U.S. patent application number 09/929706 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-13 for casino wagering game.
Invention is credited to Endoso, George.
Application Number | 20030030216 09/929706 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25458311 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030030216 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Endoso, George |
February 13, 2003 |
Casino wagering game
Abstract
A method for playing a game of chance including a playing
surface with the various wagering options defined thereon. The card
game is played with two standard decks of playing cards, wherein
all cards 7-King are removed leaving 48 numerically valued cards
comprised of two suits each of the cards Ace-6. Each player is
asked to select an initial winning option, "7", "High" or "Low",
based upon how he feels the hand will be dealt, or the dice rolled.
In the preferred, playing card embodiment, the players then place
their wagers in the corresponding circle on the playing surface and
the dealer deals one card, face down, to each player A second card
is then dealt, face up, one player at a time. If the player has
predicted the result incorrectly he folds his cards and the dealer
moves to the next player dealing the second card to the next player
and so on. If a player wins he turns up his hole card and waits
until the dealer goes all the way around the table, whereupon all
players who correctly predicted the outcome are awarded. The
present invention also concerns a table layout for playing the
above-mentioned wagering game.
Inventors: |
Endoso, George; (Santa
Monica, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GEORGE ENDOSO
Suite A
936 18th St.
Santa Monica
CA
90403
US
|
Family ID: |
25458311 |
Appl. No.: |
09/929706 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/274 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/00157
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/274 |
International
Class: |
A63F 003/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of playing a wagering game, which is be played with a
deck of 48 numerically valued cards on a gaming table or board
containing three circular wagering positions containing the three
possible wagers for each hand. The first circle (that closest to
the player) has the word "Low" the middle, the numeral "7" and the
third the word "High" (a) each player selects an initial winning
option based upon how he expects the hand to be dealt; (b) having
each player then make a wager, placing his bet in the area
corresponding to how he predicts the hand to be dealt; Players may
choose only one of the three options per hand; (c) dealing, face
down, one card to each player (d) dealing a second card face up to
each player; (e) awarding those players who correctly predicted how
the hands would be dealt.
2. A method of playing a wagering game as claimed in claim 1, but
played with a pair of six sided numerically valued dice instead of
cards; (a) as in claim 1, steps (a) & (b) the player chooses
his option and places his wager in the area on the playing surface
which corresponds to his prediction. (b) the shooter rolls the dice
and if the total showing on the two dice corresponds to the option
the player has chosen, i.e. "7" (the numbers showing on the two
dice total 7), "High" (the numbers of the dice total 8-12) or "Low"
(the total of the two dice adds up to 2-6), the player is awarded
(c) having a step wherein a bonus award of 11/2 to one if the
players Low score totals 2, or High score totals 12
3) A method of playing a wagering game as claimed in claims
1&2, including having the capability of being played as either
a card game or dice game (a) a deck of cards comprised of 48 cards,
consisting of two suits each of Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Clubs,
in the numbers Ace-6.
4) A method of playing a wagering game as claimed in claims 1, 2
& 3 including the step of having each player; (a) place an
initial wager; (b) after step (a), selecting a winning option based
upon how the player feels the hand will be dealt or the dice rolled
(c) awarding each of the players whose winning option correctly
predicted how the hand would be dealt or the dice rolled.
5) A method of playing a wagering game as described in claims
1&2, including the step of; (a) placing a wager upon one of
three clearly defined wagering areas, which are circular and are
printed upon the gaming table (b) the three wagering areas or
circles contain words and numbers which correspond to the
prediction the player makes and the predetermined odds of his award
if successful. (c) The first, or closest to the player containing
the word "Low", the numerals 2,3,4,5,6 and the odds (Pays 11/2),
which references the award paid if the total Low score is 2 (note
circled numeral (2) (d) having a second, or middle circle which
contains the numeral "7" and the odds (4 to 1) (e) having a third
circle which contains the word "High", the numerals 8,9,10,11,12
and the bonus award, (Pays 11/2) if the total High score is 12. See
(12) circled. (f) having a set of three such wagering areas located
at each player position on the gaming table
6) A method of playing a wagering game as described in 1&2
above, including having a dealer who himself is dealt no cards,
eliminating the usual step in high/low games wherein the dealer is
dealt a hand which is the hand the other players play against and
measure their success or failure to win by, (a) having only to
attain the predicted total number of points to be awarded.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] This invention relates generally to card or dice wagering
games and more particularly to card games played on casino
tables.
[0002] The present invention also concerns a table layout for
playing said card game.
[0003] 1. Prior Art
[0004] A number of games utilize the high-low wagering concept.
Usually in those games the players play against the house and the
object is to get either a higher or lower ranked hand than the rank
of the cards in the dealers hand. In most high-low games the
options are narrow, many utilize specially altered decks of cards
and awards are generally predetermined.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,755, relates to a casino card game in
which the player plays against a dealer. Only three cards are dealt
and all are face up. Players can make three wagers: Whether the
third card dealt is black or red, whether the third card is a high
or low ranking card, or whether the third card dealt will match
either the card in the first or second position. No wagers are made
by the players against the dealers hand in this game and Jokers are
wild.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,997 relates to a card game in which a
player places a first wager and the dealer deals him two cards face
up. If the cards are of equal rank the player wins an amount based
upon predetermined odds posted on the playing surface, but loses if
the cards are of consecutive rank. If the two cards are not the
same or of consecutive rank the player can make an additional wager
as to whether the third card dealt will be of a rank between the
two cards. If the first two cards dealt are of equal rank and that
rank is a face card or an ace the player automatically wins
according to the predetermined odds and is dealt a third card
which, if of equal rank to the first two cards increases the
players winnings. The players cards are not compared to dealer
cards and no wild cards are used.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,514 relates to an Asian game utilizing
the high-low principal. This game involves 15 conventional decks
and is similar to the instant invention in that it removes all
cards 7-King. The primary difference, however is that the object of
the Asian game is to make a hand totaling 12, or close to 12, if a
high scheme is selected, or totaling 2 or close to 2 if a low
scheme is selected. Separate high-low wagers are not made and no
second level or wild card wagering is allowed.
[0008] Other examples of prior art using a high low principal or
format reviewed by this writer include several which had
similarities, but diverged at key points. KAUFMAN, U.S. Pat. No.
6,102,403. In that game there is a gaming table at least one
player, a full deck of 52 cards plus jokers and the players play
directly against the dealer. The player places his bet in either
the high or low gaming area and the dealer then deals one card to
each player and one to himself. The player's card is then measured
against the dealer's card. If the player had a higher card than the
dealer and had wagered in the high box, he wins. If he had wagered
in the low box he loses. The converse is true if the player's card
is lower ranked than the dealer's card.
[0009] This game is distinguishable from the instant invention in
that every round of 2 cards dealt to each player represents an
entire game. Further the KAUFMAN game is played against the house,
the house must be beaten, either high or low depending on the
wagering option the player has chosen. In the instant invention,
the dealer is merely a facilitator and does not himself have cards
upon which to wager. In the instant invention the dealer deals the
cards to each of the players, but takes none for himself, though in
effect the house owns the two options not chosen by the player. The
player then wins or loses depending solely upon the total value of
the two cards dealt him and whether or not he has predicted the
correct total score and placed his wager in the appropriate
wagering area, i.e. "LOW" (2-6), "7), or "HIGH" (8-12).
[0010] The EATON U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,712 represents prior art,
which is somewhat similar to the instant invention, but is
ultimately distinguishable. The EATON game also involves an initial
draw of two cards, however, it is from a regulation deck of 52
cards and against a predetermined number, for instance 17 in
blackjack. This game allows, indeed requires the player to take
additional hits until the predetermined number is attained or the
player busts. Additionally second and third bets may be made as the
game progresses. The instant invention mandates only two cards be
dealt each player and the total of the two determines whether or
not the player predicted the correct option and he wins or loses
accordingly.
[0011] Additional patents were searched for relevant prior art,
including but not limited to: U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,429, 5,144,579,
5,257,810, 5,615,888, 5,707,287, and 5,904,353. These ranged from
side bets to jackpots to Spanish 21, with none being close enough
to warrant further comment.
[0012] Arguably the most popular casino, table game in the United
States and possibly the world, is Blackjack, sometimes called "21".
In that game, the player plays against the dealer, or the house.
The object of Blackjack is for the player to get a hand, which is
greater than the dealer's without "busting", or exceeding the point
total 21. Despite its popularity however, there are a number of
problems associated with Blackjack.
[0013] Beyond the fact that Blackjack or 21 requires at least a
modicum of skill for a player to have any chance of being
consistently successful, Blackjack is often quite slow paced as
players ponder taking a "hit" (an additional card) from the dealer,
or to "stand pat" with their hand. A player who is not conversant
with the rules will rapidly lose his money and his interest in the
game
[0014] Not only is it necessary for the player to know the basic
rules and objectives of Blackjack, the odds are significantly
improved if the player is knowledgeable of the general guidelines
about taking a "hit". This is an acquired skill and is particularly
critical for the player last dealt cards (the player on the dealers
immediate right.) It is believed that this player can alter the
course of the whole game by taking an unnecessary hit and changing
the composition of the dealer's hand. Finally there is the fact
that in Blackjack the players play against the house as individuals
thereby causing a loss of camaraderie, which can hold players at
the table longer. All of these problems have the potential to
adversely affect the bottom line earnings by the house.
[0015] While the game Blackjack, or 21 is referenced here as
illustrative, it must be kept in mind that this invention is not
Blackjack or a minor deviation thereof. The present invention is a
totally new game and is no more Blackjack than Blackjack is
Poker.
SUMMARY
[0016] The present invention, which may be played as either a card
or dice game, is based on high-low wagering using a modified deck
of cards or a standard pair of six sided dice. The present
invention, a wagering game, addresses the shortcomings of the prior
art.
[0017] In response to the problems addressed in the afore mentioned
section describing the prior art, an important object of the
present invention is to provide a wagering game to players from
novice to professional that is interesting, captivating, fast paced
and most of all simple. It is also an important object of the
present invention to provide a game that does not require a great
deal of skill and can be grasped and understood quickly and
completely. Another useful objective of this game is that it can
introduce a novice player to wagering with a simple, uncomplicated
game and lay the foundation to understanding the more complex
games. Furthermore, an important objective of the present invention
is to give the player the perception that he is controlling the
flow of the game and the odds of winning, or at least that they
have the ability to influence those odds.
[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
entertaining wagering game that provides a favorable advantage to
the house.
[0019] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
table layouts for use in playing a wagering game that provides the
previously noted objects for both card and dice games.
[0020] Therefore, in accordance with these and other objects,
evident from the following description of the preferred embodiment,
the present invention concerns a method of playing a wagering game
with a deck of 48 numerically valued cards, comprised of two suits
each of Spades, Hearts, Clubs and Diamonds totaling eight suits of
Ace-6 including the steps of having each player place an initial
wager and dealing two cards to each player to form a corresponding
number of hands. Each player is asked to select a winning option
"7", "High" or "Low", based upon how the player expects the hand to
be dealt. The game further involves an award to each winning player
based upon predetermined odds.
[0021] The present invention also concerns a table layout for
playing the above referenced wagering game. The table layout
includes a dealer station from which cards are dealt. In addition a
plurality of player stations are provided, with each player station
having a wager location consisting of a set of three option
locations having indicia thereon corresponding to the three
different possible ways the hand may be dealt, "7", "High" or
"Low". The game is also, as will be seen, adaptable to other table
games, such as Roulette or Dice. Other aspects and advantages of
the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed
description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying
drawing figures
DRAWINGS
[0022] The invention will be better understood and objects other
than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration
is given to the following detailed description, the description
reference and the annexed drawings, wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of the preferred
embodiment of the gaming surface, showing the surface and the three
wagering option areas and the positions of the players.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a blown up illustration of the wagering area shown
in FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION
[0025] The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment
of the invention and several variations of that embodiment. This
discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the
invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in
the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a
definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is
directed to the appended claims.
[0026] FIG. 1, shows the gaming apparatus (100) preferred for use
with the game playing method. Gaming apparatus (100) includes a
deck of cards (105), and a game table, (101). Game table (100) is
preferably of a semi-circular shape similar to those used for
casino blackjack. Typically the dealer stands behind the flat side,
(104) and one to seven players (102), are situated around the
rounded portion of the table.
[0027] With reference to the drawings and in particular FIG. 1,
thereof, the present invention is a new and improved wagering game,
which is played with a deck of 48 cards, 105. (Two suits each of
Spades, Clubs, Hearts and Diamonds, numbered Ace-6).
[0028] The deck of cards, FIG. 1, 105, shall now be described. From
two standard decks of 52 cards, cards 7-King in all suits and all
jokers are removed. This leaves 48 cards consisting of two suits
each of Spades, Clubs, Hearts and Diamonds, numerically valued from
Ace-6.
[0029] The Ace counts as one point; all the other cards carry the
value of their numerical designation. If desired more than two
decks can be used and cards may be dealt, by the dealer, either
from a dealing shoe or by hand.
[0030] Each player position is distinguished by the three circles,
(103), which define the wagering area of the game table, (101).
Based upon how the player predicts the hand will be dealt he places
his wager into one of the three option areas.
[0031] FIG. 2, is the full sized embodiment of FIG. 1, 103. and is
the preferred embodiment of the "7 High Low" wagering game. As can
be seen, each circle has a designation. Low, (200), "7" (203) and
High (206). Also in each circle are numbers required to win in that
circle and odds for the predetermined award if the player has
predicted correctly.
[0032] In the Low circle, (200), if the player has placed his wager
in the low circle (200) and the cards dealt to the player total
3,4,5,6 (201), the player wins and is paid a predetermined award of
1 for 1. If the total low score dealt the player, is 2, (which is
circled to distinguish it,) the player is awarded a bonus of 11/2
times his wager (202).
[0033] If the player places his wager in the middle, or "7" circle
(203) he is predicting that the cards dealt to him will total the
number 7 (204). If the player has predicted correctly and the cards
dealt to him total the number 7, he is awarded a predetermined
amount, four times the amount of his wager (205).
[0034] If the player chooses the High option, he places his wager
in the High (206) circle wagering area. If he has predicted
correctly and the two cards dealt him total 8,9,10,11, (207), he
has won and will be awarded a predetermined amount of 1 for 1. If
the total of the cards dealt the player is 12, (circled) the player
is awarded a bonus of 11/2 times the amount of his wager (208)
[0035] Operation and Rules of the Game.
[0036] The present invention may be played as either a banking or
non-banking game. In the non-banking version up to seven players
sitting at a round table, would first cut a standard deck of 52
cards for high card, or roll dice for high number, that person
becomes the first dealer. The first dealer deals one hand, then the
right to deal passes one player to the left for each subsequent
hand. As the banking version is the preferred embodiment, the
operation and rules for the banking version shall be the version
detailed here;
[0037] In the preferred embodiment, or banking version, the game
may be played by at least two and preferably no more than seven
players, using a specially modified deck of 48 cards. The dealer
standing at his position, 104. shuffles the cards 105 and randomly
chooses one player 102 to cut the deck. The top card from the cut
is buried and the dealer calls for wagers. Each player places his
wager in the preferred option of 103, High 206, Low 200, or "7"
203. Once the first card is dealt no more wagers may be placed. If
using a 48 card deck, dealer should reshuffle after every 14
hands.
[0038] The dealer deals two cards to each player, dealing in a
counter clockwise direction, starting with the player most
immediately to the dealers left. The first card is dealt face down.
Once each player has received his first card the dealer deals each
player a second card, again going counter clockwise beginning at
the dealers immediate left. The second card is dealt face up. Once
all cards are dealt the dealer asks for a showing of hands. Losers
fold their hands and winners show their winning hands by turning up
the first card, which was dealt face down. Loser's money is swept
to the dealer 104. The dealer checks each winning hand and
beginning with the player most immediately to his left pays awards
according to the predetermined odds of 1 to 1 on High 206 and Low
200, 11/2 to 1 on Bonus numbers 2, 202 and 12, 208 with winners on
`7` 203, receiving a predetermined award of 4 to 1.
* * * * *