US20070057468A1

US20070057468A1 - Multi-deck playing card set and method of playing card games using same

Info

Publication number: US20070057468A1
Application number: US11/530,745
Authority: US
Inventors: George Bruner
Original assignee: JBJ Gaming Tech LLC
Current assignee: JBJ Gaming Tech LLC
Priority date: 2005-09-12
Filing date: 2006-09-11
Publication date: 2007-03-15
Also published as: MXPA06010424A; EP1787694A3; CA2559521A1; EP1787694A2

Abstract

A multi-deck playing card set includes a combination of at least two standard fifty-two card decks, each card having a front side, a back side, and a top portion and a bottom portion on each side. The multi-deck card set also includes a mark or indicia, either in color, black and white, shades of color, or shades of black and white, on each individual card, located on at least one side of the card to distinguish cards belonging to a particular individual deck of cards. Each individual deck has a unique mark or indicia distinguishing all cards from the particular deck. The multi-deck card set also may be adapted for use in table games or video card playing machines and/or systems.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/716,777 filed on Sep. 12, 2005 to the extent allowed by law.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a multi-deck playing card set and a method for playing card games using same, wherein card games can be played on an electronic video gaming machine or live as a casino or home table game and wherein two or more decks of cards are shuffled together and used to deal the initial card hand and the replacement cards for discarded cards.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various card decks and methods of playing cards are described in the prior art. The standard fifty-two card deck is the basis for a multitude of games including some of the most popular games: bridge, poker, solitaire, rummy, and many others. Many of these games are played for awards based on achieving certain card combinations. The mathematical odds inherent in using a standard fifty-two card deck limit the size of the award that can be paid for the highest possible hand. These games have not previously been played with an enhanced award system based on the lower of achieving certain card combinations across all decks in the use of a multi-deck card set.
It is preferable that a multi-deck card set be developed and used to provide further enhanced awards based on lower probabilities of achieving various card combinations. It is also preferable that the game has the flexibility to be played with a variable number of standard card decks to combine for the multi-deck card set. Using multiple decks in playing certain card games increases the odds that a specific event could happen. For example, holding three jacks from the same deck can be designated as a winning hand. Thus, the odds can be increased, and a higher award offered because this hand is more difficult to achieve than holding three jacks from any of the individual decks in a multiple deck set. Additionally, it is preferable that new and unique combinations of winning cards be made available from all decks present in the multi-deck card set.
For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for multi-deck card sets which provide flexibility in the number of decks to be combined as well as an option to develop winning card combinations requiring the presence of cards from all individual decks.
Various designs for playing card decks and methods of playing are disclosed in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,873 entitled “Unique Deck of Playing Cards” discloses a deck of cards characterized by a trilateral organization of suit, color, and value. The cards have an improved layout and gender neutral picture cards. Each card has a unique combination of a single suit, single color, or single value. This patent does not disclose a card deck using standard playing card indicia. U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,992 entitled “Method of Playing” discloses a method of playing cards which includes shuffling five decks of playing cards together and allowing higher awards to be paid for certain winning combinations based on the presence of multiple standard fifty-two card decks. None of the disclosures in these patents teach or suggest a multi-deck card set which provides for flexibility in using various numbers of card decks for playing traditional card games or which allows higher awards for pre-selected winning combinations based on the presence of cards from all decks as indicated by a unique mark or indicia for cards associated with each individual deck in a multi-deck set.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a multi-deck playing card set suitable as a replacement for a standard fifty-two card deck in traditional card games. The multi-deck card set is formed by combining all or a portion of at least two standard fifty-two card decks. Each card in the standard deck has a front side, a back side, a top portion, and a bottom portion as well as an imprinted design on both the front side and the back side. Each playing card is associated with a suit, such as, but not limited to, spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs as well as a number between two and ten inclusively or a letter, A, K, Q, or J. The combination of standard decks also includes a unique mark or indicia on each individual card located and visible on at least one side of the card and serving to distinguish cards originating with a particular individual deck. Cards belonging to an individual deck in the multi-deck set will have a unique mark or indicia for each individual deck. A combination of three individual decks in the multi-deck set would include three unique marks or indicia, for example.
In the illustrated embodiment, the mark or indicia, highlighted in color, black and white, shades of color, and/or shades of black and white, is located on the front side of the card and is in the form of a color coded bar along the top and bottom of the front side of each card. The design on the back side of all of the cards in a multi-card set are similar, such that each card in the deck is indistinguishable from other cards when viewed from the back side.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of playing card games using the multi-deck set. The method includes combining at least two standard fifty-two card decks, shuffling the cards together to form a multi-deck card set, and dealing a number of cards to each player. A player can then select a number of initial cards received to discard and exchange those cards with replacement cards from the original multi-deck card set. The player's final hand is then analyzed to determine if the card and mark combination is a winning combination. In the illustrated embodiment, any suitable card and mark combination may be developed as a winning combination based on the mathematical probability of achieving certain card combinations. A player achieving a winning combination may be provided with an award.
The multi-deck card set of the present invention may also be adapted for use in automated or video card playing systems having a video display screen for viewing available cards. In this embodiment, the mark or indicia, either in color, black and white, shades of color, or shades of black and white, located on each card can also be associated with a particular sound or feel such that individual card decks associated with a specific mark or indicia can also be associated with a particular sound or feel when a card from that deck is displayed on the screen. The display screen can also provide a visual indication alerting a player of the presence of a winning card combination. A visual indication may include, but is not limited to, flashing cards on the screen, a pop-up box indicating an amount won based on the card and mark combination, or a chase function simulating a circle around the cards on the display screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and inventive aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description and drawings, of which the following is a brief description:
FIG. 1 shows front and back views of a single playing card from a standard deck of playing cards;
FIG. 2 shows front and back views of a single playing card formed in accordance with the teaching of the present invention;
FIG. 3 shows a front view of several playing cards from separate decks marked in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is the back view of the playing cards shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a front view of a multi-deck card set formed into different combinations compared to FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a back view of the multi-deck card set shown in FIG. 5; and
FIGS. 7A and 7B show possible winning card combinations that may be formed using the multi-deck card set shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A detailed description of the present invention is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawing figures. Terms of reference such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” or “back” are used to facilitate an understanding of the present invention in view of the accompanying figures. The identified reference terms or other similar terms are not intended to be limiting, and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced in a variety of spatial orientations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The present invention relates to a multi-deck card set and a method of playing card games using the same. The multi-deck card set is formed by combining the cards of two or more standard 52-card decks, wherein the cards have been modified in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Each standard playing card has a front side, and a back side. The front side is sometimes referred to as the card face. Each card also has a top portion, a bottom portion, and side portion on each side or face. The multi-deck card set may be used as a replacement deck for any traditional card game. For example, the multi-deck card set also may be used in place of any standard 52-card poker deck, including variations thereof, such variations including the addition of Jokers or other Wild Cards commonly known in the art.
The cards forming the multi-deck card set may have the size and configuration of playing cards found in a standard 52-card deck. However, the cards comprising the multi-deck card set of the present invention are marked with an additional mark/indicia. For example, if the markings used include *, % and #, and three 52-card decks are used to create the multi-deck card set, the cards of one deck would be marked with *, the cards of the second deck would be marked with % and the cards of the third deck would be marked with #. The mark/indicia associated with the playing cards is designed to help the player associate a specific card with a particular originating deck comprising the multi-deck card set.
There are literally hundreds of card games that utilize the traditional 52-card deck, which games also may be played using the multi-deck card set. For example, the following card games may be played using the multi-deck card set. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the following list is merely illustrative and is not intended to be exhaustive:
5-Card Draw Poker

- All variations including but not limited to:
- Jacks or Better
- Aces or Better
- Deuces Wild
- Bonus Poker

5-Card Stud Poker
7-Card Stud Poker
Texas Hold'em
Omaha Hold'em
Caribbean Stud Poker™
Blackjack
3-Card Poker
Let it Ride™
The “look” of each game stays basically the same as the card faces and backs are not changed, except for the addition of the mark/indicia to one face of the cards to distinguish cards belonging to a particular deck. In the illustrated embodiment, the marks/indicia are added to and visible on the front side or face of the playing card. However, adding the marks/indicia does not interfere with the play of the game, as the game rules stay exactly the same as those applied when playing with a standard 52-card deck or variations thereof that includes Jokers and/or Wild Cards.
The “feel” of the game stays the same as the players are playing with cards having the same “look,” front and back sides, as those that have been used in the past (with the only difference being the addition of the mark/indicia). However, the multi-deck card set does allow for the implementation of an enhanced award system based on the probabilities of obtaining certain card combinations.
Thus, the multi-deck card set can be overlaid on virtually any gambling card game presently in play. The multi-deck card set can be utilized to replace any deck or decks currently used in electronic poker/card game machines as well as table games. Additionally, new games can be created to utilize the multi-deck card set of the present invention due to the increased ability to generate winning hand combinations.
The method of playing card games using the multi-deck card set can be played as a live casino table game, wherein the cards forming the multi-deck card set are shuffled together and dealt to each player, either by hand, by automatic shuffler, from a dealing shoe or from various card dispensing devices. Alternatively, the method of the present invention can be practiced on electronic video gaming machines and video lottery machines in which the cards forming the multi-deck card set are electronically shuffled, and the initial card hand and any replacement cards are displayed to the player on a video screen.
FIG. 1 shows the front view of a standard playing card 10 from a standard deck of playing cards. The standard playing card 10 is generally made of a piece of paper or cardboard that is usually imprinted with a design on the front 11 and back 16 of the card and then laminated for strength. For example, standard playing card dimensions are typically approximately 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. However, card sizes may vary to accommodate the age and size of the intended user. Thus, card sizes may be larger or smaller for younger people or for novelty reasons.
As best seen in FIG. 1, each standard playing card typically contains a design on the backside 16 of the card that is similar to the design on the backside of all of the other cards in the set, such that each card is indistinguishable from the other cards when viewed from the backside. Further, each standard playing card 10 contains a value or quantity 12, either from two through ten, or a letter, A, K, Q, or J, representing Ace, King, Queen, or Jack, respectively.
Each standard playing card also contains a suit 14, either Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, or Clubs. Each suit 14 has a separate insignia thereby making it easier for the player using the cards to know which suit 14 is indicated on each card. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the suit indicated is Spades. Therefore the playing card shown in FIG. 1 is the eight (8) of Spades.
Since each suit contains a card with either the number two through ten, or the letters A, K, Q, or J, there are 13 cards per suit. Since there are four suits, a standard deck of cards contains 52 cards. In some card decks extra cards are included for particular game rules. These extra cards are well known as Jokers or Wild Cards.
FIG. 2 shows a playing card 200 formed in accordance with the teachings of this invention. The playing card 200 has a front side 205 and a backside 210. FIG. 2 merely shows an example of a design that may be printed on the backside 210 of the playing card 200. The back design shown in FIG. 2 is simply one example of a design that could be applied to the backside 210, and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that are many different designs that could be used, as long as the back 210 of each card 200 in the multi-card set contains the same or a similar design. In the illustrated embodiment, the backside 210 of all cards 200 are identical, thereby making all of the cards 200 in the deck indistinguishable from the others when viewed from the backside 210.
The playing card 200, which may be identical in construction to playing cards used in standard playing card decks, is constructed of paper, cardboard or some other material that can be printed on and subsequently laminated for strength. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the playing card 200 is made to the same approximate size as a standard playing card. A typical size of a standard playing card is 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. However, the size of the card is not the essence of the present invention and therefore cards of other sizes can be utilized under the present invention.
Each playing card 200, like standard playing cards, is associated with a quantity or value 212 such as either a number between two and ten, inclusive, or a letter such as A, K, Q, or J. For example, the card 200 shown in FIG. 2 has the value three.
Also, similar to playing cards comprising a standard playing card deck, playing card 200 is associated with a suit 218, which is indicated on the front side or face 205. The suit 218 can be one of four different suits, Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, or Clubs. The card shown in FIG. 2 indicates the Spades suit. Therefore, the card 200 shown in FIG. 2 is the three (3) of Spades.
The playing card 200 also includes a unique mark or other indicia 214. As best seen in FIG. 2, the mark or indicia is shown in this embodiment as a color code 216. FIG. 3 shows examples of other marks or indicia that may be associated with playing cards 200, such as a multi-stripe bar, a plurality of small symbols, or the like. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the mark or indicia 214 could be configured using many different designs or distinguishing marks, as long as all playing cards associated with a single standard playing card deck bear the same or virtually identical marks or indicia 214. In the illustrated embodiment, the mark/indicia 214 associated with the cards of a particular deck are identical.
The mark or indicia 214 may be located anywhere on the card 200 such as, but not limited to, the bottom, top or side of the front side 205. In the illustration shown in FIG. 2, the mark/indicia 214 is in the form of a black or color code 216 shown along the top and bottom portions of the front side 205 of the playing card 200. FIG. 3 shows playing cards 200 having different mark/indicia 214, thus, indicating that each card 200 is associated with a different deck comprising the multi-deck card set 300. Each playing card 200 in the multi-deck card set 300 is also associated with a quantity or value 212 and a suit 218 as in a standard card deck.
FIG. 4 shows the backside 210 of the playing cards 200 shown in FIG. 3, wherein the backside 210 of each playing card 200 in the multi-set deck is identical, while the front side 205 is marked with a different mark or indicia 214 (as shown in FIG. 3).
As best seen in FIG. 5, the multi-deck card set 300 may be formed by combining playing cards 200 from two or more standard fifty-two playing card decks. As best seen in FIG. 5, the playing cards have been modified as described above with respect to playing card 200. For example, the multi-deck card set 300 shown in FIG. 5 was formed by combining playing cards 200 from three standard 52-card decks, shown at 310, 320, and 330 in FIG. 5. The presence of three different marks/indicia 214 on the front side 205 of the playing cards 200 shown in FIG. 5 indicates that at least all or a portion of the playing cards 200 from three individual decks were combined to form the multi-deck card set 300. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the multi-deck card set 300 may include extra cards to accommodate the play of particular card game rules. These extra cards may include, for example, but are not limited to, Jokers and/or Wild Cards.
FIG. 6 shows the backside 210 of the playing cards 200 comprising the multi-deck card set 300. As shown, the backside 210 of each playing card is identical in the multi-deck card set 300 while the front side 205 is marked with a different indicia 214 for each of the three individual decks 310, 320, and 330 as shown in FIG. 5.
The multi-deck card set 300 permits the play of many common card games without necessarily varying the rules of the game, while at the same time allowing for much higher player awards based on the decreased probabilities of obtaining certain card combinations based on the presence of the multiple decks. For example, in certain game play, a combination of same cards (value and suit), e.g., all Aces of Spade, having different marks/indicia 214 may have a lesser value than a combination of cards in which the quantity is the same, e.g., all Aces, but the suits are different and the mark/indicia 214 are the same as shown in FIG. 7A. In the illustrated embodiment, winning card combinations, wherein the marks/indicia 214 are the same, may include three aces in the following combination: one Heart, one Diamond, one Club, all from the same deck as is indicated by the black color bar 216 (FIG. 7A). Winning card combinations, wherein the mark/indicia 214 are different, may include three aces in the following combination: one Heart from the deck marked with a black color bar, one Diamond from the deck marked with the red and white color bar, and one Club from the deck marked with blue stars (FIG. 7B).
For purposes of further illustration, suppose the multi-deck card set comprises three individual decks. A hand comprising the three of Hearts from each deck (indicia/mark 214 being different for each three of Hearts) may have a lesser value than a hand comprising the three of hearts, three of spades and three of diamonds wherein the mark/indicia 214 are the same.
Method of Play
The method of the present invention utilizes two or more individual decks of cards all shuffled together to create the multi-deck card set 300. For example, if three decks are used to form the multi-deck card set 300, this forms a pool of one hundred fifty six (156) playing cards from which cards used in the “play” are dealt. Cards associated with a specific deck will be indicated by like or similar marks/indicia 214. Each of the three decks forming the multi-deck card set 300 will include at least a standard fifty-two card deck of cards having an Ace through Deuce of each suit of Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Clubs.
For example, Poker played using the multi-deck card set may include dealing a player an initial five-card hand from the multi-deck card set 300. The player then selects which, if any, of the initial five cards the player wishes to discard. Any cards the player discards may be replaced by replacement cards from the original multi-deck card set 300 comprising one hundred fifty six cards. The player then has a final five-card hand.
The final five-card hand is analyzed to determine what card and mark/indicia combination the player has achieved. Any suitable card and mark/indicia combinations can be pre-selected as winning combinations. For example, in one embodiment, two pair, i.e., 2 Kings and 2 Jacks having different marks/indicia 214, may constitute a pre-selected winning combination. Any suitable card combinations can be pre-selected as winning card combinations. A player who achieves a winning card combination may be provided with an award.
In the illustrated embodiment, the winning card combinations are selected based on the mathematical probability of achieving certain card combinations. The highest awards are provided for the card and mark/indicia combinations that are most difficult to achieve. The following examples illustrate several common card games that may be played using the multi-deck card set 300.

EXAMPLE 1

Pureblend™ Poker

The PureBlend™ poker game is created to be a new poker game wherein the multi-card deck described above can be overlaid on existing poker games in play today, since the standard fifty two-card deck typically used may be replaced with a multi-deck card set 300, resulting in the following potential outcomes:

- The PureBlend™ poker game creates much higher player awards, greatly increasing player appeal.
- The house “hold” may also be increased.
- The PureBlend™ poker game could use the most popular “Jacks or Better” 6/9 pay-table as expert poker players recognize this as the best opportunity for a positive return. This would be accomplished by modifying the pay-table by adding to the standard fifty two card deck another 104 cards (2 additional standard decks) for a total of 156 cards to be used, enhancing existing card graphics by adding the indicia 214 (color bars to the tops and bottoms of the card faces)
- For example, the pay-table may be created as follows:
  - Creation of a “Pure” hand, which is a winning hand of cards bearing the same mark/indicia
  - Creation of a “Blend” hand, which is a winning hand of cards, wherein the cards do not bear the same mark/indicia 214
- The award card can stay the same or be added to with new odds applied to the possible outcomes due to the addition of more cards in play.
- We may be able to add another award due to the addition of our custom deck of cards. This would be a bottom award of all cards having no winning combinations but having the same color bar.

EXAMPLE2

3-Deck Multi-Deck Card Set

Assuming a multi-deck card set comprised of three decks of cards: Deck 1, Deck 2 and Deck 3: Deck 1 cards are marked with indicia comprising a blue color bar applied across the top and bottom of the front side of each card; Deck 2 cards are marked with indicia comprising a red color bar applied across the top and bottom of the front side of each card; and Deck 3 cards are marked with indicia comprising a black color bar applied across the top and bottom of the front side of each card. Total cards comprising the multi-deck card set equals one hundred fifty six cards.
The probabilities are increased as follows:

- The odds of drawing an “Ace of Spades” from a traditional fifty two-card deck are 1 in 52.
- The odds of drawing an Ace of Spades (with any color bar) from the 3-deck multi-deck card set are 3 in 156 (which mathematically equals 1 in 52—this is how the traditional game odds are similar).
- The odds of drawing an Ace of Spades with a BLACK color bar from a 3-deck multi-deck card set are 1 in 156.
- The odds of drawing an Ace of Spades with a RED color bar from a 3-deck multi-deck card set are 1 in 156.
- The odds of drawing an Ace of Spades with a BLUE color bar from a 3-deck multi-deck card set are 1 in 156.
  With the probabilities being more variable (the lower likelihood of an event happening as there are more cards to draw from) the award, if it is made available, can be increased.
  Electronic Video Game

Another embodiment of the present invention is a multi-deck card set 300 that is configured for use in automated or video card playing systems such as, but not limited to, electronic video gaming machines. Video gaming machines can include, but are not limited to, video poker machines, video blackjack machines, video lottery machines, or other similar equipment. To assist with play in a video environment, each mark/indicia, either in color, black and white, shades of color, or shades of black and white, used to distinguish the cards 200 of a particular deck can be associated with a particular sound and/or feel (haptics-sense of touch). This arrangement permits the individual decks associated with a specific mark/indicia 214 to be associated with a sound and/or feel. Thus, cards marked with different marks/indicia 214 will have a slightly different sound and/or feel when displayed.
Cards 200 forming a “Pure” winning hand will bear the same mark/indicia 214, and the display screen could provide a visual indication alerting the player of a winning card combination. For example, the cards 200 may initially flash 3 times for a specified period of time, e.g., ½ second duration. The display screen may then go into a “chase” mode of a specified duration, e.g., four time chase mode from left to right across the top cards and going right to left across the bottom cards simulating a circle, which will be completed in a specified time period, e.g., ½ second duration.
The system may also include a pop-up box displayed on the display screen that indicates the total amount won. The pop-up box may also include a border bearing the marks/indicia 214 of the cards comprising the winning hand. The border may be formed using the chasing effect previously discussed. The system may also include a pay-table so that the player knows which are the pre-selected winning card combinations.
The foregoing detailed description of the invention is intended to be illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Changes and modifications are possible with respect to the foregoing description, and it is understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than that specifically described herein and still be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A multi-deck playing card set comprising:

a combination of at least a portion of at least two standard fifty-two playing card decks;

each card in the standard fifty-two card deck having a front face, a back side, a top portion and a bottom portion, each card also having an imprinted design on the front face and back side of the card, the design on the front face of each card indicating a value and a suit;

the combination of at least two standard fifty-two card decks having a mark or indicia on the front face of each individual card, the mark or indicia being separate from the value and suit indicators to distinguish cards belonging to a particular individual one of the decks of the multi-deck playing card set.

2. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein the mark or indicia is selected from the group consisting of a pre-selected color, black and white, a shade of a pre-selected color, and shades of black and white.

3. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein the multi-deck card set comprises a replacement deck for any traditional card game using a standard fifty-two card deck.

4. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein each standard fifty-two card deck includes additional cards, such as, but not limited to joker cards and wild cards.

5. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein the cards of the individual decks forming the multi-deck card set are marked with a unique mark for each individual deck.

6. The multi-deck card set of claim 5 wherein a combination of at least three standard fifty-two card decks includes at least three unique marks.

7. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein the design on the back side of each card is similar to the design on the back side of all other cards, each card in the deck being indistinguishable from other cards when viewed from the back side.

8. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein each standard playing card is associated with a suit indicated by said suit indicator, such as, but not limited to, spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs, each suit having a unique insignia for easier recognition of the suit indicated on each card.

9. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein each standard playing card is associated with a number between two and ten, inclusively, or a letter A, K, Q, or J.

10. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein the mark comprises a bar selected from the group consisting of a color-coded bar, a black and white bar, a shaded color bar, and a shaded black and white bar.

11. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein the mark comprises a multi-striped band selected from the group consisting of a colored striped band, a black and white striped band, a shaded color multi-striped band, and a shaded black and white multi-striped band.

12. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 wherein the mark comprises a plurality of symbols.

13. A method of playing card games using a multi-deck card set, each card in the card set having a mark placed thereon in addition to indicia indicating the value and suit of each card, comprising the steps of:

combining at least two individual standard fifty-two card decks into a multi-deck card set;

shuffling the cards together to form a multi-deck card set;

dealing a number of cards to each player in a group of players;

each player selecting a number of initial received cards to be possibly discarded;

exchanging discarded cards with replacement cards from the original multi-deck set;

analyzing the combination of cards and marks obtained by the player.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein a player is dealt five cards.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein a plurality of suitable card and mark combinations can be developed as at least one winning combination.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein a player who achieves a winning combination is provided with an award.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the winning combinations are established based on the mathematical probability of achieving certain card combinations.

18. The multi-deck card set of claim 1 adapted for use in video card playing systems.

19. The multi-deck card set of claim 18 wherein the video card playing system is an electronic video gaming machine.

20. The multi-deck card set of claim 19 wherein the electronic video gaming machine is selected from the group consisting of a video poker machine, a video blackjack machine, a video lottery machine, and other equivalent equipment, each gaming machine having a display screen for viewing available cards.

21. The multi-deck card set of claim 18 wherein each mark is associated with one of a particular sound and feel, each mark adapted to allow individual card decks associated with a specific mark to be associated with the particular sound or feel when a card from a respective deck is displayed on the display screen.

22. The multi-deck card set game of claim 20, the display screen providing a visual indication alerting a player of the presence of a winning card combination.

23. The multi-deck card game of claim 22 where the visual indication is selected from the group consisting of flashing cards on the screen, a pop-up box indicating an amount won, and a chase function simulating a circle around the cards on the display screen.

24. The method of claim 13 wherein the card game is adapted to be played on an electronic video card playing system.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the cards forming the multi-deck card set are electronically shuffled and viewable by a player on a video display screen.