U.S. patent application number 13/775194 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-10 for blackjack game with additional player flexibility.
The applicant listed for this patent is Geoff Hall. Invention is credited to Geoff Hall.
Application Number | 20130267290 13/775194 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47067303 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130267290 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hall; Geoff |
October 10, 2013 |
Blackjack Game with Additional Player Flexibility
Abstract
A variation of casino blackjack. The player can have the option
to split any two cards whether they are identical or not. The
player can also double down and receive a double down card, and if
the player does not like his or her double down card, then the
player can discard the double down card and receive a second double
down card
Inventors: |
Hall; Geoff; (Shirley,
GB) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hall; Geoff |
Shirley |
|
GB |
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|
Family ID: |
47067303 |
Appl. No.: |
13/775194 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13425408 |
Mar 20, 2012 |
8382568 |
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13775194 |
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12127785 |
May 27, 2008 |
8157632 |
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13425408 |
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11611842 |
Dec 15, 2006 |
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12127785 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/12 ;
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3267 20130101;
G07F 17/3293 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101; A63F 1/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/12 ;
273/292 |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20060101
A63F001/00; G07F 17/32 20060101 G07F017/32 |
Claims
1. A method to play a blackjack variation between a player and a
dealer for a casino, the method comprising: providing one or more
physical decks of cards; receiving an initial wager from a player;
dealing, from the one or more decks, a player's initial two cards
and a dealer's hand; allowing the player to split the two initial
cards even if they are not of equal rank; and continuing the
blackjack game using predefined rules.
2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the allowing is
permitted when the initial cards are not of equal rank only if the
initial two cards meet a predefined condition.
3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the predefined
condition comprises whether a point total of the player's initial
two cards fall within a range.
4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the range is between
14 and 16.
5. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the range is between
15 and 16.
6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the blackjack
variation contains a compensating feature which is favorable to the
house.
7. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising: if the
player does not split on the initial two cards, then before the
continuing, performing: permitting the player to double on the
initial two cards by receiving a double wager from the player and
dealing to the player a double card face up; and letting the player
to replace the double card, and if the player wishes to replace the
double card, then replacing the double card with a replacement
double card, wherein the continuing the blackjack game uses a sum
of the initial two cards and the replacement double card as the
player's point total.
8. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein the letting is offered
to the player only if the player's initial two cards meet a
predetermined condition.
9. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein the predetermined
condition is a based on a point total of the initial two cards.
10. The method as recited in claim 7, wherein the blackjack
variation contains a compensating feature which is favorable to the
house.
11. An apparatus to play a blackjack variation between a player and
a dealer for a casino, the apparatus comprising: an electronic
processing unit, configured to: receive an initial wager from a
player; deal, from the one or more decks, a player's initial two
cards and a dealer's hand; allow the player to split the two
initial cards even if they are not of equal rank; and continue the
blackjack game using predefined rules.
12. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the allowing is
permitted when the initial cards are not of equal rank only if the
initial two cards meet a predefined condition.
13. The apparatus as recited in claim 12, wherein the predefined
condition comprises whether a point total of the player's initial
two cards fall within a range.
14. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the range is
between 14 and 16.
15. The apparatus as recited in claim 13, wherein the range is
between 15 and 16.
16. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, wherein the blackjack
variation contains a compensating feature which is favorable to the
house.
17. The apparatus as recited in claim 11, further comprising: if
the player does not split on the initial two cards, then before the
continuing, performing: permitting the player to double on the
initial two cards by receiving a double wager from the player and
dealing to the player a double card face up; and letting the player
to replace the double card, and if the player wishes to replace the
double card, then replacing the double card with a replacement
double card, wherein the continuing the blackjack game uses a sum
of the initial two cards and the replacement double card as the
player's point total.
18. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein the letting is
offered to the player only if the player's initial two cards meet a
predetermined condition.
19. The apparatus as recited in claim 18, wherein the predetermined
condition is a based on a point total of the initial two cards.
20. The apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein the blackjack
variation contains a compensating feature which is favorable to the
house.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
12/127,785 (which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety), filed on May 27, 2008, now allowed, which is a
continuation in part of application Ser. No. 11/611,842 (which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety), filed on Dec.
15, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present inventive concept relates to a casino table
game, and more particularly, to a variation of casino
blackjack.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The popularity of casino blackjack has been waning in recent
years. Other games, such as poker variants and machine games have
provided the standard blackjack game with some competition.
Moreover, the standard blackjack game has become old and tiresome
as gamblers have a limited attention span and like to see new and
exciting games.
[0006] Therefore, what is needed is a new variation of blackjack
which can provide a more enjoyable game than the standard
version
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an
enjoyable variation of blackjack that can be played in a casino
that some players may prefer over the standard game.
[0008] The above aspects can be obtained by a method that includes
(a) receiving an initial wager from a player; (b) dealing a
player's initial two cards and a dealer's hand; (c) allowing the
player to double on the initial two cards by receiving a double
wager from the player and dealing to the player a double card face
up; (d) permitting the player to replace the double card, and if
the player wishes to replace the double card, then replacing the
double card with a replacement double card; and (e) continuing the
blackjack game using standard rules with the player's point total
comprising a sum of the initial two cards and the replacement
double card.
[0009] The above aspects can also be obtained by a method that
includes (a) receiving an initial wager from a player; (b) dealing
a player's initial two cards and a dealer's hand; (c) allowing the
player to split the two initial cards even if they are not of equal
rank; and (d) continuing the blackjack game using standard
rules.
[0010] These together with other aspects and advantages which will
be subsequently apparent, reside in the details of construction and
operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed,
reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part
hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Further features and advantages of the present invention, as
well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the
present invention, will become apparent and more readily
appreciated from the following description of the preferred
embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of
implementing a blackjack wagering game allowing for both splitting
non-identical ranks and double card replacement, according to an
embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary table layout,
according to an embodiment; and
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of hardware that can be
used to implement an electronic embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals refer to like elements throughout.
[0016] The present general inventive concept relates to a method,
system, and computer readable storage which allows a casino to
offer to at least one player a blackjack game which can provide a
player with more flexible options than a standard game does.
[0017] In the standard game of blackjack, after a player places a
first wager and receives his or her two cards, the player can only
split cards that have a same rank (same numerical value but
different suit). For example, if the player is dealt a five of
hearts and five of diamonds, the player can split these. If the
player is dealt two 10-valued cards, e.g., a ten of hearts and a
jack of diamonds, typically the player would be allowed to split
these as well. If the player is dealt a two of clubs and a three of
diamonds, the player would not be allowed to split these since the
rank values are not the same.
[0018] To split his or her cards, the player would place a second
wager identical in value to the first wager on the table. The two
cards then each become a separate hand and the player plays out
each hand using each split card as a separate hand. The player may
or may not be allowed to double on each hand after the player
splits. For an example of splitting, if the player bets $5 and is
dealt a five of hearts and a five of diamonds, and the dealer's
upcard is a nine of spades. The player now splits by placing an
additional $5 wager near the original wager, the dealer spreads the
two cards apart, and the player continues to player each hand. For
example, on the five of diamonds the dealer now deals a ten of
hearts. The player decides to hit and receives an eight of hearts,
which causes the player to bust. Thus, the player has lost the
first $5 wager. Now the dealer deals a hand on the five of hearts.
The dealer deals a six of spades, and the player hits again and
receives a two of hearts, and the player hits again and receives a
5 of diamonds, and the player now stands, for a total of 18. The
dealer then reveals the dealer's downcard and it turns out to be a
ten of diamonds. Since the dealer has 19 and the player has 18, the
player loses his other $5 wager. Thus, the player has lost $10. Of
course, the player could have won both hands and won $10, or the
player could have won one hand and lost the other hand and broken
even.
[0019] Standard blackjack rules are known in the art and can be,
for example: a six deck shoe, the dealer is dealt two initial
dealer's cards, and the player is dealt two initial player's cards;
aces count as one or eleven; the player may double on his or her
initial two cards by placing a double wager and receive only one
double card; the player may split cards of identical rank; the
player may draw as many cards as he or she wishes, but if the
player exceeds 21 then the player "busts" (loses). If the player
does not bust, then the dealer exposes both the initial dealer's
cards and continues to draw until the dealer has a point total of
at least 17; player blackjacks pay 3:2.
[0020] In an embodiment which can be considered more desirable to
players than the prior art blackjack game, the players can be
allowed to split non-identical ranks. The player can split cards
which do not have identical rank values, thus any two cards can be
split. For example, if a player places a $2 wager and is dealt an
initial two cards comprising a two of hearts and a three of
diamonds, the player can split these by placing an equal wager of
$2 and indicate to the dealer he or she wishes to split. The player
can now play out each card (the two of hearts and the three of
diamonds) separately. For example (assume the dealer's upcard is a
seven), the player is dealt a nine on the two of hearts, then the
player decides to double and places an additional $2 wager and
receives a ten spades for the double card. The player then receives
a six of hearts on the three of diamonds, and hits and receives a
three of hearts, and then hits again and receive a king of
diamonds, for a total of 22. The player has busted on the second
hand and loses the wager of $2. The dealer reveals his downcard
which his a ten of clubs. Thus, the dealer has 17 and the player
has 21 on the first hand. The player wins, and since the player
placed an original wager of $2 and a double wager of $2, the player
wins $4. Thus, the player has a net win of $2 for this round.
[0021] Of course, to allow the player to split any two initial
cards is advantageous to the player. In an embodiment, the player
may be allowed to split any two initial cards. In a further
embodiment, the player may be allowed to only split some initial
two card combinations, for example the player may be allowed to
split only cards with equal ranks (as in the prior art) or cards
that fall into a certain subset (or range) or cards, for example
cards from 4-9. Thus, under these rules, if the player is dealt a
four and a five, the player can split. If the player is dealt a
three and a five, the player cannot split because this pair of
cards do not fall under the allowed conditions for splitting.
[0022] In a further embodiment, a condition for being allowed to
split non identical ranks can be a point total range. For example,
if the sum of the players two initial cards fall between a range of
values, for example 14-16 (although any range(s) can be used), the
player can be allowed to split his or her initial two cards. The
player would typically still be allowed to split any two cards of
identical rank (as currently done in the standard game). Thus, for
example, if the player were dealt a seven and a six, the total is
13, and thus the player would not be allowed to split these under
these conditions (since 13 is outside the range of 14-16). As
another example, if the player was dealt a ten and a six, since
this is a total of 16, the player would be allowed to split these.
Since point totals of 14-16 are considered undesirable hands by the
player, this feature can help the player enjoy the game more by
giving the player more options than a standard game. Of course any
point total(s)/range or sets of ranges can be used.
[0023] In a further embodiment, the player can be allowed to
replace a double card with a new card. This variation can be
offered with the split any pair feature described herein, or it can
be offered on its own (and the split any pair feature can be
offered on its own or with the replace a double card feature). In a
further embodiment, the split non-identical ranks feature
[0024] In a standard game of blackjack, when the player is dealt
his or her first two cards, the player may wish to double his or
her bet by placing a double wager alongside the player's original
wager. Typically, the player will only be allowed to receive one
additional card. For example, if the player is dealt a six and a
five and the dealer's upcard is a five, the player may wish to
double by placing a double wager (typically less than or equal to
the initial wager). The player now receives a double card, for
example a five, to give the player a total of 16. This is typically
upsetting to the player, as 16 is not a good hand to have. However,
in standard blackjack rules, the player would be stuck with the 16
and would have to hope that the dealer would bust.
[0025] In an embodiment, the player can double and if the player
does not like his or her double card, the player can replace the
double card with a new double card ("double card replacement").
This feature should typically be enjoyed by players as it will give
the player a second chance to receive a good double card. If the
player does not like his or her new double card the player is
typically not permitted to go back to the first double card.
[0026] An example of how this can work is as follows. The player
bets $1 and is dealt a six and a four (total 10), and the dealer's
upcard is a five. The player now doubles and places a $1 double
wager. The dealer deals the player a double card, which is a five.
Since the player is unhappy with his current point total (15), the
player indicates to the dealer that he or she wishes to replace the
double card with a new card. Thus, the dealer removes the five and
deals the player a new double card, for example a nine. The
player's new total is now 19. Of course, this is a good hand in
blackjack and thus the typically player would be happy. Now the
dealer reveals the dealer's downcard to reveal a ten, and the
dealers draws a seven to bust. The player has now won $2 (the $1
original wager plus the $1 double wager).
[0027] Double card replacement can be allowed by the casino any
time the player wishes to double on the player's initial two cards.
Further, double card replacement may be limited to only certain
initial hands, for example when the player's initial two cards fall
between a range of values, such as between 9-11 (either only hard
9-11 or any 9-11 including soft 9-11). Thus, for example, if the
casino wishes to not allow double card replacement on soft point
totals (totals involving an ace) the casino can do so at their
option.
[0028] The features described herein ("split non-identical ranks"
and "double card replacement) can be offered individually or in
combination. Of course, these features give the player an
additional mathematical advantage. Thus, the house would typically
need to implement some type of compensating feature that works to
the house's (dealer's) advantage in order for the house to still
have a mathematical edge. Any compensating feature can be used.
[0029] One example of a compensating feature is taking ties (in
other words players lose on a tie). Another compensating feature
that can be used is pushing on certain dealer bust totals. For
example, if the dealer busts with a hard point total of 22, instead
of the player winning (if the player is still in the game), the
player merely pushes (doesn't win or lose). Thus can be done for
any chosen point total or totals, for example any one or more point
totals from 22 to 26.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of
implementing a blackjack wagering game allowing for both splitting
non-identical ranks and double card replacement, according to an
embodiment.
[0031] The method can start with operation 100, wherein a player
places an initial wager and a dealer deals a player's hand (two
cards) and a dealer's hand (either one up card if the European
rules is being used, or one up card and one downcard of the
American rule is being used).
[0032] From operation 100, the method can proceed to operation 102,
which determines whether the player initial two cards comprise a
same rank (e.g., two sevens). Two ten valued cards can also be
considered a same rank (e.g., queen and jack which can be split),
although in another embodiment two non-same ten valued cards would
not be considered a same rank and would not be allowed to be split
(but a jack spades and a jack of diamonds would still be considered
the same ten value).
[0033] If the determination in operation 102 determines that the
initial two cards are of a same rank, then the method can proceed
to operation 106 which determines whether the player decides to
split. The player can indicate his desire to split to the dealer by
placing an additional wager equal in size to the initial wager
(although in a further embodiment the additional wager does not
have to be equal in size) and optionally telling the dealer he or
she wishes to split.
[0034] From operation 106, the method can proceed to operation 108,
wherein the dealer splits the player's hand and the game continues
as known in the art.
[0035] If the determination in operation 102 determines that the
player's initial two cards are not of the same rank then the method
can proceed to operation 104, which determines whether the player's
initial two cards meet a predetermined condition(s) for a
non-identical split. For example, if a sum of the player's initial
two cards fall between a certain point total (e.g., 14-16), then
this meets the condition. If the player's initial two cards meet
the condition(s) for a non-identical split, then the method can
proceed to operation 106. In an alternative embodiment, all initial
two card hands can be split without meeting any condition.
[0036] If the determination in operation 104 determines that the
player's initial two cards do not meet the condition(s) for a
non-identical split, then the method can proceed to operation 110,
which determines whether the player wishes to double. The player
can indicate his or her desire to double by placing a double wager
alongside the initial wager and optionally telling the dealer that
he or she wishes to double
[0037] If the determination in operation 110 determines that the
player does not wish to double, then the method can proceed to
operation 112, which continues the game without the player
doubling.
[0038] If the determination in operation 110 determines that the
player wishes to double, then the method can proceed to operation
114, which deals the player a double card.
[0039] From operation 114, the method can proceed to operation 116,
which determines whether the player wants to replace the double
card. The player can indicate to the dealer that he or she wishes
to replace the double card by speaking this intent verbally and or
performing a handle signal to this effect. If the player does not
wish to replace the double card, then the method can proceed to
operation 122, which continues the game using the initial hand and
the double card dealt in operation 114.
[0040] If the determination in operation 116 determines that the
player wants to replace the double card, then the method proceeds
to operation 118 which determines whether the player's initial hand
meets a predetermined condition(s) that must be met before the
player is allowed to replace the double card. For example, the
point total of the player's initial hand may have to be certain
totals (e.g., 10-11) before the player is allowed to replace the
double card. If the player's initial hand does not meet the
predetermined condition for replacing the double card, then the
player will not be allowed to have his or her double card replaced
and the method can proceed to operation 122, wherein the game is
continued using the player's initial hand and the double card dealt
in operation 114.
[0041] If the determination in operation 118 determines that the
player's initial hand does meet the predetermined condition for
replacing the double card, then the method can proceed to operation
120, which replaces the double card with a replacement double card
(dealt from the deck or shoe). The game then continues using the
player's initial hand and the replacement double card.
[0042] It is noted that the method illustrated in FIG. 1 implements
a game which allows both splitting non-identical ranks as well as
replacing double cards. Alternatively, each of these features can
be implemented without the other. For example, if the splitting
non-identical ranks is to be implemented without the ability to
replace double cards, then FIG. 1 would be modified as follows:
From operation 114 the method would proceed to operation 122,
without operations 116, 118, and 120. If the replacing double cards
is allowed without the splitting non-identical ranks, then from
operation 102, if the player's initial two cards are not of the
same rank, then the method proceeds to operation to operation 110,
and operation 104 is not performed.
[0043] It can also be appreciated that the operations in FIG. 1 can
be performed in any sensible order. As just one example, the order
of operations 116 and 118 can be switched.
[0044] Further, when a player splits, the player may or may not
(depending on the variation being implemented by the casino) be
allowed to double. If the player is allowed to double after a
split, the player may or may not (depending on the variation being
implemented by the casino) be allowed to replace the double
card.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary table layout,
according to an embodiment.
[0046] A dealer's area 1 is used to place the dealer's cards. A
rules list 2 displays the rules of the game, especially those which
may deviate from the standard game of blackjack. A player's hand
area 3 is where the player's cards are dealt as well as where the
player places his or her wagers.
[0047] Table I below illustrates one exemplary set of rules using
features described herein. Of course the parameters in this table
are merely exemplary and other parameters can be used as well.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I 1. Any number of decks can be used but at
least four are recommended. 2. If the player's first two cards
total hard 15 or 16 the player may split the two cards, even if
they are not the same rank. 3. If the player's first two cards
total 10 or 11 (and in some variations a 9) the player may do a
"Power Double," in which the player may replace his double down
card and exchange it for the next card in the shoe. 4. If the
player did not bust and the dealer busts with 22 points the
player's bet shall push. 5. The Power Double and Power Split may
only be done on the first two cards. 6. The player may still do
normal double and splits on the first two cards and after
splitting, except in some versions double after split is not
allowed. 7. If the player splits aces he shall only get one card
per ace. Resplitting aces and drawing to split aces are not
allowed. 8. Under the European rules if the player is allowed to
surrender he may do so before the dealer checks for blackjack
(known as early surrender). 9. A player blackjack on the first two
cards shall pay 3 to 2.
[0048] Of course, different variations offered to players can
result in different house advantages. Table II below illustrates
several different variations and their respective house edges.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE II Hole Card Dealer Hits Power Double after
House Number Rule Surrender S17 Power Split Double Split Edge 1
American No Yes 15, 16 10, 11 Yes 0.55% 2 European 2-10 No 15, 16
9-11 Yes 0.01% 3 European All No 15, 16 10, 11 Yes 0.22% 4 European
2-10 No 15, 16 10, 11 Yes 0.67% 5 European No No 15, 16 9-11 Yes
0.23% 6 European All No 15, 16 9-11 No -0.21% 7 American No Yes 15,
16 10, 11 No 0.77% 8 American No No 15, 16 10, 11 No 0.32%
[0049] In Table II, the "Number" column refers to each different
set of rules illustrated in the Table. Table II illustrates eight
different variations of the blackjack using features described
herein, although it can be appreciated that many other variations
can also be offered using different parameters.
[0050] In Table II, the "Hole Card Rule" column refers to which
dealer's hole card rule is used, either "American" or "European."
In the American rule, if the dealer has a 10 or ace up the dealer
will peek at the hole card for a blackjack, or use a device for
such a purpose. If the dealer has a blackjack he or she will turn
it over immediately. In the European rule, the dealer does not take
a hole card at all. If the dealer does get a blackjack the player
will lose his total amount bet.
[0051] In Table II, the "surrender" column refers to the ability of
the player to surrender or not. Surrender is where the player can
surrender his or her initial two cards for receiving 50% of their
wager back. "No" refers to whether surrender is offered at all.
"2-10" means the player may surrender against any dealer up card
except an ace. "All" means the player may surrender any two card
hand. In the American version the dealer will peek for a blackjack
before insurance is offered. In the European version there is hole
card to peek at, thus insurance is much stronger because it
protects against a dealer blackjack.
[0052] In Table II, the "Dealer Hits S17" column refers to whether
the dealer will hit on a soft 17.
[0053] In Table II, the "Power Split" column refers to the ability
of the player to split his or her two initial card of non-identical
rank (as described herein). These are the totals for each variation
in which the player may power split on the first two cards.
[0054] In Table II, the "Power Double" column refers to the ability
of the player to replace his or her double card (as described
herein). These are the totals for each variation in which the
player may do a power double on the first two cards. These are hard
totals, although in another embodiment these can include soft
totals as well.
[0055] In Table II, the "Double After Split" column refers to the
ability of the player to double after he or she splits (whether
splitting identical ranks or not).
[0056] In Table II, the "House Edge" column refers to the house
edge of that particular variation if the player plays optimal
strategy. The house edge can be defined as the ratio of the
expected player loss to the initial bet. In order for the house to
maintain a profit, the house edge typically needs to be positive.
The house edge illustrated in Table II is not guaranteed to be
accurate and may vary based on the type of analysis or simulation
performed.
[0057] Two more examples of a game will now be presented. These
examples use rule set 8 from Table II, with the player pushing if
the dealer busts with a point total of 22. Using this rule set, if
the player is dealt any totals other than hard 10, 11, 15, 16, then
the game is played exactly in the same way as standard
blackjack.
[0058] Mike places a $1 initial wager and is dealt a 7 and 4 and
the dealer's upcard is a 5. Mike decides to double and places an
additional $1 double wager and is now dealt a 3. Since Mike isn't
happy with the 3 (for a point total of 14), mike decides to replace
the double card (by telling the dealer). The dealer removes the
double card (the 3) and replaces it with a replacement double card
from the shoe which is a 9, for a point total of 20. The dealer
will not play out the dealer's hand using standard blackjack rules,
with the exception that if the dealer gets a hard 22 then the
player pushes (unless the player has already busted in which the
player already lost). The dealer now turns over a jack followed by
a 7 for a point total of 22. Thus, the player pushes all of his
wagers (neither wins or loses $2).
[0059] In a further example, Jason bets $5 and is dealt a Jack and
a 5 verses a dealer's upcard of 8. The player decides to split the
non-identical ranks since he can do so since the point total is 15
(according to this set of rules which allows splitting of point
totals of 15-16). Jason places another $5 bet for the split hand.
The dealer splits the Jack and 5 and starts by dealing the next
card to the Jack. The dealer deals a 6 onto the Jack so that the
player has a total of 16. In this example, the casino does not
allow the player to split non-identical ranks more than once, so
the player cannot split the Jack, 6 (although in another embodiment
the casino will allow players to resplit non-identical ranks). The
player can now decide to take additional cards or to `stay`. In
this case the player requests a `hit` and receives a `2` to make
18. The player now `stays` and the dealer moves to the next split
hand which has a 5 as the first card. The dealer deals a 5 to the 5
so that the player has a total of 10. In this example, since this
is a split hand, the casino would still allow the player to double
the split hand but would not allow the player to then replace the
double card. In an alternative embodiment, the casino would allow
the player to replace the double card at the player's choice, even
after a split. Jason elects to double and places a double wager of
$5 receives a 7 to make a total of 17. The dealer plays his or her
hand and, starting with the 8, turns over a 9 to make a total of
17. In this version `ties` are `pushed`, as in the regular game, so
the dealer will pay Jason's total of 18 and `push` the player's
total of 17. Thus, Jason wins $5 on the 18 but ties the $10 on the
doubled hand, for a net win of $5.
[0060] In yet further embodiments, a player receiving a blackjack
would win even though the dealer had achieved a bust point total
which would have otherwise resulted in a player push. In an
alternative embodiment, in the situation where the dealer's point
total results in a player push, then a player blackjack could push
also and the player would not win or lose.
[0061] In another embodiment, instead of paying blackjacks 3:2,
blackjacks can be paid at any other payout, such as 1:1, 7:5, 6:5,
etc. Alternatively, blackjacks can also be paid at a higher payout
than 3:2 (e.g., 2:1).
[0062] In yet another embodiment, the conditions relating the
ability to replace double cards and/or the ability to split
non-identical ranks can apply to "soft" totals as well as "hard
totals." In another embodiment, conditions for either (or both) of
these abilities applies to hard totals only.
[0063] In a further embodiment, a player may continue to split
non-identical ranks and identical ranks up to a predetermined
amount of times, e.g., 4 times.
[0064] In a further embodiment, a game as described herein can be
played on an electronic device, such as an electronic gaming
machine (EGM). The game can also be played over a computer
communications network, such as the Internet, and can also be
offered at online casinos.
[0065] FIG. 3 is an exemplary block diagram of hardware that can be
used to implement an electronic embodiment.
[0066] A processing unit 300 can be connected to an output unit 302
(e.g., LCD), an input unit 304 (e.g. a touch screen, keyboard,
buttons, etc.), a network connection 306 (e.g. connection to a
casino server or the Internet or other communication network), a
ROM 308, a RAM 310, and any other hardware known in the art needed
to implemented a digital version of the game (not pictured). The
game can also be served to a remote client playing at an online
casino over a computer communications network (such as the
internet).
[0067] Any embodiments described herein can be played with a
standard deck of cards or any type of special deck (e.g. a Spanish
deck, etc.) The game can also be played with a single deck or
multiple decks (e.g. 1-8 decks or more). Standard rules of
blackjack can be used as well as any known variation of blackjack.
Further, the order of any of the operations described herein can be
performed in any order and wagers can be placed/resolved in any
order. Any embodiments herein can also be played in electronic form
and programs and/or data for such can be stored on any type of
computer readable storage medium (e.g. CD-ROM, DVD, disk, etc.)
[0068] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the detailed specification and, thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention that fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will
readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to
limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
illustrated and described, and accordingly all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the invention.
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