values as rolled, hi/lo outcome sets (i.e., wagers that the sum of the values rolled will fall within 4 to 10 inclusive or 11 to 17 inclusive) and odd/even outcomes.
Games of chance in the parlor game context may include simulations of casino gaming, as well as point driven and other games not directly related to gambling.
With these considerations in mind, it is desirable to have a game which provides action and excitement for players, has relatively easy to learn rules which do not use complicated rankings of various outcomes, permits a variety of wagers to keep players' interest, has enticing odds to keep players' interest, and builds excitement throughout each game.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, to spark interest and provide entertainment value in games of chance that are easy to learn and administer. The game utilizes multiple random number selectors to generate a point sum, which is the sum of each of the random number selectors. For example, if three random selectors are used and the numbers randomly selected were 1, 7, and 9, the point sum would be 17. Although any type of random number selector can be used, for the purposes of this disclosure and for simplifying the explanation and streamlining the disclosure, the use of dice as the random number selectors will be disclosed. However, it should be understood that other forms of random number selectors may be used without departing from the spirit of this invention. For the purposes of this disclosure when dice are used or referenced as the random number selectors, it includes within the definition of dice any type of random number selector that simulates dice by selecting between the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 for each selector. Using other forms of random number selectors will require that the odds to be calculated, a task that those skilled in the art could easily perform. For example, if three random number selectors of 1 through 9 are used there are 729 possible point sums allocated among point sums ranging from 3 (1+1+1) to 27 (9+9+9).
Hence, with the use of dice, if four dice are rolled and the numbers 2, 5, 3, and 6 are selected, then the point sum would be 16. If three dice are used, there are 216 possible point sums allocated among point sums ranging from 3 (1+1+1) to 18 (6+6+6). If four dice are used, there are 1296 possible point sums allocated among point sums ranging from 4 (1+1+1+1) to 24 (6+6+6+6). If five dice are used, there are 7776 point sums allocated among point sums ranging from 5 (1+1+1+1+1) to 30 (6+6+6+6+6). And so on for using more than five dice or for using random number selectors other than dice. These point sums and the probability of whether a particular point sum will come on any particular roll, is what the players wager upon, in the hope that if the odds are played fortuitously, the player will gain value as oppose to lose value by wagering.
The layout of the game is conducive to game understanding because the layout readily conveys what bets can be made and what odds will pay out for each wager. The game layout comprises a plurality of point sum zones, a plurality of primary wager zones, a plurality of secondary wager zones, a tertiary wager zone, and a plurality of ancillary wager zones. Each of the wager zones is associated with possible point sums of random number selectors such as dice.
Each primary wager zone is disposed adjacent a point sum zone and by that adjacent juxtaposition is associated to the point sum(s) indicated with that particular point sum zone. For example, if a player placed a wager on the primary wager zone, the wager would be for the point sums indicated in the adjacent point sum zone. If the point sum rolled matches with a point sum indicated in the point sum zone associated with the wager placed, that player would win according to the odds indicated in the primary wager zone.
Each secondary wager zone is disposed adjacent at least two point sum zones and is therefore associated with each adjacent point sum zone and the point sums indicated in each. For example, if a player placed a wager on a secondary wager zone, the wager would be for all of the point sums indicated in the adjacent point sum zones. If the point sum rolled matches with any of the point sums indicated in any of the point sum zones associated with the wager placed, that player would win according to the odds indicated in the secondary wager zone.
The tertiary wager zone is disposed adjacent each of the secondary wager zones and is associated with each adjacent secondary wager zone and the point sum zones also adjacent to those secondary wager zones. Typically, the tertiary wager zone is associated with all of the point sums indicated in a point sum zone. For example, if a player placed a wager on the tertiary wager zone, the wager would be for all of the point sums indicated in the point sum zones. If the point sum rolled matches with any of the point sums indicated in any of the point sum zones, that player would win according to the odds indicated in the tertiary wager zone.
There are also ancillary wager zones that are separate and distinct from the primary, secondary, and tertiary wager zones. A first ancillary zone which bears indicia indicating one or more point sums. A second ancillary zone also bears indicia indicating one or more point sums. Typically, the point sums indicated in the first ancillary zone and the second ancillary zone are the point sums that have the higher probability of occurring and pay out lesser odds. Although, that may not necessarily be the case. If a player placed a wager on the first ancillary zone, the wager would be for all of the point sums indicated in the first ancillary zone. If the point sum rolled matches with any of the point sums indicated in the first ancillary zone, that player would win according to the odds indicated in the first ancillary zone. Similarly, if a player placed a wager on the second ancillary zone, the wager would be for all of the point sums indicated in the second ancillary zone. If the point sum rolled matches with any of the point sums indicated in the second ancillary zone, that player would win according to the odds indicated in the second ancillary zone.
There are also one or more special ancillary zones that are also separate and distinct from the primary, secondary, and tertiary wager zones. For example, one special ancillary zone may be for three of a kind for three-dice embodiments, four of a kind for four-dice embodiments; five of a kind or a full house (three of kind and a pair) for five-dice embodiments. If a player placed a wager on one of the special ancillary zones, the wager would be for whatever special circumstance is indicated in the special ancillary zone. If the rolled dice show the special circumstance (e.g., three of a kind, four of a kind, five of a kind, full house, etc.) corresponding to the special ancillary zone, that player would win according to the odds indicated in the special ancillary zone.
The layout of the game, the pairing of point sums, and the odds selected for the various wagering areas can determine the difficulty of the play, the complexity of the odds determination, the house take, and the level of player interest and entertainment. Various exemplary game layouts will be further explained in the detailed description.
To create additional interest there are various alternative modes for play. By way of example only, there is a four-dice alternative for play on a five-dice layout. With this alternative, the player places his/her wager on a wager zone and declares either high or low. Then, the four dice are rolled. For illustration purposed, assume the roll of the four dice was 3-4-1-6. If the player declared high, then the highest dice is counted twice to arrive at the point sum. In this case, 3+4+1+6+6 for a point of 20. However, if the player declared low, then the lowest dice is counted twice to arrive at the point sum. In that case, 3+4+1+6+1 for a point sum of 15. The wagers are paid out as explained previously.
Yet another alternative way of playing would allow the player to select one dice to re-roll. In a five-dice game, where the initial roll of the dice was 4-2-5-5-5, the player might select the dice indicating “2” to be re-rolled. On the re-roll, if that dice came up “4”, the point sum would be 23 (4+4+5+5+5) and the wagers would be paid out accordingly.
Yet another alternative would be to have one preselected dice to be different (such as a different color or some other distinguishing characteristic). Similar to the high/low alternative, the preselected dice would be added twice to the sum. For example, if the roll was 6-3-1-6 and the preselected dice was the first 6, then the point sum would be 22 (6+3+1+6+6).
Still another variation would be to have the preselected dice be able to replace any dice. In a five-dice game if the roll were 2-5-3-1-3 and the preselected dice was the 2, the player might substitute the 2 for the 5 so that the point sum would become 11 (2+2+3+1+3).
Of course, with these variations on the game, the odds in the various wager zones would have to be adjusted accordingly.
These and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other features and advantages of the invention are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary game layout with pairings of point sums indicated in the point sum zones for an embodiment of a three-dice game;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exemplary game layout with pairings of point sums indicated in the point sum zones for an embodiment of a four-dice game;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an exemplary game layout with pairings of point sums indicated in the point sum zones for an embodiment of a five-dice game;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an alternative game layout with pairings of point sums indicated in the point sum zones for another exemplary embodiment of a five-dice game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like designations throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of exemplary embodiments of the invention.
The word “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.
For purposes of this disclosure the terms “adjacently abut” or “adjacent abutment” shall mean that two areas or zones share a line, whether linear or curvilinear. Two areas or zones that share only a point are not considered to adjacently abut.
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a game layout for an exemplary embodiment of a three-dice game showing a layout of wagering zones and point sum zones. The game layout A comprises a plurality of point sum zones B, a plurality of primary wager zones C, a plurality of secondary wager zones D, a tertiary wager zone E, and a plurality of ancillary wager zones F. As can be seen and by way of example, primary wager zone C₁adjacently abuts point sum zone B₁and primary wager zone C₂adjacently abuts point sum zone B₂, but primary wager zone C₁does not adjacently abut point sum zone B₂. Adjacent abutment of a wagering zone with a particular point sum zone means that the adjacently abutting wagering zone is associated with the point sum zone it adjacently abuts, for example, primary wager zone C₁is associated with point sum zone B₁because it adjacently abuts point sum zone B₁.
Similarly, secondary wager zone D₁is associated with point sum zones B₁and B₂because secondary wager zone D₁adjacently abuts both point sum zones B₁and B₂. Also, secondary wager zone D₂is associated with point sum zones B₃and B₄because secondary wager zone D₂adjacently abuts both point sum zones B₃and B₄. Further, tertiary wager zone E is associated with both secondary wager zones D₁, D₂because tertiary wager zone E adjacently abuts both secondary wager zones D₁, D₂. By that association, tertiary wager zone E is associated with each and all of the point sum zones B₁, B₂, B₃, B₄. These associations indicate which point sums apply to each of the wagering zones among the plurality of primary wager zones C, the plurality of secondary wager zones D, and the tertiary wager zone E.
FIG. 1 also shows exemplary pairings of point sums indicated in the point sum zones B₁, B₂, B₃, B₄for the exemplary embodiment of a three-dice game. By way of example, point sums 3 and 18 are indicated in point sum zone B₁; point sums 4 and 17 are indicated in point sum zone B₂; point sums 5 and 16 are indicated in point sum zone B₃; and point sums 6 and 15 are indicated in point sum zone B₄. As configured, a wager placed on primary wager zone C₁is a wager that either point sum 3 or point sum 18 will be rolled, and a wager placed on primary wager zone C₂is a wager that either point sum 4 or point sum 17 will be rolled. Wagers on primary wager zones C₃and C₄are handled in the same manner.
Additionally, as configured, a wager placed on secondary wager zone D₁is a wager that any of point sums 3, 4, 17, or 18 will be rolled, and a wager placed on secondary wager zone D₂is a wager that any of point sums 5, 6, 15, or 16 will be rolled. Accordingly, a wager placed on tertiary wager zone E is a wager that any of point sums 3, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, or 18 will be rolled. Of course, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is only an example of one configuration of the game layout A. The point sum pairings, the arrangement of the point sum pairings, the geometric layout of the various zones, and the selections of which point sums are placed in point sum zones could all differ from what is shown in Chart 1, below, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In such case, the probabilities and odds shown in Chart 1 would differ accordingly. The probabilities and break-even indicator shown in Chart 1 are for the particular exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 1.
Turning now to the ancillary wager zones F of FIG. 1, ancillary wager zones F are ancillary to the main portion of the game layout A and may comprise first ancillary wager zone F₁, second ancillary zone F₂, and special ancillary zone S₁. In the configuration shown, first ancillary zone F₁has point sums 7, 8, 9, and 10 displayed therein, and second ancillary zone F₂has point sums 11, 12, 13, and 14 displayed therein. As a result, a wager placed on the first ancillary wager zone F₁is a wager that any of point sums 7, 8, 9, or 10 will be rolled, and a wager placed on second ancillary wager zone F₂is a wager that any of point sums 11, 12, 13, or 14 will be rolled. Of course, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is only an example of one configuration of the game layout A. The number of ancillary wager zones, the size and geometric layout of the ancillary zones, and the selections of which point sums are placed in ancillary wager zones could all differ from what is shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In such cases, the probabilities and odds shown in Chart 1 would differ accordingly. The probabilities and break-even indicators shown in Chart 1 are for the particular exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 1.
A single special ancillary wage zone S₁is shown in FIG. 1 and is designated as a “3 of a kind” special outcome. Hence, a wager placed on special ancillary wager zone S₁is a wager that all three dice will come up the same when rolled. In this special instance, point sum is not relevant to such a wager. Rather, the special circumstance must occur for there to be a payout on such a wager. Although only one special ancillary wager zone is shown, others are contemplated and may be used, such as a three dice straight (1-2-3, or 2-3-4, or 3-4-5, or 4-5-6) or any other special circumstance. The number of special ancillary wager zones, the size and geometric layout of the special ancillary zones, and the selections of which special circumstances are indicated in special ancillary wager zones could all differ from what is shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In such cases, the probabilities and break-even indicator shown in Chart 1 would differ accordingly. The probabilities and break-even indicators shown in Chart 1 are for the particular exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 1.

CHART 1

Wager Zone	Point Sums	Probability Count	Percent Probability	Break-even Indicator

C

₁	3 or 18	2	0.926%	106.99136
C ₂	4 or 17	6	2.778%	34.99712
C ₃	5 or 16	12	5.556%	16.99856
C ₄	6 or 15	20	9.259%	9.8003
D ₁	3, 4, 17, or 18	8	3.704%	25.99784
D ₂	5, 6, 15, or 16	32	14.815%	5.74992
E	3, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16,	40	18.519%	4.39986
	17, or 18
F ₁	7, 8, 9, or 10	88	40.741%	1.45453
F ₂	11, 12, 13, or 14	88	40.741%	1.45453
S ₁	3 of a kind	6	2.778%	34.99712

Chart 1 shows exemplary pairings of point sums indicated in the various point sum zones and indications of the probability counts, probability percentages, and break-even indicators for the exemplary embodiment of a three-dice game. The integer depicted in the “probability count” column represents how many combinations out of the total number of combinations (216 combinations in the three-dice embodiment) are associated with the designated point sums. The percentage depicted in the “probability percentage” is the number of combinations associated with the designated point sums divided by 216. The decimal number depicted in the “break-even indicator” column may be used to determine odds. For example, the probability count for primary wager zone C₁is 2 and this means that averaging over time for every 216 rolls of the dice, the point sum will be either 3 or 18 twice. The probability count of 2 represents 0.926% of the rolls of the dice (i.e., 2 divided by 216), and the decimal number 106.99136 represents that if the odds were placed at 106.99136 to 1, then the house would break even over time. The break-even indicator is calculated by subtracting the probability percentage from 100% (in this instance, 100%-0.926%=99.074%) and then dividing the result (99.074%) by the probability percentage (99.07% divided by 0.926%=106.99136). The closer the odds are set to 106.99136 to 1, the less value the house gains and the longer a player will last playing the game given a finite stake to begin without adding to the stake.
Similarly, the probability count for tertiary wager zone E is 40, meaning that averaging over time for every 216 rolls of the dice, the point sum will be either 3, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16, 17, or 18 forty times, the probability percentage is 18.519% and the break-even indicator is 4.39986. Also, the probability count for first ancillary wager zone F₁is 88, meaning that averaging over time for every 216 rolls of the dice, the point sum will be either 7, 8, 9, or 10 eighty-eight times, the probability percentage is 40.741% and the break-even indicator is 1.45453. Additionally, for the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the probability count for special ancillary wager zone S₁is 6, meaning that averaging over time for every 216 rolls of the dice, all three dice will be the same six times, the probability percentage is 2.778% and the break-even indicator is 34.99712.
For the sake of brevity and streamlining this disclosure, the determination and calculation of the probability count, the probability percentage, and the break-even indicator will not be repeated for each wagering zone. The probability percentage and the break-even indicator may be calculated in the same fashion for each wagering zone. Moreover, if a different configuration is used, once the probability count is determined for a particular wager zone, the probability percentage and the break-even indicator for that wager zone can be calculated in the same fashion.
Turning now to Chart 2, the alternative possible odds and the house take value for each indicated odds for each wager zone are shown for the exemplary embodiment of a three-dice game. The alternative odds depicted represent example odds settings that are lower than the break-even odds indicator from Chart 1, and the decimal number following each potential odds setting represents a relative indicator of how much the house stands to gain over time (herein identified as the “house take value”) for each wagering zone.

CHART 2

Wager Zone	Point Sums	Odds Alternatives	House Take Values

C

₁	3 or 18	50 to 1	52.774
		75 to 1	29.624
		100 to 1	6.474
C ₂	4 or 17	25 to 1	27.772
		30 to 1	13.882
C ₃	5 or 16	12 to 1	27.772
		15 to 1	11.104
C ₄	6 or 15	6 to 1	35.187
		8 to 1	16.669
D ₁	3, 4, 17, or 18	15 to 1	40.736
		20 to 1	22.216
		24 to 1	7.400
D ₂	5, 6, 15, or 16	4 to 1	25.925
		5 to 1	11.110
E	3, 4, 5, 6, 15, 16,	2 to 1	44.443
	17, or 18	3 to 1	25.924
		4 to 1	7.405
F ₁	7, 8, 9, or 10	Even	18.518
F ₂	11, 12, 13, or 14	Even	18.518
S ₁	3 of a kind	25 to 1	27.772
		30 to 1	13.882

For example, the exemplary potential odds settings for primary wager zone C₁are 50 to 1, 75 to 1, and 100 to 1 (each being lower than the break-even indicator for primary wager zone C₁shown in Chart 1 as 106.99136). For each of the potential odds settings 50 to 1, 75 to 1, and 100 to 1, the house take value is 52.774, 29.624, and 6.474, respectively. The house take value for the 50 to 1 odds setting is calculated as follows: 1) Multiply the probability percentage (0.926%) by 50 to arrive at an odds augmented percentage (50×0.926%=46.300%); 2) Subtract the probability percentage from 100% to arrive at an interim result (100%−0.926%=99.074%); and 3) Subtract the odds augmented percentage from the interim result to arrive at the house take value (expressed without the percentage indicator) (99.074%−46.300%=52.774). The house take value can be calculated in a similar fashion for each of the potential odds depicted for each wagering zone. The closer the house take value is to zero, the less value the house gains and the longer a player will last playing the game given a finite stake to begin without adding to the stake.
Similarly, the exemplary possible odds settings for tertiary wager zone E are 2 to 1, 3 to 1, and 4 to 1 (each being lower than the break-even indicator for tertiary wager zone E shown in FIG. 3 as 4.39986). For each of the potential odds settings 2 to 1, 3 to 1, and 4 to 1, the house take value is 44.443, 25.924, and 7.405, respectively. Also, the possible odds settings for first ancillary wager zone F₁is even with a house take value of 18.518. Additionally, for the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the possible odds settings for special ancillary wager zone S₁are 25 to 1 and 30 to 1, for house take values of 27.772 and 13.882, respectively.
For the sake of brevity and streamlining this disclosure, the calculation of the house take value for each potential odds setting will not be repeated for each wagering zone. The house take value for each potential odds setting may be calculated in the same fashion for each wagering zone. Moreover, if a different configuration is used, once the probability count is determined and the odds are set for a particular wager zone, the house take value for that wager zone can be calculated in the same fashion.
Similar to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 is a plan view of a game layout but for an exemplary embodiment of a four-dice game rather than a three-dice game, showing a layout of wagering zones and point sum zones. The game layout A comprises a plurality of point sum zones B, a plurality of primary wager zones C, a plurality of secondary wager zones D, a tertiary wager zone E, and a plurality of ancillary wager zones F. Again, as can be seen and by way of example, primary wager zone C₁adjacently abuts point sum zone B₁and primary wager zone C₂adjacently abuts point sum zone B₂, but primary wager zone C₁does not adjacently abut point sum zone B₂. Adjacent abutment of a wagering zone with a particular point sum zone means that the adjacently abutting wagering zone is associated with the point sum zone it adjacently abuts, for example, primary wager zone C₁is associated with point sum zone B₁because it adjacently abuts point sum zone B₁.
Similarly, secondary wager zone D₁is associated with point sum zones B₁and B₂because secondary wager zone D₁adjacently abuts both point sum zones B₁and B₂. Also, secondary wager zone D₂is associated with point sum zones B₃and B₄because secondary wager zone D₂adjacently abuts both point sum zones B₃and B₄. Secondary wager zone D₃is associated with point sum zones B₅and B₆because secondary wager zone D₃adjacently abuts both point sum zones B₅and B₆. Further, tertiary wager zone E is associated with secondary wager zones D₁, D₂, D₃because tertiary wager zone E adjacently abuts secondary wager zones D₁, D₂, D₃. By that association, tertiary wager zone E is associated with all of the point sum zones B₁, B₂, B₃, B₄, B₅, B₆. These associations indicate which point sums apply to each of the wagering zones among the plurality of primary wager zones C, the plurality of secondary wager zones D, and the tertiary wager zone E.
Exemplary pairings of point sums indicated in the point sum zones for the exemplary embodiment of a four-dice game are shown in FIG. 2. Point sums 6 and 22 are indicated in point sum zone B₁; point sums 7 and 21 are indicated in point sum zone B₂; point sums 4 and 24 are indicated in point sum zone B₃; point sums 5 and 23 are indicated in point sum zone B₄; point sums 8 and 20 are indicated in point sum zone B₅; and point sums 9 and 19 are indicated in point sum zone B₆. As configured, a wager placed on primary wager zone C₁is a wager that either point sum 6 or point sum 22 will be rolled, and a wager placed on primary wager zone C₂is a wager that either point sum 7 or point sum 21 will be rolled. Wagers on primary wager zones C₃, C₄, C₅, and C₆are handled in the same manner.
Additionally, as configured, a wager placed on secondary wager zone D₁is a wager that any of point sums 6, 7, 21, or 22 will be rolled, and a wager placed on secondary wager zone D₂is a wager that any of point sums 4, 5, 23, or 24 will be rolled. Accordingly, a wager placed on tertiary wager zone E is a wager that any of point sums 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 will be rolled. Of course, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is only an example of one configuration of the game layout A. The point sum pairings, the arrangement of the point sum pairings, the geometric layout of the various zones, and the selections of which point sums are placed in point sum zones could all differ from what is shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In such case, the probabilities and odds shown in Chart 3 below would differ accordingly. The probabilities and break-even indicators shown in Chart 3 are for the particular exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 2.

CHART 3

Wager Zone	Point Sums	Probability Count	Percent Probability	Break-even Indicator

C

₁	6 or 22	20	1.543%	63.80881
C ₂	7 or 21	40	3.086%	31.40441
C ₃	4 or 24	2	0.154%	648.35065
C ₄	5 or 23	8	0.617%	161.07455
C ₅	8 or 20	70	5.401%	17.51509
C ₆	9 or 19	112	8.642%	10.57140
D ₁	6, 7, 21 or 22	60	4.63%	20.59827
D ₂	4, 5, 23, or 24	10	0.772%	128.53368
D ₃	8, 9, 19, or 20	182	14.043%	6.12099
E	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 19,	252	19.444%	4.14297
	20, 21, 22, 23, or 24
F ₁	10, 11, 12, or 13	449	34.645%	1.88642
F ₂	15, 16, 17, or 18	449	34.645%	1.88642
S ₁	4 of a kind	6	0.463%	214.98272

Ancillary wager zones F are ancillary to the central portion of the game layout A and may comprise first ancillary wager zone F₁, second ancillary zone F₂, and special ancillary zone S₁. In the configuration shown, first ancillary zone F₁has point sums 10, 11, 12, and 13 displayed therein, and second ancillary zone F₂has point sums 15, 16, 17, and 18 displayed therein. As a result, a wager placed on the first ancillary wager zone F₁is a wager that any of point sums 10, 11, 12, and 13 will be rolled, and a wager placed on second ancillary wager zone F₂is a wager that any of point sums 15, 16, 17, and 18 will be rolled. Further, with the depicted configuration, the point sum 14 is a bust (i.e., if the sum 14 is rolled, no wagers win). Of course, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is only an example of one configuration of the game layout A. The number of ancillary wager zones, the size and geometric layout of the ancillary zones, and the selections of which point sums are placed in ancillary wager zones could all differ from what is shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, there could be three non-special ancillary zones with three point sums each. In which case the point sum 14 could be used and not be a bust. In such alternative cases, the probabilities and odds would differ accordingly. The probabilities and odds shown in Charts 3 and 4 are for the particular exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 2.
A single special ancillary wage zone S₁is shown in FIG. 2 and is designated as a “4 of a kind” special outcome. Hence, a wager placed on special ancillary wager zone S₁is a wager that all four dice will come up the same when rolled. In this special instance, point sum is not relevant to such a wager. Rather, the special circumstance must occur for there to be a payout on such a wager. Although only one special ancillary wager is shown, others are contemplated and may be used, such as a four dice straight (1-2-3-4, or 2-3-4-5, or 3-4-5-6), two pair (e.g., 1-1-3-3 or 2-2-6-6), or any other special circumstance. The number of special ancillary wager zones, the size and geometric layout of the special ancillary zones, and the selections of which special circumstances are indicated in special ancillary wager zones could all differ from what is shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In such cases, the probabilities and odds shown in Charts 3 and 4 would differ accordingly. The probabilities and odds shown in Charts 3 and 4 are for the particular exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 2.
In Chart 3, three informational aspects are depicted for each wagering zone. The integer depicted represents the probability count, the percentage depicted is the probability percentage, and the decimal number depicted is the break-even indicator for each wagering zone. For example, the probability count for primary wager zone C₁is 20 and this means that averaging over time for every 1296 rolls of the dice, the point sum will be either 6 or 22 twenty times. The probability count of 20 represents 1.543% of the rolls of the dice (i.e., 20 divided by 1296), and the decimal number 63.80881 represents that if the odds were placed at 63.80881 to 1, then the house would break even over time. The break-even indicator is calculated by subtracting the probability percentage from 100% (in this instance, 100%−1.543%=98.457%) and then dividing the result (98.457%) by the probability percentage (98.457% divided by 1.543%=63.80881). The closer the odds are set to 63.80881 to 1, the less value the house gains and the longer a player will last playing the game given a finite stake to begin without adding to the stake.
Similarly, the probability count for tertiary wager zone E is 252, meaning that averaging over time for every 1296 rolls of the dice, the point sum will be either 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 two hundred fifty-two times, the probability percentage is 19.444% and the break-even indicator is 4.14297. Also, the probability count for first ancillary wager zone F₁is 449, meaning that averaging over time for every 1296 rolls of the dice, the point sum will be either 10, 11, 12, or 13 four hundred forty-nine times, the probability percentage is 34.645% and the break-even indicator is 1.88642. Additionally, for the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the probability count for special ancillary wager zone S₁is 6, meaning that averaging over time for every 1296 rolls of the dice, all four dice will be the same six times, the probability percentage is 0.463% and the break-even indicator is 214.98272.
For the sake of brevity and streamlining this disclosure, the determination and calculation of the probability count, the probability percentage, and the break-even indicator will not be repeated for each wagering zone. The probability percentage and the break-even indicator may be calculated in the same fashion for each wagering zone. Moreover, if a different configuration is used, once the probability count is determined for a particular wager zone, the probability percentage and the break-even indicator for that wager zone can be calculated in the same fashion.
Turning now to Chart 4, Chart 4 shows exemplary pairings of point sums indicated in the point sum zones, indications of alternative possible odds, and the house take value for each indicated odds for the exemplary embodiment of a four-dice game. Two informational aspects are depicted for each wagering zone. The alternative odds depicted represent example odds settings that are lower than the break-even odds indicator from Chart 3, and the decimal number following each potential odds setting represents a relative indicator of how much the house stands to gain over time (i.e., the house take value) for each wagering zone.

CHART 4

Wager Zone	Point Sums	Odds Alternatives	House Take Values

C

₁	6 or 22	50 to 1	21.307
		60 to 1	5.877
C ₂	7 or 21	25 to 1	19.764
		30 to 1	4.334
C ₃	4 or 24	500 to 1	22.846
		600 to 1	7.446
C ₄	5 or 23	125 to 1	22.258
		150 to 1	6.833
C ₅	8 or 20	12 to 1	29.787
		15 to 1	13.584
C ₆	9 or 19	8 to 1	22.220
		10 to 1	4.938
D ₁	6, 7, 21 or 22	15 to 1	25.920
		20 to 1	2.770
D ₂	4, 5, 23, or 24	100 to 1	22.028
		120 to 1	6.588
		125 to 1	2.728
D ₃	8, 9, 19, or 20	4 to 1	29.785
		5 to 1	15.742
		6 to 1	1.699
E	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,19, 20,	2 to 1	41.668
	21, 22, 23, or 24	3 to 1	22.224
		4 to 1	2.780
F ₁	10, 11, 12, or 13	Even	30.710
		3 to 2	17.3225
F ₂	15, 16, 17, or 18	Even	30.710
		3 to 2	17.3225
S ₁	4 of a kind	200 to 1	10.641
		175 to 1	18.512

For example, the alternative odds settings for primary wager zone C₁are 50 to 1 and 60 to 1 (each being lower than the break-even indicator for primary wager zone C₁shown in Chart 3 as 63.80881). For the odds settings 50 to 1 and 60 to 1, the house take value is 21.307 and 5.877, respectively. The house take value for the 50 to 1 odds setting is calculated as explained above with respect to the three-dice configuration. Again, the closer the house take value is to zero, the less value the house gains and the longer a player will last playing the game given a finite stake to begin without adding to the stake.
Similarly, the alternative odds settings for tertiary wager zone E are 2 to 1, 3 to 1, and 4 to 1 (each being lower than the break-even indicator for tertiary wager zone E shown in FIG. 7 as 4.14297). For the odds settings 2 to 1, 3 to 1, and 4 to 1, the house take value is 41.668, 22.224, and 2.780, respectively. Also, the odds settings for first ancillary wager zone F₁is even and 3 to 2 with a house take value of 30.710 and 17.3225, respectively. Additionally, for the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the alternative odds settings for special ancillary wager zone S₁are 175 to 1 and 200 to 1, for house take values of 18.512 and 10.641, respectively.
For the sake of brevity and streamlining this disclosure, the calculation of the house take value for each potential odds setting will not be repeated for each wagering zone. The house take value for each potential odds setting may be calculated in the same fashion for each wagering zone. Moreover, if a different configuration is used, once the probability count is determined and the odds are set for a particular wager zone, the house take value for that wager zone can be calculated in the same fashion.
Similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 3 is a plan view of a game layout for an exemplary embodiment of a five-dice game, rather than three-dice and four-dice games showing a layout of wagering zones and point sum zones. The game layout A comprises a plurality of point sum zones B, a plurality of primary wager zones C, a plurality of secondary wager zones D, a tertiary wager zone E, and a plurality of ancillary wager zones F. As described above and by way of example, primary wager zone C₁adjacently abuts point sum zone B₁and primary wager zone C₂adjacently abuts point sum zone B₂, but primary wager zone C₁does not adjacently abut point sum zone B₂. Adjacent abutment of a wagering zone with a particular point sum zone means that the adjacently abutting wagering zone is associated with the point sum zone it adjacently abuts, for example, primary wager zone C₁is associated with point sum zone B₁because it adjacently abuts point sum zone B₁.
Similarly, secondary wager zone D₁is associated with point sum zones B₁, B₂, and B₃because secondary wager zone D₁adjacently abuts point sum zones B₁, B₂, and B₃. Also, secondary wager zone D₂is associated with point sum zones B₄, B₅, and B₆because secondary wager zone D₂adjacently abuts point sum zones B₄, B₅, and B₆. Further, tertiary wager zone E is associated with secondary wager zones D₁, D₂, D₃because tertiary wager zone E adjacently abuts secondary wager zones D₁, D₂, D₃. By that association, tertiary wager zone E is associated with all of the point sum zones B₁, B₂, B₃, B₄, B₅, B₆, B₇, B₈, B₉. These associations indicate which point sums apply to each of the wagering zones among the plurality of primary wager zones C, the plurality of secondary wager zones D, and the tertiary wager zone E.
FIG. 3 shows exemplary pairings of point sums indicated in nine point sum zones for the exemplary embodiment of a five-dice game. Point sums 13 and 22 are indicated in point sum zone B₁; point sums 12 and 23 are indicated in point sum zone B₂; point sums 11 and 24 are indicated in point sum zone B₃; point sums 7 and 28 are indicated in point sum zone B₄, point sums 6 and 29 are indicated in point sum zone B₅; point sums 5 and 30 are indicated in point sum zone B₆; point sums 8 and 27 are indicated in point sum zone B₇, point sums 9 and 26 are indicated in point sum zone B_g; and point sums 10 and 25 are indicated in point sum zone B₉. As configured, a wager placed on primary wager zone C₁is a wager that either point sum 13 or point sum 22 will be rolled, and a wager placed on primary wager zone C₂is a wager that either point sum 12 or point sum 23 will be rolled. Wagers on primary wager zones C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, C₇, C₈, and C₉are handled in the same manner.
Additionally, as configured, a wager placed on secondary wager zone D₁is a wager that any of point sums 11, 12, 13, 22, 23, or 24 will be rolled, and a wager placed on secondary wager zone D₂is a wager that any of point sums 5, 6, 7, 28, 29, or 30 will be rolled. Accordingly, a wager placed on tertiary wager zone E is a wager that any of point sums 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 will be rolled. Of course, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is only an example of one configuration of the game layout A. The point sum pairings, the arrangement of the point sum pairings, the geometric layout of the various zones, and the selections of which point sums are placed in point sum zones could all differ from what is shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In such case, the probabilities and break-even indicators shown in Chart 5, below, would differ accordingly. The probabilities and break-even indicators shown in Chart 5 are for the particular exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 3.

CHART 5

Wager Zone	Point Sums	Probability Count	Percent Probability	Break-even Indicator

C

₁	13 or 22	840	10.802%	8.25754
C₂	12 or 23	610	7.845%	11.74697
C ₃	11 or 24	410	5.273%	17.96454
C ₄	7 or 28	30	0.386%	258.06736
C ₅	6 or 29	10	0.129%	774.1938
C ₆	5 or 30	2	0.026 %	3,845.15385
C

₇	8 or 27	70	0.9%	110.11111
C ₈	9 or 26	140	1.8%	54.5556
C₉	10 or 25	252	3.241%	29.85467
D ₁	11, 12, 13, 22, 23, or 24	1860	23.92%	3.1806
D ₂	5, 6, 7, 28, 29, or 30	42	0.54%	184.18519
D ₃	8, 9, 10, 25, 26, or 27	462	5.941%	15.83218
E	5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,	2364	30.401%	2.28937
	13, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27,
	28, 29, or 30
F ₁	14, 15, 16, or 17	2706	34.799%	1.87365
F ₂	18, 19, 20, or 21	2706	34.799%	1.87365
S ₁	5 of a kind	6	0.077%	1297.7013

Ancillary wager zones F are ancillary to the central portion of the game layout A and may comprise first ancillary wager zone F₁, second ancillary zone F₂, and special ancillary zone S₁. In the configuration shown, first ancillary zone F₁has point sums 14, 15, 16, and 17 displayed therein, and second ancillary zone F₂has point sums 18, 19, 20, and 21 displayed therein. As a result, a wager placed on the first ancillary wager zone F₁is a wager that any of point sums 14, 15, 16, and 17 will be rolled, and a wager placed on second ancillary wager zone F₂is a wager that any of point 18, 19, 20, and 21 will be rolled. Of course, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is only an example of one configuration of the game layout A. The number of ancillary wager zones, the size and geometric layout of the ancillary zones, and the selections of which point sums are placed in ancillary wager zones could all differ from what is shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In such alternative cases, the probabilities and break-even indicators shown in Chart 5 would differ accordingly.
A single special ancillary wage zone S₁is shown in FIG. 3 and is designated as a “5 of a kind” special outcome. Hence, a wager placed on special ancillary wager zone S₁is a wager that all five dice will come up the same when rolled. In this special instance, point sum is not relevant to such a wager. Rather, the special circumstance must occur for there to be a payout on such a wager. Although only one special ancillary wager is shown, others are contemplated and may be used, such as a five dice straight (1-2-3-4-5 or 2-3-4-5-6), a full house (e.g., 1-1-1-3-3 or 2-2-2-6-6), or any other special circumstance. The number of special ancillary wager zones, the size and geometric layout of the special ancillary zones, and the selections of which special circumstances are indicated in special ancillary wager zones could all differ from what is shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In such cases, the probabilities and break-even indicators shown in Chart 5 would differ accordingly.
Chart 5 shows exemplary pairings of point sums indicated in the point sum zones of FIG. 3, as well as indications of the probability counts, probability percentages, and break-even indictors for the exemplary embodiment of a five-dice game. The integer depicted represents the probability count, the percentage depicted is the probability percentage, and the decimal number depicted is the break-even indicator for each wagering zone. For example, the probability count for primary wager zone C₁is 840 and this means that averaging over time for every 7776 rolls of the dice, the point sum will be either 13 or 22 eight hundred forty times. The probability count of 840 represents 10.802% of the rolls of the dice (i.e., 840 divided by 7776), and the decimal number 8.25754 represents that if the odds were placed at 8.25754 to 1, then the house would break even over time. The break-even indicator is calculated by subtracting the probability percentage from 100% (in this instance, 100%−10.802%=89.198%) and then dividing the result (89.198%) by the probability percentage (89.1987% divided by 10.802%=8.25754). The closer the odds are set to 8.25754 to 1, the less value the house gains and the longer a player will last playing the game given a finite stake to begin without adding to the stake.
Similarly, the probability count for tertiary wager zone E is 2,364, meaning that averaging over time for every 7776 rolls of the dice, the point sum will be 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 two thousand three hundred sixty-four times, the probability percentage is 30.401% and the break-even indicator is 2.28937. Also, the probability count for first ancillary wager zone F₁is 2706, meaning that averaging over time for every 7776 rolls of the dice, the point sum will be either 14, 15, 16, or 17 two thousand seven hundred six times, the probability percentage is 34.799% and the break-even indicator is 1.87365. Additionally, for the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the probability count for special ancillary wager zone S₁is 6, meaning that averaging over time for every 7776 rolls of the dice, all five dice will be the same six times, the probability percentage is 0.077% and the break-even indicator is 1,297.7013.
For the sake of brevity and streamlining this disclosure, the determination and calculation of the probability count, the probability percentage, and the break-even indicator will not be repeated for each wagering zone. The probability percentage and the break-even indicator may be calculated in the same fashion for each wagering zone. Moreover, if a different configuration is used, once the probability count is determined for a particular wager zone, the probability percentage and the break-even indicator for that wager zone can be calculated in the same fashion.
Turning now to Chart 6, exemplary pairings of point sums indicated in the point sum zones are shown, as well as indications of alternative odds and the house take value for each of the indicated odds for the exemplary embodiment of a five-dice game. The alternative odds depicted represent example odds settings that are lower than the break-even odds indicator from Chart 5, and the decimal number following each of the alternative odds settings represents a relative indicator of how much the house stands to gain over time (i.e., the house take value) for each wagering zone.

CHART 6

Wager Zone	Point Sums	Odds Alternatives	House Take Values

C₁	13 or 22	6 to 1	24.386
		7 to 1	13.584
		8 to 1	2.782
C₂	12 or 23	8 to 1	29.395
		10 to 1	13.705
C₃	11 or 24	12 to 1	31.451
		15 to 1	15.632
C₄	7 or 28	150 to 1	41.714
		200 to 1	22.414
		250 to 1	3.114
C₅	6 or 29	500 to 1	35.371
		600 to 1	22.471
		750 to 1	3.121
C₆	5 or 30	2,000 to 1	47.974
		2,500 to 1	34.974
		3,000 to 1	21.974
		3,500 to 1	8.974
C₇	8 or 27	75 to 1	31.60
		100 to 1	9.10
C₈	9 or 26	45 to 1	17.20
		50 to 1	8.20
C₉	10 or 25	25 to 1	15.734
D₁	11, 12, 13, 22, 23, or 24	3 to 1	4.32
D₂	5, 6, 7, 28, 29, or 30	120 to 1	34.66
		150 to 1	18.46
		175 to 1	4.96
D₃	8, 9, 10, 25, 26, or 27	12 to 1	22.767
		13 to 1	16.826
		15 to 1	4.944
E	5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 22, 23, 24,	2 to 1	8.797
	25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30
F₁	14, 15, 16, or 17	Even	30.402
		3 to 2	13.0025
F₂	18, 19, 20, or 21	Even	30.402
		3 to 2	13.0025
S₁	5 of a kind	750 to 1	42.173
		1,000 to 1	22.923
		1,200 to 1	7.523

For example, the potential odds settings for primary wager zone C₁are 6 to 1, 7 to 1, and 8 to 1 (each being lower than the break-even indicator for primary wager zone C₁shown in FIG. 11 as 8.25754). For each of the potential odds settings 6 to 1, 7 to 1, and 8 to 1, the house take value is 24.386, 13.584, and 2.782, respectively. The house take value for the 6 to 1 odds setting is calculated as explained above with respect to the three-dice configuration. Again, the closer the house take value is to zero, the less value the house gains and the longer a player will last playing the game given a finite stake to begin without adding to the stake.
Similarly, the possible odds setting for tertiary wager zone E is 2 to 1 (being lower than the break-even indicator for tertiary wager zone E shown in FIG. 11 as 2.28937). For this potential odds setting, the house take value is 8.797. Also, the possible odds settings for first ancillary wager zone F₁are even and 3 to 2 with a house take value of 30.402 and 13.0025, respectively. Additionally, for the configuration shown in FIG. 3, the possible odds settings for special ancillary wager zone S₁may be 750 to 1, 1000 to 1, and 1200 to 1, for house take values of 42.173, 22.923, and 7.523, respectively.
For the sake of brevity and streamlining this disclosure, the calculation of the house take value for each potential odds setting will not be repeated for each wagering zone. The house take value for each potential odds setting may be calculated in the same fashion for each wagering zone. Moreover, if a different configuration is used, once the probability count is determined and the odds are set for a particular wager zone, the house take value for that wager zone can be calculated in the same fashion.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an alternative game layout for an exemplary embodiment of a five-dice game showing a layout of wagering zones and point sum zones. The game layout A differs from the configuration of game layout A of FIG. 3 in that it has an additional point sum zone and represents an example of how point pairings may differ and how those differences can affect the odds. The game layout A of FIG. 4 comprises a plurality of point sum zones B, a plurality of primary wager zones C, a plurality of secondary wager zones D, a tertiary wager zone E, and a plurality of ancillary wager zones F. As described above and by way of example, primary wager zone C₁adjacently abuts point sum zone B₁and primary wager zone C₂adjacently abuts point sum zone B₂, but primary wager zone C₁does not adjacently abut point sum zone B₂. Adjacent abutment of a wagering zone with a particular point sum zone means that the adjacently abutting wagering zone is associated with the point sum zone it adjacently abuts, for example, primary wager zone C₁is associated with point sum zone B₁because it adjacently abuts point sum zone B₁.
Similarly, secondary wager zone D₁is associated with point sum zones B₁, B₂, and B₃because secondary wager zone D₁adjacently abuts point sum zones B₁, B₂, and B₃. Also, secondary wager zone D₂is slightly different in that it is associated with point sum zones B₄, B₅, B₆, and B₇because secondary wager zone D₂adjacently abuts point sum zones B₄, B₅, B₆and B₇. Further, tertiary wager zone E is associated with secondary wager zones D₁, D₂, D₃because tertiary wager zone E adjacently abuts secondary wager zones D₁, D₂, D₃. By that association, tertiary wager zone E is associated with all of the point sum zones B₁, B₂, B₃, B₄, B₅, B₆, B₇, B₈, B₉, B₁₀. These associations indicate which point sums apply to each of the wagering zones among the plurality of primary wager zones C, the plurality of secondary wager zones D, and the tertiary wager zone E.
In FIG. 4, exemplary pairings of point sums are indicated in ten point sum zones for this alternative exemplary embodiment of a five-dice game. Point sums 9 and 26 are indicated in point sum zone B₁; point sums 10 and 25 are indicated in point sum zone B₂; point sums 11 and 24 are indicated in point sum zone B₃; point sums 5 and 30 are indicated in point sum zone B₄, point sums 6 and 29 are indicated in point sum zone B₅; point sums 7 and 28 are indicated in point sum zone B₆; point sums 8 and 27 are indicated in point sum zone B₇; point sums 12 and 23 are indicated in point sum zone B_g; point sums 13 and 22 are indicated in point sum zone B₉; and point sums 14 and 21 are indicated in point sum zone B₁₀. As configured, a wager placed on primary wager zone C₁is a wager that either point sum 9 or point sum 26 will be rolled, and a wager placed on primary wager zone C₂is a wager that either point sum 10 or point sum 25 will be rolled. Wagers on primary wager zones C₃, C₄, C₅, C₆, C₇, C₈, C₉, and C₁₀are handled in the same manner.
Additionally, as configured, a wager placed on secondary wager zone D₁is a wager that any of point sums 9, 10, 11, 24, 25, or 26 will be rolled, and a wager placed on secondary wager zone D₂is a wager that any of point sums 5, 6, 7, 8, 27, 28, 29, or 30 will be rolled. Accordingly, a wager placed on tertiary wager zone E is a wager that any of point sums 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 will be rolled. Of course, the alternative exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is only an example of one configuration of the game layout A. This alternative embodiment is being provided to demonstrate that if the point sum pairings, the arrangement of the point sum pairings, the geometric layout of the various zones, and the selections of which point sums are placed in point sum zones differ from what is shown FIG. 3 then odds will change and that such changes will not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. This alternative embodiment also demonstrates that the probabilities and odds shown in Charts 7 and 8, below, would differ from Charts 5 and 6. The probabilities and odds shown in Charts 5 and 6 are for the particular exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 3, while the probabilities and odds shown in Charts 7 and 8 are for the particular alternative configuration shown in FIG. 4.

CHART 7

Wager Zone	Point Sums	Probability Count	Percent Probability	Break-even Indicator

C

₁	9 or 26	140	1.8%	54.556
C₂	10 or 25	252	3.241%	29.85467
C ₃	11 to 24	410	5.273%	17.96454
C ₄	5 or 30	2	0.026 %	3,845.15385
C

₅	6 or 29	10	0.129%	774.1938
C ₆	7 or 28	30	0.386%	258.06736
C ₇	8 or 27	70	0.9%	110.11111
C ₈	12 or 23	610	7.845%	11.74697
C ₉	13 or 22	840	10.802%	8.25754
C₁₀	14 or 21	1080	13.889%	6.19994
D ₁	9, 10, 11, 24, 25, or 26	802	10.314%	8.69556
D ₂	5, 6, 7, 8, 27, 28, 29, or	112	1.44%	68.44444
	30
D ₃	12, 13, 14, 21, 22, or 23	2530	32.536%	2.392
E	5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,	3444	44.29%	1.25785
	13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,
	26, 27, 28, 29, or 30
F ₁	15, 16, or 17	2166	27.855%	2.59002
F ₂	18, 19, or 20	2166	27.855%	2.59002
S ₁	5 of a kind	6	0.077%	1297.7013

Turning now to the ancillary wager zones F of FIG. 4. Ancillary wager zones F are ancillary to the central portion of the game layout A and may comprise first ancillary wager zone F₁, second ancillary zone F₂, and special ancillary zone S₁. In the alternative configuration shown, first ancillary zone F₁has only three point sums 15, 16, and 17 displayed therein, and second ancillary zone F₂has only three point sums 18, 19, and 20 displayed therein. As a result, a wager placed on the first ancillary wager zone F₁is a wager that any of point sums 15, 16, and 17 will be rolled, and a wager placed on second ancillary wager zone F₂is a wager that any of point 18, 19, and 20 will be rolled. For this alternative embodiment, the point sums 14 and 21 have been moved into the central portion of the game layout A to encourage more wagering in the central portion of the game layout. Of course, the alternative exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is only an example of one configuration of the game layout A. The number of ancillary wager zones, the size and geometric layout of the ancillary zones, and the selections of which point sums are placed in ancillary wager zones could all differ from what is shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In such cases, the probabilities and odds shown in Charts 7 and 8 would differ accordingly. The probabilities and odds shown in Charts 7 and 8 are for the particular exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 4.
A single special ancillary wage zone S₁is shown in FIG. 4 and is designated as a “5 of a kind” special outcome. Hence, a wager placed on special ancillary wager zone S₁is a wager that all five dice will come up the same when rolled. In this special instance, point sum is not relevant to such a wager. Rather, the special circumstance must occur for there to be a payout on such a wager. Although only one special ancillary wager is shown, others are contemplated and may be used, such as a five dice straight (1-2-3-4-5 or 2-3-4-5-6), a full house (e.g., 1-1-1-3-3 or 2-2-2-6-6), or any other special circumstance. The number of special ancillary wager zones, the size and geometric layout of the special ancillary zones, and the selections of which special circumstances are indicated in special ancillary wager zones could all differ from what is shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In such cases, the probabilities and odds shown in Charts 7 and 8 would differ accordingly.
In Chart 7, the integer depicted represents the probability count, the percentage depicted is the probability percentage, and the decimal number depicted is the break-even indicator for each wagering zone. For example, the probability count for primary wager zone C₁is 140 and this means that averaging over time for every 7776 rolls of the dice, the point sum will be either 9 or 26 one hundred forty times. The probability count of 140 represents 1.8% of the rolls of the dice (i.e., 140 divided by 7776), and the decimal number 54.556 represents that if the odds were placed at 54.556 to 1, then the house would break even over time. The break-even indicator is calculated by subtracting the probability percentage from 100% (in this instance, 100%−1.8%=98.2%) and then dividing the result (98.2%) by the probability percentage (98.2% divided by 1.8%=54.556). The closer the odds are set to 54.556 to 1, the less value the house gains and the longer a player will last playing the game given a finite stake to begin without adding to the stake.
Similarly, the probability count for tertiary wager zone E is 3,444, meaning that averaging over time for every 7776 rolls of the dice, the point sum will be 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 three thousand four hundred forty-four times, the probability percentage is 44.29% and the break-even indicator is 1.25785. Also, the probability count for first ancillary wager zone F₁is 2166, meaning that averaging over time for every 7776 rolls of the dice, the point sum will be either 15, 16, or 17 two thousand one hundred sixty-six times, the probability percentage is 27.855% and the break-even indicator is 2.59002. Additionally, for the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the probability count for special ancillary wager zone S₁is 6, meaning that averaging over time for every 7776 rolls of the dice, all five dice will be the same six times, the probability percentage is 0.077% and the break-even indicator is 1,297.7013.
For the sake of brevity and streamlining this disclosure, the determination and calculation of the probability count, the probability percentage, and the break-even indicator will not be repeated for each wagering zone. The probability percentage and the break-even indicator may be calculated in the same fashion for each wagering zone. Moreover, if a different configuration is used, once the probability count is determined for a particular wager zone, the probability percentage and the break-even indicator for that wager zone can be calculated in the same fashion.
Turning now to Chart 8, exemplary pairings of point sums indicated in the point sum zones are shown as well as indications of alternative odds and the house take value for each of the indicated odds for the alternative exemplary embodiment of a five-dice game. The alternative odds depicted represent example odds settings that are lower than the break-even odds indicator from Chart 7, and the decimal number following each potential odds setting represents a relative indicator of how much the house stands to gain over time (i.e., the house take value) for each wagering zone.

CHART 8

Wager Zone	Point Sums	Odds Alternatives	House Take Values

C₁	9 or 26	45 to 1	17.20
		50 to 1	8.20
C₂	10 or 25	25 to 1	15.734
		28 to 1	6.011
C₃	11 to 24	12 to 1	31.451
		15 to 1	15.632
		16 to 1	10.359
C₄	5 or 30	2,000 to 1	47.974
		2,500 to 1	34.974
		3,000 to 1	21.974
		3,500 to 1	8.974
C₅	6 or 29	500 to 1	35.371
		600 to 1	22.471
		750 to 1	3.121
C₆	7 or 28	150 to 1	41.714
		200 to 1	22.414
		250 to 1	3.114
C₇	8 or 27	75 to 1	31.60
		100 to 1	9.10
C₈	12 or 23	8 to 1	29.395
		10 to 1	13.705
		11 to 1	5.860
C₉	13 or 22	6 to 1	24.386
		7 to 1	13.584
		8 to 1	2.782
C₁₀	14 or 21	5 to 1	16.666
		6 to 1	2.777
D₁	9, 10, 11, 24, 25, or 26	8 to 1	7.174
D₂	5, 6, 7, 8, 27, 28, 29, or 30	65 to 1	4.96
D₃	12, 13, 14, 21,22, or 23	2 to 1	2.392
E	5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14,21, 22,	Even	11.42
	23, 24, 25, 26,27, 28, 29, or 30
F₁	15, 16, or 17	2 to 1	16.435
		5 to 2	2.5075
F₂	18, 19, or 20	2 to 1	16.435
		5 to 2	2.5075
S₁	5 of a kind	750 to 1	42.173
		1,000 to 1	22.923
		1,200 to 1	7.523

For example, the alternative odds settings for primary wager zone C₁are 45 to 1 and 50 to 1 (each being lower than the break-even indicator for primary wager zone C₁shown in Chart 7 as 54.556). For each of the alternative odds settings 45 to 1 and 50 to 1, the house take value is 17.20 and 8.20, respectively. The house take value for the 45 to 1 odds setting is calculated as explained above with respect to the three-dice configuration. Again, the closer the house take value is to zero, the less value the house gains and the longer a player will last playing the game given a finite stake to begin without adding to the stake.
Similarly, the alternative odds setting for tertiary wager zone E is even or 1 to 1 (being lower than the break-even indicator for tertiary wager zone E shown in Chart 8 as 1.25785). For this odds setting, the house take value is 11.42. Also, the alternative odds settings for first ancillary wager zone F₁are 2 to 1 or 5 to 2 with a house take value of 16.435 and 2.5075, respectively. Additionally, for the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the alternative odds settings for special ancillary wager zone S₁are 750 to 1, 1000 to 1, and 1200 to 1, for house take values of 42.173, 22.923, and 7.523, respectively.
For the sake of brevity and streamlining this disclosure, the calculation of the house take value for each potential odds setting will not be repeated for each wagering zone. The house take value for each potential odds setting may be calculated in the same fashion for each wagering zone. Moreover, if a different configuration is used, once the probability count is determined and the odds are set for a particular wager zone, the house take value for that wager zone can be calculated in the same fashion.
The game is generally played the same with each of the embodiments described herein. First, one or more players place wagers on whatever wagering zones they choose and in amount that they choose. Once all wagers are placed, the dice may be rolled (whether three, four, or five dice, depending on the embodiment being played). The sum of the dice rolled is determined and this sum is the point sum for that roll. For example, in a four-dice game, if 1-2-3-5 is rolled, the point sum is 11. Any wagers placed that pay for point sum 11 are paid out at the odds selected for each applicable wager zone. Wagers on any other wager zones are lost to the house. The game continues in this fashion.
As mentioned above, to create additional interest there are various alternative modes for play. By way of example only, there is a four-dice alternative for play on a five-dice layout. With this alternative, the player places his/her wager on a wager zone and declares either high or low. Then, the four dice are rolled. For illustration purposed, assume the roll of the four dice was 3-4-1-6. If the player declared high, then the highest dice is counted twice to arrive at the point sum. In this case, 3+4+1+6+6 for a point of 20. However, if the player declared low, then the lowest dice is counted twice to arrive at the point sum. In that case, 3+4+1+6+1 for a point sum of 15. The wagers are paid out as explained.
Yet another alternative way of playing would allow the player to select one dice to re-roll. In a five-dice game, where the initial roll of the dice was 4-2-5-5-5, the player might select the dice indicating “2” to be re-rolled. On the re-roll, if that dice came up “4”, the point sum would be 23 (4+4+5+5+5) and the wagers would be paid out accordingly.
Yet another alternative would be to have one preselected dice to be different (such as a different color or some other distinguishing characteristic). Similar to the high/low alternative, the preselected dice would be added twice to the sum. For example, if the roll was 6-3-1-6 and the preselected dice was the first 6, then the point sum would be 22 (6+3+1+6+6).
Still another variation would be to have the preselected dice be able to replace any dice. In a five-dice game if the roll were 2-5-3-1-3 and the preselected dice was the 2, the player might substitute the 2 for the 5 so that the point sum would become 11 (2+2+3+1+3).
Of course, with these variations on the game, the odds in the various wager zones would have to be adjusted accordingly.
Any methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified.
Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “the embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, Figure, Chart, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following this Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims.
Recitation in the claims of the term “first” with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements recited in means-plus-function format are intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112 Para. 6. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention.
While specific exemplary embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise configuration and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and systems of the present invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A game of chance for one or more wagering players comprising:

A plurality of random number selectors for determining a point sum by adding together the randomly selected numbers; and

a game layout comprising:

a plurality of point sum zones, each point sum zone indicating at least one point sum indicia associated with that point sum zone;

a plurality of wagering zones comprising:

a plurality of primary wager zones, each primary wager zone being associated with one of the plurality of point sum zones and the point sum indicia associated with such point sum zone;

a plurality of secondary wager zones, each secondary wager zone being associated with more than one of the plurality of point sum zones and the point sum indicia associated with each such point sum zone; and

at least one tertiary wager zone, the tertiary wager zone being associated with more than one of the plurality of secondary wager zones, the point sum zones associated with each of the more than one secondary wager zones, and the point sum indicia associated with each such point sum zone; and

wherein each of the plurality of wagering zones have predetermined odds indicia, and wherein the wagering player is paid according to the odds indicia when the point sum matches the point sum indicia associated with at least one of the wagering zones.

2. A game of chance as in claim 1 wherein the game layout further comprises at least one ancillary wager zone, each ancillary wager zone has point sum indicia and odds indicia, and wherein the wagering player is paid according to the odds indicia when the point sum matches the point sum indicia associated with at least one of the ancillary wager zones.

3. A game of chance as in claim 1 wherein the game layout further comprises at least one ancillary wager zone and the at least one ancillary wager zone is a special wager zone, the special wager zone has a circumstance indicia and odds indicia, and the wagering player is paid according to the odds indicia when the randomly selected numbers match the circumstance indicia associated with the special ancillary wager zone.

4. A game of chance as in claim 1 wherein the plurality of random number selectors comprise at least three dice.

5. A game of chance as in claim 1 wherein the plurality of primary wager zones comprise a first primary wager zone, a second primary wager zone, a third primary wager zone, and a fourth primary wager zone and the a plurality of secondary wager zones comprise a first secondary wager zone and a second secondary wager zone.

6. A game of chance as in claim 5 wherein the first primary wager zone and the second primary wager zone are associated with the first secondary wager zone and the third primary wager zone and the fourth primary wager zone are associated with the second secondary wager zone.

7. A game of chance as in claim 6 wherein the first secondary wager zone and the second secondary wager zone are associated with the at least one tertiary wager zone.

8. A game of chance as in claim 4 wherein the plurality of primary wager zones further comprise a fifth primary wager zone and a sixth primary wager zone and the a plurality of secondary wager zones further comprise a third secondary wager zone.

9. A game of chance as in claim 8 wherein the first primary wager zone and the second primary wager zone are associated with the first secondary wager zone, the third primary wager zone and the fourth primary wager zone are associated with the second secondary wager zone, and the fifth primary wager zone and the sixth primary wager zone are associated with the third secondary wager zone.

10. A game of chance as in claim 8 wherein the plurality of primary wager zones further comprise a seventh primary wager zone, an eighth primary wager zone, and a ninth primary wager zone and the a plurality of secondary wager zones further comprise a third secondary wager zone.

11. A game of chance as in claim 10 wherein the first primary wager zone, the second primary wager zone, and the third primary wager zone are associated with the first secondary wager zone, the fourth primary wager zone, the fifth primary wager zone, and the sixth primary wager zone are associated with the second secondary wager zone, and the seventh primary wager zone, the eighth primary wager zone, and the ninth primary wager zone are associated with the third secondary wager zone.

12. A game of chance as in claim 11 wherein the first secondary wager zone, the second secondary wager zone, and the third secondary wager zone are associated with the at least one tertiary wager zone.

13. A game of chance as in claim 8 wherein the plurality of primary wager zones further comprise a seventh primary wager zone, an eighth primary wager zone, a ninth primary wager zone, and a tenth primary wager zone and the a plurality of secondary wager zones further comprise a third secondary wager zone.

14. A game of chance as in claim 13 wherein the first primary wager zone, the second primary wager zone, and the third primary wager zone are associated with the first secondary wager zone, the fourth primary wager zone, the fifth primary wager zone, the sixth primary wager zone, and the seventh primary wager zone are associated with the second secondary wager zone, and the eighth primary wager zone, the ninth primary wager zone, and the tenth primary wager zone are associated with the third secondary wager zone.

15. A game of chance as in claim 14 wherein the first secondary wager zone, the second secondary wager zone, and the third secondary wager zone are associated with the at least one tertiary wager zone.

16. A game of chance for one or more wagering players comprising:

at least three random number selectors for determining a point sum by adding together the randomly selected numbers; and

a game layout comprising:

a plurality of wagering zones comprising:

at least one tertiary wager zone, the tertiary wager zone being associated with more than one of the plurality of secondary wager zones, the point sum zones associated with each of the more than one secondary wager zones, and the point sum indicia associated with each such point sum zone;

at least one ancillary wager zone; and

17. A game of chance as in claim 16 wherein at least one of the ancillary wager zones is a special wager zone, the special wager zone has a circumstance indicia and odds indicia, and the wagering player is paid according to the odds indicia when the randomly selected numbers match the circumstance indicia associated with the special ancillary wager zone.

18. A game of chance as in claim 17 wherein the plurality of primary wager zones comprise a first primary wager zone, a second primary wager zone, a third primary wager zone, and a fourth primary wager zone and the a plurality of secondary wager zones comprise a first secondary wager zone and a second secondary wager zone; wherein the first primary wager zone and the second primary wager zone are associated with the first secondary wager zone and the third primary wager zone and the fourth primary wager zone are associated with the second secondary wager zone; and wherein the first secondary wager zone and the second secondary wager zone are associated with the at least one tertiary wager zone.

19. A game of chance as in claim 18 comprising at least four random number selectors and wherein the plurality of primary wager zones further comprise a fifth primary wager zone and a sixth primary wager zone, the plurality of secondary wager zones further comprise a third secondary wager zone, and wherein the fifth primary wager zone and the sixth primary wager zone are associated with the third secondary wager zone, and wherein the third secondary wager zone is associated with the at least one tertiary wager zone.

20. A game of chance for one or more wagering players comprising:

at least four random number selectors for determining a point sum by adding together the randomly selected numbers; and

a game layout comprising:

a plurality of wagering zones comprising:

a plurality of primary wager zones, each primary wager zone being associated with one of the plurality of point sum zones and the point sum indicia associated with such point sum zone, the plurality of primary wager zones comprising:

a first primary wager zone, a second primary wager zone, a third primary wager zone, a fourth primary wager zone, a fifth primary wager zone, a sixth primary wager zone, a seventh primary wager zone, an eighth primary wager zone, and a ninth primary wager zone;

a plurality of secondary wager zones, each secondary wager zone being associated with more than one of the plurality of point sum zones and the point sum indicia associated with each such point sum zone, the plurality of secondary wager zones comprising:

a first secondary wager zone, a second secondary wager zone, and a third secondary wager zone; and

at least one tertiary wager zone, the tertiary wager zone being associated with the first secondary wager zone, the second secondary wager zone, and the third secondary wager zone, the point sum zones associated with each of the secondary wager zones, and the point sum indicia associated with each such point sum zone;

at least one ancillary wager zone; and

wherein the first primary wager zone, the second primary wager zone, and the third primary wager zone are associated with the first secondary wager zone, the fourth primary wager zone, the fifth primary wager zone, the sixth primary wager zone, and the seventh primary wager zone are associated with the second secondary wager zone, and the eighth primary wager zone, the ninth primary wager zone, and the tenth primary wager zone are associated with the third secondary wager zone; and