U.S. patent application number 10/306329 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-27 for blackjack playing card system.
Invention is credited to Haggard, Emmitt.
Application Number | 20040100026 10/306329 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32325657 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040100026 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haggard, Emmitt |
May 27, 2004 |
BLACKJACK PLAYING CARD SYSTEM
Abstract
A playing card system for use in the game of Blackjack is
provided. A set of playing cards having the standard suit and rank
arrangement is modified such that both surfaces of each card are
marked with that card's particular suit and rank. Thus, the rank
and suit of all cards in play remain exposed, which effectively
eliminates many types of cheating. It is particularly effective
against card marking, flashing and switching. The set of cards is
further modified so that ace and "10" value cards are marked with
identifying indicia such that an early determination that the
dealer has "21" can be made. A masking member is provided for
placement over the dealer's hole card so that its rank and suit can
remain concealed while the determination of early "21" is made. The
invention further comprises a card shoe which is modified so that
the determination of early "21" can be made before the hole card is
dealt from the shoe.
Inventors: |
Haggard, Emmitt; (Zeigler,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENSFELDER HEMKER & GALE PC
SUITE 2000
10 SOUTH BROADWAY
ST LOUIS
MO
63102
|
Family ID: |
32325657 |
Appl. No.: |
10/306329 |
Filed: |
November 27, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/304 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2001/003 20130101;
A63F 1/14 20130101; A63F 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/304 |
International
Class: |
A63F 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A set of playing cards for the game of Blackjack, said set of
playing cards being of the type comprising a standard suit and rank
combination, wherein each individual card has its particular suit
and rank placed on both surfaces of said card, each of said cards
of said set which has a rank of ace bearing a first identifying
indicia at a primary location along a margin on an edge on both of
its surfaces, each of said cards of said set which has a rank of a
value of ten bearing a second identifying indicia along a margin on
an edge on both of its surfaces at a different secondary location
relative to said primary location of said first identifying indicia
of said ace cards, said cards of said set which have a rank in the
range of two through nine having no rank-identifying indicia on
either of its surfaces at any location similar to that of either of
said primary or secondary locations.
2. The set of playing cards of claim 1 in which said identifying
first and second indicia comprise discrete, localized marks.
3. The set of playing cards of claim 2 in which said indicia
comprise a rank symbol of said card.
4. The set of playing cards of claim 2 in which an additional first
identifying indicia is provided on each surface of said ace cards
at a location similar to said primary location from a perspective
of a viewer when said cards are rotated 180 degrees within their
plane, and an additional second identifying indicia is provided on
each surface of said ten value cards at a location similar to said
secondary location from a perspective of a viewer when said card is
rotated 180 degrees within their plane.
5. The set of playing cards of claim 1 in which said first and
second identifying indicia each comprise an elongated marking, said
elongated marking of said first indicia being disposed lengthwise
along an upper margin at a top edge of said card or along a lower
margin at a bottom edge of said card, but not extending to an edge
of either of said sides of said card, said elongated marking of
said second indicia being disposed lengthwise along an outer margin
at both side edges of said card, but not extending to said top and
bottom edges of said card.
6. The set of playing cards of claim 1 in which said first and
second identifying indicia each comprise an elongated marking, said
elongated marking of said second indicia being disposed lengthwise
along an upper margin at a top edge of said card or along a lower
margin at a bottom edge of said card, but not extending to an edge
of either of said sides of said card, said elongated marking of
said first indicia being disposed lengthwise along an outer margin
at both side edges of said card, but not extending to said top and
bottom edges of said card.
7. A set of playing cards for the game of Blackjack, said set of
playing cards being of the type comprising a standard suit and rank
combination, wherein each individual card has its particular suit
and rank placed on both surfaces of said card, each of said cards
of said set which has a rank of ace bearing a first identifying
indicia at a primary location along a margin on an edge on both of
its surfaces, each of said cards of said set which has a rank of a
value of ten bearing a second identifying indicia along a margin on
an edge on both of its surfaces at a different secondary location
relative to said primary location of said first identifying indicia
of said ace cards, said cards of said set which have a rank in the
range of two through nine having no rank-identifying indicia on
either of its surfaces at any location similar to that of either of
said primary or secondary locations, said set of playing cards
further including a masking member, said masking member being
adapted to be placed over an individual one of said cards to mask
said card from view, said masking member being adapted for
selective manipulation to enable either of said first or second
identifying indicia to be revealed while a remainder of said card
remains masked from view.
8. The set of playing cards of claim 7 in which said identifying
first and second indicia comprise discrete, localized marks.
9. The set of playing cards of claim 8 in which a first viewing
window is disposed in said masking member at a position adapted to
be in close proximity to said primary location of said first
identifying indicia when said masking member is placed over said
individual one of said cards, and a second viewing window is
disposed in said masking member at a position adapted to be in
close proximity to said secondary location of said second
identifying indicia when said masking member is placed over said
individual one of said cards, each of said first and second viewing
windows being adapted to be selectively opened and closed, and
adapted to be independently manipulated to reveal a presence of an
identifying indicia under said respective viewing windows.
10. The set of playing cards of claim 9 in which an additional
first indicia is provided on each surface of said ace cards at a
location similar to said primary location from a perspective of a
viewer when said cards are rotated 180 degrees, and an additional
second indicia is provided on each surface of said ten value cards
at a location similar to said secondary location from a perspective
of a viewer when said card is rotated 180 degrees, whereby said
respective indicia will always align with its respective viewing
window when said masking member is properly aligned and placed over
said card.
11. The set of playing cards of claim 9 in which said indicia
comprise a rank symbol of said card.
12. The set of playing cards of claim 7 in which said first and
second identifying indicia each comprise an elongated marking, said
elongated marking of said first indicia being disposed lengthwise
along an upper margin at a top edge of said card or along a lower
margin at a bottom edge of said card, but not extending to an edge
of either of said sides of said card, said elongated marking of
said second indicia being disposed lengthwise along an outer margin
at both side edges of said card, but not extending to said top and
bottom edges of said card, whereby each of said indicia are
viewable by receding movement of said masking member relative to
said top, bottom and said side edges of said cards.
13. The set of playing cards of claim 7 in which said first and
second identifying indicia each comprise an elongated marking, said
elongated marking of said second indicia being disposed lengthwise
along an upper margin at a top edge of said card or along a lower
margin at a bottom edge of said card, but not extending to an edge
of either of said sides of said card, said elongated marking of
said first indicia being disposed lengthwise along an outer margin
at both side edges of said card, but not extending to said top and
bottom edges of said card, whereby each of said indicia are
viewable by receding movement of said masking member relative to
said top, bottom and said side edges of said cards.
14. A combination set of playing cards and card shoe for dispensing
said cards, said set of playing cards being of the type comprising
a standard suit and rank combination, wherein each individual card
has its particular suit and rank placed on both surfaces of said
card, each of said cards of said set which has a rank of ace
bearing a first identifying indicia at a primary location along a
margin on an edge on both of its surfaces, an additional first
identifying indicia being provided on each surface of said ace
cards at a location similar to said primary location from a
perspective of a viewer when said cards are rotated 180 degrees
within their plane, each of said cards of said set which has a rank
of a value of ten bearing a second identifying indicia along a
margin on an edge on both of its surfaces at a different secondary
location relative to said primary location of said first
identifying indicia of said ace cards, an additional second
identifying indicia being provided on each surface of said ten
value cards at a location similar to said secondary location from a
perspective of a viewer when said card is rotated 180 degrees
within their plane, said cards of said set which have a rank in the
range of two through nine having no rank-identifying indicia on
either of its surfaces at any location similar to that of either of
said primary or secondary locations, said card shoe being adapted
to receive, store and dispense said set of playing cards, said card
shoe having a concealing member disposed in its card dispensing
end, said concealing member being adapted to conceal cards to be
dispensed from said card shoe from view, said concealing member
being adapted for selective manipulation to enable either of said
first or second identifying indicia to be revealed while a
remainder of said card remains concealed from view.
15. The set of playing cards of claim 14 in which said identifying
first and second indicia comprise discrete, localized marks.
16. The set of playing cards of claim 15 in which a first viewing
window is disposed in said concealing member at a position adapted
to be in close proximity to said primary location of said first
identifying indicia when said concealing member is placed over said
individual one of said cards, and a second viewing window is
disposed in said concealing member at a position adapted to be in
close proximity to said secondary location of said second
identifying indicia when said concealing member is placed over said
individual one of said cards, each of said first and second viewing
windows being adapted to be selectively opened and closed, and
adapted to be independently manipulated to reveal a presence of an
identifying indicia under said respective viewing windows.
17. A combination set of playing cards and card shoe for dispensing
said cards, said set of playing cards being of the type comprising
a standard suit and rank combination, wherein each individual card
has its particular suit and rank placed on both surfaces of said
card, each of said cards of said set which has a rank of ace
bearing a first identifying indicia at a primary location along a
margin on an edge on both of its surfaces, an additional first
identifying indicia being provided on each surface of said ace
cards at a location similar to said primary location from a
perspective of a viewer when said cards are rotated 180 degrees
within their plane, each of said cards of said set which has a rank
of a value of ten bearing a second identifying indicia along a
margin on an edge on both of its surfaces at a different secondary
location relative to said primary location of said first
identifying indicia of said ace cards, an additional second
identifying indicia being provided on each surface of said ten
value cards at a location similar to said secondary location from a
perspective of a viewer when said card is rotated 180 degrees
within their plane, said cards of said set which have a rank in the
range of two through nine having no rank-identifying indicia on
either of its surfaces at any location similar to that of either of
said primary or secondary locations, said card shoe being adapted
to receive, store and dispense said set of playing cards, said card
shoe having a concealing member disposed in its card dispensing
end, said concealing member being adapted to conceal cards to be
dispensed from said card shoe from view, said concealing member
being adapted to enable either of said first or second identifying
indicia to be revealed while a remainder of said card remains
concealed from view.
18. The set of playing cards of claim 17 in which said identifying
first and second indicia comprise discrete, localized marks.
19. The set of playing cards of claim 18 in which a first viewing
window is disposed in said concealing member at a position adapted
to be in close proximity to said primary location of said first
identifying indicia when said concealing member is placed over said
individual one of said cards, and a second viewing window is
disposed in said concealing member at a position adapted to be in
close proximity to said secondary location of said second
identifying indicia when said concealing member is placed over said
individual one of said cards, each of said first and second viewing
windows being adapted to be selectively opened and closed, and
adapted to be independently manipulated to reveal a presence of an
identifying indicia under said respective viewing windows.
20. A card shoe of the type for dispensing playing cards for the
game of Blackjack, said card shoe being adapted to receive and
store a plurality of sets of said playing cards, the improvement
comprising said card shoe having a concealing member disposed in
its card dispensing end, said concealing member being adapted to
conceal cards to be dispensed from said card shoe from view, said
concealing member being adapted to enable either of a first or
second location on a concealed card to be independently revealed
while a remainder of said card remains concealed from view within
said shoe, said first and second locations being disposed on said
card at positions remote from each other, said concealing member
having indicia for instructing a user to reveal the concealed card
at said first or second location.
21. The card shoe of claim 20 in which windows are disposed in said
concealing member, said windows being moveable between open and
closed positions.
22. A method for increasing a speed of play of the game of
Blackjack and inhibiting a possibility of cheating due to
prematurely exposing a value of a hole card, said method
comprising: a) providing a set of playing cards of a type
comprising a standard suit and rank combination which have been
previously modified to comprise: i) each card of said set having
its respective suit and rank placed on both its surfaces, ii) cards
of said set, which have a rank of ace, bearing a first identifying
indicia placed at a primary location along a margin on an edge on
both their surfaces, an additional first identifying indicia being
provided on each surface of said ace cards at a location similar to
said primary location from a perspective of a viewer when said
cards are rotated 180 degrees within their plane iii) cards of said
set, which have a rank of a value of ten, bearing a second
identifying indicia placed along a margin on an edge on both their
surfaces at a different secondary location relative to said primary
location of said first identifying indicia of said ace cards, an
additional second identifying indicia being provided on each
surface of said ten value cards at a location similar to said
secondary location from a perspective of a viewer when said card is
rotated 180 degrees within their plane b) providing a concealing
member adapted to be placed over an individual one of said cards to
conceal said card from view, c) dealing said cards in a
conventional manner for a hand of Blackjack where a hole card and
an up card are dealt for said dealer, d) placing said concealing
member over said hole card as said hole card is dealt whereby a
value of said hole card is concealed from view while said up card
remains exposed to view, e) determining a value of said exposed up
card, f) manipulating said concealing member over said hole card to
determine a presence of either of said identifying indicia, without
exposing a face of said hole card, to determine whether said hole
card has a value, as signified by said identifying indicia, which
will provide a complementary value with said up card to attain a
value of 21, whereby a presence of said attained value of 21 will
signify a winning hand by said dealer to terminate said game and
obviate a need to deal additional cards.
23. The method of claim 22 in which said identifying first and
second indicia comprise discrete, localized marks.
24. The method of claim 23 in which said indicia comprise a rank
symbol of said card.
25. The method of claim 23 in which a first viewing window is
disposed in said concealing member at a position adapted to be in
close proximity to said primary location of said first identifying
indicia when said concealing member is placed over said individual
one of said cards, and a second viewing window is disposed in said
concealing member at a position adapted to be in close proximity to
said secondary location of said second identifying indicia when
said concealing member is placed over said individual one of said
cards, each of said first and second viewing windows being adapted
to be selectively opened and closed, and adapted to be
independently manipulated to reveal a presence of an identifying
indicia.
26. The method of claim 22 in which said first and second
identifying indicia each comprise an elongated marking, said
elongated marking of said first indicia being disposed lengthwise
along an upper margin at a top edge of said card or along a lower
margin at a bottom edge of said card, but not extending to an edge
of either of said sides of said card, said elongated marking of
said second indicia being disposed lengthwise along an outer margin
at both side edges of said card, but not extending to said top and
bottom edges of said card.
27. The method of claim 22 in which said first and second
identifying indicia each comprise an elongated marking, said
elongated marking of said second indicia being disposed lengthwise
along an upper margin at a top edge of said card or along a lower
margin at a bottom edge of said card, but not extending to an edge
of either of said sides of said card, said elongated marking of
said first indicia being disposed lengthwise along an outer margin
at both side edges of said card, but not extending to said top and
bottom edges of said card.
28. A method for increasing a speed of play of the game of
Blackjack and inhibiting a possibility of cheating due to
prematurely exposing a value of a hole card, said method
comprising: a) providing a set of playing cards of a type
comprising a standard suit and rank combination which have been
previously modified to comprise: i) each card of said set having
its respective suit and rank placed on both its surfaces, ii) cards
of said set, which have a rank of ace, bearing a first identifying
indicia placed at a primary location along a margin on an edge on
both their surfaces, an additional first identifying indicia being
provided on each surface of said ace cards at a location similar to
said primary location from a perspective of a viewer when said
cards are rotated 180 degrees within their plane iii) cards of said
set, which have a rank of a value of ten, bearing a second
identifying indicia placed along a margin on an edge on both their
surfaces at a different secondary location relative to said primary
location of said first identifying indicia of said ace cards, an
additional second identifying indicia being provided on each
surface of said ten value cards at a location similar to said
secondary location from a perspective of a viewer when said card is
rotated 180 degrees within their plane b) providing a card shoe for
dispensing said cards, said shoe being modified to comprise: i) a
concealing member disposed in its card dispensing end, ii) said
concealing member being adapted to conceal cards to be dispensed
from said card shoe from view, iii) said concealing member being
adapted to enable either of a first or second location on a
concealed card to be independently revealed while a remainder of
said card remains concealed from view within said shoe, iv) said
concealing member having indicia for instructing a user to reveal
the concealed card at said first or second location c) providing a
masking member adapted to be placed over an individual one of said
cards to mask a dealt dealer's hole card from view, d) dealing said
cards to players in a conventional manner for a hand of Blackjack
and dealing an up card to said dealer but temporarily leaving said
hole card in said shoe, e) determining a value of dealer's said
exposed up card, f) manipulating said concealing member of said
shoe over said hole card in said shoe to determine a presence of
either of said identifying indicia, without exposing a face of said
hole card, to determine whether said hole card has a value, as
signified by said identifying indicia, which will provide a
complementary value with said up card to attain a value of 21,
whereby a presence of said attained value of 21 will signify a
winning hand by said dealer to terminate said game and obviate a
need to deal additional cards, g) if no such identifying indicia is
present, withdrawing said hole card from said shoe, and placing
said masking member over said hole card as said hole card is dealt
whereby a value of said hole card is concealed from view while said
up card remains exposed to view, allowing said game to continue.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the gaming industry, and
specifically the game of Blackjack. Cheating has always been a
problem in the casino industry, and card games are especially
susceptible. Millions of dollars are lost by casinos each year in
the game of Blackjack alone due to tactics such as switching cards
in play, revealing cards, marking of cards and the like.
Frequently, collusion takes place among dealers and players, which
makes detection difficult. Casinos spend millions of dollars on
surveillance equipment and security systems in an effort to police
cheating, and have achieved varying degrees of success.
[0002] Just as important to a casino in preventing the loss of
money is the goal of maximizing revenue and the rate at which it is
taken in. Blackjack is one game in which the rate of play can be
accelerated, at least with respect to an early determination of the
dealer's initial dealt hand reaching "21". Generally, if the dealer
initially deals to himself a card hand value of "21", he is
automatically the winner and the game ends there. Any player having
a value less than "21" in his initially dealt two-card hand loses,
and the winnings are immediately collected by the dealer. By this
theory, the determination of whether the dealer has dealt himself
"21" need not be delayed until each player has finished his hand.
There exist devices and methods which permit the dealer to make an
early determination as to whether her initially dealt hand has
reached "21". Such devices and methods are based on the premise
that the combination of an ace value card and a "ten" value card
automatically total and result in "21". In the game of Blackjack,
aces have a value of "eleven" (for purposes of an initial "21")
while the "ten" and jack, queen and king cards each comprise a
"ten" value. The theory thus works on the process of elimination:
if an ace is showing as up card, the hole card must have a "ten"
value in order for "21" to be reached. If the hole card has a value
other than "10", the game must continue. Similarly, if a "10" value
card is showing as the up card, the hole card must be an ace in
order for "21" to be reached. If the hole card is other than an
ace, the game must continue.
[0003] One such method provides for all the ace cards in the deck
of cards to have a marking in the corners of the suit and rank side
which signifies their particular value as an ace card. Therefore,
when a ten value card is the up card, a corner of the hole card is
lifted to determine the presence of the corner markings which
signify that the card is an ace. If the mark is present, signifying
an ace, then "21" has been achieved and the dealer has won the
hand. If the mark on the hole card is not present, then the hole
card must have a value other than ace. In this situation, play
would continue because "21" has not been reached. This method has
two significant drawbacks: first, it is limited in determining
whether the value of the hole card is an ace. It does not provide a
means for determining whether the hole card may have a ten value.
Therefore, it is only useful when a ten value card is the up card.
This described method can not be used when the up card is an ace.
The second drawback is that the lifting of the corner of the card
presents cheating opportunities in that too much of the card may be
shown. The dealer has to be careful to lift just enough of the
corner, but not more, to determine whether the identifying mark is
present. It would be easy for a dishonest dealer to flash the value
of the card to an accomplice sitting to his side, but, given the
angle, would be difficult for an overhead security camera to detect
the cheat maneuver.
[0004] Another method for determining whether the value of the hole
card complements the value of the up card to reach "21" involves
the use of image sensing equipment. By this method, a set of cards
is modified to place an identifying mark on the ace cards and "ten"
value cards to signify their respective value. A Blackjack table is
modified to incorporate an image optical sensing apparatus in its
playing surface and is adapted to read the identifying mark placed
on the ace and "ten" cards. The apparatus is adapted to provide a
visual cue if it detects the presence of the appropriate
identifying mark, which signals that the hole card is an
appropriately complementary value card to attain "21". This type of
apparatus is expensive to install and maintain and requires that a
table be specifically adapted to receive the image sensing
apparatus. If the apparatus is ever removed, the table must be
extensively repaired as it will be left with a gaping hole where
the apparatus had previously existed. The apparatus, while
providing an efficient and rapid manner in playing the game, offers
limited safeguards against cheating. Here, too, it would be easy
for a dishonest dealer to flash the value of the hole card to an
accomplice sitting to his side, without detection by security
personnel.
[0005] There is accordingly a need for a method for playing the
game of Blackjack which provides efficiency in the rate of
declaring immediate dealer victory upon reaching "21" with the
initially drawn hand. There is also a need for a method for
inhibiting the opportunity for players to cheat by limiting their
ability to manipulate or see the playing cards.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] By means of the instant invention there is provided a card
system adapted for the game of Blackjack which substantially
inhibits the ability to cheat, and further, enables an early
detection of a dealer's achieving "21" to permit early termination
of the game. The system comprises a set of otherwise standard
playing cards which have been modified such that each card has its
suit and rank displayed on both of its surfaces, allowing the
identity of any particular card to be viewable at any time.
Cheating at Blackjack can occur in many ways, primarily when the
rank or suit of a supposedly concealed card is known to the dealer,
or one or more players. Frequently, a card is marked beforehand in
some fashion so that when it is put in play, the cheater will know
what that card is. This substantially minimizes the risk that the
card player would otherwise face, and can even enable the player to
affect the outcome of the game. Occasionally, there is collusion
between the dealer and a player, or between multiple players. In
these situations, a card can be surreptitiously shown or passed to
another. In other words, cheaters are able to take advantage of the
fact that traditional cards are meant to be concealed from the view
of opposing players. If the identity of all the cards were always
open to view, opportunities to cheat would be eliminated. A cheater
would not be able to modify his risk in a way that other players or
the dealer would not be able to notice. The two-surfaced cards also
permit surveillance and security personnel to more closely monitor
the potential for cheating activity.
[0007] In the game of Blackjack, it is necessary that the dealer's
hole card be hidden from view to the players, as it is the primary
variable upon which the players assess their risk and lay their
bets. Exposing the identity of each player's cards to each other
player and the dealer would not affect the way most Blackjack games
are played. Each player plays against the dealer only, not against
other players. Because there are prescribed rules requiring the
dealer to draw additional cards or hold based on the sum value of
cards in his own hand, which takes place independently and
regardless of the sum value of the players' cards, it does not
matter that all cards other than the dealer's hole card be open to
view. Therefore, a two-surfaced card system made according to this
invention is particularly compatible with the game of Blackjack. A
separate masking member is provided to screen the identity of the
hole card as the dealer brings it into play. The masking member
remains over the hole card until an immediate "21" is reached (from
the dealer's initial two-card deal to himself) or until the players
have all finished their hands and the dealer plays his hand.
[0008] Because an immediate dealer win will only occur if his
initially dealt cards sum up to "21", it is only necessary to
determine whether the hole card can provide a value that will
combine with the up card to reach "21". If the hole card does not
have such a complementary value, the game must continue. The only
two-card combination that can sum up to "21" are an ace card and a
"ten" card, the "ten" card being any of the 10, jack, queen or
king. Accordingly, those cards are marked with indicia that
identifies their respective value. Cards having a rank between two
and nine are not marked with such identifying indicia, and must not
have any other marking which might reveal their rank or suit. The
card system of the instant invention provides a number of ways in
which the cards may be marked with such indicia, and also provides
various embodiments for selectively reading those indicia while
maintaining the overall identity and value of the hole card hidden
from view.
[0009] Making an early determination that the dealer has "21"
speeds up the game, and obviates the need to deal out further
cards. This results in a faster turnover rate and allows more games
to be played in any given span of time. The instant invention
describes ways by which the determination as to whether the hole
card creates "21" may be made without revealing the identity of the
card. Each method involves conveying the presence or absence of the
identifying indicia on the hole cards. One embodiment by which the
presence of a value of the hole card to complement that of the up
card to reach "21" is determined is by adapting the masking member
to have viewing windows at positions which have close proximity to
the location where the relevant identifying indicia would be on the
card. To determine whether the hole card provides a complementary
match to an ace or "ten" up card to achieve "21", the appropriate
window on the masking member is lifted to reveal the presence or
absence of the identifying indicia. Another method is to provide
the ace and "ten" cards with elongated markings at either of the
top and bottom or the side edges. The masking member may be
manipulated to reveal whether the edge of the hole card displays
the appropriate indicia on the card to complement the up card in
reaching "21". Another method is to modify the card shoe from which
cards are dealt so that the faces of the cards remain concealed
until they are removed from the shoe. Prior to dealing the hole
card, a concealing member on the card shoe is manipulated to
determine whether appropriate identifying indicia signifying a
complementary card value to reach "21" are present. If such indicia
are not present, and "21" is therefore not reached, the masking
member is placed over the hole card as it is dealt from the shoe
and play is continued.
[0010] The above features are objects of this invention. Further
objects will appear in the detailed description which follows and
will be otherwise apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0011] For purposes of illustration of this invention, preferred
embodiments are shown and described hereinbelow in the accompanying
drawings. It is to be understood that this is for the purpose of
example only and that the invention is not limited thereto.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIGS. 1A-1D show representative cards marked according to
one embodiment of the card system.
[0013] FIGS. 2A-2D show representative cards marked according to
another embodiment of the card system.
[0014] FIGS. 3A-3D show representative cards marked according to
another embodiment of the card system.
[0015] FIGS. 4A-4D show representative cards marked according to
another embodiment of the card system.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing how a determination of
the presence or absence of "b 21" is made according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing how a determination of
the presence or absence of "21" is made according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a view in side elevation of a typical shoe for
dispensing playing cards, with its side partially removed.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing how a determination of
the presence or absence of "21" is made according to another
embodiment of the invention in which a card shoe is adapted with a
concealing member.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an additional schematic view showing how a
determination of the presence or absence of "21" is made according
to another embodiment of the invention in which a card shoe is
adapted with a concealing member.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Each card of the present invention comprises an otherwise
conventional card having the traditional suit and rank designation
of standard playing cards. Representative cards comprising the
various embodiments are shown in the drawings. For example, the ace
card 10, jack card 12, "10" card 14, and "4" card 16 are depicted
in FIGS. 1A-1D. Each respective card has its suit and rank
designation placed on both its front and back surfaces. The
drawings naturally only show one of the two surfaces 18 of a card,
but it is to be understood that the other surface of the card is
identical. The card surface 18 for any particular card features a
suit designation 20 and a rank designation 22, and may include
other design elements. A picture of the royalty FIG. 24 on jack
card 12, or multiple symbols 26 on card 16 corresponding in number
to the card's rank, may also be included on the card's surface as
known to those skilled in the art.
[0022] By having each card marked with its suit and rank on both of
its surfaces, its identity remains exposed to view by the dealer
and all players, as well as to security and surveillance crews. The
chances for cheating by marking, flashing or switching cards are
therefore substantially reduced. Because these cards have their
rank and suit exposed at all times, there is no advantage to be
gained by marking cards. A marked card is only useful if its suit
and/or rank are concealed, and the player takes advantage by
knowing what the identity of that card is before the appropriate
time it is to be revealed. A two-surfaced card would substantially
inhibit card switching, because it would be difficult to switch the
identity of a played card when other players would be able to
immediately be aware that a different card was substituted.
Further, there would be no point to engage in card flashing if the
card's identity is already known.
[0023] Notwithstanding the benefits realized in eliminating
cheating by exposing the identity of all cards as discussed above,
it is required in the game of Blackjack that the dealer's hole card
be concealed from view while the players play their hands. The
invention, however, allows for a limited inspection of the hole
card so that it can be determined whether its value will combine
with the already dealt up card to achieve the sum of "21". As
discussed above, a round of Blackjack can be terminated early by
the dealer if his initially dealt hand of two cards combine to
reach "21". Accordingly, it is only necessary to establish the
presence of certain cards, specifically, the ace card in
combination with any of the "10" cards. If any of these cards are
absent in the initially dealt hand, it is impossible for the dealer
to hit "21" early, and the game must continue until all players
have finished their hands.
[0024] In order to make this determination possible without
revealing the identity of the hole card, indicia are placed on the
ace and "10" cards to identify them as such. These types of indicia
are omitted from all other non-ace and non-"10" cards so that they
are distinguishable. The indicia can take many forms, and some of
them are shown in the drawings. The cards in FIGS. 1A-1C have
identifying indicia that comprise a discrete, localized marking
along a margin edge of the card surface. Ace card 10 has indicia 28
placed at a primary location at the upper side edge of surface 18.
This type of indicia should be placed at a distance from any rank
or suit identifiers so that when a dealer inspects the card for the
indicia, only the indicia can be viewed while other identifiers
remain concealed. A second identical indicia 30 is placed at an
opposite orientation on the card as shown in FIG. 1A so that it
appears at the same primary location from the perspective of a
viewer when the card is rotated 180.degree. within its plane. For
cards having a value of "10", such as those shown in FIGS. 1B and
1C, a similar indicia 32 is placed at a secondary location at the
lower edge of the card's surface, at a distance remote from the
indicia at the primary location and from any other rank or suit
identifiers. Also, second identical indicia 34 is placed at an
opposite orientation on the card as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C so
that it appears at the same secondary location from the perspective
of a viewer when the card is rotated 180.degree. within its plane.
All remaining cards that have neither an ace nor a "10" value are
restricted from having any type of indicia or identifiers at the
locations of indicia 28, 30, 32, or 34. It is to be understood that
the positioning of the respective indicia on the ace and "10" cards
may be switched whereby the indicia on the ace cards is placed
towards the lower edge and the indicia on the "10" cards is placed
towards the upper edge. The goal is to have one of the "21"
complementary cards associated with the identifying indicia at a
primary location and to have the other "21" complementary card
associated with the identifying indicia at a secondary location so
that they may be distinguishable.
[0025] The identifying indicia for marking aces and "10" value
cards may comprise various forms, designs or characters. For
example, the cards in FIGS. 2A-2C show the indicia as comprising
the rank designation of the particular card (i.e., ace or "10").
Additionally, the placement of the indicia may be presented at
other locations. In the cards shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the indicia 36
for the ace card is placed in the upper right corner at the edge of
the card, and the indicia 38 for the "10" value cards is placed in
the upper left hand corner. Second identical indicia 40 for the ace
card and 42 for the "10" value cards are placed at respective
opposite locations on the cards as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C so that
they appear at the same location from the perspective of a viewer
when the cards are rotated 180.degree. within their plane. It is to
be understood that the positioning of the respective indicia on the
ace and "10" cards may be switched whereby the indicia on the ace
cards is placed in the upper left corner and the indicia on the
"10" cards is placed in the upper right hand corner. FIGS. 3A-3C
show a similar arrangement to that of FIGS. 2A-2C where the indicia
placed in the corner comprises a discrete, localized mark 44. In
every embodiment, cards numbered two through nine have no marking
of any kind at any indicia location.
[0026] As with conventional cards when playing the game of
Blackjack, the hole card must remain concealed from view at the
time of initial deal-out, at least until it can be determined
whether "21" has been reached. Because the cards of the present
invention have their rank and suit on both surfaces, a separate
member for covering up, or otherwise concealing, the hole card must
be used. As shown in FIG. 5, a masking member 46 can be placed over
the hole card while the game is in play. It is placed over the hole
card as it is dealt out so that its identity is not inadvertently
disclosed. The masking member may comprise any article that
effectively conceals the entire card from view. It may be made of
practically any material that will maintain its shape, such as wood
or plastic, but may have a certain degree of flexibility. It must
have a dimension large enough to completely cover and conceal the
entire card.
[0027] FIG. 5 presents a schematic view of the use of the card
system of the present invention. During the initial deal, an up
card 48 is dealt along with a hole card that is concealed by
masking member 46. If the up card 48 is an ace (as shown), it
presents a situation where the hole card may be a complementary
"10" value card which will sum to "21". In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 5, the identifying indicia and its location placement on the
card is that shown on the card series in FIGS. 2A-2D. In this case,
the up card 48 is an ace and its identifying indicia 36 is an ace
placed in the top right hand corner. For this type of indicia,
masking member 46 is provided with windows or flaps 50 and 52,
which are disposed in the masking member at locations approximating
those of the identifying indicia of the cards. Windows 50 and 52
are only shown here schematically. It is understood that their
precise structure could take a number of different forms which
would be well known to those having skill in the art. The
dimensions of the masking member of this embodiment must nearly
approximate that of the underlying hole card so that the windows 50
and 52 may properly align with the location of the identifying
indicia. Instructive language may be placed on the surface of the
masking member at each window to prompt the dealer to inspect
underneath for the presence of the indicia on the hole card that
would identify the complementary value to the up card to achieve
"21". As can be seen in FIG. 5, words such as "IF UP CARD IS "10",
LIFT HERE" can be placed at window 50, which if lifted would reveal
the identifying indicia for an ace card if it were present, and
that value would combine with the "10" card to sum up to "21". If
the ace were indeed present, and "21" was reached the game would
end at that point. If no indicia were present under window 50, that
would mean that a card other than an ace was the hole card.
Therefore, play would continue because "21" would not have been
reached. Likewise, words such as "IF UP CARD IS "ACE", LIFT HERE"
can be placed at window 52, which if lifted would reveal the
identifying indicia for a "10" value card if it were present, and
that value would combine with the ace card to sum up to "21". If a
"10" value card were indeed present, and "21" was reached the game
would end at that point. If no indicia were present under window
52, that would mean that a card other than one having a "10" value
was the hole card. Therefore, play would continue because "21"
would not have been reached. Of course, if the up card was neither
an ace nor a "10" value card, neither of the windows would be
lifted and the card would remain concealed until all the players
have finished their hands.
[0028] In the specific example of FIG. 5, an ace card has been
dealt as the up card. This presents a situation where an early "21"
is possible. Early "21" would be also be possible if the up card
was a "10" value card. If the up card was anything other than an
ace or a "10" value card, early "21" would not be possible, and
play would have to continue until all the players had finished
their hands. In that case, it would not be necessary to make an
early determination of the hole card at all and neither window
would be opened. With the up card being an ace in the situation in
FIG. 5, a "10" value card is sought in order to reach "21", and
window 52 is opened. Three scenarios of possible hole cards exist.
Masking member 46 is partially broken away to reveal the underlying
hole card. In the first scenario, identified generally by the
reference numeral 54, hole card 56 is neither an ace nor a "10"
value card. As such, it will have no identifying indicia of any
type. Because no indicia would be present under window 52, play
continues. In the second scenario, identified generally by the
reference numeral 58, hole card 60 is an ace card. It has its
identifying indicia 36 in the upper right and lower left hand
corners and will not appear under window 52. Because no indicia is
present on the hole card 60 under window 52 in this situation
either, play continues. In the third scenario, identified generally
by the reference numeral 62, hole card 64 is a jack, and therefore
a "10" value card. It has its identifying indicia 38 at the
approximate same location as window 52, and will therefore appear.
In this case, the hole card is revealed to be a card having a value
complementary to the ace up card so that "21" is achieved. With
that, the game is over and the dealer collects the bets and pays
out any winnings. The same principles apply if the up card is a
"10" value card. In that case, window 50 would be opened to
determine the presence of a complementary ace card to achieve "21".
Only the identifying indicia 36 of the ace card would appear under
window 50. It is to be understood that the arrangement of windows
may vary, such that the windows appear along the top or bottom edge
of masking member 46. Similarly, a wide variety of instructive
phrases and designations could be made to direct the dealer to lift
only the appropriate window in search of the appropriate
complementary card. Also, the window can be made to be a sliding
member, or any other moveable element, instead of a flap.
[0029] Another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4A-4D shows
representative cards bearing identifying indicia which comprise an
elongated marking, or stripe at the margin edge, which extends a
substantial distance along the edge of the card. Ace card 66 has
indicia 68 placed at its upper side edge. This marking should be
slightly offset from the top edge of the card to make it easier to
notice. The marking should extend for a substantial distance, but
not reach to the side edges of the card and should be spaced away
from those edges. A second identical indicia 70 is placed at an
opposite orientation on the card as shown in FIG. 4A so that it
appears at the same location from the perspective of a viewer when
the card is rotated 180.degree. within its plane. For cards having
a value of "10", such as those shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, a similar
elongated marking indicia 72 is placed at the side edge of the
card's surface. This marking also should not extend to the top or
bottom edges of the card. Second identical indicia 74 is placed at
the opposite side edge on the card as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C so
that it appears at the same location from the perspective of a
viewer when the card is rotated 180.degree. within its plane. All
remaining cards that have neither an ace nor a "10" value are
restricted from having any type of indicia or identifiers at the
locations of indicia 68, 70, 72, or 74. It is to be understood that
the positioning of the respective indicia on the ace and "10" cards
may be switched whereby the indicia on the ace cards is placed on
the side edges and the indicia on the "10" cards is placed on the
top and bottom edges.
[0030] FIG. 6 presents a schematic view of the use of the card
system where the indicia comprise the elongated markings on the
cards as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. During the initial deal, an up card
76 is dealt along with a hole card that is concealed by masking
member 78. If the up card 76 is a "10" value card (as shown), it
presents a situation where the hole card may be a complementary ace
card which will sum to "21". In this embodiment, the up card 76 is
a "10" value card and its elongated identifying indicia 72 extends
along the sides of the card. For this type of indicia, masking
member 78 is moved in relation to the hole card so that an edge of
the hole card, and only so much as to reveal the elongated marking,
is uncovered. In order that the elongated marking on one edge is
not inadvertently displayed as the marking member is withdrawn from
the card's adjacent edge, the elongated markings are restricted
from extending completely from one side of the card to the other.
In this embodiment, it is important that the specific rank and suit
identifiers be placed inwardly from the edge of the card so as not
to be revealed when the masking member is moved. Instructive
language may be placed on the surface of the masking member at the
appropriate respective edges to prompt the dealer to move the
masking member at the proper edge to inspect underneath for the
presence of the indicia on the hole card that would identify the
complementary value to the up card to achieve "21". As can be seen
in FIG. 6, words such as "IF UP CARD IS "10", MOVE TOWARDS THIS
DIRECTION" can be placed at the top edge of masking member 78 with
a downward pointing arrow, which if so moved would reveal the
identifying indicia for an ace card if it were present, and that
value would combine with the "10" card to sum up to "21". If the
ace were indeed present, and "21" was reached the game would end at
that point. If no indicia were present at the top edge of the hole
card, that would mean that a card other than an ace was the hole
card. Therefore, play would continue because "21" would not have
been reached. Likewise, words such as "IF UP CARD IS "ACE", MOVE
TOWARDS THIS DIRECTION" can be placed at the side edge of masking
member 78 with a sideways pointing arrow, which if so moved would
reveal the identifying indicia for a "10" value card if it were
present, and that value would combine with the ace card to sum up
to "21". If a "10" value card were indeed present, and "21" was
reached the game would end at that point. If no indicia were
present at the side edge of the hole card, that would mean that a
card other than one having a "10" value was the hole card.
Therefore, play would continue because "21" would not have been
reached. Of course, if the up card was neither an ace nor a "10"
value card, the masking member would not be moved and would remain
over the hole card, concealing it until all the players have
finished their hands.
[0031] In the specific example of FIG. 6, a "10" value card has
been dealt as the up card. This presents a situation where an early
"21" is possible. Early "21" would be also be possible if the up
card was an ace card. If the up card was anything other than a "10"
value or ace card, early "21" would not be possible, and play would
have to continue until all the players had finished their hands. In
that case, it would not be necessary to make an early determination
of the hole card at all and masking member 78 should remain in
place over the hole card. With the up card being a "10" value card
in the situation in FIG. 6, an ace card is sought in order to reach
"21", and masking member 78 is moved downwards to reveal the top
edge of the hole card. Three scenarios of possible hole cards
exist. Masking member 78 is partially broken away to reveal the
underlying hole card. In the first scenario, identified generally
by the reference numeral 80, hole card 82 is neither an ace nor a
"10" value card. As such, it will have no identifying indicia of
any type. Because no indicia would be present at the top of hole
card 82, play continues. In the second scenario, identified
generally by the reference numeral 84, hole card 86 is a "10" value
card. It has its elongated marking identifying indicia 74 at the
side edge of hole card 86 and will not appear at the top edge of
the card as revealed by withdrawing masking member 78. Because no
indicia is present in this situation either, play continues. In the
third scenario, identified generally by the reference numeral 88,
hole card 90 is an ace card. Elongated marking identifying indicia
68 is at the top edge of hole card 90, and will therefore appear
when masking member 78 is pulled downward. In this case, the hole
card is revealed to be a card having a value complementary to the
"10" up card so that "21" is achieved. With that, the game is over
and the dealer wins. The same principles apply if the up card is an
ace card. In that case, masking member 78 would be moved sideways
to determine the presence of a complementary "10" value card to
achieve "21". Only the elongated marking identifying indicia 72 of
the "10" value card would appear under at the side edge of hole
card 86 when the masking member is moved sideways and away from the
edge of the hole card. It is to be understood that the arrangement
of the respective elongated markings on the ace and "10" value
cards may be reversed. Similarly, a wide variety of instructive
phrases and designations could be made to direct the dealer to move
the masking member in search of the appropriate complementary
card.
[0032] Another embodiment of the invention comprises a card shoe
that has been modified to conceal the identity of the two-surfaced
cards prior to being dealt from the shoe. A typical card shoe 92 is
shown in FIG. 7, which shows a portion its side cut away to reveal
the stacking arrangement of cards 94 therein. The cards are
conventionally placed with their long side down. A biasing member
is usually employed within the shoe to urge the cards towards the
front of the shoe from which they are dealt. The front of the shoe
96 is typically formed with a rearwardly-inclining angle to
facilitate the easy removal of cards. These features are
conventional in card shoes and form no part of the present
invention per se.
[0033] While the front face of standard card shoes may have open
areas to facilitate access to the cards so they may be easily
dealt, a card shoe used in connection with the present invention,
where the identity of the card appears on both its surfaces, must
be able to conceal the identity of the hole card. A modified card
shoe 100 for use with the present invention is shown in FIG. 8. It
comprises a concealing member at its front face 102 so that the
identity of the cards 104 in the shoe may be hidden. The concealing
member, as shown, may comprise a wall 106 extending substantially
across the front of the shoe, with a slot 108 formed therein for
access to the cards. Slot 108 may be provided with a curtain or
sliding member 110 for additional concealment. The concealing
member might also consist of the entire front face of the shoe
being comprised of a sliding element which can be lifted up and
down. Windows 112 and 114 are provided in the front face of the
shoe at locations that are in close proximity to the location of
identifying indicia on the cards for designating ace and "10" value
cards. The shoe embodiment 100 shown in FIG. 8 is compatible with
the indicia scheme of the cards shown in FIGS. 1A-1D, where the
indicia comprise discrete localized markings at the side edge of
the cards. The interior dimension of shoe 100 should only be
slightly longer than the dimension of the card held therein. It is
necessary to provide a relatively close tolerance so that the card
can not slide too far back and forth within the shoe, which
otherwise could move the card's indicia out of alignment with
windows 112 and 114.
[0034] FIG. 8 further shows the card system of the present
invention being used in connection with shoe 100. During the
initial deal, an up card 116 is dealt, but the hole card 118 (shown
in phantom) remains temporarily held in shoe 100, concealed by wall
106. If the up card 116 is a "10" value card (as shown), it
presents a situation where the hole card may be a complementary ace
card which will sum to "21". The location of the identifying
indicia on these cards are at the upper or lower portion of a card
at its side edge as shown on the card series in FIGS. 1A-1C. As the
cards lie in the shoe, they are placed on their sides so that the
indicia are located at the left or right portion of the card at its
edge. In the scenario shown in FIG. 8, the up card 116 is a jack,
which is a "10" value card and its identifying indicia 120 is a
localized mark placed in the lower left hand corner (or upper right
corner when rotated 180.degree..) For this type of indicia, the
front face 102 of the shoe is provided with windows or flaps 112
and 114, which are disposed at locations approximating that of the
locations of the respective identifying indicia of the cards.
Instructive language may be placed above each window to prompt the
dealer to inspect underneath for the presence of the indicia on the
hole card that would identify the complementary value to the up
card to achieve "21". As can be seen in FIG. 8, words such as "IF
UP CARD IS "10", LIFT HERE" can be placed at window 112, which if
lifted would reveal the identifying indicia for an ace card if it
were present, and that value would combine with the "10" card to
sum up to "21". If the ace were indeed present, and "21" was
reached the game would end at that point. If no indicia were
present under window 112, that would mean that a card other than an
ace was the hole card. Therefore, play would continue because "21"
would not have been reached. Likewise, words such as "IF UP CARD IS
"ACE", LIFT HERE" can be placed at window 114, which if lifted
would reveal the identifying indicia for a "10" value card if it
were present, and that value would combine with the ace card to sum
up to "21". If a "10" value card were indeed present, and "21" was
reached the game would end at that point. If no indicia were
present under window 114, that would mean that a card other than
one having a "10" value was the hole card. Therefore, play would
continue because "21" would not have been reached. Of course, if
the up card was neither an ace nor a "10" value card, neither of
the windows would be lifted and the card would remain concealed
until all the players have finished their hands.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows the concealed hole card 118 to be an ace card.
It can be seen that its identifying indicia 122 will align with
window 112, where it can be viewed by lifting the window. As
explained earlier, a second indicia 124 is placed at a location
similar to that for indicia 122 from the perspective of a viewer
when the cards are rotated 180 degrees within their plane. This
enables the appropriate indicia of the cards to always be aligned
with the proper window when it is loaded in the shoe. Once it is
determined that hole card 118 is an ace card, thus complementing
the jack "10" value card 116 to achieve "21", that particular
Blackjack hand is over. Hole card 118 is removed from the shoe, and
the dealer collects from the losing players and pays out the
winners.
[0036] FIG. 9 presents a scenario where the up card 126 is a "10"
value card, but the hole card 128 (shown in phantom) is neither an
ace nor a "10" value card. The dealer would look for an ace to
complement the "10" value up card 126 by opening window 112.
Because there would be no identifying indicia visible through that
window, the hole card 128 could not be an ace. Therefore, "21"
could not be achieved with those dealt cards alone. In that
circumstance, the Blackjack round would have to continue until all
the players finish their hands. Before the game is continued,
however, hole card 128 is withdrawn from the shoe and placed on the
table. Given that each playing card has its suit and rank displayed
on both its surfaces, masking member 130 must be placed over hole
card 128 as it is removed from the shoe so that its value is not
prematurely displayed. The masking member must remain over the hole
card until all the players finish their hands. Masking member 130
may be similar in size and material composition to masking member
78.
[0037] It should be understood that the card system of the instant
invention may exist in yet further embodiments. Practically any
form of indicia may be used on the cards as well as the means to
selectively reveal them without disclosing the identity of the
card. The identifying indicia may be placed at varying locations on
the cards, as long as indicia for the ace cards are placed at a
location spaced apart from "10" value cards, and both types of
indicia are spaced apart from the suit and rank identifiers of each
card, and further, that the masking member is able to selectively
reveal the identifying indicia while keeping the rest of the card
hidden from view.
[0038] Various changes and modifications may be made within this
invention as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such
changes and modifications are within the scope and teaching of this
invention.
* * * * *