Game of skill played by remote participants utilizing wireless devices in connection with a common game event

• US 10,226,698 B1
• Filed: 12/09/2005
• Issued: 03/12/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Winview IP Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: WinView Incorporated (GameSquare Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Lockton, David B., Berner, Mark K., Micheli, Mark J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Deodhar, Omkar
• Assistant Examiner(s): Williams, Ross
• Application Number:
  US11/298,901
• Time in Patent Office: 4,841 Days
• Field of Search: 463 16, 463 40- 42, 463 1- 6, 463 30- 33
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/30 Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/332 using wireless networks, e.g. cellular phone networks
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/335 using Internet
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/46 Computing the game score
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/65 automatically by game devices or servers from real world data, e.g. measurement in live racing competition
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/795 for finding other players; for building a team; for providing a buddy list
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/798 for assessing skills or for ranking players, e.g. for generating a hall of fame computing the game score A63F13/46

Abstract

A game of skill played simultaneously by several players whereby each participant effectively competes only against players having a similar skill tier to provide a better opportunity to win awards. The system includes a central computer system with each remote participant having a mobile device such as a cell phone. The system also provides for effective promotion or updating to a higher skill tier of successful players of the game. Each skill tier adds complexity which increase point potentials. The game play is relatively easy initially, permitting new users to enjoy success in the game. As the user becomes more skilled and reaches higher tiers prizes increase and game elements become more challenging thus motivating continued play while retaining a player'"'"'s interest. While players are able to view all scores including those in higher tiers, they will know that players in other tiers had more opportunities to earn points.

Claims

1. A system for a game of skill played by one or more players viewing one or more common game events, comprising:

a. an Internet-connected device for receiving one or more game play inputs by the one or more players and scoring in response to the one or more game play inputs; and

b. a central computing system for defining a predetermined plurality of game skill tiers each comprising one or more players, the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers including an initial lowest skill tier and one or more advanced skill tiers for receiving one or more game scores and determining one of the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers of the one or more players for a particular game and promoting to a relatively higher skill tier more successful players of each game,

wherein each tier has different questions and scoring opportunities, wherein querying is relative to the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers, the central computing system further configured for communicating all game scores in a game skill tier only to players included in the players'"'"' game skill tier, further wherein the central computing system includes an application to determine a current skill tier of a user and to update the application if the current skill tier is not correct for the user, wherein the application is implemented in real time, including an acknowledgment by the central computing system which is received by the Internet-connected device in real time, wherein the Internet-connected device receives a first set of game data from the central computing system over the Internet, wherein the central computing system receives a second set of game data from the Internet-connected device over the Internet, wherein a microprocessor of the central computing system configures the second set of game data for the Internet-connected device, including setting up a two-way client/server relationship, wherein the two-way client/server relationship is only set up for a subset less than all of a plurality of devices, and wherein the central computing system transmits a lockout signal to the Internet-connected device, wherein the lockout signal is transmitted at a designated time to prevent answers to the questions after an outcome is known.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Internet-connected device is from a group including a cellular phone, a PDA, an MP3 player, and a laptop computer.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Internet-connected device or the central computing system includes means for permanently storing the game skill tier selected from the plurality of game skill tiers defined on the central computing system.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more common game events is a live television broadcast of a live sporting event from a group including football, baseball, hockey, basketball, boxing, golf, soccer and auto racing.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more common game events is from a group including a televised game show, a reality show, and an entertainment show.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more common game events is a non-televised game from a group including cards, dice, word games, puzzles and trivia games.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more common game events is played on computers, the Internet, handhelds or cell phones.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the game scores are communicated to the one or more players on a webpage.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the game scores are communicated to the one or more players on the Internet-connected device, a computer or a video game device.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central computing system communicates all game scores to players regardless of game skill tier.

11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central computing system communicates all game scores in the game skill tier to players included in the players'"'"' game skill tier.

12. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the games played at the relatively higher skill tiers have more questions or more opportunities for points than respectively lower skill tiers.

13. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system functions utilizing the Internet.

14. A system for a game of skill played by one or more players viewing one or more common game events, comprising:

a. a mobile device for receiving one or more game play inputs by the one or more players and scoring in response to the one or more game play inputs; and

b. a central computing system for defining a predetermined plurality of game skill tiers each comprising one or more players, the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers including an initial lowest skill tier and one or more advanced skill tiers for receiving one or more game scores and determining one of the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers of the one or more players for a particular game and promoting to a relatively higher skill tier more successful players of each game, wherein initial players of the initial lowest skill tier are asked one or more initial queries, and advanced players of at least one of the one or more advanced skill tiers are asked the one or more initial queries as well as at least one advanced query such that each tier has a different level of play based on the common game events, wherein querying is relative to the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers, further wherein the central computing system communicates all game scores to players regardless of game skill tier,

wherein the central computing system includes an application configured to determine a current skill tier of a user and to update the application if the current skill tier is not correct for the user, wherein the application is implemented in real time, including an acknowledgment by the central computing system which is received by the mobile device in real time, wherein the mobile device receives a first set of game data from the central computing system over the Internet, wherein the central computing system receives a second set of game data from the mobile device over the Internet, wherein a microprocessor of the central computing system configures the second set of game data for the mobile device, including setting up a two-way client/server relationship, wherein the two-way client/server relationship is only set up for a subset less than all of a plurality of devices, and wherein the central computing system transmits a lockout signal to the mobile device, wherein the lockout signal is transmitted at a designated time to prevent answers to the questions after an outcome is known.

15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the mobile device is from a group including a cellular phone, a PDA, an MP3 player, and a laptop computer.

16. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the mobile device includes means for permanently storing the game skill tier selected from the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers defined on the central computing system.

17. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the one or more common game events is a live television broadcast of a live sporting event from a group including football, baseball, hockey, basketball, boxing, golf, soccer and auto racing.

18. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the one or more common game events is from a group including a televised game show, a reality show and an entertainment show.

19. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the one or more common game events is a non-televised game from a group including cards, dice, word games, puzzles and trivia games.

20. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the one or more common game events is played on computers, the Internet, handhelds or cell phones.

21. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the game scores are communicated to the one or more players on a webpage.

22. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the game scores are communicated to the one or more players on the mobile device, a computer or a video game device.

23. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the tiers are communicated to the one or more players.

24. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the games played at the relatively higher skill tiers have more questions or more opportunities for points than respectively lower skill tiers.

25. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the system functions utilizing the Internet.

26. An apparatus for a game of skill played simultaneously by groups of participants, each group comprising several participants of a particular game skill tier, remote from each other in conjunction with at least one common game event where each participant player of a game receives one or more scores comprising:

a. means for providing the common game event and transmitting such event to each of the remote participants;

b. control unit means associated with each remote participant for receiving game play inputs by each participant and scoring in response to the inputs;

c. central computer system means for defining a predetermined plurality of game skill tiers each comprising one or more players, the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers including an initial lowest skill tier and one or more advanced skill tiers and for receiving the game scores and determining one of the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers of each of the participants for a particular game and also promoting to a relatively higher skill tier more successful players of each game, wherein initial players of the initial lowest skill tier are asked one or more initial queries, and advanced players of at least one of the one or more advanced skill tiers are asked the one or more initial queries as well as at least one advanced query such that each tier has a different level of play based on the common game events, wherein querying is relative to the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers, the central computer system also including means for communicating game scores to all participants, wherein the central computer system means includes an application configured to determine a current skill tier of a user and to update the application if the current skill tier is not correct for the user, wherein the application is implemented in real time, including an acknowledgment by the central computing system which is received by the control unit in real time, wherein a mobile device receives a first set of game data from the central computing system means over the Internet, wherein the central computing system means receives a second set of game data from the mobile device over the Internet, wherein the central computing system means configures the second set of game data for the mobile device, including setting up a two-way client/server relationship, wherein the two-way client/server relationship is only set up for a subset less than all of a plurality of devices, and wherein the central computing system means transmits a lockout signal to the mobile device, wherein the lockout signal is transmitted at a designated time to prevent answers to the questions after an outcome is known; and

d. means for permanently storing the game skill tier of each participant for each type of common game event.

27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the control unit means is from a group including a cellular phone, a PDA, an MP3 player, and a laptop computer.

28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the control unit means includes means for permanently storing the game skill tier selected from the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers defined on the central computer system means.

29. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the one or more common game events is a live television broadcast of a live sporting event from a group including football, baseball, hockey, basketball, boxing, golf, soccer and auto racing.

30. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the one or more common game events is from a group including a televised game show, a reality show and an entertainment show.

31. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the one or more common game events is a non-televised game from a group including cards, dice, word games, puzzles and trivia games.

32. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the one or more common game events is played on computers, the Internet, handhelds or cell phones.

33. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the game scores are communicated to the groups of participants on a webpage.

34. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the game scores are communicated to the groups of participants on the mobile device, a computer or a video game device.

35. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the tiers are communicated to the one or more players.

36. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein more questions are asked and more points are awarded at the relatively higher skill tier.

37. The apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the apparatus functions utilizing the Internet.

38. A method of controlling a game of skill, comprising:

a. transmitting one or more common game events to one or more mobile devices;

b. defining a predetermined plurality of game skill tiers including initial players of an initial tier that are asked one or more initial queries and advanced players of one or more advanced tiers that are asked one or more advanced queries;

c. querying one or more of the initial players or advanced players via the one or more mobile devices, wherein the querying is relative to the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers such that each advanced player of the advanced tier has a different level of querying that includes being asked at least one advanced query and at least one initial query;

d. promoting one or more of the initial players or advanced players to a relatively higher tier of the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers based on correctness of responses to the querying;

e. determining a score for the one or more of the initial players or advanced players based on the correctness of responses to the querying;

f. communicating the scores of the one or more of the initial players or advanced players to the one or more of the initial players or advanced players; and

g. determining a current skill tier of a user in an application and updating the application if the current skill tier is not correct for the user, wherein the application is implemented in real time, including an acknowledgment by a central computing system which is received by the one or more mobile devices in real time, wherein the one or more mobile devices receive a first set of game data from the central computing system over the Internet, wherein the central computing system receives a second set of game data from the one or more mobile devices over the Internet, wherein a microprocessor of the central computing system configures the second set of game data for the one or more mobile devices, including setting up a two-way client/server relationship, wherein the two-way client/server relationship is only set up for a subset less than all of a plurality of mobile devices, and wherein the central computing system transmits a lockout signal to the one or more mobile devices, wherein the lockout signal is transmitted at a designated time to prevent answers to the questions after an outcome is known.

39. The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the one or more mobile devices is from a group including a cellular phone, a PDA, an MP3 player, and a laptop computer.

40. The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the one or more mobile devices include means for permanently storing the skill tier selected from the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers.

41. The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the one or more common game events is a live television broadcast of a live sporting event from a group including football, baseball, hockey, basketball, boxing, golf, soccer and auto racing.

42. The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the one or more common game events is from a group including a televised game show, a reality show and an entertainment show.

43. The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the one or more common game events is a non-televised game from a group including cards, dice, word games, puzzles and trivia games.

44. The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein the one or more common game events is played on computers, the Internet, handhelds or cell phones.

45. The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein communicating the scores is by posting the scores on a webpage.

46. The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein communicating the scores is by sending the scores to the one or more mobile devices, one or more computers or one or more video game devices.

47. The method as claimed in claim 38, further comprising communicating the tiers to the one or more users.

48. The method as claimed in claim 38, wherein more questions are asked or more scoring opportunities offered and more points are awarded at the relatively higher skill tier.

49. The method as claimed in claim 38, further comprising utilizing the Internet for gameplay.

50. A network for controlling a game of skill played by one or more players viewing one or more common game events, comprising:

a. a plurality of devices for receiving one or more game play inputs by the one or more players and scoring in response to the one or more game play inputs; and

b. a central computing system a central computing system for defining a predetermined plurality of game skill tiers each comprising one or more players, the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers including an initial lowest skill tier and one or more advanced skill tiers for receiving one or more game scores and determining one of the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers of the one or more players for a particular game and promoting to a relatively higher skill tier more successful players of each game, wherein initial players of the initial lowest skill tier are asked one or more initial queries, and advanced players of at least one of the one or more advanced skill tiers are asked the one or more initial queries as well as at least one advanced query such that each tier has a different level of play based on the common game events, wherein querying is relative to the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers,

wherein the central computing system includes an application configured to determine a current skill tier of a user and to update the application if the current skill tier is not correct for the user, wherein the application is implemented in real time, including an acknowledgment by the central computing system which is received by the plurality of devices in real time, wherein the plurality of devices receive a first set of game data from the central computing system over the Internet, wherein the central computing system receives a second set of game data from the plurality of devices over the Internet, wherein a microprocessor of the central computing system configures the second set of game data for the plurality of mobile devices, including setting up a two-way client/server relationship, wherein the two-way client/server relationship is only set up for a subset less than all of the plurality of mobile devices, and wherein the central computing system transmits a lockout signal to the plurality of mobile devices, wherein the lockout signal is transmitted at a designated time to prevent answers to the questions after an outcome is known.

51. The network as claimed in claim 50, wherein the plurality of devices are from a group including cellular phones, PDAs, an MP3 players, and laptop computers.

52. The network as claimed in claim 50, wherein the plurality of devices include means for permanently storing the game skill tier selected from the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers defined on the central computing system.

53. The network as claimed in claim 50, wherein the one or more common game events is a live television broadcast of a live sporting event from a group including football, baseball, hockey, basketball, boxing, golf, soccer and auto racing.

54. The network as claimed in claim 50, wherein the one or more common game events is from a group including a televised game show, a reality show and an entertainment show.

55. The network as claimed in claim 50, wherein the one or more common game events is a non-televised game from a group including cards, dice, word games, puzzles and trivia games.

56. The network as claimed in claim 50, wherein the one or more common game events is played on computers, the Internet, handhelds or cell phones.

57. The network as claimed in claim 50, wherein the game scores are communicated to the one or more players on a webpage.

58. The network as claimed in claim 50, wherein the game scores are communicated to the one or more players on the mobile device, a computer or a video game device.

59. The network as claimed in claim 50, wherein the tiers are communicated to the one or more players.

60. The network as claimed in claim 50, wherein the central computing system communicates all game scores to players regardless of game skill tier.

61. The network as claimed in claim 50, wherein the central computing system communicates all game scores in the game skill tier to players included in the players'"'"' game skill tier.

62. The network as claimed in claim 50, wherein the games played at the relatively higher skill tiers have more questions and more opportunities for points than respectively lower skill tiers.

63. The network as claimed in claim 50, wherein the network functions utilizing the Internet.

64. A graphical user interface for displaying scores of a game of skill played by a plurality of players viewing one or more common game events, wherein the graphical user interface is stored in a non-transitory memory and displayed on a display of a device, wherein the graphical user interface is associated with an application, the graphical user interface comprising:

a. a representation of a plurality of tiers each comprising one or more players, the plurality of tiers comprising an initial skill tier and one or more advanced skill tiers, wherein initial players of the initial skill tier are asked one or more initial queries, and advanced players of at least one of the one or more advanced skill tiers are asked the one or more initial queries as well as at least one advanced query, wherein querying is relative to the plurality of tiers; and

b. a list of a plurality of scores of the plurality of players, wherein each player has an associated tier and further wherein the scores for each player are listed in the associated one of the plurality of tiers, wherein the application is implemented in real time, including an acknowledgment by a central computing system which is received by the device in real time, wherein the device receives a first set of game data from the central computing system over the Internet, wherein the central computing system receives a second set of game data from the device over the Internet, wherein a microprocessor of the central computing system configures the second set of game data for the device, including setting up a two-way client/server relationship, wherein the two-way client/server relationship is only set up for a subset less than all of a plurality of devices, and wherein the central computing system transmits a lockout signal to the device, wherein the lockout signal is transmitted at a designated time to prevent answers to the questions after an outcome is known.

65. The graphical user interface as claimed in claim 64, wherein the plurality of players play a game with the same opportunities to score points.

66. The graphical user interface as claimed in claim 64, wherein the plurality of players play a game with different opportunities to score points.

67. The graphical user interface as claimed in claim 64, wherein the plurality of scores are displayed in an order selected from a group including ascending, descending and alphabetical.

68. A method of controlling a game of skill played by one or more players viewing one or more common game events, comprising:

a. providing a game application to a plurality of devices for installation on the plurality of devices;

b. receiving a first set of game data from a game server at the plurality of devices over the Internet, wherein the game application is implemented in real-time, including an acknowledgment by the game server which is received by the plurality of devices in real time;

c. receiving a second set of game data from the plurality of devices at the game server over the Internet;

the game server comprising a microprocessor and a memory that stores score, tier and game information, wherein the microprocessor;

configures the second set of game data for at least one of the plurality of devices, including setting up a two-way client/server relationship, wherein the two-way client/server relationship is only set up for a subset less than all of the plurality of devices;

generates a predetermined plurality of game skill tiers each comprising one or more players, the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers including an initial lowest skill tier and one or more advanced skill tiers for receiving one or more game scores and determining one of the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers of the one or more players for a particular game and promoting to a relatively higher skill tier more successful players of each game, wherein each tier has a different question and scoring opportunity, wherein querying is relative to the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers;

communicates all game scores in the game skill tier only to players included in the players'"'"' game skill tier;

transmits a lockout signal to the plurality of devices, wherein the lockout signal is transmitted at a designated time to prevent transmission of answers to the questions;

determines a current skill tier of a user in the game application; and

automatically updates the game application if the current skill tier is not correct for the user, wherein the game application computes a score locally on each of the plurality of mobile devices.

69. A method of controlling a game of skill, comprising:

a. transmitting one or more common game events to one or more mobile devices;

b. defining a predetermined plurality of game skill tiers each comprising one or more players;

c. querying the one or more players via the one or more mobile devices, wherein the querying is relative to the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers such that each player belonging to a tier is asked a different level of querying wherein all queries that are asked to lower tier players belonging to a lower tier are included among queries asked to higher tier players of one or more higher tiers, wherein the queries to the higher tier players of the higher tiers also include one or more different queries;

d. promoting the one or more players to a relatively higher tier of the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers based on correctness of responses to the querying;

e. determining a score for the one or more players based on the correctness of responses to the querying;

f. grouping the scores for the one or more players according to the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers;

g. displaying the scores within the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers in an order selected from a group including ascending, descending and alphabetical; and

h. determining a current skill tier of a user in an application and updating the application if the current skill tier is not correct for the user, wherein the application is implemented in real time, including an acknowledgment by a central computing system which is received by the one or more mobile devices in real time, wherein the one or more mobile devices receive a first set of game data from the central computing system over the Internet, wherein the central computing system receives a second set of game data from the one or more mobile devices over the Internet, wherein a microprocessor of the central computing system configures the second set of game data for the one or more mobile devices, including setting up a two-way client/server relationship, wherein the two-way client/server relationship is only set up for a subset less than all of a plurality of devices, and wherein the central computing system transmits a lockout signal to the one or more mobile devices, wherein the lockout signal is transmitted at a designated time to prevent answers to the questions after an outcome is known.

70. A method of controlling a game of skill or chance, comprising:

a. transmitting one or more common game events to one or more mobile devices;

b. defining a predetermined plurality of game skill tiers each comprising one or more players;

c. transmitting questions to the one or more players via the one or more mobile devices, wherein the questions are relative to the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers such that each player belonging to a tier is asked a different level of question wherein all questions that are asked to lower tier players belonging to a lower tier are included among questions asked to higher tier players of one or more higher tiers, wherein the questions to the higher tier players of the higher tiers also include one or more different questions than asked to the lower tier players;

d. sending a lockout signal to the one or more mobile devices at a designated time preventing transmission of answers to the questions;

e. promoting the one or more players to a relatively higher tier of the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers based on a determined level of a skill of a user;

f. determining a score for the one or more players based on the correctness of responses provided to the questions;

g. grouping the scores for the one or more players according to the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers;

h. displaying the scores within the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers in an order selected from a group including ascending, descending and alphabetical; and

i. determining a current skill tier of the user in an application and updating the application if the current skill tier is not correct for the user, thereby ensuring the user is utilizing an updated application that is correct for the user, wherein the application is implemented in real time, including an acknowledgment by a central computing system which is received by the one or more mobile devices in real time, wherein the one or more mobile devices receive a first set of game data from the central computing system over the Internet, wherein the central computing system receives a second set of game data from the one or more mobile devices over the Internet, wherein a microprocessor of the central computing system configures the second set of game data for the one or more mobile devices, including setting up a two-way client/server relationship, wherein the two-way client/server relationship is only set up for a subset less than all of a plurality of devices, and wherein the central computing system transmits a lockout signal to the one or more mobile devices, wherein the lockout signal is transmitted at a designated time to prevent answers to the questions after an outcome is known.

71. An apparatus for a game of skill played simultaneously by groups of participants, each group comprising a plurality of participants of a particular game skill tier, remote from each other in conjunction with at least one common game event wherein each participant player of a game receives one or more scores comprising:

a. a central computer system for providing the common game event and transmitting such event to each of the remote participants and for defining a predetermined plurality of game skill tiers each comprising one or more players, wherein a competition for the game is based on the predetermined plurality of game skill tiers and an award amount, further wherein the central computing system communicates all game scores to players regardless of game skill tier, wherein the central computer system includes an application configured to determine a current skill tier of a user and to update the application if the current skill tier is not correct for the user, wherein the application is implemented in real time, including an acknowledgment by the central computing system which is received in real time; and

b. a memory for storing the game skill tier of each participant for each type of common game event, wherein one or more mobile devices receive a first set of game data from the central computing system over the Internet, wherein the central computing system receives a second set of game data from the one or more mobile devices over the Internet, wherein a microprocessor of the central computing system configures the second set of game data for the one or more mobile devices, including setting up a two-way client/server relationship, wherein the two-way client/server relationship is only set up for a subset less than all of a plurality of devices, and wherein the central computing system transmits a lockout signal to the one or more mobile devices, wherein the lockout signal is transmitted at a designated time to prevent answers to the questions after an outcome is known.

72. A method of controlling a game of skill, comprising:

a. transmitting one or more common game events to one or more mobile devices for one or more competitions;

b. defining a predetermined plurality of separate game skill tiers, wherein the game skill tiers are based on past player performance related to the one or more common game events;

c. enabling the one or more players to select one of the one or more competitions based on an award amount of the competition and a current skill tier of a player, wherein the competition is implemented in real time, including an acknowledgment by a central computing system which is received by the one or more mobile devices in real time, wherein the one or more mobile device receive a first set of game data from the central computing system over the Internet, wherein the central computing system receives a second set of game data from the one or more mobile devices over the Internet, wherein a microprocessor of the central computing system configures the second set of game data for the one or more mobile devices, including setting up a two-way client/server relationship, wherein the two-way client/server relationship is only set up for a subset less than all of a plurality of devices, and wherein the central computing system transmits a lockout signal to the one or more mobile devices, wherein the lockout signal is transmitted at a designated time to prevent answers to the questions after an outcome is known; and

d. determining the current skill tier of the player and updating the current skill tier if the current skill tier is not correct for the player.