GB2387788A - Betting game played with three dice - Google Patents

Abstract

A game includes at least three dice and a betting device comprising regions 12 each bearing a number 12a between and including the lowest and highest combined scores possible from throwing the set of dice. Each region 12 is associated with pre-valued odds 18 which are paid to any player who bet on a region identified by the combined score of a throw. The betting device may be a mat or board, and the odds associated with each numbered region may depend on the probability of scoring that number, higher odds being associated with a lower probability. Higher odds may be paid when the dice each show the same number, and the highest odds may be associated with the highest and lowest possible combined scores. The dice set may comprise three dice, with the highest odds being associated with a combined score of three or eighteen. Regions 20a, 21a, may be provided which allow betting on alternative results, e.g. odd/even, high/low. Means may be provided for marking each player's ongoing winnings, e.g. pegs 26 which are inserted into the board. The game may be provided as a non-profit, household game or a commercial game for long-term profit of the game banker (see fig's 1, 2 and 4).

Description

Apparatus for the Game of Latrev The present invention relates to

apparatus for a game comprising standard dice together with a mat display or a board display having a betting grid. More particularly, the present invention relates to such apparatus in which the grid is divided into areas for placing bets associated with the combined scores of the three dice once thrown by a player.

The well known game of roulette involves a betting display, upon which bets may be placed, and a roulette wheel in which a ball can land in any one of a plurality of a numbered slots after the wheel has been spun. However, the disadvantage of roulette is that players' participation is limited to merely placing bets, thus the game as a whole is typically reasonably quiet and lacks excitement generated by direct participation of players in creating the winning score.

By contrast, the well-known game of craps does involve the players more, since players take turns in throwing two dice, and this tends to be more noisy and exciting.

However the game lacks any degree of greater refinement in organising the associated betting odds, and so less steady and constant advantage in favour of the banker cannot be guaranteed It is therefore one aim of the present invention to provide apparatus for a game that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art so as to achieve a game that is easy

and exciting to play, but also has the refinement of allowing the system of betting odds that is formulatabie to be finely balanced and calculatable.

Thus, in one aspect, the present invention provides apparatus for a game comprising (a) a set of at least three identical standardly numbered dice, and (b) a betting device comprising a grid marking out a plurality of discrete regions, wherein each region bears an individual number selected between the lowest and the highest combined scores of a throw of the set of dice inclusive, and wherein each region is associated

with pre-valued odds, the odds being paid to any player who has placed a stake on a winning region identified by the combined score of a throw of the set of dice.

It is believed that there is no similar game that has previously been proposed.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides use of the above mentioned apparatus as either (i) a household game of non-profit, or (ii) a commercial game, for example in a casino, for profit of the banker and lucky players.

Latrey is a unique game using at least three standard dice and a betting area, having a unique system of marking and numbering.

The word "Latrey", as well as being the name of the game, is also used to describe the situation in which each die of the set of thrown dice shows the same top number.

For example, when using a set of three dice there are six ways to achieve a "Latrey" in the game, namely 111, 222, 333, 444, 555, or 666.

Further preferred features of the present invention are disclosed in the subsidiary claims accompanying this description.

The present invention will now be described in further detail by way of the following non-limiting examples (involving sets of three dice) as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 discloses a betting display grid according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 depicts the betting display grid-type of Figure 1 in a larger, mirrored format as used in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows the number of combinations possible with a set of three dice and how associated betting odds can be allocated to each winning score; Figure 4 illustrates different ways of placing a bet on the grid of Figure 1; and

Figure 5 discloses a game board that can be used in other embodiments of the present invention.

EXAMPLE 1

PLAYING LATREY IN CASINOS

Playing Latrey in a casino involves the use of a Latrey table (which can be adapted from a craps table) that is about twelve to fourteen feet long and about four to five feet wide, and that has raised sides. The betting area on the table (between its raised sides) contains a grid having a system of numbering and markings that are mirrored about the centre line, so as to allow players at each end of the table to be able to place identical bets. The grid area in the middle of the table is shared by both sides of players. One to sixteen players can participate, with eight on each side of the table being the maximum.

Each table requires the presence of a boxman, two dealers, and a stickman. The dealers are responsible for all bets made on the half of the table that they control.

The boxman supervises the whole table and is responsible for all of the chips allocated to the table. The game is played using three perfectly balanced dice, which can be thrown from one of the short ends of the table to the other. All three dice have to hit the opposite wail of the table before landing upright on the relevant end of the table.

An example of a Latrey betting grid area for use with a set of three dice is illustrated in Figure 1. The grid has three distinct sections, each separate section being square or oblong. All sections will be referred to hereinafter as being square. At the centre of the grid is an area with sixteen numbered squares having alternating red and black colours, the squares being arranged in four rows of four and numbered from 3 to 18 consecutively. These numbers represent all the scored number combinations for the set of three dice once thrown. For instance, when the three dice are thrown, the top

numbers on the three dice are added to make one total, for example dice showing 3+4+1 give a combined scored of 8.

The left side and bottom side of the grid are uniquely coloured (for example blue), and this coloured section is divided into two discrete areas. The 8 squares that connect with the centre squares are column squares relating to the row of four centre squares directly in line with each blue square. There are four specific Latrey numbers in the blue section 6, 9,12,15 and a square for any Latrey (this section is in the centre on a double table and is shared by players from both halves of the table).

The top and right side of the grid are coloured a different colour (for example green).

In this area there are four double column squares relating directly to two rows of four centre squares.

In addition, there are ODD, EVEN, RED and BLACK squares on the grid, which pay out when the appropriate scored combination is thrown.

Bets can be placed on any of the 37 squares.

An example of a grid having a system of numbering and markings mirrored (as described above) about the centre line is illustrated in Figure 2.

When all bets have been placed, a particular player is selected to be the first thrower.

The player throwing the dice is called the "shooter", and the shooter has one throw with the dice unless a "Latrey" is thrown, when the shooter has the next throw as well. When the number thrown is not a "Latrey", a new shooter has a turn at throwing. The new shooter is always the person on the left of the previous shooter.

After the dice have been thrown, a marking device is used by the dealer to indicate the winning number on the grid. Then, all losing bets are removed and finally all winning bets are paid.

s The odds paid for each winning number can be carefully calculated by the casino.

Figure 3 shows the large number of combinations of scores that are possible with only 3 dice and also gives one example of what odds can be decided to be allocated to each winning number by the casino. In this way, the odds can be finely calculated to allow a long-term balance in favour of the casino. Thus, the number of ways any dice combination can be rolled generally determines the level of all winning payouts and, as a rule, the harder the combination is to roll, the more it will pay out.

Figure 4 illustrates how further types of bets can be placed on the grid, such as split bets, corner bets, and so forth.

EXAMPLE 2

PLAYING LATREY AT HOME: VERSION ONE

The game of Latrey can also be played at home (as a board game) rather than at a casino. Referring to Figure 5, the domestic board game includes a board comprising eight squares 12 arranged in two rectilinear lines disposed on opposite sides of an elongate region 14 on which is placed a throwing tray 16 in which three dice 22 are thrown during the playing of the game. Each square is separated into two differently coloured halves 12a and each half bears an individual number selected between 3 and 18; the sum of the two numbers of each square Squalling 21. Within each square is a smaller square 18 marked with individually valued odds (from for example 3 to 1 to 100 to 1).

In addition, the board includes a top region 20 comprising three squares, two 20a paying out respectively for even scores and scores of 11-18, and a third square 20b identified by the word "Latrey" and marked with odds which are paid out as will be described below.

In this first version, to begin, each player in turn throws the three dice in the throwing tray 16 and the player with the highest total score starts the game. Prior to each throw, each player may place up to three stakes on the squares 12 of the gaming board and a further stake on a selected one of the squares in the top region 20 of the board. The stakes may take the form of fake bank money or credit notes (not shown) supplied with the game, and there is no restriction on the amount of the stake on any one square. All stakes are accompanied by a talisman or marker (not shown) uniquely identifying the player concerned.

The player throwing the dice has the further option of placing a stake on the shooters Latrey square (for example at odds of 50 to 1) which pays out to the thrower if he or she can make a throw of the three dice in which the individual dice each show the same number.

The total number of the dice thrown represents the winning number on the board.

Thus, if a throw of 2, 3 and 4 is achieved, then all stakes on the square numbered 9/12 are paid back (for example at odds of 4 to 1) by a banker or croupier (previously chosen from the players) and in addition any player having a stake in the bottom section 21 on a low or odd square 21a, i.e. corresponding to the half square numbered 9, is paid back (for example at even odds). A player placing his talisman on end in half square 9 to indicate a stake on number 9 rather than on both numbers 9 and 12 would receive double the odds (for example 8 to 1). All lost stakes are claimed by the banker.

Assuming that a Latrey has not been thrown, the next player in a clockwise direction then assumes the role of thrower and the game is resumed.

As an alternative to a winning target amount of credits, the game may be concluded after a preset time, the winner being the player with the most credits, after paying back any overdraft interest.

Preparing to play The banker lays out the various parts in preparation to play the game and the players decide how long the game should last. The banker is in charge of the game, collecting stakes and paying players winnings; the banker does not lay stakes or throw dice.

The banker distributes to each player a set of talismans and currency, say dollars for example $2,000, in fake bank notes and the game proceeds, with each player laying stakes covered with a talisman on the gaming board. Each player in turn throws the set of three dice and the player with the highest total score is chosen as the first shooter. The shooter may place a stake, uncovered by a talisman, on the top board latrey square 20b and starts the game by throwing the three dice into the throwing box 16.

The total of the thrown dice is the winning number for the throw. After locating all winning squares the croupier collects all lost stakes, pays all winnings, and the players remove their talismans. The game continues after more stakes are laid and a new shooter (to the left of the last shooter) has a throw.

Further rules of play 1. Each player is limited to four stakes, the shooters latrey 20b is an extra stake for the shooter.

2. There is no limit to the number of players laying stakes on any one square 3. All players must cover all stakes with a talisman.

4. The shooter's extra stake on the latrey square 20b on the top board is uncovered. 5. Each player has one throw, players take their turn in a clockwise direction.

6. The three dice thrown must land squarely on the floor of the throwing box 16.

7. The total of three dice is the winning number.

8. Any winning stake must remain on the board until the stake winnings have been paid.

9. The lost stakes and talismans are removed from the board.

10. The croupier pays winning players stakes at odds stated for a winning square.

11. The winning stakes and talismans are removed, stakes are then placed for the next throw.

12. The player with the highest total value in bank notes at the end of the game is the winner.

EXAMPLE 3

PLAYING LATREY AT HOME: VERSION TWO

This variation of the domestic game uses the same gaming board (see Figure 4), talisman, dice, and bank as the version described in Example 2, but involves an additional system of penalties, as well as different additional ways in which to place a bet. A separate set of talisman are used for each payer, each set of four talisman are of the same colour and have individual, different markings (for example l,ll, III,X). Once again, the talisman are used to identify players' board stakes, but the particular way in which each talisman is placed on a stake is important. Thus, talisman can be placed flat on top of a stake to make a simple, standard bet, or alternatively a talisman can be used to indicate a signal number stake by being placed "tall", that is upright resting on its smallest side. Further a pair of talisman can be placed on a stake to indicate a peg stake (as described below).

Once more, this version of latrey requires a banker or croupier, and again the croupier does not lay stakes or throw dice. The croupier directs all aspects of the game including recording the end of game time or target, collecting lost bets, paying out winnings, recording penalties, settling disputes, stopping the game at the arranged time or $ target, and counting and verifying the wieners' total score.

Once a croupier has been chosen, he or she takes up a position at the top of the board. The players throw three dice in turn, the player with the highest score being the first shooter. The croupier, starts the game, by instructing the shooter to make the first throw and each player throws in turn, in a clockwise direction.

The croupier is also in charge of the bank, which has four sections: sets of talisman 23, sets of bank notes 24, penalty cards 25, and a calculator. Five values of bank notes are used, namely usually: $5, $10, $50, $100, $1,000 and the croupier distributes such notes to each player in batches, for example, as follows: 20 x $5, 20 x $10, 14 x $50, 10 x $100, that is a total of $2,000 in this case.

The penalty cards used in this version are typically valued at $1,000. A bankrupt player can buy in to the game. The croupier gives the bankrupt player three penalty cards and $2,000. For every $2,000 borrowed, $3,000 has to be paid back. Any player, who is bankrupt, and has reached the credit limit set for the game, must return the talisman and penalty cards to the croupier, and leave the game. A player must pay-in all penalty cards held, before making a deposit at the bank. If the croupier has a spare set of talisman, a new player may enter a game in play and is issued with a talisman set, $2,000 and one penalty card. This penalty card is not added to the penalty limit set for the game.

A target is set of a total of $ notes or pegs to be reached to win a game. A penalty limit is set for each target, for example, as follows: Target $15,000 = 9,000 penalty limit.

Target $50,000 = 12,000 penalty limit.

Target $100,000 = 15,000 penalty limit.

Target $500,000 = 18,000 penalty limit.

Target $1,000,000 = 21,000 penalty limit.

(Thus, a player in a game having a target of $1,000,000, may buy in seven times.) The croupier uses the calculator and a set of pegs 26 to display players' deposits in the bank. Each player's section and talisman are of the same colour. The double row is used for plain pegs, whereas a single row is used for silver pegs, and a single row is used for gold pegs. These peg colours indicate different values, with the croupier converting pegs to the next value-type when a player's peg section is full.

Thus, ten plain pegs convert to one silver peg, and five silver pegs convert to one gold peg.

Before the dice throw is taken, a shooter may buy a peg (and thus deposit in the bank) for $10,000. The croupier will pay the shooter 10% interest (that is $1,000 for a deposit of $10,000), and place a plain peg in the shooter's coloured section of the bank. The croupier pays $10,000 (again 10% interest), when converting ten plain pegs to a silver peg, The Croupier pays $50,000 (once again 10% interest), when converting five silver pegs to a gold peg.

The croupier can also be asked to buy back a peg, and will do so at the peg's value minus 20%. Thus, a player will receive $8,000 for a plain peg, $80,000 for a silver peg, and $400,000 for a gold peg.

A winning stake on any of the eight squares on the main board, pays the odds stated.

If a Latrey is thrown, a winning number on any one of the 3/18, 6/15, or 9/12 squares pays double the odds stated. In a single number stake, a tall talisman is placed on the selected number and, once the croupier has verified such a tall stake, the winning number pays double the odds stated.

If a Latrey is thrown, a tall stake on any one of the 3/18, 6/15, or 9/12 squares pays treble the odds stated.

By contrast, a high winning number, that is any one of 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18, pays odds of 1 for 1 as does an even winning number, that is, any one of 4, 6, 8, 10,12, 14, 16 or 18.

If a Latrey is thrown, a high winning number such as 12, 15 or 18, pays double odds (2 for 1), as does an even winning number such as 6, 12, or 18. If a further Latrey is thrown, a low winning number such as 3, 6 or 9 pays double odds (2 for 1), as does an odd winning number such as 3, 9, or 15. If a Latrey is thrown, a stake on the shooter's latrey square pays odds of 100 for 1. However, If a Latrey is thrown, a stake on the players' latrey square, pays odds of 50 for 1.

A low winning number, for example, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 pays odds of 1 for 1, as does an odd winning number such as 3, 5, 7, 9, 1 1, 13, 15 or 17.

In order to stake the total value of a peg on a throw, the player informs the croupier, a pair of talisman are then placed on the selected number or numbers. Odds are calculated at the value of the peg for a winning throw. A peg is removed from the banking area of the board on a losing throw.

Further rules 1. The bank, calculator, pegs and game time are under the sole control of the croupier. 2. In the event of any dispute the croupier's decision is final.

3. Each player is entitled to only one throw in turn and in a clockwise direction.

4. All three dice must land squarely on the floor of the throwing box for a correct throw.

5. The total of all three dice is the winning number.

6. There is no limit to the number of players laying stakes on any one square.

7. Any stake not covered by a talisman at the time of throwing will be confiscated by the croupier.

8. Exception to rule seven - a shooter's latrey stake does not require a talisman. 9. A player removing a winning stake or talisman before being paid will lose the winnings.

10. A tall stake is valid only if the talisman is on end and the croupier has verified the stake.

11. The gaming board must be clear of all stakes before players can place new stakes. 12. A bankrupt player may buy in up to the penalty limit.

13. A new player may buy in to a game in play at the croupier's invitation.

14. A bankrupt player in the course of a game cannot be considered a new Player. 15. No player may pass or give bank notes penalty cards or pegs to any other player. 16. Only the shooter, and before a throw is taken, can buy pegs.

17. Any penalty cards held by the shooter are paid into the bank before buying a peg.

18. The croupier will check a players total value of $ notes and pegs at the time of any declaration of an overall winner of the game.

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Thus, the present invention provides a game that is easy and exciting to play, but that also has the refinement of allowing the system of betting odds to be formulatable in a finely balanced and calculatable manner.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS:

1. Apparatus for a game comprising (a) a set of at least three identical standardly numbered dice, and (b) a betting device comprising a grid marking out a plurality of discrete regions, wherein each region bears an individual number selected between the lowest and the highest combined scores of a throw of the set of dice inclusive, and wherein each region is associated with pre valued odds, the odds being paid to any player who has placed a stake on a winning region identified by the combined score of a throw of the set of dice.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the betting device is a mat or a board.

3. Apparatus as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the odds associated with any particular region pay out higher the less probable its number is likely to be the result of the combined score per throw of the set of dice.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the highest sets of odds are associated with scores of the dice in which each die has the same score as the other dice of the set.

5. Apparatus as claimed in either claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the highest odds possible are associated with the lowest and highest possible combined scores of a throw of the set of dice.

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the set of dice has three dice such that the highest odds possible are associated with scores of 3 or 18 gained by throwing either three ones or three sixes.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim additionally comprising further discrete regions for placing stakes to cover throwing combined scores that are odd, even or represent defined subsets of all possible combined scores.

8. Further comprising markers for marking each player's ongoing winnings, preferably wherein the markers are pegs that are insertable into a board.

9. Use of the apparatus of any preceding claim as either (i) a household game of non-profit, or (ii) a commercial game for long-term profit of the banker.

10. Apparatus, or use of such apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and/or as illustrated by, the accompanying drawings.