U.S. patent application number 11/554826 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-18 for 21 royale blackjack.
Invention is credited to Hugo Hagen, Werner Alecsander Kling, Shenli Ko.
Application Number | 20070241505 11/554826 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38604104 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070241505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kling; Werner Alecsander ;
et al. |
October 18, 2007 |
21 ROYALE BLACKJACK
Abstract
A gaming method is disclosed and comprises: dealing at least one
card to at least one player and to the dealer; requiring each
player and the dealer to use a specific community card from a set
of predetermined community cards; allowing each player and the
dealer to decide whether to use at least one additional card to
form their hand; and allowing each player and the dealer to create
a blackjack hand comprising: (1) the at least one card dealt to
them, (2) the specific community card, and (3) optionally,
additional card(s). In one embodiment of the invention, the players
and the dealer are each dealt one card; and a first community card,
second community card, and third community card are dealt. The
players and the dealer are required to use the first community card
to form their hand. Players may `buy` additional community cards by
placing additional bets.
Inventors: |
Kling; Werner Alecsander;
(Oslo, NO) ; Hagen; Hugo; (Raahnoen, NO) ;
Ko; Shenli; (Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JENNIFER J. RIEL, ESQ.
375 E. WARM SPRINGS ROAD, SUITE # 104-19
LAS VEGAS
NV
89119-4244
US
|
Family ID: |
38604104 |
Appl. No.: |
11/554826 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11404138 |
Apr 15, 2006 |
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11554826 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3293 20130101;
A63F 2001/005 20130101; G07F 17/322 20130101; A63F 1/00 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; A63F 2001/003 20130101; A63F 3/00157
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20060101
A63F001/00 |
Claims
1. A method of playing a modified blackjack game between a dealer
and at least one player, the method comprising: (a) requiring each
player to make an ante bet; (b) dealing a player card to each
player; (c) dealing a dealer card to the dealer; (c) requiring each
player and the dealer to use a specific community card to form
their hand; (d) allowing each player and the dealer to decide
whether to use at least one additional card to form their hand,
wherein each player is required to buy the at least one additional
card; and (e) determining game outcome by using blackjack scoring
as a basis to make a comparison between each player's final hand
and the dealer's final hand; wherein each player's final hand is
comprised of: (1) the player card, (2) the specific community card,
and (3) optionally, the at least one additional card; and the
dealer's final hand is comprised of: (1) the dealer card, (2) the
specific community card, and (3) optionally, the at least one
additional card.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein each player buys the at least one
additional card by placing an additional bet equal to the ante
bet.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the specific community card is a
first card dealt from a plurality of community cards.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the plurality of community cards
is comprised of the specific community card, a second community
card, and a third community card.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising allowing each player to
make an optional side bet.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the optional side bet is based on
the player card, the specific community card, and the dealer
card.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one additional card
is comprised of a second community card.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the at least one additional card
is comprised of a non-community card.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the specific community card has a
predetermined value.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the dealer must decide to use the
at least one additional card according to predetermined house
rules.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the predetermined house rules is
comprised of requiring the dealer to use the at least one
additional card if the dealer card and the specific community card
totals less than 17.
12. A method of playing a modified blackjack game between a dealer
and at least one player, the method comprising: (a) requiring each
player to make an ante bet; (b) dealing a face up card to each
player; (c) dealing a face down card to the dealer; (d) dealing a
first community card, a second community card, and a third
community card face down; (e) revealing the first community card,
(f) allowing each player to decide whether to stand or place a
second bet; (g) requiring each player who decided to place the
second bet to use the second community card; (h) revealing the
second community card; (i) allowing each player who placed the
second bet to decide whether to stand or place a third bet; (j)
requiring each player who decided to place the third bet to use the
third community card; (k) revealing the third community card; (l)
requiring the dealer to reveal the face down card; (m) requiring
the dealer to use the second community card if the face down card
and the first community card totals less than 17; (n) requiring the
dealer to use the third community card if the face down card, the
first community card, and the second community card totals less
than 17; and (o) using blackjack scoring as a basis to determine
game outcome.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising allowing each player
to make an optional side bet.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the second bet and the third bet
each equals the ante bet.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the optional side bet wins if
the face up card, the first community card, the second community
card, the third community card, and the face down card form a
winning five-card poker combination.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein the optional side bet is
resolved according to a predefined payout schedule as follows:
TABLE-US-00003 Hand Type Pays (to 1) Royal Flush 500 Straight Flush
100 4 of a Kind 40 Full House 15 Flush 8 Straight 6 3 of a kind 4
Two Pair 3 Pair of 6s or Better 1
17. The method of claim 15 wherein the optional side bet is
resolved according to a predefined payout schedule as follows:
TABLE-US-00004 Hand Type Pays (to 1) Royal Flush 500 Straight Flush
100 4 of a Kind 40 Full House 12 Flush 9 Straight 6 3 of a kind 4
Two Pair 3 Pair of 6s or Better 1
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising providing a gaming
layout for playing the modified blackjack game, said gaming layout
comprising: a first community card position, a second community
card position, and a third community card position; at least one
player position that comprises: a player card position for
placement of the face up card; an ante betting position for
placement of the ante bet; a side betting position for placement of
the optional side bet; a second betting position for placement of
the second bet; and a third betting position for placement of the
third bet.
19. A method of playing a modified blackjack game between a dealer
and at least one player, the method comprising (a) requiring each
player to make an ante bet; (b) allowing each player to make an
optional side bet; (b) dealing a face up card to each player; (c)
dealing a face down card to the dealer; (d) dealing a first
community card, a second community card, and a third community card
face down; (e) revealing the first community card, (f) allowing
each player to decide whether to stand or buy the second community
card; (g) requiring each player who decided to buy the second
community card to make a second bet equal to the ante bet; (h)
revealing the second community card; (i) allowing each player who
made the second bet to decide whether to stand or buy the third
community card; (j) requiring each player who decided to buy the
third community card to make a third bet equal to the ante bet; (k)
revealing the third community card; (l) requiring the dealer to
reveal the face down card; (m) requiring the dealer to use the
second community card if the face down card and the first community
card totals less than 17; (n) requiring the dealer to use the third
community card if the face down card, the first community card, and
the second community card totals less than 17; and (o) using
blackjack scoring as a basis to determine game outcome.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the optional side bet wins if
the face up card, the first community card, the second community
card, the third community card, and the face down card form a
winning five-card poker combination.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims
priority from the filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/404,138, filed Apr. 15, 2006, the contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a method and
apparatus for playing a card game. More particularly, the present
invention relates to a modified Blackjack game that may be played
as a casino table game or as a video game.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Blackjack is the most popular card game offered in casinos
today. In fact, casinos will often devote more tables to Blackjack
than to all other forms of card games combined. Blackjack is based
on simple concepts and procedures that are readily understood by
novice and regular players alike. Additionally, the game allows
players to use basic strategies that provide some degree of player
control and that allow for heightened excitement.
[0004] Blackjack requires the use of at least one standard deck of
52 playing cards. These cards each have a numerical or letter
value, and a suit associated with them. A standard deck consists of
four sets (of thirteen cards each) numbered as follows: A (ace), 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J (jack), Q (queen), and K (king). There
are four cards of each value, one of each "suit": spades, diamonds,
clubs, and hearts. For the purposes of Blackjack, the suit is
irrelevant, and only the value of the card is considered. Again,
for the purposes of Blackjack, the value of the cards is computed
as follows: for cards valued two through nine, they are given the
value shown on the card; tens, jacks, queens, and kings are each
valued as ten points; and aces may be valued as one point, or as
eleven points, at the player's discretion. While Blackjack may be
played with only a single deck of cards, casinos will usually use
"shoes" of multiple decks mixed together to discourage
card-counting.
[0005] A Blackjack game consists of one dealer (in casinos, the
dealer represents the "house," or the casino), and one or more
players. Blackjack is scored by comparing the combined value of
each player's cards against the dealer's. In other words, each
player's hand is compared individually to the dealer's hand; every
player at a table may win any given hand against the dealer, or
every player may lose to the dealer. More commonly, some players
will beat the dealer and others will lose. Players do not compete
against each other.
[0006] To determine whether the player or the dealer wins a hand,
the value of each card the player has is added together. For
example, a player with a seven (of any suit) and a queen (of any
suit) has a hand value of 17. If the value of all the cards in a
player's hand ever exceeds 21, then the player "busts" and loses
the hand (keeping in mind that the player may choose to value aces
as one if necessary). The same is true of the dealer's hand;
however, players are always given the opportunity to bust first,
giving an advantage to the dealer. If a player busts and then the
dealer subsequently busts, the dealer wins the hand.
[0007] If neither the player nor the dealer bust, then the person
with the cards that total the highest value wins the hand. If the
player loses the hand, he loses his original bet. If the player
wins the hand, he is paid an amount equal to his original bet.
However, if the combined values of the cards in the player's hand
and the dealer's hand are the same, then the hand is usually a
"push," wherein neither the player nor the dealer wins the hand and
the player's original bet is returned.
[0008] In most cases, if the player's first two cards are an ace
and any card with a value of ten (i.e., a ten, jack, queen, or
king), this is known as a "blackjack" or "twenty-one," and the
player wins immediately and typically will be paid one-and-a-half
times his original bet. Similarly, if the dealer gets a
"blackjack," then each player loses, unless a player also had a
"blackjack," in which case that player "pushes" that hand.
[0009] To begin a hand, the dealer will deal one card to the person
to his left, and continue to deal one card to each player in a
clockwise pattern until each player has one card. These cards are
usually dealt face up (i.e., with the value and suit exposed). The
dealer will then deal himself a single card, almost always face
down. The dealer will then repeat the process by dealing each
player a second card (usually also face up), and then will deal
himself a second card, usually face up as well. Each player will
therefore begin with two cards (usually both face up), and the
dealer will have two cards (usually one face up and one face
down).
[0010] After the player looks at the value of his cards, he may
choose to "stand," which means that he keeps the two cards that he
was dealt. He may also "hit," which means that he receives another
card from the deck. The value of this new card is added to the
total of his hand. The player may then choose to stand or hit
again, and can receive as many additional cards as he wants.
However, if the sum of the player's cards exceeds a score of 21,
the player busts and loses his bet.
[0011] In most casinos, the player also has the option of "doubling
down," usually only if the first two cards add up to a total of
nine, ten, or eleven. To double down, the player doubles his
original bet and receives one, and only one, more card. In most
casinos players also have the option of "splitting" when both cards
have the same value (i.e., both are eights or both are
tens--players can not split if one card is a ten and the other is a
different card also with a value of ten). To split, the player
takes his two cards and makes two different hands, adding a new bet
to the new hand created. The dealer then deals an additional card
to each hand, so the player now has two hands with two cards each,
each with a bet of the original amount. The two hands are then
played normally.
[0012] Once each player has gone in turn and either busted or
decided to stand (and not receive any more cards), the dealer flips
both of his cards face up. If the dealer's hand has a certain total
value (usually 17), the dealer stands, otherwise, the dealer hits.
Dealers will often also hit if they have an ace and a six which is
known as a "soft" 17, since the ace can be used as a one instead of
an eleven if the card drawn would otherwise increase the dealer's
hand over 21. A "soft 17" is a hand that contains at least one ace
and the total value of the hand can equal either 7 or 17 since an
ace can be valued as either a one or an eleven. A soft 17 is a hand
which adds up to 17 counting an ace as an eleven. Other examples of
soft 17 hands include, but are not limited to, hands comprised of:
(ace-4-2), (ace-3-3), (5-ace-ace), (2-2-2-ace), or
(4-ace-ace-ace).
[0013] If the dealer busts, then all players who had not previously
busted win the hand. Once the dealer stands (on a 17, 18, 19, 20,
or 21), his hand total is compared to each player who had not
busted in turn, and each player wins an amount equal to his bet,
loses his bet, or pushes, based on which hand value is higher as
described above.
[0014] There are a number of variations on the rules described
above, including "insurance bets," single-deck Blackjack, and games
wherein both of the dealer's cards are dealt face up. However,
Blackjack and most variations thereof suffer from a number of
drawbacks. For instance, the player must generally keep the two
cards he is dealt, and he does not have the option to discard
either of them. The player may thus feel that he does not have
sufficient control with respect to the cards that are dealt to
him.
[0015] Another drawback to conventional Blackjack games is that the
amount that a player can win is severely limited by his starting
bet. The player is not afforded sufficient betting opportunities
that could lead to bigger payouts. As such, other betting options
are desirable for the Blackjack player other than just varying the
size of their wagers. In conventional Blackjack, a player may earn
one-and-a-half times his original bet on a "blackjack," but
otherwise he is limited to winning the amount that he wagers (even
by splitting or doubling down, the player must double his original
bet for a chance to win only that doubled amount). There is no
possibility in conventional Blackjack for a player to make "side
bets," and there is no opportunity to win five, ten, or even sixty
times his original bet. The addition of such variations would
likely make Blackjack more fun and exciting for players, as it
increases the unpredictability of Blackjack and increases the
payouts that a player may receive. The addition of side bets or
other betting opportunities would also likely make Blackjack more
profitable for casinos. These variations are therefore likely to
increase the popularity of Blackjack even further. Other advantages
of the present invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art in light of the ensuing description of the present
invention.
SUMMARY
[0016] The present invention is directed to a method of playing a
modified Blackjack game that generates additional excitement,
player control, and more revenue for both players and casinos than
conventional Blackjack. The present invention provides the player
with added options with respect to the cards that are dealt to him.
As such, the player may feel like he has more control of the
outcome of the game. The present invention also provides additional
betting opportunities and an opportunity for larger payouts than
conventional Blackjack games. Providing players with more
opportunities to win and the opportunity for bigger payouts would
bring greater excitement and interest to players and will likely
attract new players to the game.
[0017] To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the purposes
of the present invention, the present invention is directed to a
gaming method that comprises: dealing at least one card to at least
one player and to the dealer; requiring each player and the dealer
to use a community card from a set of predetermined community
cards; allowing each player and the dealer to decide whether to use
at least one additional card to form their hand; and allowing each
player and the dealer to create a Blackjack hand comprising: (1)
the at least one card dealt to them, (2) the community card, and
(3) optionally, additional card(s).
[0018] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
method of playing a modified Blackjack game comprising the
following steps: (a) requiring each player to make an ante bet
before receiving any cards; (b) dealing one face up card to each
player; (c) dealing one face down card to the dealer; (d) dealing
three community cards face down; (e) revealing a first community
card, (f) allowing each player to either stand or place a second
bet; (g) requiring each player who decided to place a second bet to
use a second community card to form his hand; (h) revealing the
second community card; (i) allowing each player who made the second
bet to either stand or place a third bet; (j) requiring each player
who decided to place a third bet to use a third community card to
form his hand; (k) revealing the third community card; (l)
requiring the dealer to reveal his face down card; (m) requiring
the dealer to use as many community cards necessary to pair with
his face down card to reach the value of at least "17", (n)
determining game outcome by using Blackjack scoring as a basis to
make a comparison between each player's hand and the dealer's hand.
Each player's hand is comprised of: (1) the face up card dealt to
him, (2) the first community card, (3) optionally the second
community card, and (4) optionally the third community card. The
dealer's hand is comprised of: (1) his face down card, (2) the
first community card, and (3) possibly the second community card,
and (4) possibly the third community card, wherein the possibility
of the dealer's use of the second and third community cards is
dependent on whether the second and third community cards are
necessary for the dealer's hand to reach at least "17."
[0019] In alternate embodiments of the invention, the gaming method
may further comprise allowing each player to make an optional side
wager. The side wager may be based on the outcome of any
combination of the following cards: the player's face up card, the
dealer's face down card, and/or one or more of the community cards.
In one embodiment, the side wager is based on forming a winning
five-card poker combination comprised of the player's face up card,
the dealer's face down card, the first community card, the second
community card, and the third community card.
[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
gaming layout that comprises at least one player position that is
adapted to identify a player's set of cards that are being used to
form his hand and includes the following betting positions: a first
position to designate use of a first community card, a second
position to designate use of a second community card; and a third
position to designate use of a third community card. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the gaming layout includes an
ante position (which requires use of the first community card); a
side wager betting position for placement of the optional side bet;
a second betting position for placement of a second bet as
described in step (f) above whereas the second betting position is
adapted to designate use of the second community card; and a third
betting position for placement of a third bet as described in step
(i) above, whereas the third betting position is adapted to
designate use of the third community card.
[0021] The above description sets forth a summary of embodiments of
the present invention so that the detailed description that follows
may be better understood and contributions of the present invention
to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of
the present invention may not include all of the features or
characteristics listed in the above summary. There may be, of
course, other features of the invention that will be described
below and may form the subject matter of claims. In this respect,
before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in
further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not
limited in its application to the details of the construction and
to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways; for example, the invention may be carried out
through software on a computer or other electronic medium.
Furthermore, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting.
[0022] Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description of
the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
which illustrate, by way of example, various features of
embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram showing generally the steps
of a gaming method in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart showing substantially a sequence
of steps of a gaming method in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0025] FIG. 3 depicts a top plan view of a gaming layout in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a player position of the
gaming layout shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the community card positions
of the gaming layout shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] In the following description of embodiments of the
invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which
form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of
illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the
scope of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0029] The order in which the steps are presented below is not
limited to any particular order and does not necessarily imply that
they have to be performed in the order presented. It will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the order of
these steps can be rearranged and performed in any suitable manner.
It further will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art
that some steps may be omitted or added and still fall within the
spirit of the invention.
Gaming Method
[0030] The present invention comprises a gaming method and an
apparatus that may be used to implement the gaming method. In
general, the gaming method is designed to reward players who have
compiled hands that are better than the dealer's hand based on
conventional Blackjack rules. Traditional Blackjack rules are used
to value the cards and to determine game outcome. At least one
standard deck of 52 playing cards is used in the present invention
although up to eight decks of cards may be used on a
Blackjack-sized table. These cards each have a numerical or letter
value, and a suit associated with them. A standard deck consists of
four sets (of thirteen cards each) numbered as follows: A (ace), 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J (jack), Q (queen), and K (king). There
are four cards of each value, one of each "suit": spades, diamonds,
clubs, and hearts. As in conventional Blackjack, the suit is
irrelevant for purposes of the present invention, and only the
value of the card is considered. The value of the cards is computed
as follows: for cards valued two through nine, they are given the
value shown on the card; tens, jacks, queens, and kings are each
valued as ten points; aces may be valued as one point or as eleven
points, at the player's discretion.
[0031] To determine whether the player or the dealer wins a hand,
the value of each card in the player's hand is added together. If
the value of all the cards in a player's hand ever exceeds a score
of 21, then the player "busts" and loses the hand (keeping in mind
that the player may choose to value aces as one if necessary). If
the player does not bust, then the person with the cards that total
the highest value wins the hand. If the combined values of the
cards in the player's hand and the dealer's hand are the same, then
the hand is usually a "push," wherein neither the player nor the
dealer wins the hand.
[0032] As depicted in the block diagram of FIG. 1, the gaming
method of the present invention generally comprises: dealing at
least one card ("first card") to one or more players and to the
dealer (block 500); requiring each player and the dealer to use a
community card from a set of predetermined community cards to pair
with their first card (block 600); allowing each player and the
dealer to decide whether to use at least one additional card to
form their hand (block 700); and allowing each player and the
dealer to create a Blackjack hand comprising: (1) the first card,
(2) the community card, and (3) optionally additional card(s)
(block 800). Each player's hand is then compared to the dealer's
hand using the rules of Blackjack (block 900), and the bets are
then resolved (block 1000). The optional additional card(s) may
include another community card and/or a non-community card.
[0033] For purposes of describing various embodiments herein, the
terms "community cards" and "community card values" may be used
interchangeably. Additionally, the term "predetermined community
cards" or "predetermined community card values" are used, but they
are not limited to community cards/community card values that are
predetermined before the game begins. "Predetermined community
cards" may also refer to community cards that are dealt at some
point during the game before the player makes a decision whether to
use one or more of them to form his hand. Additionally, the term
"dealer" represents the "house" or the casino; or a dealer may
refer to a virtual dealer in embodiments of the invention that
involve computers, the Internet, and/or other forms of electronic
media.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, in one embodiment of the present
invention, the gaming method of the invention begins with a dealer
shuffling a set of cards (step 10). A single deck or up to eight
decks of cards may be used. The players are then asked to place
their bets (step 20) before any cards are dealt. The bets comprise
of an ante or a mandatory bet to participate in the game. In
alternate embodiments of the present invention, the bets may
further comprise of an additional side wager bet.
[0035] After the dealer shuffles the cards and the players have
placed their bets, the dealer deals one face up card to each player
(step 30). (The term "face up" card may be used to refer to a card
that is laid out to the players and to the dealer such that the
card's game indicia are visible to the players and the dealer.) The
dealer also deals a face down card to himself (step 40). At this
juncture, the dealer and players are not yet permitted to view the
dealer's face down card. The dealer also deals three community
cards face down (step 50) and then reveals a first community card
(step 55)
[0036] Next, at step 60, after seeing their face up card and the
first community card, each player is given the option to stand or
bet. If the player decides to stand, no further bets can be made
(step 70) and his hand is then comprised of only his face up card
and the first community card. If the player decides to bet, he
places a second bet equal to the ante to buy a second community
card (step 80) so that his hand will be comprised of his face up
card, the first community card, and the second community card.
After the players make their second bets, the second community card
is revealed (step 85).
[0037] Then, at step 90, after seeing the second community card,
each player who made a second bet is given the option to stand or
bet. If the player decides to stand, no further bets can be made
(step 100) and his hand is then comprised of his face up card, the
first community card, and the second community card. If the player
decides to bet, he places a third bet equal to the ante to buy a
third community card (step 110) so that his hand will be comprised
of his face up card, the first community card, the second community
card, and the third community card. After the players make their
third bets, the third community card is revealed (step 115).
[0038] After step 55, wherein the first community card is revealed,
if the player's initial two card hand (i.e., his face up card and
the first community card) equals "21," the player is an automatic
winner, the player will be paid even money, and there can be no
more betting for him. However, if at any time, a player's score
exceeds 21, the player loses immediately and is out of the game
unless he made an optional side bet (described below). If the
player busts, his side bet remains in action and his card may be
tucked under his side bet. The dealer will collect all bets wagered
before busting which means that the last buy bet wagered will be
returned to the player.
[0039] After the third community card is revealed in step 115, the
dealer reveals his face up card (step 120). Then the dealer is
given the opportunity to use as many community cards needed to
reach at least "17" (step 130). Starting from the first community
card, if the sum of the dealer's face down card and the first
community card does not equal at least "17", then the dealer uses
the second community card to form his hand. If the sum of the
dealer's face down card, the first community card, and the second
community card still does not equal at least "17", then the dealer
must use the third community card to form his hand. If at any
point, the dealer's hand reaches a soft "17" (for example, a hand
comprised of (A-6), (A-4-2), (A-3-3), (5-A-A), (2-2-2-A), or
(4-A-A-A), then the dealer must stand. The dealer does not `buy`
additional community cards like the players must do by making
additional bets as described in steps 80 and 110 above. In
alternate embodiments of the invention, the method and rules used
by the dealer in deciding whether to use additional community cards
may vary according to a predetermined set of house rules. Such
house rules may vary depending on the preference of the gaming
establishment.
[0040] Once the dealer has played out his hand, he will compare his
hand with each player's hand (step 140) and bets are then resolved
(step 150) according to a predetermined payout schedule. If the
dealer's hand exceeds "21" at any point while playing his hand,
then the dealer busts and loses to all remaining players; and all
of the remaining players' bets are paid even money. In the event
the dealer's hand ties with the player's hand, then it is a
push.
Side Bet
[0041] In alternate embodiments of the invention, an optional side
bet may be incorporated into the gaming method of the present
invention. In such embodiments, when making the ante or mandatory
bet to participate in the game, the player may choose to make an
additional side bet before any cards are dealt to him. Such side
bets may be made for the occurrence of any variety of events. For
instance, the side bet may be based on the outcome of any
combination of the following cards: the player's face up card, the
dealer's face down card, and/or one or more of the community
cards.
[0042] A player may make a side bet that their own face up card,
the three community cards, and the dealer card will form a winning
five-card poker hand (e.g., pair, two pairs, three of a kind,
straight, flushes, four of a kind, full house, straight flush, and
royal flush). In one embodiment of the present invention, a player
may make a side bet that their own face up card, the three
community cards, and the dealer card will form either: a royal
flush, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight,
three of a kind, two pair, or a pair of 6's or better. In such
embodiments that incorporate a side bet, the ante bet has no
bearing on the five card Bonus side bet. If the player busts or
obtains a Blackjack, he is still eligible to win on his side bet
(his side bet remains in action and his card may be tucked under
his side bet). In one embodiment, the payout schedule to resolve
the side bets may be as follows:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Pay Table A Hand Type Pays (to 1) Royal
Flush 500 Straight Flush 100 4 of a Kind 40 Full House 15 Flush 8
Straight 6 3 of a kind 4 Two Pair 3 Pair of 6s or Better 1
[0043] In a further embodiment of the invention wherein a player
may make a side bet that their own face up card, the three
community cards, and the dealer card will form either a royal
flush, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight,
three of a kind, two pair, or a pair of 6's or better, the
following payout schedule may also be used:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Pay Table B Hand Type Pays (to 1) Royal
Flush 500 Straight Flush 100 4 of a Kind 40 Full House 12 Flush 9
Straight 6 3 of a kind 4 Two Pair 3 Pair of 6s or Better 1
[0044] It can be realized from the embodiments described herein
that the present invention provides a modified Blackjack game that
adds new excitement and larger rewards than traditional Blackjack
games. The above-described embodiments of the present invention
have many advantages. For instance, the embodiments that
incorporate a side bet and utilize the payout schedules presented
above may provide the player with games that are more rewarding
(for both players and gaming establishments). In conventional
Blackjack, a player may earn one-and-a-half times his original bet
on a "blackjack," but otherwise he is limited to winning the amount
that he wagers (even by splitting or doubling down, the player must
double his original bet for a chance to win only that doubled
amount). In contrast, the present invention offers the possibility
for a player to make side bets for an opportunity to win up to five
hundred times his original side bet (see TABLES 1 and 2). Thus, the
present invention offers the possibility of huge payouts for the
players.
[0045] The present invention retains some of the features and
advantages of Blackjack while also providing the player with more
control of the cards dealt to him and the dynamics of a side wager
and additional betting opportunities for enhanced player
anticipation and enjoyment. A player may feel like he has more
control because the present invention provides him with options.
For instance, in the present invention, the player has the option
of making additional bets to buy additional community cards.
[0046] The invention therefore benefits the player who desires a
novel variation of Blackjack as well as the player who does not
want to have to learn new rules for valuing cards and scoring
hands, but desires some variety. Additionally, with the
incorporation of a side bet and additional betting opportunities,
the invention provides gaming establishments with the potential of
generating more revenue. Nonetheless, it is advantageous to offer
Blackjack players some variation in the game to maintain their
long-term interest.
[0047] Additionally, various embodiments of the present invention
have reasonable odds for both the player and the house. This is
another advantage of the invention because, to be a viable casino
game, the gaming method should provide opportunity for a reasonable
return for both the house and the player.
[0048] It is to be understood, that although some advantages of the
present invention are described herein, it is not necessary that
all the advantageous features and/or all the advantages need to be
incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.
Gaming Layout
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a gaming layout 60
of the present invention is shown. Gaming layout 60 may be made
with the common shapes of conventional casino gaming tables such as
a semi-circular shape. Gaming layout 60 may also be made with
materials of conventional gaming tables, such as felt, vinyl, wood,
plastic, laminate, and/or marble. In alternate embodiments of the
present invention, gaming layout 60 may be a video or computer
representation of a conventional gaming table.
[0050] Gaming layout 60 includes a plurality of player positions
62A-G, which is adapted to distinguish each player's bets and cards
from those of the other players. Although seven player positions
62A-G are depicted in FIG. 3, any suitable number of player
positions may be included in a gaming layout of the present
invention. The number of player positions may vary depending on the
size of the gaming table and the number of players a casino wishes
to accommodate in one given game. Also, it is not necessary that
all player positions be utilized while the game is being played. At
least one player position needs to be utilized for the game to be
played.
[0051] Gaming layout 60 further includes a dealer position 64 which
may include a chip tray to store gaming chips 66, a card dispensing
apparatus such as a dealing shoe 61, and a discard holder 63 for
discarded cards. The dealer may place the cards dealt to himself in
any designated area of the gaming layout per the casino's
preference. For example, the dealer may deal his face down card and
place it on card position 68. Gaming layout 60 also includes a
community card area 91 somewhere in the center area of the
table.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 4, which depicts an enlarged view of
one of the player positions 62A-G of FIG. 3, each player position
includes an ante position 72 and a side betting position 74. Ante
position 72 is where the player positions his initial bet to
participate in the game. Side betting position 74 is where the
player places his optional side bet. Furthermore, each player
position includes: a second betting position 76 and a third betting
position 78. Second betting position 76 and third betting position
78 are adapted to designate use of the second community card and
third second community card respectively. If the player decides to
make a second bet to buy a second community card to form his hand
(see step 80 of FIG. 2), he would place his second bet on second
betting position 76. If the player decides to make a third bet to
buy a third community card to form his hand (see step 110 of FIG.
2), he would place his third bet on third betting position 78.
Although the terms "2.sup.nd Card" and "3.sup.rd Card" are used in
this embodiment to designate use of the second community card and
third community card respectively, any combination of words,
numbers, colors, logos and/or other symbols may be used in second
betting position 76 and in third betting position 78 to identify
the different community cards.
[0053] Also, the amount of community cards incorporated into the
game is not limited to three community cards. For instance, in
other variations of the invention there may be two, four, or more
community cards. Naturally, in such embodiments, the amount of
additional betting positions correlate with the amount of community
cards used in the game.
[0054] The player position depicted in FIG. 4 also includes card
position 32. When the cards are being dealt to each player, a face
up card is dealt and placed on card position 32. Of course, any
combination of colors, patterns, designs, words, numbers, logos
and/or other symbols may be used to designate the area to receive
the player's face up card.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 5 (which is an enlarged view of
community card area 91 in FIG. 3) gaming layout 60 includes three
distinct community card positions 92, 94, and 96 located
substantially in the center of the gaming layout or the board. The
three community card positions 92, 94, and 96 are preferably
separated and are individually adapted to identify each community
card distributed during the course of the game. Community card
position 92 is labeled "Face Up Card" to indicate that the first
community card should be placed thereon; community card position 94
is labeled "2.sup.nd Card" to indicate that the second community
card should be placed thereon; and community card position 96 is
labeled "3.sup.rd Card" to indicate that the third community card
should be placed thereon.
[0056] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, community card
position 92 may be labeled "1" to indicate that the first community
card should be placed thereon; community card position 94 may be
labeled "2" to indicate that the second community card should be
placed thereon; and community card position 96 may be labeled "3"
to indicate that the third community card should be placed
thereon.
[0057] Of course, locations, and designs of the player's betting
positions and/or community card positions may be adjusted as
desired so long as they remain within reasonable access and view
for the player and the dealer. Also, any designation (any
combination of colors, patterns, designs, words, numbers, logos
and/or other symbols) may be included within the betting locations
and/or community card positions so long as the meaning of the
designation is clear to the players and dealer. Other features may
be included within the gaming layout 60 such as payout
schedules/tables, rules of play, logos, trademarks, casino name,
designs and/or various artistic elements.
[0058] Although the present invention has been described above in
considerable detail with reference to certain versions thereof,
other versions are possible. For example, the gaming method
described above is not limited to being played as a table game. The
gaming method may be played as a board game or by using computers
or electronic devices having audio and video outputs. Thus, the
term "cards" as used in this application refers to traditional
cards made of paper stock having traditional game indicia, such as
numbers (2-10), suits (diamonds, hearts, spades, and clubs), and
characters (aces, jacks, queens, and kings). The term "cards" is
also used to refer to electronic images of traditional cards. The
term "dealer" may be an actual person distributing the cards. It is
noted that the dealer may also be a player, and the dealer does not
have to be associated with a business entity having a stake in any
profits derived from operating the game. The term "dealer" may also
be used to refer to a virtual dealer that is programmed through an
electronic device or computer.
[0059] The invention can be readily implemented in a wide variety
of additional forms and media including, but not limited to: single
player slot video machines, multi-player slot video machines,
electronic games and devices, lottery terminals, scratch-card
formats, software, as well as in-flight, home, and Internet
entertainment. Furthermore, the invention can be readily
implemented in software, which can be stored on a disk (e.g.,
magnetic disk, compact disc (CD), USB memory stick, etc.) and used
with a computer system. In one embodiment, the gaming method of the
present invention may be implemented as a computer game that may be
executed via disk or downloaded from the Internet and played using
a computer, gaming console, or an electronic handheld device (e.g.,
personal digital assistants (PDA), mobile phones, etc.). Such
embodiments may be played individually or may be played with other
players. In another embodiment, the present invention may be played
as an interactive online gambling game wherein the player may play
against the dealer individually or with other players via the
Internet. The dealer may be an actual person or a virtual dealer.
Similarly, the other players may be actual people or they may be
computer generated virtual players. In other embodiments of the
invention, the gaming method may be played against a casino or
wagering establishment from a remote location via the Internet.
[0060] Some steps of the gaming method described herein may be
added, omitted, modified, or performed in various sequences.
Additionally, some of the steps described in the various
embodiments herein are for illustrative purposes, and as such, some
of the steps may be modified, added, or omitted without departing
form the scope of the invention. Nonetheless, the various
embodiments of the invention which are described herein may be
incorporated in a variety of contexts as mentioned above.
[0061] While the description above refers to particular embodiments
of the present invention, it will be understood that many
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
* * * * *