Method for playing a matching game
View Patent ↗A preferred method includes displaying a plurality of indicia-bearing game pieces 12 on a gaming grid 14 . A player then selects game pieces 12 that are adjacent and that have matching indicia 16 . Preferably, the matching adjacent game pieces 34 that are selected are then removed from the gaming grid 14 . One or more prizes are awarded in association with the selection and removal of the matching adjacent game pieces 34 . Preferably, the player is also provided with the ability to shuffle any remaining non-selected game pieces 32 , after all matching adjacent game pieces that are perceived by the player are selected and removed. In this regard, it is possible that the player may overlook some matching adjacent game pieces 34 . Additionally, some preferred embodiment gaming methods incorporate the use of multiple indicia 16 on each game piece 12 for potentially matching with adjacent game pieces. Finally, awards can be awarded to a player based upon game speed and the number of shuffles required to clear the grid 14 , amongst other criteria. Preferably, the method also includes activation of an interactive help feature 100 for the bonus game. The help feature 100 is continuously accessible, allowing access to the help feature during play of the bonus game so that a player unfamiliar with the bonus game may receive instructions on how to play the bonus game during play of an active bonus game.
1. A method for playing a game, the method comprising:
displaying a plurality of indicia-bearing game pieces on a gaming grid;
receiving player input selecting game pieces that are adjacent to one another and that have matching indicia;
removing from the grid the matching adjacent game pieces that are selected;
after all matching adjacent game pieces that are perceived by a player are selected and removed, shuffling any remaining game pieces and presenting a new grouping of the remaining game pieces, the shuffling causing the remaining game pieces to be in a new random order, and the new grouping of the remaining pieces being in the new random order; and
repeating the selection and removal of any matching adjacent game pieces.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the selection of game pieces that are adjacent and have matching indicia, and the removal of any matching adjacent game pieces that are selected, proceeds one pair of matching adjacent game pieces at a time.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein adjacent game pieces are defined as game pieces that touch along a vertical edge, a horizontal edge, or a diagonal corner.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein each game piece contains only a single indicium that is used to potentially match with the indicia displayed on adjacent game pieces.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the indicium displayed on each game piece that is used to match with the indicia of adjacent game pieces corresponds to the prize to be awarded.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the prize to be awarded is a non-monetary prize.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the prize to be awarded is a displayed magazine photograph.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the prize to be awarded is a displayed magazine cover.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein each game piece contains a plurality of indicia that are used to potentially match with at least one of the plurality of indicia of the adjacent game pieces.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein each game piece contains three indicia that are used to potentially match with at least one of the three indicia of the adjacent game pieces.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein three indicia of the game pieces include game piece color, type of indicia, and color of indicia.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the game pieces are selected using touch screen technology.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the game pieces are video representations of game pieces.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the game pieces are tiles.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method for playing a game incorporates the use of selection buttons.
16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the shuffling of any remaining game pieces and the selecting of matching adjacent game pieces is repeatable a predetermined number of times.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the shuffling of any remaining game pieces and selecting of matching adjacent game pieces is repeatable up to three times.
18. The method of claim 1 , wherein one or more prizes are awarded in connection with the total number of matches made of adjacent game pieces.
19. The method of claim 1 , wherein one or more prizes are awarded in connection with indicia shown on games pieces that are matched.
20. The method of claim 1 , wherein one or more prizes are awarded in connection with indicia shown on games pieces that are matched last.
21. The method of claim 1 , wherein one or more prizes are awarded in connection with indicia shown on games pieces that are not matched.
22. The method of claim 1 , wherein one or more prizes are awarded in connection with the speed with which the game pieces are matched.
23. The method of claim 1 , wherein one or more prizes are awarded in connection with the number of shuffles required to match all the game pieces.
24. The method of claim 1 , wherein one or more prizes are awarded in connection with the matching of all game pieces.
25. The method of claim 1 , wherein one or more prizes are awarded in connection with player status.
26. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method for playing a game is at least partially skill based.
27. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method for playing a game has the appearance of being at least partially skill based.
28. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
in response to a selection event by a player, activating an interactive help feature for a bonus game during play of the bonus game, wherein the help feature is available on demand by the player, and wherein the help feature is initiatable at any time during play of the bonus game so that a player may receive instructions that assist in proper play of the bonus game while the bonus game is in active use; and
resuming play of the bonus game after the use of the help feature is completed.
29. A method for playing a game that includes matching adjacent indicia, the method comprising:
displaying a plurality of indicia-bearing game pieces on a gaming grid;
receiving player input selecting game pieces that are adjacent and that have matching indicia;
deactivating the matching adjacent game pieces that are selected by a player, wherein the deactivated cards cannot be selected again;
shuffling only any non-deactivated game pieces;
presenting the non-deactivated game pieces in a new random order; and
awarding at least one prize associated with the selection and deactivation of the matching adjacent game pieces.
30. A method for playing a game, the method comprising:
displaying a plurality of indicia-bearing game pieces on a gaming grid, wherein each game piece displays three different types of indicia;
receiving player input selecting game pieces that are adjacent to one another and that have at least one matching type of indicia;
removing from the grid the matching adjacent game pieces that are selected;
after all matching adjacent game pieces that are perceived by a player are selected and removed, shuffling any remaining game pieces and presenting a new grouping of the remaining game pieces, the shuffling causing the remaining game pieces to be in a new random order, and the new grouping of the remaining pieces being in the new random order;
repeating the selection and removal of matching adjacent game pieces; and
awarding at least one prize associated with the selection and removal of the matching adjacent game pieces.