Video Poker Based on a Single Chip

Overview

The project aims to create a simple video poker game based on a PIC16F628 microcontroller along with a HD44780 or compatible 20x4 character LCD display.

Explanation

The poker game uses a single 52-card deck that is shuffled before every game, similar to the implementation found in several casinos. The two important properties of every card in the deck include the 13 Ranks and the 4 Suits. Each game of video poker is very short and the steps include the player making the bet, the computer dealing five cards to the player, the player choosing cards to hold, cards not held get replaced by new cards from the decks, and the computer analyzing the new hand. The player is paid with appropriate coin number.

A 78L05 regulator would be enough to provide the power demands of the circuit. For battery-powered version, a MAX667 can be used. The actual one chip poker circuit is entirely in the white breadboard except for the LCD and the potentiometer for contrast adjustment.

The heart of the game is the Random Number Generator (RNG). The player input uses a momentary contact by implementing a normally open pushbutton switch.