Modified blackjack game

Abstract

A method for playing a modified blackjack game between a dealer and at least one player. Each player places an first wager, the outcome of which is determined by conventional rules of blackjack. Players may optionally place additional wagers corresponding to an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player comprising a pair, two cards of the same suit and/or two cards of the same suit and same denomination. After the dealer has dealt a player placing an additional wager a second card from one or more standard decks of playing cards, the player's two card hand is compared to the additional wager and an amount of the additional wager is collected or a predetermined multiple of the additional wager is paid out.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/862,211 filed Jun. 7, 2004, and also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/884,098 filed on Jul. 2, 2004, and also a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/929,670 filed on Aug. 30, 2004, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates generally to the field of casino gaming. More particularly, the invention relates to a variation or modification of the card game known as blackjack or twenty-one wherein one or more players may place additional or side bets, the outcomes of which are dependent on the suit and/or value of an initial hand of two cards dealt to a player.

[0004] 2. The Prior Art

[0005] Blackjack or twenty-one is a well-known casino card game which is typically played with one or more standard decks of 52 playing cards. The playing cards comprise two colors, black and red, and four suits, spades, clubs, hearts and diamonds. The suits of spades and clubs are typically black in color and the suits of hearts and diamonds are typically red in color. Each numbered card (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) is assigned a point value equal to its number. Face cards (kings, queens, and jacks)are assigned a point value of ten. Aces are assigned a point value of either one or eleven at the discretion of a player holding a hand which includes an ace. A standard deck of 52 playing cards may be supplemented by one or more joker cards. A joker may be assigned the same values as an ace.

[0006] Typically, blackjack is played on a table having a straight edge behind which a dealer stands and a semi-circular edge around which one or more players are positioned. The maximum number of players at a table may be, for example, seven. The blackjack table may have a top surface covered with felt or another material which is imprinted with various indicia. These various indicia may include text describing basic and house rules of play and may indicate areas where players' cards are to be dealt and where players' bets are to be placed.

[0007] The object of blackjack is for a player to accumulate a hand of cards which has a point total exceeding that of the blackjack dealer, without exceeding twenty-one. Numbered cards have a point value which equals their number value. Face cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are assigned a point value of ten and aces are assigned a point value of either one or eleven as determined by the person holding the hand including one or more aces. A two-card hand having a point total of twenty-one is known as blackjack.

[0008] Blackjack play is commenced by a player making an initial wager or bet on the outcome of the upcoming hand. An amount of this initial bet, also known as an ante, may be regulated between a minimum and maximum amount set by the casino or house for the particular table of play. Players typically indicate their bet or wager by placing an appropriate number of chips or markers, each of which has a designated value or values assigned to it, in a designated area of the blackjack table.

[0009] Following the placing of bets or wagers, the dealer deals cards to each player and to himself or herself. Each player and the dealer are initially dealt two cards. Each of the players' cards may be dealt face up. The dealer's initial two cards are typically dealt one face up and one face down. The dealer generally deals one card to each player in turn, starting from the dealer's left and proceeding to the dealer's right. The dealer then deals a card to himself or herself and proceeds to deal a second card to each player, again moving from left to right and to himself or herself.

[0010] After the dealer and the players have been dealt an initial hand of two cards, each player in turn elects to receive one or more additional cards ("hit") or to take no additional cards ("stand"). A player may elect to take additional cards until they decide to stand or until the point total of the player's hand exceeds twenty-one, known as "busting." Once all players have either received their desired number of cards or have busted, the dealer elects to take additional cards or to stand. Under most rules, a dealer is not permitted to receive additional cards if the dealer's existing hand has a total point value of seventeen or greater and a dealer is required to take an additional card if the dealer's existing hand has a point total of less than seventeen.

[0011] Once all of the players and the dealer have either received a desired number of cards or have busted, the outcome of the game is determined. A player wins if either the dealer's point total exceeds twenty-one (i.e. the dealer busts) or if the player's point total exceeds the dealer's point total for a particular hand. In either event, the winning player is paid an amount equal to his or her initial bet in addition to receiving his or her initial bet back. If the dealer's hand exceeds that of a player's or if a player busts, that player loses and forfeits his or her bet. If a dealer's point total for a hand equals that of a player, a tie or push is declared and that player receives his or her initial bet back.

[0012] The conventional game of blackjack described above has been supplemented with a number of alternative betting procedures, including insurance, doubling down, and splitting pairs. Additionally, various methods or procedures relating to variations on or modifications of a conventional blackjack game are disclosed in the following references, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,861,041 to Jones et al.; 5,836,586 to Marks et al.; 5,863,042 to Lo; 5,934,675 to Handelman et al.; 6,113,102 to Marks et al.; 6,394,456 to Long; 6,450,500 to Miller; 6,485,020 to Broadnax; 6,536,767 to Keller; 6,692,003 to Potter et al.; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003/0222400 to Collins et al.; 2003/0218303 to Walker et al.; and 2003/0057648 to Webb.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The invention relates to a variation on or modification of the game of blackjack or twenty-one which can be based on any blackjack or twenty-one game. More particularly, the invention relates to a variation or modification of the card game known as blackjack or twenty-one wherein one or more players may place additional or side bets, the outcomes of which are dependent on the suit and/or denomination of an initial hand of two cards dealt to a player.

[0014] In a method according to an embodiment of the invention, a modified blackjack game is played between at least one player and a dealer using at least one standard deck of playing cards. Each player places a first wager in order to become eligible to participate in the blackjack game. The outcome of the first wager is determined in accordance with conventional rules of a blackjack play and is dependant upon the final hands of cards drawn by the dealer and the individual player placing the first wager.

[0015] Each player may optionally place one or more additional wagers or side bets. The additional wager may correspond to an initial hand of two cards dealt to a wagering player comprising two cards of the same suit, two cards of the same denomination (a pair), and/or two cards of the same suit and denomination (a suited pair).

[0016] A first additional wager location may be provided. The first additional wager location may be disposed in a vicinity of at least one player and corresponds to a two card hand comprising a pair. At least one player place a first additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in the first additional wager location.

[0017] A first card is dealt to each player and to the dealer and a second card is dealt to each player. An initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing a first additional wager is evaluated to determine if the hand comprises a pair. If the hand does not comprise a pair, an amount of the first additional wager is collected from the player placing the first additional wager. If the hand does comprise a pair, a predetermined multiple of the amount of said first additional wager is paid to the player placing the first additional wager.

[0018] A second card is dealt to the dealer the blackjack game is completed according to conventional rules of play.

[0019] A second additional wager location may be provided. The second additional wager location may be disposed in a vicinity of at least one player and corresponds to a two card hand comprising two cards of the same suit. At least one player places a second additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in the second additional wager location.

[0020] An initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing a second additional wager is evaluated to determine if the hand comprises two cards of the same suit. If the hand does not comprise two cards of the same suit, an amount of the second additional wager is collected from the player placing the second additional wager. If the hand does comprise two cards of the same suit, a predetermined multiple of the amount of the second additional wager is paid to the player placing the second additional wager. A greater predetermined multiple of an amount of the second additional wager may be paid if the initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing the second additional wager comprises two cards of the same suit and comprises a blackjack hand.

[0021] A third additional wager location may be provided. The third additional wager location may be disposed in a vicinity of at least one player and corresponds to a two card hand comprising two cards of the same suit and denomination. At least one player places a third additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in the third additional wager location.

[0022] An initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing a third additional wager is evaluated to determine if the hand comprises two cards of the same suit and denomination. If the hand does not comprise two cards of the same suit and denomination, an amount of the third additional wager is collected from the player placing the third additional wager. If the hand does comprise two cards of the same suit and denomination, a predetermined multiple of the amount of the third additional wager is paid to the player placing the third additional wager.

[0023] One or more of the first, second and third additional wager locations may be positioned over and adhered to an existing blackjack game surface.

[0024] An advantage of a modified blackjack game according to an embodiment of the invention is that a player is given an option to place additional wagers or side bets corresponding to the suit and denomination of the first two cards dealt to that player, wherein the option to place additional wagers increases player interest and casino revenue. A game according to an embodiment of the invention may be based on any blackjack or twenty-one game. Other advantages of a modified blackjack game according to an embodiment of the invention are that the modified game is simple to learn and play and that the outcome of an additional wager is independent of an outcome of a first wager, thereby providing a player with increased possibilities for winning in a particular game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Other benefits and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0026] In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements:

[0027] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a playing surface which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a playing surface which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0029] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] FIG. 4 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] FIG. 5 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0032] FIG. 6 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to an embodiment of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Referring now in detail to the drawing, FIG. 1 shows a top view of a top surface of a blackjack table which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] One or more players, for example six players, sit or stand adjacent to a front, semi-circular portion of a blackjack table. A dealer is positioned behind a back edge of the table, facing the one or more players.

[0035] One or more first wager locations 10 are provided for players to make a first wager in order to be eligible to participate in a particular game or round of play. A player may indicate a first wager by placing one or more chips, markers, or other wagering devices in a first wager location 10 associated with that player. Each chip or marker may have a predetermined value. The amount of a first wager which a player may make for a particular game or table may be regulated between certain maximum and minimum values by a casino or other authority. An outcome of each player's first wager is determined at the conclusion of a particular game in accordance with conventional rules of blackjack play by comparing a player's final hand total point value to a dealer's final hand total point value.

[0036] One or more first additional wager locations 21 are provided for players to make an additional wager which corresponds to an initial hand of two cards dealt to a player making an additional wager comprising two cards of the same denomination, known as a pair. The placing of an additional wager may be optional, and a player may elect not to place an additional wager in a particular game or round of play and still participate in that particular game or round of play provided the player has made a first wager.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3-6, first additional wager locations 21 may include a legend or visual indication relating to the associated wager, for example the word "PAIR" may be included within first additional wager location 21.

[0038] A player electing to make a first additional wager may indicate a first additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices, such as chips or markers, within a first additional wager location 21 associated with that player. The amount of an additional wager which a player may place for a particular game or table may be regulated between certain maximum and minimum values by a casino or other authority.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, one or more second additional wager locations 22 may be provided for players to make a second additional wager which corresponds to an initial hand of two cards dealt to a player making a second additional wager comprising two cards of the same suit. The placing of this additional wager may be optional, and a player may elect not to place an additional wager in a particular game or round of play and still participate in that particular game or round of play provided the player has made a first wager.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3-6, second additional wager locations 22 may include a legend or visual indication relating to the associated wager, for example the word "SUIT" may be included within second additional wager location 22.

[0041] A player electing to make a second additional wager may indicate a second additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices, such as chips or markers, within a second additional wager location 22 associated with that player. The amount of a second additional wager which a player may place for a particular game or table may be regulated between certain maximum and minimum values by a casino or other authority.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, one or more third additional wager locations 20 may be provided for players to make a third additional wager which corresponds to an initial hand of two cards dealt to a player making a third additional wager comprising two cards of the same suit and denomination, known as a suited pair. Such a hand is possible only when two or more decks are being used in a particular game or round. The placing of this additional wager may be optional, and a player may elect not to place an additional wager in a particular game or round of play and still participate in that particular game or round of play provided the player has made a first wager.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, third additional wager locations 20 may include a legend or visual indication relating to the associated wager, for example the phrase "SUITED PAIR" may be included within third additional wager location 20.

[0044] A player electing to make a third additional wager may indicate a third additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices, such as chips or markers, within a third additional wager location 20 associated with that player. The amount of a third additional wager which a player may place for a particular game or table may be regulated between certain maximum and minimum values by a casino or other authority.

[0045] Following the placing of first and any additional wagers, a dealer deals a card to each player who has made a first wager in succession from left to right and a card to the dealer himself or herself. Next, the dealer deals a second card to each player who has received a first card and to the dealer himself or herself. Cards may be dealt from one or more standard decks of 52 cards, preferably from six to eight standard decks. Each card dealt to a player is dealt face up. After a player electing to make a first, second and/or third additional wager has received a second card, and prior to any succeeding player or the dealer receiving a second card, an outcome of that player's additional wagers is determined and settled. All additional wagers may be settled after a player making an additional wager receives a second card and prior to any succeeding player or the dealer receiving a second card.

[0046] For example, a player may place a first wager by placing one or more chips in first wager location 10 and a first additional wager by placing one or more chips in first additional wager location 21. The player's first additional wager corresponds to an initial two card hand comprising a pair. After the player receives a second card, that player's initial two card hand is evaluated. If the two card hand is a pair, for example two jacks, that player is paid a predetermined multiple of the amount of the player's first additional wager. If the two card hand is not a pair, for example a jack and a four, the player forfeits an amount equal to that player's first additional wager which may be collected by the dealer after the player has received a second card.

[0047] For example the player making a first additional wager who draws a pair may be paid at a ratio of fifteen (15) times the amount of the first additional wager if one standard deck of cards is used, thirteen (13) times the amount of the first additional wager if two standard decks of cards are used and twelve (12) times the amount of the first additional wager if three standard decks of cards are used. The payout ratios will preferably be reduced as more decks of cards are used as the odds of obtaining a pair are increased. These ratios are exemplary only and the actual payout ratios may be set by the casino or other authority.

[0048] In addition, to or as an alternative to placing a first additional wager, a player may place a second additional wager by placing one or more chips in second additional wager location 22. This additional wager corresponds to an initial two card hand comprising two card of the same suit. After the player receives a second card, that player's initial two card hand is evaluated. If the two card hand comprises two cards of the same suit, for example a king of diamonds and a two of diamonds, that player is paid a predetermined multiple of the amount of the player's additional wager. If the two card hand does not consist of two cards of the same suit, for example a king of diamonds and a two of clubs, the player forfeits an amount equal to that player's additional wager which may be collected by the dealer after the player has received a second card.

[0049] For example the player making a second additional wager who draws two cards of the same suit may be paid at a ratio of two (2) times the amount of the additional wager if one standard deck of cards is used. This payout ratio will preferably be reduced as more decks of cards are used as the odds of obtaining two cards of the same suit are increased. This ratios is exemplary only and the actual payout ratios may be set by the casino or other authority.

[0050] Additionally, in another embodiment of the invention, a player placing an additional wager in second additional wager location 22 may be paid a greater predetermined multiple of an amount of their wager if they draw an initial two card hand comprising a blackjack hand (a two card hand with a total point value of 21) and both cards are of the same suit. For example, the player making a second additional wager who draws a two card hand comprising a suited blackjack hand, for example an ace of hearts and a jack of hearts may be paid at a ratio of twenty five (25) times the amount of the additional wager. This payout ratio may be reduced as more decks of cards are used as the odds of obtaining a suited blackjack hand are increased. This ratio is exemplary only and the actual payout ratios may be set by the casino or other authority.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, second additional wager location may bear a legend or visual indicator associated with this enhanced payout, for example the phrase "BLACKJACK BONUS" may be printed within or in the vicinity of second additional wager location 22.

[0052] In addition to or as an alternative to placing a first and/or second additional wager, a player may place a third additional wager by placing one or more chips in third additional wager location 20. This additional wager corresponds to an initial two card hand comprising two cards of the same suit and denomination, known as a suited pair. After the player receives a second card, that player's initial two card hand is evaluated. If the two card hand comprises two cards of the same suit and denomination, for example a five of spades and another five of spades, that player is paid a predetermined multiple of the amount of the player's additional wager. If the two card hand does not consist of two cards of the same suit and denomination, for example a five of spades and a five of clubs, the player forfeits an amount equal to that player's additional wager which may be collected by the dealer after the player has received a second card. The suited pair result is possible only in blackjack games wherein more than one standard decks of playing cards are being used simultaneously. As with the other additional wagers, the payout may be reduced as more decks of cards are used and may be set by the casino or other authority.

[0053] After any additional wagers are settled, a game may be completed according to conventional rules of blackjack play. An outcome of any additional wagers or side bets may be independent of a final total point value of either a player or a dealer's hand.

[0054] The player locations shown in FIGS. 3-6, including first wager location, first additional wager location, second additional wager location and/or third additional wager location may be formed as discrete units which can be added to an existing conventional blackjack table surface to convert one or more player locations to be used to play a modified blackjack game according to the various embodiments of the invention. For example, each player location and/or individual additional wager locations and associated indicia may be printed on a thin felt or other suitable material which can attached to a portion of a conventional blackjack table playing surface. The wager locations may be removably or permanently secured to the conventional surface by heat and pressure, for example by ironing, by adhering with a suitable adhesive, or any other appropriate process.

[0055] Accordingly, while several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for playing a modified blackjack game between at least one player and a dealer, using at least one standard deck of playing cards, the method comprising the steps of: a) having at least one player place a first wager to participate in the blackjack game, wherein an outcome of said first wager is determined by conventional rules of play; b) providing a first additional wager location disposed in a vicinity of at least one player, wherein said first additional wager location corresponds to a two card hand comprising a pair; c) having at least one player place a first additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in said first additional wager location; d) dealing a first card to each player and to the dealer; e) dealing a second card to the each player; f) determining whether an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said first additional wager comprises a pair; g) collecting an amount of said first additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said first additional wager does not comprise a pair; h) paying a predetermined multiple of said amount of said first additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said first additional wager comprises a pair; i) dealing a second card to the dealer; and j) completing the blackjack game according to conventional rules of play.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of providing a first additional wager location further comprises positioning said first additional wager location over an existing blackjack game surface.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of adhering said first additional wager location to the existing blackjack game surface.

4. A method for playing a modified blackjack game between at least one player and a dealer, using at least one standard deck of playing cards, the method comprising the steps of: a) having at least one player place a first wager to participate in the blackjack game, wherein an outcome of said first wager is determined by conventional rules of play; b) providing a first additional wager location disposed in a vicinity of at least one player, wherein said first additional wager location corresponds to a two card hand comprising a pair; c) providing a second additional wager location disposed in a vicinity of at least one player, wherein said second additional wager location corresponds to a two card hand comprising two cards of a same suit; d) having at least one player place a first additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in said first additional wager location; e) having at least one player place a second additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in said second additional wager location; f) dealing a first card to each player and to the dealer; g) dealing a second card to the each player; h) determining whether an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said first additional wager comprises a pair; i) collecting an amount of said first additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said first additional wager does not comprise a pair; j) paying a predetermined multiple of said amount of said first additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said first additional wager comprises a pair; k) determining whether an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said second additional wager comprises two cards of the same suit; l) collecting an amount of said second additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said second additional wager does not comprise a two cards of the same suit; m) paying a predetermined multiple of said amount of said second additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said second additional wager comprises two cards of the same suit; n) dealing a second card to the dealer; and o) completing the blackjack game according to conventional rules of play.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the steps of providing a first and second additional wager location further comprises positioning said first and second additional wager location over an existing blackjack game surface.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of adhering said first and second additional wager location to the existing blackjack game surface.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein the step of paying a predetermined multiple of said amount of said second additional wager further comprises the step of paying a first predetermined multiple of said amount of said second additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said second additional wager comprises two cards of the same suit or paying a second, greater predetermined multiple of said amount of said second additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said second additional wager comprises two cards of the same suit and comprises a blackjack hand.

8. A method for playing a modified blackjack game between at least one player and a dealer, using at least two standard decks of playing cards, the method comprising the steps of: a) having at least one player place a first wager to participate in the blackjack game, wherein an outcome of said first wager is determined by conventional rules of play; b) providing a first additional wager location disposed in a vicinity of at least one player, wherein said first additional wager location corresponds to a two card hand comprising a pair; c) providing a second additional wager location disposed in a vicinity of at least one player, wherein said second additional wager location corresponds to a two card hand comprising two cards of a same suit; d) providing a third additional wager location disposed in a vicinity of at least one player, wherein said third additional wager location corresponds to a two card hand comprising two cards of a same suit and a same denomination; e) having at least one player place a first additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in said first additional wager location; f) having at least one player place a second additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in said second additional wager location; g) having at least one player place a third additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in said third additional wager location; h) dealing a first card to each player and to the dealer; i) dealing a second card to the each player; j) determining whether an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said first additional wager comprises a pair; k) collecting an amount of said first additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said first additional wager does not comprise a pair; l) paying a predetermined multiple of said amount of said first additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said first additional wager comprises a pair; m) determining whether an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said second additional wager comprises two cards of the same suit; n) collecting an amount of said second additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said second additional wager does not comprise two cards of the same suit; o) paying a predetermined multiple of said amount of said second additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said second additional wager comprises two cards of the same suit; p) determining whether an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said third additional wager comprises two cards of the same suit and denomination; q) collecting an amount of said third additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said third additional wager does not comprise a two cards of the same suit and denomination; r) paying a predetermined multiple of said amount of said third additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said third additional wager comprises two cards of the same suit and denomination; s) dealing a second card to the dealer; and t) completing the blackjack game according to conventional rules of play.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the steps of providing a first, second and third additional wager location further comprises positioning said first, second and third additional wager location over an existing blackjack game surface.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of adhering said first, second and third additional wager location to the existing blackjack game surface.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the step of paying a predetermined multiple of said amount of said second additional wager further comprises the step of paying a first predetermined multiple of said amount of said second additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said second additional wager comprises two cards of the same suit or paying a second, greater predetermined multiple of said amount of said second additional wager if said initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing said second additional wager comprises two cards of the same suit and comprises a blackjack hand.