U.S. patent application number 14/322557 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-29 for game with interim betting.
The applicant listed for this patent is CFPH, LLC. Invention is credited to Lee Amaitis, Kevin Burman.
Application Number | 20150031429 14/322557 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40876912 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150031429 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Amaitis; Lee ; et
al. |
January 29, 2015 |
GAME WITH INTERIM BETTING
Abstract
Systems and methods related to the play of games that include
interim betting. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Amaitis; Lee; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Burman; Kevin; (Hunters Hill NSW, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CFPH, LLC |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
40876912 |
Appl. No.: |
14/322557 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12015942 |
Jan 17, 2008 |
|
|
|
14322557 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20130101; A63F
2001/001 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3288 20130101; G07F
17/3293 20130101; A63F 2001/008 20130101; G07F 17/322 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/12 |
International
Class: |
A63F 1/00 20060101
A63F001/00; G07F 17/32 20060101 G07F017/32 |
Claims
1-33. (canceled)
34. An apparatus comprising: a computer-readable medium that is
non-transitory, in which the computer-readable medium stores
instructions which, when executed by a processor, direct the
processor to: provide an indication of at least one first card
dealt in a game of Baccarat after a first wager on the game has
been made, receive an indication of a house edge; determine odds
for a second wager based at least in part on the fact that the at
least one first card has been dealt, in which determining the odds
corresponds to the house edge, in which the second wager is based,
at least in part, on at least one second card to be dealt in the
game of Baccarat, receive an indication of the second wager after
the indication of the at least one first card in the game of
Baccarat has been provided, provide an indication of the at least
one second card, determine an outcome of the second wager based at
least in part on the at least one second card, and provide an
indication of the outcome.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, in which the second wager is a wager
based on a characteristic of the at least one second card, in which
the at least one second card is a single card.
36. The system of claim 35, in which the characteristic includes at
least one of a point value, a number, and a suit.
37. The system of claim 34, in which the second wager is a wager
based on a characteristic of at least one of a single card of a
Banker in the game of Baccarat, and a single card of a Player in
the game of Baccarat.
38. The system of claim 37, in which the characteristic includes at
least one of a point value, a number, and a suit.
39. The system of claim 34, in which the second wager includes a
wager based on an outcome of the game of Baccarat.
40. The system of claim 34, in which the at least one first card
includes at least one card dealt to at least one of a Banker in the
game of Baccarat and a Player in the game of Baccarat.
41. The system of claim 34, in which determining odds for the
second wager includes referencing, after providing the indication
of the at least one first card, a lookup table in which a plurality
of possible odds for the second wager are stored and keyed based on
a current state of the game.
42. The system of claim 34, in which providing the indications
includes providing the indications to a gaming client, and in which
receiving the indication includes receiving indication from the
gaming client.
43. The system of claim 34, in which at least one of the
indications includes an XML message.
44. The system of claim 34, in which the outcome includes at least
one of an amount won by the second wager, an amount lost by the
second wager, whether the second wager is a winning wager, and
whether the second wager is a losing wager.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/015,942 filed Jan. 17, 2008, which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0002] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of components for a
hand-reading system, according to some embodiments; and
[0003] FIG. 2 shows an apparatus for playing a game, according to
some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0004] The following sections I-X provide a guide to interpreting
the present application.
I. TERMS
[0005] The term "product" means any machine, manufacture and/or
composition of matter, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0006] The term "process" means any process, algorithm, method or
the like, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0007] Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or
otherwise) inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all
references to a "step" or "steps" of a process have an inherent
antecedent basis in the mere recitation of the term `process` or a
like term. Accordingly, any reference in a claim to a `step` or
`steps` of a process has sufficient antecedent basis.
[0008] The term "invention" and the like mean "the one or more
inventions disclosed in this application", unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0009] The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the
embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some
embodiments", "certain embodiments", "one embodiment", "another
embodiment" and the like mean "one or more (but not all)
embodiments of the disclosed invention(s)", unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0010] The term "variation" of an invention means an embodiment of
the invention, unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0011] A reference to "another embodiment" in describing an
embodiment does not imply that the referenced embodiment is
mutually exclusive with another embodiment (e.g., an embodiment
described before the referenced embodiment), unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0012] The terms "including", "comprising" and variations thereof
mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0013] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0014] The term "plurality" means "two or more", unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0015] The term "herein" means "in the present application,
including anything which may be incorporated by reference", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0016] The phrase "at least one of", when such phrase modifies a
plurality of things (such as an enumerated list of things) means
any combination of one or more of those things, unless expressly
specified otherwise. For example, the phrase "at least one of a
widget, a car and a wheel" means either (i) a widget, (ii) a car,
(iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car, (v) a widget and a wheel,
(vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, a car and a wheel. The
phrase "at least one of", when such phrase modifies a plurality of
things does not mean "one of each of" the plurality of things.
[0017] Numerical terms such as "one", "two", etc. when used as
cardinal numbers to indicate quantity of something (e.g., one
widget, two widgets), mean the quantity indicated by that numerical
term, but do not mean at least the quantity indicated by that
numerical term. For example, the phrase "one widget" does not mean
"at least one widget", and therefore the phrase "one widget" does
not cover, e.g., two widgets.
[0018] The phrase "based on" does not mean "based only on", unless
expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based
on" describes both "based only on" and "based at least on". The
phrase "based at least on" is equivalent to the phrase "based at
least in part on".
[0019] The term "represent" and like terms are not exclusive,
unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the term
"represents" do not mean "represents only", unless expressly
specified otherwise. In other words, the phrase "the data
represents a credit card number" describes both "the data
represents only a credit card number" and "the data represents a
credit card number and the data also represents something
else".
[0020] The term "whereby" is used herein only to precede a clause
or other set of words that express only the intended result,
objective or consequence of something that is previously and
explicitly recited. Thus, when the term "whereby" is used in a
claim, the clause or other words that the term "whereby" modifies
do not establish specific further limitations of the claim or
otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.
[0021] The term "e.g." and like terms mean "for example", and thus
does not limit the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the
sentence "the computer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data
structure) over the Internet", the term "e.g." explains that
"instructions" are an example of "data" that the computer may send
over the Internet, and also explains that "a data structure" is an
example of "data" that the computer may send over the Internet.
However, both "instructions" and "a data structure" are merely
examples of "data", and other things besides "instructions" and "a
data structure" can be "data".
[0022] The term "respective" and like terms mean "taken
individually". Thus if two or more things have "respective"
characteristics, then each such thing has its own characteristic,
and these characteristics can be different from each other but need
not be. For example, the phrase "each of two machines has a
respective function" means that the first such machine has a
function and the second such machine has a function as well. The
function of the first machine may or may not be the same as the
function of the second machine.
[0023] The term "i.e." and like terms mean "that is", and thus
limits the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence
"the computer sends data (i.e., instructions) over the Internet",
the term "i.e." explains that "instructions" are the "data" that
the computer sends over the Internet.
[0024] Any given numerical range shall include whole and fractions
of numbers within the range. For example, the range "1 to 10" shall
be interpreted to specifically include whole numbers between 1 and
10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . 9) and non-whole numbers (e.g., 1.1,
1.2, . . . 1.9).
[0025] Where two or more terms or phrases are synonymous (e.g.,
because of an explicit statement that the terms or phrases are
synonymous), instances of one such term/phrase does not mean
instances of another such term/phrase must have a different
meaning. For example, where a statement renders the meaning of
"including" to be synonymous with "including but not limited to",
the mere usage of the phrase "including but not limited to" does
not mean that the term "including" means something other than
"including but not limited to".
[0026] An "indication" of a thing may include anything from which
at least part of the thing and/or a transformation of the thing may
be derived. In some implementations, an indication of information,
for example, may include an electronic message that may be
interpreted by a receiver and/or transmitter of the message into at
least a portion of the information and/or at least a portion of a
transformation of the information. As another example, an
indication of a final outcome of a hand may include a statement of
the winner of the hand, a statement of the loser of the hand, the
final cards making up the final state of the hand, a statement of
winning for the hand, and/or any other information.
[0027] A wager may include anything describing bets that a player
may make. For example, a wager may include a proposition that a
particular card will be drawn. The wager may describe the payouts
for various bets made on that proposition and/or any other
information that may be relevant to a player deciding on whether to
place a bet on the proposition.
[0028] Betting on a thing may include risking money or other
valuables on whether a thing will or will not happen.
II. DETERMINING
[0029] The term "determining" and grammatical variants thereof
(e.g., to determine a price, determining a value, determine an
object which meets a certain criterion) is used in an extremely
broad sense. The term "determining" encompasses a wide variety of
actions and therefore "determining" can include calculating,
computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g.,
looking up in a table, a database or another data structure),
ascertaining and the like. Also, "determining" can include
receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing
data in a memory) and the like. Also, "determining" can include
resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.
[0030] The term "determining" does not imply certainty or absolute
precision, and therefore "determining" can include estimating,
extrapolating, predicting, guessing and the like.
[0031] The term "determining" does not imply that mathematical
processing must be performed, and does not imply that numerical
methods must be used, and does not imply that an algorithm or
process is used.
[0032] The term "determining" does not imply that any particular
device must be used. For example, a computer need not necessarily
perform the determining
III. FORMS OF SENTENCES
[0033] Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a
feature as well as more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation
such as "at least one widget" covers one widget as well as more
than one widget), and where in a second claim that depends on the
first claim, the second claim uses a definite article "the" to
refer to the limitation (e.g., "the widget"), this does not imply
that the first claim covers only one of the feature, and this does
not imply that the second claim covers only one of the feature
(e.g., "the widget" can cover both one widget and more than one
widget).
[0034] When an ordinal number (such as "first", "second", "third"
and so on) is used as an adjective before a term, that ordinal
number is used (unless expressly specified otherwise) merely to
indicate a particular feature, such as to distinguish that
particular feature from another feature that is described by the
same term or by a similar term. For example, a "first widget" may
be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a "second widget".
Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second"
before the term "widget" does not indicate any other relationship
between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate any other
characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mere
usage of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term
"widget" (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or
after any other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that
either widget occurs or acts before or after any other in time; and
(3) does not indicate that either widget ranks above or below any
other, as in importance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of
ordinal numbers does not define a numerical limit to the features
identified with the ordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of
the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "widget"
does not indicate that there must be no more than two widgets.
[0035] When a single device, article or other product is described
herein, more than one device/article (whether or not they
cooperate) may alternatively be used in place of the single
device/article that is described. Accordingly, the functionality
that is described as being possessed by a device may alternatively
be possessed by more than one device/article (whether or not they
cooperate).
[0036] Similarly, where more than one device, article or other
product is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), a
single device/article may alternatively be used in place of the
more than one device or article that is described. For example, a
plurality of computer-based devices may be substituted with a
single computer-based device. Accordingly, the various
functionality that is described as being possessed by more than one
device or article may alternatively be possessed by a single
device/article.
[0037] The functionality and/or the features of a single device
that is described may be alternatively embodied by one or more
other devices which are described but are not explicitly described
as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments need
not include the described device itself, but rather can include the
one or more other devices which would, in those other embodiments,
have such functionality/features.
IV. DISCLOSED EXAMPLES AND TERMINOLOGY ARE NOT LIMITING
[0038] Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first
page of the present application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the
end of the present application) is to be taken as limiting in any
way as the scope of the disclosed invention(s). An Abstract has
been included in this application merely because an Abstract of not
more than 150 words is required under 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b).
[0039] The title of the present application and headings of
sections provided in the present application are for convenience
only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any
way.
[0040] Numerous embodiments are described in the present
application, and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The
described embodiments are not, and are not intended to be, limiting
in any sense. The presently disclosed invention(s) are widely
applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readily apparent from the
disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced with various
modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,
software, and electrical modifications. Although particular
features of the disclosed invention(s) may be described with
reference to one or more particular embodiments and/or drawings, it
should be understood that such features are not limited to usage in
the one or more particular embodiments or drawings with reference
to which they are described, unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0041] No embodiment of method steps or product elements described
in the present application constitutes the invention claimed
herein, or is essential to the invention claimed herein, or is
coextensive with the invention claimed herein, except where it is
either expressly stated to be so in this specification or expressly
recited in a claim.
[0042] All words in every claim have the broadest scope of meaning
they would have been given by a person of ordinary skill in the art
as of the priority date. No term used in any claim is specially
defined or limited by this application except where expressly so
stated either in this specification or in a claim.
[0043] The preambles of the claims that follow recite purposes,
benefits and possible uses of the claimed invention only and do not
limit the claimed invention.
[0044] The present disclosure is not a literal description of all
embodiments of the invention(s). Also, the present disclosure is
not a listing of features of the invention(s) which must be present
in all embodiments.
[0045] Devices that are described as in communication with each
other need not be in continuous communication with each other,
unless expressly specified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices
need only transmit to each other as necessary or desirable, and may
actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time. For
example, a machine in communication with another machine via the
Internet may not transmit data to the other machine for long period
of time (e.g. weeks at a time). In addition, devices that are in
communication with each other may communicate directly or
indirectly through one or more intermediaries.
[0046] A description of an embodiment with several components or
features does not imply that all or even any of such
components/features are required. On the contrary, a variety of
optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of
possible embodiments of the present invention(s). Unless otherwise
specified explicitly, no component/feature is essential or
required.
[0047] Although process steps, algorithms or the like may be
described or claimed in a particular sequential order, such
processes may be configured to work in different orders. In other
words, any sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly
described or claimed does not necessarily indicate a requirement
that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processes
described herein may be performed in any order possible. Further,
some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described
or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step
is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a
process by its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the
illustrated process is exclusive of other variations and
modifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process
or any of its steps are necessary to the invention(s), and does not
imply that the illustrated process is preferred.
[0048] Although a process may be described as including a plurality
of steps, that does not imply that all or any of the steps are
preferred, essential or required. Various other embodiments within
the scope of the described invention(s) include other processes
that omit some or all of the described steps. Unless otherwise
specified explicitly, no step is essential or required.
[0049] Although a process may be described singly or without
reference to other products or methods, in an embodiment the
process may interact with other products or methods. For example,
such interaction may include linking one business model to another
business model. Such interaction may be provided to enhance the
flexibility or desirability of the process.
[0050] Although a product may be described as including a plurality
of components, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features,
that does not indicate that any or all of the plurality are
preferred, essential or required. Various other embodiments within
the scope of the described invention(s) include other products that
omit some or all of the described plurality.
[0051] An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be
numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually
exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an
enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does
not imply that any or all of the items are comprehensive of any
category, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the
enumerated list "a computer, a laptop, a PDA" does not imply that
any or all of the three items of that list are mutually exclusive
and does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list
are comprehensive of any category.
[0052] An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be
numbered) does not imply that any or all of the items are
equivalent to each other or readily substituted for each other.
[0053] All embodiments are illustrative, and do not imply that the
invention or any embodiments were made or performed, as the case
may be.
V. COMPUTING
[0054] It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
art that the various processes described herein may be implemented
by, e.g., appropriately programmed general purpose computers,
special purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a
processor (e.g., one or more microprocessors, one or more
microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors) will
receive instructions (e.g., from a memory or like device), and
execute those instructions, thereby performing one or more
processes defined by those instructions. Instructions may be
embodied in, e.g., one or more computer programs, one or more
scripts.
[0055] A "processor" means one or more microprocessors, central
processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers,
digital signal processors, or like devices or any combination
thereof, regardless of the architecture (e.g., chip-level
multiprocessing/multi-core, RISC, CISC, Microprocessor without
Interlocked Pipeline Stages, pipelining configuration, simultaneous
multithreading).
[0056] Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of
an apparatus for performing the process. The apparatus that
performs the process can include, e.g., a processor and those input
devices and output devices that are appropriate to perform the
process.
[0057] Further, programs that implement such methods (as well as
other types of data) may be stored and transmitted using a variety
of media (e.g., computer readable media) in a number of manners. In
some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be
used in place of, or in combination with, some or all of the
software instructions that can implement the processes of various
embodiments. Thus, various combinations of hardware and software
may be used instead of software only.
[0058] The term "computer-readable medium" refers to any medium, a
plurality of the same, or a combination of different media, that
participate in providing data (e.g., instructions, data structures)
which may be read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such
a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to,
non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.
Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks
and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random
access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes the main memory.
Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber
optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to
the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic
waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those
generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data
communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include,
for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic
tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical
medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with
patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any
other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described
hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can
read.
[0059] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in
carrying data (e.g. sequences of instructions) to a processor. For
example, data may be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor; (ii)
carried over a wireless transmission medium; (iii) formatted and/or
transmitted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols,
such as Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth.quadrature.,
and TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G; and/or (iv) encrypted to ensure
privacy or prevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in
the art.
[0060] Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of
a computer-readable medium storing a program for performing the
process. The computer-readable medium can store (in any appropriate
format) those program elements which are appropriate to perform the
method.
[0061] Just as the description of various steps in a process does
not indicate that all the described steps are required, embodiments
of an apparatus include a computer/computing device operable to
perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described
process.
[0062] Likewise, just as the description of various steps in a
process does not indicate that all the described steps are
required, embodiments of a computer-readable medium storing a
program or data structure include a computer-readable medium
storing a program that, when executed, can cause a processor to
perform some (but not necessarily all) of the described
process.
[0063] Where databases are described, it will be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art that (i) alternative database
structures to those described may be readily employed, and (ii)
other memory structures besides databases may be readily employed.
Any illustrations or descriptions of any sample databases presented
herein are illustrative arrangements for stored representations of
information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed
besides those suggested by, e.g., tables illustrated in drawings or
elsewhere. Similarly, any illustrated entries of the databases
represent exemplary information only; one of ordinary skill in the
art will understand that the number and content of the entries can
be different from those described herein. Further, despite any
depiction of the databases as tables, other formats (including
relational databases, object-based models and/or distributed
databases) could be used to store and manipulate the data types
described herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a
database can be used to implement various processes, such as the
described herein. In addition, the databases may, in a known
manner, be stored locally or remotely from a device which accesses
data in such a database.
[0064] Various embodiments can be configured to work in a network
environment including a computer that is in communication (e.g.,
via a communications network) with one or more devices. The
computer may communicate with the devices directly or indirectly,
via any wired or wireless medium (e.g. the Internet, LAN, WAN or
Ethernet, Token Ring, a telephone line, a cable line, a radio
channel, an optical communications line, commercial on-line service
providers, bulletin board systems, a satellite communications link,
a combination of any of the above). Each of the devices may
themselves comprise computers or other computing devices, such as
those based on the Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. or Centrino.TM.
processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any
number and type of devices may be in communication with the
computer.
[0065] In some embodiments, a server computer and one or more
client computers may perform desired actions. Actions may be
performed by one or more of the clients and/or servers in
accordance with a desired distribution of labor. Such distribution
of labor may be made based on where the actions may be performed
more securely, more quickly, and/or more cost-effectively. For
example, in some implementations, complex calculations may be
performed by a central server to increase speed, display related
calculations may be performed by a client because they may be
simple, outcome determining calculations may be performed by a
central server in order to ensure the validity of the calculations
and allow tweaking of odds to be performed at a single location. It
should be recognized that any desired actions may be divided among
a server and any number of clients in any desired way.
[0066] In an embodiment, a server computer or centralized authority
may not be necessary or desirable. For example, the present
invention may, in an embodiment, be practiced on one or more
devices without a central authority. In such an embodiment, any
functions described herein as performed by the server computer or
data described as stored on the server computer may instead be
performed by or stored on one or more such devices.
[0067] Where a process is described, in an embodiment the process
may operate without any user intervention. In another embodiment,
the process includes some human intervention (e.g., a step is
performed by or with the assistance of a human).
VI. CONTINUING APPLICATIONS
[0068] The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in
the art, an enabling description of several embodiments and/or
inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be
claimed in the present application, but may nevertheless be claimed
in one or more continuing applications that claim the benefit of
priority of the present application.
[0069] Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursue
patents for subject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but
not claimed in the present application.
VII. 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, PARAGRAPH 6
[0070] In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes the
phrase "means for" or the phrase "step for" means that 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, paragraph 6, applies to that limitation.
[0071] In a claim, a limitation of the claim which does not include
the phrase "means for" or the phrase "step for" means that 35
U.S.C. .sctn.112, paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation,
regardless of whether that limitation recites a function without
recitation of structure, material or acts for performing that
function. For example, in a claim, the mere use of the phrase "step
of" or the phrase "steps of" in referring to one or more steps of
the claim or of another claim does not mean that 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.112, paragraph 6, applies to that step(s).
[0072] With respect to a means or a step for performing a specified
function in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, paragraph 6, the
corresponding structure, material or acts described in the
specification, and equivalents thereof, may perform additional
functions as well as the specified function.
[0073] Computers, processors, computing devices and like products
are structures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such
products can be operable to perform a specified function by
executing one or more programs, such as a program stored in a
memory device of that product or in a memory device which that
product accesses. Unless expressly specified otherwise, such a
program need not be based on any particular algorithm, such as any
particular algorithm that might be disclosed in the present
application. It is well known to one of ordinary skill in the art
that a specified function may be implemented via different
algorithms, and any of a number of different algorithms would be a
mere design choice for carrying out the specified function.
[0074] Therefore, with respect to a means or a step for performing
a specified function in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112,
paragraph 6, structure corresponding to a specified function
includes any product programmed to perform the specified function.
Such structure includes programmed products which perform the
function, regardless of whether such product is programmed with (i)
a disclosed algorithm for performing the function, (ii) an
algorithm that is similar to a disclosed algorithm, or (iii) a
different algorithm for performing the function.
[0075] Where there is recited a means for performing a function
that is a method, one structure for performing this method includes
a computing device (e.g., a general purpose computer) that is
programmed and/or configured with appropriate hardware to perform
that function.
[0076] Also includes a computing device (e.g., a general purpose
computer) that is programmed and/or configured with appropriate
hardware to perform that function via other algorithms as would be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
VIII. DISCLAIMER
[0077] Numerous references to a particular embodiment does not
indicate a disclaimer or disavowal of additional, different
embodiments, and similarly references to the description of
embodiments which all include a particular feature does not
indicate a disclaimer or disavowal of embodiments which do not
include that particular feature. A clear disclaimer or disavowal in
the present application shall be prefaced by the phrase "does not
include" or by the phrase "cannot perform".
IX. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0078] Any patent, patent application or other document referred to
herein is incorporated by reference into this patent application as
part of the present disclosure, but only for purposes of written
description in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, paragraph 1 and
enablement in accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, paragraph 1, and
should in no way be used to limit, define, or otherwise construe
any term of the present application where the present application,
without such incorporation by reference, would not have failed to
provide an ascertainable meaning, but rather would have allowed an
ascertainable meaning for such term to be provided. Thus, the
person of ordinary skill in the art need not have been in any way
limited by any embodiments provided in the reference
[0079] Any incorporation by reference does not, in and of itself,
imply any endorsement of, ratification of or acquiescence in any
statements, opinions, arguments or characterizations contained in
any incorporated patent, patent application or other document,
unless explicitly specified otherwise in this patent
application.
X. PROSECUTION HISTORY
[0080] In interpreting the present application (which includes the
claims), one of ordinary skill in the art shall refer to the
prosecution history of the present application, but not to the
prosecution history of any other patent or patent application,
regardless of whether there are other patent applications that are
considered related to the present application, and regardless of
whether there are other patent applications that share a claim of
priority with the present application.
XI. CARDS
[0081] Playing cards have been in existence for many years.
Although there are many types of playing cards that are played in
many different types of games, the most common type of playing
cards consists of 52 cards, divided out into four different suits
(namely Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Clubs) which are printed or
indicated on one side or on the face of each card. In the standard
deck, each of the four suits of cards consists of 13 cards,
numbered either two through ten, or lettered A (Ace), K (King), Q
(Queen), or J (Jack), which is also printed or indicated on the
face of each card. Each card will thus contain on its face a suit
indication along with a number or letter indication. The King,
Queen, and Jack usually also include some sort of design on the
face of the card, and may be referred to as picture cards.
[0082] In some cases, the 52 card standard playing deck also
contains a number of extra cards, sometimes referred to as jokers,
that may have some use or meaning depending on the particular game
being played with the deck. For example, if a card game includes
the jokers, then if a player receives a joker in his "hand" he may
use it as any card in the deck. If the player has the ten, jack,
queen and king of Spades, along with a joker, the player would use
the joker as an Ace of Spades. The player will then have a Royal
Flush (ten through Ace of Spades).
[0083] Many different games can be played using a standard deck of
playing cards. The game being played with the standard deck of
cards may include other items, such as game boards, chips, etc., or
the game being played may only need the playing card deck itself.
In most of the games played using a standard deck of cards, a value
is assigned to each card. The value may differ for different
games.
[0084] Usually, the card value begins with the number two card as
the lowest value and increases as the numbers increase through ten,
followed in order of increasing value with the Jack, Queen, King
and Ace. In some games the Ace may have a lower value than the two,
and in games where a particular card is determined to be wild, or
have any value, that card may have the greatest value of all. For
example, in card games where deuces, or twos, are wild, the player
holding a playing card containing a two can use that two as any
other card, such that a nine and a two would be the equivalent of
two nines.
[0085] Further, the four different suits indicated on the cards may
have a particular value depending on the game. Under game rules
where one suit, i.e., Spades, has more value than another suit,
i.e., Hearts, the seven of Spades may have more value than the
seven of Hearts.
[0086] It is easy to visualize that using the different card
quantity and suit values, many different games can be played. In
certain games, it is the combination of cards that one player
obtains that determines whether or not that player has defeated the
other player or players. Usually, the more difficult the
combination is to obtain, the more value the combination has, and
the player who obtains the more difficult combination (also taking
into account the value of the cards) wins the game.
[0087] For instance in the game of Poker, each player may
ultimately receive five cards. The player who obtains three cards
having similar numbers on their face, i.e., the four of Hearts,
four of Diamonds and four of Clubs, will defeat the player having
only two cards with the same numerical value, i.e., the King of
Spades and the King of Hearts. However, the player with five cards
that all contain Clubs, commonly known as a flush, will defeat the
player with the same three of a kind described above.
[0088] In many instances, a standard deck of playing cards is used
to create gaming machines. In these gaming machines players insert
coins and play certain card games, such as poker, using an
imitation of standard playing cards on a video screen, in an
attempt to win back more money than they originally inserted into
the machine.
[0089] Another form of gambling using playing cards utilizes
tables, otherwise known as table games. A table uses a table and a
dealer, with the players sitting or standing around the table. The
players place their bets on the table and the dealer deals the
cards to each player. The number of cards dealt, or whether the
cards are dealt face up or face down, will depend on the particular
table game being played.
[0090] Further, an imitation or depiction of a standard playing
card is used in many handheld electronic games, such as poker and
blackjack, and in many computer games and Internet games. Using a
handheld electronic game or a computer terminal that may or may not
be connected to the Internet, a player receives the imitation
playing cards and plays a card game either against the computer or
against other players. Further, many of these games can be played
on the computer in combination with gambling.
[0091] Also, there are many game shows that are broadcasted on
television that use a deck of playing cards in the game play, in
which the cards are usually enlarged or shown on a video screen or
monitor for easy viewing. In these television game shows, the
participants play the card game for prizes or money, usually
against each other, with an individual acting as a host overseeing
the action.
[0092] Also, there are lottery tickets that players purchase and
play by "scratching off" an opaque layer to see if they have won
money and prizes. The opaque layer prevents the player from knowing
the results of the lottery ticket prior to purchasing and
scratching off the layer. In some of these lottery tickets, playing
cards are used under the opaque layer and the player may need to
match a number of similar cards in order to win the prizes or
money.
XII. RULES OF CARD GAMES
Rules of Poker
[0093] In a basic poker game, which is played with a standard
52-card deck, each player is dealt five cards. All five cards in
each players hand are evaluated as a single hand with the presence
of various combinations of the cards such as pairs,
three-of-a-kind, straight, etc. Determining which combinations
prevail over other combinations is done by reference to a table
containing a ranking of the combinations. Rankings in most tables
are based on the odds of each combination occurring in the player's
hand. Regardless of the number of cards in a player's hand, the
values assigned to the cards, and the odds, the method of
evaluating all five cards in a player's hand remain the same.
[0094] Poker is a popular skill-based card game in which players
with fully or partially concealed cards make bets into a central
pot. The pot is awarded to the player or players with the best
combination of cards or to the player who makes an uncalled bet.
Poker can also refer to video poker, a single-player game seen in
casinos much like a slot machine, or to other games that use poker
hand rankings.
[0095] Poker is played in a multitude of variations, but most
follow the same basic pattern of play.
[0096] The right to deal each hand typically rotates among the
players and is marked by a token called a `dealer` button or buck.
In a casino, a house dealer handles the cards for each hand, but a
button (typically a white plastic disk) is rotated clockwise among
the players to indicate a nominal dealer to determine the order of
betting.
[0097] For each hand, one or more players are required to make
forced bets to create an initial stake for which the players will
contest. The dealer shuffles the cards, he cuts, and the
appropriate number of cards are dealt to the players one at a time.
Cards may be dealt either face-up or face-down, depending on the
variant of poker being played. After the initial deal, the first of
what may be several betting rounds begins. Between rounds, the
players' hands develop in some way, often by being dealt additional
cards or replacing cards previously dealt. At the end of each
round, all bets are gathered into the central pot.
[0098] At any time during a betting round, if a player makes a bet,
opponents are required to fold, call or raise. If one player bets
and no opponents choose to match the bet, the hand ends
immediately, the bettor is awarded the pot, no cards are required
to be shown, and the next hand begins. The ability to win a pot
without showing a hand makes bluffing possible. Bluffing is a
primary feature of poker, one that distinguishes it from other
vying games and from other games that make use of poker hand
rankings.
[0099] At the end of the last betting round, if more than one
player remains, there is a showdown, in which the players reveal
their previously hidden cards and evaluate their hands. The player
with the best hand according to the poker variant being played wins
the pot.
[0100] The most popular poker variants are as follows:
[0101] Draw Poker [0102] Players each receive five--as in five-card
draw--or more cards, all of which are hidden. They can then replace
one or more of these cards a certain number of times.
[0103] Stud Poker [0104] Players receive cards one at a time, some
being displayed to other players at the table. The key difference
between stud and `draw` poker is that players are not allowed to
discard or replace any cards.
[0105] Community Card Poker [0106] Players combine individually
dealt cards with a number of "community cards" dealt face up and
shared by all players. Two or four individual cards may be dealt in
the most popular variations, Texas hold 'em and Omaha hold 'em,
respectively.
Poker Hand Rankings
[0107] Straight Flush
[0108] A straight flush is a poker hand such as Q J 10 9 8, which
contains five cards in sequence, all of the same suit. Two such
hands are compared by their high card in the same way as are
straights. The low ace rule also applies: 5.diamond-solid.
4.diamond-solid. 3.diamond-solid. 2.diamond-solid. A.diamond-solid.
is a 5-high straight flush (also known as a "steel wheel"). An
ace-high straight flush such as A K Q J 10 is known as a royal
flush, and is the highest ranking standard poker hand (excluding
five of a kind).
Examples
[0109] 7 6 5 4 3 beats 5 4 3 2 A
[0110] J 10 9 8 7 ties J.diamond-solid. 10.diamond-solid.
9.diamond-solid. 8.diamond-solid. 7.diamond-solid.
[0111] Four of a Kind
[0112] Four of a kind, or quads, is a poker hand such as 9 9
9.diamond-solid. 9 J , which contains four cards of one rank, and
an unmatched card. It ranks above a full house and below a straight
flush. Higher ranking quads defeat lower ranking ones.
[0113] Between two equal sets of four of a kind (possible in wild
card and community card games), the kicker determines the
winner.
Examples
[0114] 10 10.diamond-solid. 10 10 5.diamond-solid. ("four tens" or
"quad tens") defeats 6.diamond-solid. 6 6 6 K ("four sixes" or
"quad sixes")
[0115] 10 10.diamond-solid. 10 10 Q ("four tens, queen kicker")
defeats 10 10.diamond-solid. 10 10 5.diamond-solid. ("four tens
with a five")
[0116] Full House
[0117] A full house, also known as a boat or a full boat, is a
poker hand such as 3 3 3.diamond-solid. 6 6 , which contains three
matching cards of one rank, plus two matching cards of another
rank. It ranks below a four of a kind and above a flush. Between
two full houses, the one with the higher ranking set of three wins.
If two have the same set of three (possible in wild card and
community card games), the hand with the higher pair wins. Full
houses are described by the three of a kind (e.g. Q-Q-Q) and pair
(e.g. 9-9), as in "Queens over nines" (also used to describe a two
pair), "Queens full of nines" or simply "Queens full".
Examples
[0118] 10 10 10.diamond-solid. 4 4.diamond-solid. ("tens full")
defeats 9 9 9 A A ("nines full")
[0119] K K K 3.diamond-solid. 3 ("kings full") defeats 3 3
3.diamond-solid. K K.diamond-solid. ("threes full")
[0120] Q Q.diamond-solid. Q 8 8 ("queens full of eights") defeats Q
Q.diamond-solid. Q 5 5 ("queens full of fives")
[0121] Flush
[0122] A flush is a poker hand such as Q 10 7 6 4, which contains
five cards of the same suit, not in rank sequence. It ranks above a
straight and below a full house. Two flushes are compared as if
they were high card hands. In other words, the highest ranking card
of each is compared to determine the winner; if both have the same
high card, then the second-highest ranking card is compared, etc.
The suits have no value: two flushes with the same five ranks of
cards are tied. Flushes are described by the highest card, as in
"queen-high flush".
Examples
[0123] A Q 10 5 3 ("ace-high flush") defeats K Q J 9 6 ("king-high
flush")
[0124] A.diamond-solid. K.diamond-solid. 7.diamond-solid.
6.diamond-solid. 2.diamond-solid. ("flush, ace-king high") defeats
A Q 10 5 3 ("flush, ace-queen high")
[0125] Q 10 9 5 2 ("heart flush") ties Q 10 9 5 2 ("spade
flush")
[0126] Straight
[0127] A straight is a poker hand such as Q J 10 9 8 , which
contains five cards of sequential rank, of varying suits. It ranks
above three of a kind and below a flush. Two straights are ranked
by comparing the high card of each. Two straights with the same
high card are of equal value, and split any winnings (straights are
the most commonly tied hands in poker, especially in community card
games). Straights are described by the highest card, as in
"queen-high straight" or "straight to the queen".
[0128] A hand such as A K Q.diamond-solid. J 10 is an ace-high
straight, and ranks above a king-high straight such as K Q J 10
9.diamond-solid.. But the ace may also be played as a 1-spot in a
hand such as 5 4.diamond-solid. 3.diamond-solid. 2 A, called a
wheel or five-high straight, which ranks below the six-high
straight 6 5 4 3 2 . The ace may not "wrap around", or play both
high and low in the same hand: 3 2.diamond-solid.A K Q is not a
straight, but just ace-high no pair.
Examples
[0129] 8 7 6 5 4 ("eight-high straight") defeats 6.diamond-solid. 5
4.diamond-solid. 3 2 ("six-high straight")
[0130] 8 7 6 5 4 ties 8 7.diamond-solid. 6 5 4
[0131] Three of a Kind
[0132] Three of a kind, also called trips, set or a prile, is a
poker hand such as 2.diamond-solid. 2 2 K 6, which contains three
cards of the same rank, plus two unmatched cards. It ranks above
two pair and below a straight. Higher ranking three of a kind
defeat lower ranking three of a kinds. If two hands have the same
rank three of a kind (possible in games with wild cards or
community cards), the kickers are compared to break the tie.
Examples
[0133] 8 8 8.diamond-solid. 5 3 ("three eights") defeats 5 5
5.diamond-solid. Q.diamond-solid. 10 ("three fives")
[0134] 8 8 8.diamond-solid. A 2.diamond-solid. ("three eights, ace
kicker") defeats 8 8 8.diamond-solid. 5 3 ("three eights, five
kicker")
[0135] Two Pair
[0136] A poker hand such as J J 4 4 9, which contains two cards of
the same rank, plus two cards of another rank (that match each
other but not the first pair), plus one unmatched card, is called
two pair. It ranks above one pair and below three of a kind.
Between two hands containing two pair, the higher ranking pair of
each is first compared, and the higher pair wins. If both have the
same top pair, then the second pair of each is compared. Finally,
if both hands have the same two pairs, the kicker determines the
winner. Two pair are described by the higher pair (e.g., K K) and
the lower pair (e.g., 9 9.diamond-solid.), as in "Kings over
nines", "Kings and nines" or simply "Kings up".
Examples
[0137] K K.diamond-solid. 2 2.diamond-solid. J ("kings up") defeats
J.diamond-solid. J 10 10 9 ("jacks up")
[0138] 9 9.diamond-solid. 7.diamond-solid. 7 6 ("nines and sevens")
defeats 9 9 5 5.diamond-solid. K ("nines and fives")
[0139] 4 4 3 3 K.diamond-solid. ("fours and threes, king kicker")
defeats 4 4.diamond-solid. 3.diamond-solid. 3 10 ("fours and threes
with a ten")
[0140] One Pair
[0141] One pair is a poker hand such as 4 4 K 10.diamond-solid. 5,
which contains two cards of the same rank, plus three unmatched
cards. It ranks above any high card hand, but below all other poker
hands. Higher ranking pairs defeat lower ranking pairs. If two
hands have the same rank of pair, the non-paired cards in each hand
(the kickers) are compared to determine the winner.
Examples
[0142] 10 10 6 4 2 ("pair of tens") defeats 9 9 A Q.diamond-solid.
10.diamond-solid. ("pair of nines")
[0143] 10 10.diamond-solid. J.diamond-solid. 3 2 ("tens with jack
kicker") defeats 10 10 6 4 2 ("tens with six kicker")
[0144] 2.diamond-solid. 2 8 5 4 ("deuces, eight-five-four") defeats
2 2 8 5 3 ("deuces, eight-five-three")
[0145] High Card
[0146] A high-card or no-pair hand is a poker hand such as K J 8
7.diamond-solid. 3, in which no two cards have the same rank, the
five cards are not in sequence, and the five cards are not all the
same suit. It can also be referred to as "nothing" or "garbage,"
and many other derogatory terms. It ranks below all other poker
hands. Two such hands are ranked by comparing the highest ranking
card; if those are equal, then the next highest ranking card; if
those are equal, then the third highest ranking card, etc. No-pair
hands are described by the one or two highest cards in the hand,
such as "king high" or "ace-queen high", or by as many cards as are
necessary to break a tie.
Examples
[0147] A.diamond-solid. 10.diamond-solid. 9 5 4 ("ace high")
defeats K Q.diamond-solid. J 8 7 ("king high")
[0148] A Q 7.diamond-solid. 5 2 ("ace-queen") defeats
A.diamond-solid. 10.diamond-solid. 9 5 4 ("ace-ten")
[0149] 7 6 5 4.diamond-solid. 2 ("seven-six-five-four") defeats 7
6.diamond-solid. 5.diamond-solid. 3 2 ("seven-six-five-three")
[0150] Decks Using a Bug
[0151] The use of joker as a bug creates a slight variation of game
play. When a joker is introduced in standard poker games it
functions as a fifth ace, or can be used as a flush or straight
card (though it can be used as a wild card too). Normally casino
draw poker variants use a joker, and thus the best possible hand is
five of a kind, as in A A.diamond-solid. A A Joker.
[0152] Rules of Caribbean Stud
[0153] Caribbean Stud.TM. poker may be played as follows. A player
and a dealer are each dealt five cards. If the dealer has a poker
hand having a value less than Ace-King combination or better, the
player automatically wins. If the dealer has a poker hand having a
value of an Ace-King combination or better, then the higher of the
player's or the dealer's hand wins. If the player wins, he may
receive an additional bonus payment depending on the poker rank of
his hand. In the commercial play of the game, a side bet is usually
required to allow a chance at a progressive jackpot. In Caribbean
Stud.TM. poker, it is the dealer's hand that must qualify. As the
dealer's hand is partially concealed during play (usually only one
card, at most) is displayed to the player before player wagering is
complete), the player must always be aware that even ranked player
hands can lose to a dealer's hand and no bonus will be paid out
unless the side bet has been made, and then usually only to hands
having a rank of a flush or higher.
[0154] Rules of Blackjack
[0155] Some versions of Blackjack are now described. Blackjack
hands are scored according to the point total of the cards in the
hand. The hand with the highest total wins as long as it is 21 or
less. If the total is greater than 21, it is a called a "bust."
Numbered cards 2 through 10 have a point value equal to their face
value, and face cards (i.e., Jack, Queen and King) are worth 10
points. An Ace is worth 11 points unless it would bust a hand, in
which case it is worth 1 point. Players play against the dealer and
win by having a higher point total no greater than 21. If the
player busts, the player loses, even if the dealer also busts. If
the player and dealer have hands with the same point value, this is
called a "push," and neither party wins the hand.
[0156] After the initial bets are placed, the dealer deals the
cards, either from one or more, but typically two, hand-held decks
of cards, or from a "shoe" containing multiple decks of cards,
generally at least four decks of cards, and typically many more. A
game in which the deck or decks of cards are hand-held is known as
a "pitch" game. "Pitch" games are generally not played in casinos.
When playing with more than one deck, the decks are shuffled
together in order to make it more difficult to remember which cards
have been dealt and which have not. The dealer deals two cards to
each player and to himself. Typically, one of the dealer's two
cards is dealt face-up so that all players can see it, and the
other is face down. The face-down card is called the "hole card."
In a European variation, the "hole card" is dealt after all the
players' cards are dealt and their hands have been played. The
players' cards are dealt face up from a shoe and face down if it is
a "pitch" game.
[0157] A two-card hand with a point value of 21 (i.e., an Ace and a
face card or a 10) is called a "Blackjack" or a "natural" and wins
automatically. A player with a "natural" is conventionally paid 3:2
on his bet, although in 2003 some Las Vegas casinos began paying
6:5, typically in games with only a single deck.
[0158] Once the first two cards have been dealt to each player and
the dealer, the dealer wins automatically if the dealer has a
"natural" and the player does not. If the player has a "natural"
and the dealer does not, the player automatically wins. If the
dealer and player both have a "natural," neither party wins the
hand.
[0159] If neither side has a "natural," each player completely
plays out their hand; when all players have finished, the dealer
plays his hand.
[0160] The playing of the hand typically involves a combination of
four possible actions "hitting," "standing," "doubling down," or
"splitting" his hand. Often another action called "surrendering" is
added. To "hit" is to take another card. To "stand" is to take no
more cards. To "double down" is to double the bet, take precisely
one more card and then "stand." When a player has identical value
cards, such as a pair of 8s, the player can "split" by placing an
additional bet and playing each card as the first card in two new
hands. To "surrender" is to forfeit half the player's bet and give
up his hand. "Surrender" is not an option in most casino games of
Blackjack. A player's turn ends if he "stands," "busts" or "doubles
down." If the player "busts," he loses even if the dealer
subsequently busts. This is the house advantage.
[0161] After all players have played their hands, the dealer then
reveals the dealer's hole card and plays his hand. According to
house rules (the prevalent casino rules), the dealer must hit until
he has a point total of at least 17, regardless of what the players
have. In most casinos, the dealer must also hit on a "soft" 17
(e.g., an Ace and 6). In a casino, the Blackjack table felt is
marked to indicate if the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17. If
the dealer busts, all remaining players win. Bets are normally paid
out at odds of 1:1.
[0162] Four of the common rule variations are one card split Aces,
early surrender, late surrender and double-down restrictions. In
the first variation, one card is dealt on each Ace and the player's
turn is over. In the second, the player has the option to surrender
before the dealer checks for Blackjack. In the third, the player
has the option to surrender after the dealer checks for Blackjack.
In the fourth, doubling-down is only permitted for certain card
combinations.
[0163] Insurance
[0164] Insurance is a commonly-offered betting option in which the
player can hedge his bet by betting that the dealer will win the
hand. If the dealer's "up card" is an Ace, the player is offered
the option of buying Insurance before the dealer checks his "hole
card." If the player wishes to take Insurance, the player can bet
an amount up to half that of his original bet. The Insurance bet is
placed separately on a special portion of the table, which is
usually marked with the words "Insurance Pays 2:1." The player
buying Insurance is betting that the dealer's "hole card" is one
with a value of 10 (i.e., a 10, Jack, Queen or King). Because the
dealer's up card is an Ace, the player who buys Insurance is
betting that the dealer has a "natural."
[0165] If the player originally bets $10 and the dealer shows an
Ace, the player can buy Insurance by betting up to $5. Suppose the
player makes a $5 Insurance bet and the player's hand with the two
cards dealt to him totals 19. If the dealer's hole card is revealed
to be a 10 after the Insurance betting period is over (the dealer
checks for a "natural" before the players play their hands), the
player loses his original $10 bet, but he wins the $5 Insurance bet
at odds of 2:1, winning $10 and therefore breaking even. In the
same situation, if the dealer's hole card is not one with a value
of ten, the player immediately loses his $5 Insurance bet. But if
the player chooses to stand on 19, and if the dealer's hand has a
total value less than 19, at the end of the dealer's turn, the
player wins his original $10 bet, making a net profit of $5. In the
same situation, if the dealer's hole card is not one with a value
of ten, again the player will immediately lose their $5 Insurance
bet, and if the dealer's hand has a total value greater than the
player's at the end of both of their turns, for example the player
stood on 19 and the dealer ended his turn with 20, the player loses
both his original $10 bet and his $5 Insurance bet.
[0166] Basic Strategy
[0167] Blackjack players can increase their expected winnings by
several means, one of which is "basic strategy." "Basic strategy"
is simply something that exists as a matter of general practice; it
has no official sanction. The "basic strategy" determines when to
hit and when to stand, as well as when doubling down or splitting
in the best course. Basic strategy is based on the player's point
total and the dealer's visible card. Under some conditions (e.g.,
playing with a single deck according to downtown Las Vegas rules)
the house advantage over a player using basic strategy can be as
low as 0.16%. Casinos offering options like surrender and
double-after-split may be giving the player using basic strategy a
statistical advantage and instead rely on players making mistakes
to provide a house advantage.
[0168] A number of optional rules can benefit a skilled player, for
example: if doubling down is permitted on any two-card hand other
than a natural; if "doubling down" is permitted after splitting; if
early surrender (forfeiting half the bet against a face or Ace up
card before the dealer checks for Blackjack) is permitted; if late
surrender is permitted; if re-splitting Aces is permitted
(splitting when the player has more than two cards in their hand,
and has just been dealt a second ace in their hand); if drawing
more than one card against a split Ace is permitted; if five or
more cards with a total no more than 21 is an automatic win
(referred to as "Charlies").
[0169] Other optional rules can be detrimental to a skilled player.
For example: if a "natural" pays less than 3:2 (e.g., Las Vegas
Strip single-deck Blackjack paying out at 6:5 for a "natural"); if
a hand can only be split once (is re-splitting possible for other
than aces); if doubling down is restricted to certain totals (e.g.,
9 11 or 10 11); if Aces may not be re-split; if the rules are those
of "no-peek" (or European) Blackjack, according to which the player
loses hands that have been split or "doubled down" to a dealer who
has a "natural" (because the dealer does not check for this
automatically winning hand until the players had played their
hands); if the player loses ties with the dealer, instead of
pushing where neither the player or the dealer wins and the player
retains their original bet.
[0170] Card Counting
[0171] Unlike some other casino games, in which one play has no
influence on any subsequent play, a hand of Blackjack removes those
cards from the deck. As cards are removed from the deck, the
probability of each of the remaining cards being dealt is altered
(and dealing the same cards becomes impossible). If the remaining
cards have an elevated proportion of 10-value cards and Aces, the
player is more likely to be dealt a natural, which is to the
player's advantage (because the dealer wins even money when the
dealer has a natural, while the player wins at odds of 3:2 when the
player has a natural). If the remaining cards have an elevated
proportion of low-value cards, such as 4s, 5s and 6s, the player is
more likely to bust, which is to the dealer's advantage (because if
the player busts, the dealer wins even if the dealer later
busts).
[0172] The house advantage in Blackjack is relatively small at the
outset. By keeping track of which cards have been dealt, a player
can take advantage of the changing proportions of the remaining
cards by betting higher amounts when there is an elevated
proportion of 10-value cards and Aces and by better lower amounts
when there is an elevated proportion of low-value cards. Over time,
the deck will be unfavorable to the player more often than it is
favorable, but by adjusting the amounts that he bets, the player
can overcome that inherent disadvantage. The player can also use
this information to refine basic strategy. For instance, basic
strategy calls for hitting on a 16 when the dealer's up card is a
10, but if the player knows that the deck has a disproportionately
small number of low-value cards remaining, the odds may be altered
in favor of standing on the 16.
[0173] There are a number of card-counting schemes, all dependent
for their efficacy on the player's ability to remember either a
simplified or detailed tally of the cards that have been played.
The more detailed the tally, the more accurate it is, but the
harder it is to remember. Although card counting is not illegal,
casinos will eject or ban successful card counters if they are
detected.
[0174] Shuffle tracking is a more obscure, and difficult, method of
attempting to shift the odds in favor of the player. The player
attempts to track groups of cards during the play of a multi-deck
shoe, follow them through the shuffle, and then looks for the same
group to reappear from the new shoe, playing and betting
accordingly.
Rules of Baccarat
[0175] Some versions of Baccarat are now described. In Baccarat,
cards 2-9 are worth face value, 10's and face cards (J, Q, K) are
worth zero, and Aces are worth 1 point. Players calculate their
score by taking the sum of all cards and performing a modulo 10
operation on the sum. For example, a hand consisting of 2 and 3 is
worth 5 (2+3=5). A hand consisting of 6 and 7 is worth 3 (6+7=13
mod 10=3). A hand consisting of 4 and 6 is worth zero, which is
also referred to as Baccarat (4+6=10 mod 10=0). The name "Baccarat"
is used to describe the worst hand of the game i.e., one worth 0
points. The highest score that can be achieved is 9.
[0176] One common variation of Baccarat is referred to as Punto
Banco. In Punto Banco, players may bet on either a Player hand or a
Banker hand. The initial deal comprises two cards dealt to each of
the Player hand and the Banker hand. Both cards in each hand are
then turned over and added together to determine the initial score
of each hand. After the deal, play is controlled by rules without
controlling input from any players. Depending on the two hands, the
Player and Banker will draw a card or stand. The hand with the
highest total after each participant acts is the winning hand.
[0177] If either the Player or the Banker achieves a total of 8 or
9 on the initial deal (known as a `natural`), no further cards are
drawn. If neither Player has an 8 or a 9, play proceeds as follows.
[0178] If the Player has an initial total of 0-5, the Player draws
a single card. If the Player has an initial total of 6 or 7, he
stands. [0179] The Banker's play depends on the Banker's hand, on
whether the Player drew a card, and on what card the Player drew:
[0180] If the Player did not draw a card, the Banker draws if he
has 0-5, and stands if he has 6-7. [0181] If the Player drew a 2 or
3, the Banker draws if he has 0-4, and stands if he has 5-7. [0182]
If the Player drew a 4 or 5, the Banker draws if he has 0-5, and
stands if he has 6-7. [0183] If the Player drew a 6 or 7, the
Banker draws if he has 0-6, and stands if he has 7. [0184] If the
Player drew an 8, the Banker draws if he has 0-2, and stands if he
has 3-7. [0185] If the Player drew an ace, 9, 10, or face-card, the
Banker draws if he has 0-3, and stands if he has 4-7.
[0186] After hands are played, the winner and loser will be
determined based on the final scores of the hands. Losing bets will
be collected and the winning bets will be paid according to the
rules of the house. In some embodiments, 1-1 will be paid for the
Player and 95% for the `Banker`, with a 5% commission to the house.
Some embodiments pay even money or 1-1 to both `Player` and
`Banker` except when the `Banker` wins with 6. Then the `Banker`
will be paid 50% or half the original bet. Other embodiments may
have other payouts associated with various wagers, as is described
in more detail below.
[0187] If both the `Banker's` hand and the `Player's` hand have the
same value at the end of the deal a tie outcome. A tie may be
referred to as an egalite. In some embodiments, a tie bet will be
paid at the odds of 9 for 1, 8 to 1, or any other desired odds. In
some embodiments, in the event of a tie, players betting on Player
of Banker may reclaim their initial bets. In other embodiments,
these bets may be lost.
[0188] Another version of Baccarat is known as Chemin de Fer.
Chemin de Fer generally involves six full packs of cards of the
same pattern shuffled together. Shuffling in Chemin de Fer
typically involves a first player, known as the croupier shuffling
the cards, and then passing them on, each player having the right
to shuffle in turn. When they have made the circuit of the table,
the croupier again shuffles, and, having done so, offers the cards
to the player on his left, who cuts. The croupier places the cards
before him, and, taking a manageable quantity from the top, hands
it to the player on his right, who for the time being is dealer, or
"Banker." Of course, other implementations may include any
variation from this tradition.
[0189] The dealer places before him the amount he is disposed to
risk. The other players, beginning with the player on the immediate
right of the dealer, is entitled to say "Banco", meaning to "go
bank," to play against the whole of the Banker's stake. If no one
does so, each player places a desired bet amount before him. If the
total so bet by the players is not equal to the amount for the time
being in the bank, other persons standing round may stake in
addition. If it is more than equal to the amount in the bank, the
players nearest in order to the Banker have the preference to stake
up to such amount, the Banker having the right to decline any stake
in excess of that limit.
[0190] The Banker proceeds to deal four cards face downwards: the
first, for the Player, to the right; the second to himself; the
third for the Player, the fourth to himself. The player who has the
highest stake represents all of the players. If two players are
equal in this respect, the player first in rotation has the
preference. Each then looks at his cards. If he finds that they
make either nine or eight he turns them up, and the hand is at an
end. If the Banker's point is the better, the stakes of the players
become the property of the bank. If the players' point is better,
the Banker pays each player the amount of his stake.
[0191] The stakes are made afresh, and the game proceeds. If the
Banker has been the winner, he deals again. If otherwise, the cards
are passed to the player next in order, who thereupon becomes
Banker in his turn.
[0192] If neither party turns up his cards, this is an admission
that neither has eight or nine. In this case the Banker is bound to
offer a third card. If the point total of the Player is Baccarat
(i.e., 0), one, two, three, or four, he accepts as a matter of
course. A third card is then dealt to him, face upwards. If his
point is already six or seven, he will, equally as a matter of
course, refuse the offered card. To accept a card with six or
seven, or refuse with Baccarat, one, two, three, or four (known in
either case as a "false draw"), is a breach of the established
procedure of the game, and may result in a penalty or a loss. At
the point of five, and no other, is it optional to the player
whether to take a card or not; generally, nobody has the right to
advise him, or to remark upon his decision.
[0193] The Banker may decide whether he himself will draw a card,
the Banker, having drawn or not drawn, as he may elect, exposes his
cards, and receives or pays as the case may be. In the case of
ties, neither win nor lose, but the stakes remain for the next
hand.
[0194] The Banker is not permitted to withdraw any part of his
winnings, which go to increase the amount in the bank. Should he at
any given moment, desire to retire, he says, "I pass the deal." In
such case each of the other players, in rotation, has the option of
taking it, but he must start the bank with the same amount at which
it stood when the last Banker retired. Should no one present care
to risk that high a figure, the deal passes to the player next on
the right hand of the retiring Banker, who is in such case at
liberty to start the bank with such amount as he thinks fit, the
late Banker now being regarded as last in order of rotation, though
the respective priorities are not otherwise affected.
[0195] A player who has "gone bank," and lost, is entitled to do so
again on the next hand, notwithstanding that the deal may have
"passed" to another player.
[0196] When the first supply of cards is exhausted, the croupier
takes a fresh handful from the heap before him, has them cut by the
player on his left, and hands them to the Banker. To constitute a
valid deal, there must be not less than seven cards left in the
dealer's hand. Should the cards in hand fall below this number,
they are discarded, and the Banker takes a fresh supply as
described above
[0197] Yet another version of Baccarat is known as Baccarat Banque.
In Baccarat Banque the position of Banker is more permanent than in
Chemin de Fer. Three packs of cards are shuffled together. (The
number is not absolute, but three is the more usual number.) The
Banker (unless he retires either of his own free will or by reason
of the exhaustion of his finances) holds office until all these
cards have been dealt.
[0198] The bank is at the outset put up to auction, i.e. belongs to
the player who will undertake to risk the largest amount. In some
implementations, the person who has first agreed to play, has the
right to hold the first bank, risking such amount as he may think
proper.
[0199] The Banker deals three cards, the first to the player on his
right, the second to the player on his left, and the third to
himself; then three more in like manner. The players on the right
(and any bystanders staking with them) win or lose by the cards
dealt to that side; the others by the cards dealt to the left side.
The rules as to turning up with eight or nine, offering and
accepting cards, and so on, are the same as at Baccarat Chemin de
Fer.
[0200] Each player continues to hold the cards for his side so long
as he wins. If he loses, the next hand is dealt to the player next
following him in rotation.
[0201] Any player may "go bank," the first claim to do so belonging
to the player immediately on the right of the Banker; the next to
the player on his left, and so on alternatively in regular order.
If two players on opposite sides desire to "go bank," they go half
shares.
[0202] A player going bank may either do so on a single hand, in
the ordinary course, or on two hands separately, one-half of the
stake being played upon each hand. A player going bank and losing
may, again go bank; and if he again loses, may go bank a third
time, but not further.
[0203] A player undertaking to hold the bank must play out one
hand, but may retire at anytime afterwards. On retiring, he is
bound to state the amount with which he retires. It is then open to
any other player (in order of rotation) to continue the bank,
starting with the same amount, and dealing from the remainder of
the pack, used by his predecessor. The outgoing Banker takes the
place previously occupied by his successor.
[0204] The breaking of the bank does not deprive the Banker of the
right to continue, provided that he has funds with which to
replenish it, up to the agreed minimum.
[0205] Should the stakes of the players exceed the amount for, the
time being in the bank, the Banker is not responsible for the
amount of such excess. In the event of his losing, the croupier
pays the players in order of rotation, so far as the funds in the
bank will extend; beyond this, they have no claim. The Banker, may,
however, in such a case, instead of resting on his right, declare
the stakes accepted, forthwith putting up the funds to meet them.
In such event the bank thenceforth becomes unlimited, and the
Banker must hold all stakes (to whatever amount) offered on any
subsequent hand, or give up the bank.
[0206] It should be recognized that variations of the game of
Baccarat are given as example only, and that other embodiments may
include any variation desired. For example, various embodiments may
include variants to the described traditions of Baccarat. Such
variations, for example may allow a game to be played by a gaming
device. Such variations may include variations to the game play
rules, such as who wins when, what payouts are received, when bets
may be made, what actions must be take, the number of player, the
number of decks, and so on.
XII. TRACKING THE ACTION AT A TABLE
[0207] U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,181 generally describes, "a system for
automatically monitoring playing and betting of a game. In one
illustrated embodiment, the system includes a card deck reader that
automatically reads a respective symbol from each card in a deck of
cards before a first one of the cards is removed from the deck. The
symbol identifies a value of the card in terms of rank and suit,
and can take the form of a machine-readable symbol, such as a bar
code, area or matrix code or stacked code. In another aspect, the
system does not decode the read symbol until the respective card is
dealt, to ensure security.
[0208] "In another aspect, the system can include a chip tray
reader that automatically images the contents of a chip tray. The
system periodically determines the number and value of chips in the
chip tray from the image, and compares the change in contents of
the chip tray to the outcome of game play to verify that the proper
amounts have been paid out and collected.
[0209] "In a further aspect, the system can include a table monitor
that automatically images the activity or events occurring at a
gaming table. The system periodically compares images of the gaming
table to identify betting, as well as the appearance, removal and
position of cards and/or other objects on the gaming table. The
table monitoring system can be unobtrusively located in the chip
tray."
[0210] U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,181 generally describes "a drop box that
automatically verifies an amount and authenticity of a deposit and
reconciles the deposit with a change in the contents of the chip
tray. The drop box can image different portions of the deposited
item, selecting appropriate lighting and resolutions to examine
security features in the deposited item.
[0211] "In another aspect, the system can employ some, or all of
the components to monitor the gaming habits of players and the
performance of employees. The system can detect suspect playing and
betting patterns that may be prohibited. The system can also
identify the win/loss percentage of the players and the dealer, as
well as a number of other statistically relevant measures. Such
measures can provide a casino or other gaming establishment with
enhanced automated security, and automated real-time accounting.
The measures can additionally provide a basis for automatically
allocating complimentary benefits to the players."
[0212] Various embodiments include an apparatus, method and system
which utilizes a card dispensing shoe with scanner and its
associated software which enable the card dealer when dealing the
game from a card dispensing shoe with scanner preferably placed on
a game table where the twenty-one game to be evaluated by the
software is being played, to use one or more keyboard(s) and/or LCD
displays coupled to the shoe to identify for the computer program
the number of the active players' seats, or active players,
including the dealer's position relative thereto and their active
play at the game table during each game round dealt from the shoe.
These keyboards and LCD displays are also used to enter other data
relevant to each seat's, or player's, betting and/or decision
strategies for each hand played. The data is analyzed by a computer
software program designed to evaluate the strategy decisions and
betting skills of casino twenty-one, or blackjack players playing
the game of blackjack during real time. The evaluation software is
coupled to a central processing unit (CPU) or host computer that is
also coupled to the shoe's keyboard(s) and LCD displays. The dealer
using one or more keyboard(s) attached to or carried by the shoe,
or a keyboard(s) located near the dealer is able to see and record
the exact amount bet by each player for each hand played for the
game to be evaluated. The optical scanner coupled to the CPU reads
the value of each card dealt to each player's hand(s) and the
dealer's hand as each card is dealt to a specific hand, seat or
position and converts the game card value of each card dealt from
the shoe to the players and the dealer of the game to a card count
system value for one or more card count systems programmed into the
evaluation software. The CPU also records each players decision(s)
to hit a hand, and the dealer's decision to hit or take another
card when required by the rules of the game, as the hit card is
removed from the shoe. The dealer uses one or more of the keyboards
and LCD displays carried by the shoe to record each player's
decision(s) to Insure, Surrender, Stand, Double Down, or Split a
hand. When the dealer has an Ace or a Ten as an up-card, he/she may
use one or more of the keyboards to prompt the computer system's
software, since the dealer's second card, or hole-card, which is
dealt face down, has been scanned and the game card value thereof
has been imported into the computer systems software, to instantly
inform the dealer, by means of one or more of the shoe's LCDs, if
his/her game cards, or hand total, constitutes a two-card "21" or
"Blackjack".
[0213] In various embodiments, a card playing system for playing a
card game which includes a card delivery shoe apparatus for use in
dealing playing cards to at least one player for the playing of the
card game comprises, in combination, housing means having a chute
for supporting at least one deck of playing cards for permitting
movement of the playing cards one at a time through the chute, the
housing means having an outlet opening that permits the playing
cards of the deck to be moved one-by-one out of the housing means
during the play of a card game, card scanning means located within
the housing means for scanning indicia located on each of the
playing cards as each of the playing cards are moved out from the
chute of the housing means, means for receiving the output of the
card scanning means for identifying each of the playing cards
received by each player from the shoe, for evaluating information
relative to each players received playing cards and their values
with information as to playing tactics used by each player relative
to the values of the received playing cards, and for combining all
of this information for identifying each player's playing strategy,
and a playing table coupled to the card delivery shoe apparatus and
having at least one keypad means located thereon for permitting at
least one player to select various card playing options to bet
upon.
[0214] In various embodiments, a card playing system for playing a
card game which includes a card delivery shoe apparatus for use in
dealing playing cards to at least one player for the playing of the
card game comprises, in combination, housing means having a chute
for supporting at least one deck of playing cards for permitting
movement of the playing cards one at a time through the chute, the
housing means having an outlet opening that permits the playing
cards of the deck to be moved one-by-one out of the housing means
during the play of a card game, card scanning means located within
the housing means for scanning indicia located on each of the
playing cards as each of the playing cards are moved out from the
chute of the housing means, means for receiving the output of the
card scanning means for identifying such of the playing cards
received by each player from the shoe apparatus, for evaluating
information relative to each player's received playing cards and
their values with information as to betting tactics used by each
player relative to playing cards previously dealt out from the shoe
apparatus providing card count information, and for combining all
of this information for identifying each player's card count
strategy, and a playing table coupled to the card delivery shoe
apparatus and having at least one keypad means located thereon for
permitting the at least one player to select at least one of
various card playing options to bet upon.
[0215] In various embodiments, a card playing system for playing a
card game which includes a card delivery shoe apparatus for use in
dealing playing cards to at least one player for the playing of a
card game comprises, in combination, housing means having a chute
for supporting at least one deck of playing cards for permitting
movement of the playing cards one at a time through the chute, the
housing means having an outlet opening that permits the playing
cards of the deck to be moved one-by-one out of the housing means
during the play of a card game, card scanning means located within
the housing means for scanning indicia located on each of the
playing cards as each of the playing cards are moved out from the
chute of the housing means, means for receiving the output of the
card scanning means for identifying each of the playing cards
received by each player from the shoe apparatus, for evaluating
information relative to each player's received playing cards and
their values with information as to playing tactics used by each
player relative to the values of the received playing cards, for
combining use of all of this information for identifying each
player's playing strategy, and for also identifying each player's
card count strategy based on each player's betting tactics used by
each player relative to playing cards previously dealt out from the
shoe apparatus providing card count information, and a playing
table coupled to the card delivery shoe apparatus and having at
least one keypad means located thereon for permitting the at least
one player to select at least one of various card playing options
to bet upon.
[0216] In various embodiments, a secure game table system, adapted
for multiple sites under a central control, allows for the
monitoring of hands in a progressive live card game. A live card
game has at least one deck, with each deck having a predetermined
number of cards. Each game table in the system has a plurality of
player positions with or without players at each position and a
dealer at a dealer position.
[0217] In one embodiment, for providing additional security, a
common identity code is located on each of the cards in each deck.
Each deck has a different common identity code. A shuffler is used
to shuffle the decks together and the shuffler has a circuit for
counting of the cards from a previous hand that are inserted into
the shuffler for reshuffling. The shuffler circuit counts each card
inserted and reads the common identity code located on each card.
The shuffler circuit issues a signal corresponding to the count and
the common identity code read. The game control (e.g., the
computer) located at each table receives this signal from the
shuffler circuit and verifies that no cards have been withdrawn
from the hand by a player (or the dealer) or that no new cards have
been substituted. If the count is not proper or if a game card
lacks an identity code or an identity code is mismatched, an alarm
signal is generated indicating that a new deck of cards needs to be
used and that the possibility of a breach in the security of the
game has occurred.
[0218] In yet another embodiment of security, a unique code, such
as a bar code, is placed on each card and as each card is dealt by
the dealer from a shoe, a detector reads the code and issues a
signal to the game control containing at least the value and the
suit of each card dealt in the hand. The detector may also read a
common identity deck code and issue that as a signal to the game
control. The shoe may have an optical scanner for generating an
image of each card as it is dealt from the shoe by the dealer in a
hand. The game control stores this information in a memory so that
a history of each card dealt from the shoe in a hand is
recorded.
[0219] In yet another embodiment of security, an integrated
shuffler/shoe obtains an optical image of each card dealt from the
shoe for a hand and for each card inserted into the shuffler after
a hand. These images are delivered to the game control where the
images are counted and compared. When an irregular count or
comparison occurs, an alarm is raised. The shuffler and shoe are
integrated to provide security between the two units.
[0220] In another embodiment of security for a live card game, a
game bet sensor is located near each of the plurality of player
positions for sensing the presence of a game bet. The game bet
sensor issues a signal counting the tokens placed. It is entirely
possible that game bet sensors at some player positions do not have
bets, and therefore, the game control that is receptive of these
signals identifies which player positions have players placing game
bets. This information is stored in memory and becomes part of the
history of the game.
[0221] In another embodiment of security, a progressive bet sensor
is located at each of the plurality of player positions and senses
the presence of a progressive bet. The progressive bet sensor
issues a signal that is received by the game control, which records
in memory the progressive bets being placed at the respective
player position sensed. If a progressive bet is sensed and a game
bet is not, the game control issues an alarm signal indicating
improper betting. At this point, the game control knows the
identity of each player location having placed a game bet and, of
those player positions having game bets placed, which player
positions also have a progressive bet. This is stored in memory as
part of the history of the hand.
[0222] In yet another embodiment of security, a card sensor is
located near each player position and the dealer position. The card
sensor issues a signal for each card received at the card sensor.
The game control receives this issued signal and correlates those
player positions having placed a game bet with the received cards.
In the event a player position without a game bet receives a card
or a player position with a game bet receives a card out of
sequence, the game control issues an alarm. This information is
added to the history of the game in memory, and the history
contains the value and suit of each card delivered to each player
position having a game bet.
[0223] A progressive jackpot display may be located at each game
table and may display one or more jackpot awards for one or more
winning combinations of cards. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the game control at each table has stored in memory the
winning combinations necessary to win the progressive jackpots.
Since the game control accurately stores the suit and value of each
card received at a particular player position, the game control can
automatically detect a winning combination and issue an award
signal for that player position. The dealer can then verify that
that player at that position indeed has the correct combination of
cards. The game control continuously updates the central control
interconnected to all other game tables so that the central control
can then inform all game tables of this win including, if
desirable, the name of the winner and the amount won.
[0224] The central control communicates continuously with each game
control and its associated progressive jackpot display may receive
over a communication link all or part of the information stored in
each game control.
[0225] Various embodiments include a card shoe with a device for
automatic recognition and tracking of the value of each gaming card
drawn out of the card shoe in a covered way (face down).
[0226] Various embodiments include a gaming table with a device for
automatic recognition of played or not played boxes (hands),
whereby it has to realize multiple bets on each hand and the use of
insurance lines. Further more, the gaming table may include a
device to recognize automatically the number of cards placed in
front of each player and the dealer.
[0227] Various embodiments include the recognition, tracking, and
storage of gaming chips.
[0228] In various embodiment, an electronic data processing (EDP)
program may process the value of all bets on each box and
associated insurance line, control the sequence of delivery of the
cards, control the distribution of the gaming cards to each player
and the dealer, may calculate and compare the total score of each
hand and the dealer's, and may evaluate the players' wins.
[0229] Gaming data may then be processed by means of the EDP
program and shown simultaneously to the actual game at a special
monitor or display. Same data may be recalled later on to monitor
the total results whenever requested.
[0230] Various embodiments include a gaming table and a gaming
table cloth arranged on the gaming table, the gaming table cloth
provided with betting boxes and areas designated for placement of
the gaming chips and other areas designated for placement of the
playing cards, a card shoe for storage of one or more decks of
playing cards, this card shoe including means for drawing
individual ones of the playing cards face down so that a card value
imprint on the drawn card is not visible to a player of the game of
chance, a card recognition means for recognizing this card value
imprint on the drawn card from the card shoe, this card recognition
means being located in the card shoe, an occupation detector unit
including means for registering a count of gaming chips placed on
the designated areas and another count of playing cards placed on
the other designated areas on the table cloth, this occupation
detector unit being located under the table cloth and consisting of
multiple single detectors allocated to each betting box, each area
for chips and each other area for playing cards respectively, a
gaming bet detector for automatic recognition or manual input of
gaming bets, and a computer including means for evaluating the play
of the game of chance according to the rules of the game of chance,
means for storing results of the play of the game of chance and
means for displaying a course of the play of the game of chance and
the results from electronic signals input from the gaming bet
detector, the occupation detector unit and the card recognition
means.
[0231] According to various embodiments, the card recognition means
comprises an optical window arranged along a movement path of the
card image imprint on the playing card drawn from the card shoe; a
pulsed light source for illuminating a portion of the drawn playing
card located opposite the optical window; a CCD image converter for
the portion of the drawn playing card located opposite the optical
window; an optical device for deflecting and transmitting a
reflected image of the card value imprint from the drawn playing
card to the CCD image converter from that portion of the drawn
playing card when the drawn card is exactly in a correct drawn
position opposite the optical window; and sensor means for
detecting movement of the drawn card and for providing a correct
timing for operation of the pulsed light source for transmission of
the reflected image to the CCD image converter. The optical device
for deflecting and transmitting the reflected image can comprise a
mirror arranged to deflect the reflected image to the CCD image
converter. Alternatively, the optical device for deflecting and
transmitting the reflected image comprises a reflecting optical
prism having two plane surfaces arranged at right angles to each
other, one of which covers the optical window and another of which
faces the CCD image converter and comprises a mirror, and the
pulsed light source is arranged behind the latter plane surface so
as to illuminate the drawn card when the drawn card is positioned
over the optical window. Advantageously the sensor means for
detecting movement of the drawn card and for providing a correct
timing comprises a single sensor, preferably either a pressure
sensor or a photoelectric threshold device, for sensing a front
edge of the drawn card to determine whether or not the drawn card
is being drawn and to activate the CCD image converter and the
pulsed light source when a back edge of the drawn card passes the
sensor means. Alternatively, the sensor means can include two
electro-optical sensors, one of which is located beyond a movement
path of the card image imprint on the drawn playing card and
another of which is located in a movement path of the card image
imprint on a drawn playing card. The latter electro-optical sensor
can includes means for activating the pulsed light source by
sensing a color trigger when the card value imprint passes over the
optical window. In preferred embodiments of the card shoe the
pulsed light source comprises a Xenon lamp.
[0232] In various embodiments of the gaming apparatus the single
detectors of the occupation detector unit each comprise a light
sensitive sensor for detection of chips or playing cards arranged
on the table cloth over the respective single detector. Each single
detector can be an infrared sensitive photodiode, preferably a
silicon photodiode. Advantageously the single detectors can be
arranged in the occupation detector unit so that the chips or
playing cards placed over them on the table cloth are arrange over
at least two single detectors.
[0233] The gaming apparatus may includes automatic means for
discriminating colored markings or regions on the chips and for
producing a bet output signal in accordance with the colored
markings or regions and the number of chips having identical
colored markings or regions.
[0234] The gaming bet detector may include automatic means for
discriminating between chips of different value in the game of
chance and means for producing a bet output signal in accordance
with the different values of the chips when the chips are bet by a
player. In various embodiments the gaming bet detector includes a
radio frequency transmitting and receiving station and the chips
are each provided with a transponder responding to the transmitting
and receiving station so that the transponder transmits the values
of the bet chips back to the transmitting and receiving
station.
[0235] The connection between the individual units of the gaming
apparatus and the computer can be either a wireless connection or a
cable connection.
XIV. FOLLOWING THE BETS
[0236] Various embodiments include a smart card delivery shoe that
reads the suit and rank of each card before it is delivered to the
various positions where cards are to be dealt in the play of the
casino table card game. The cards are then dealt according to the
rules of the game to the required card positions. Different games
have diverse card distribution positions, different card numbers,
and different delivery sequences that the hand identifying system
of the invention must encompass. For example, in the most complex
of card distribution games of blackjack, cards are usually dealt
one at a time in sequence around a table, one card at a time to
each player position and then to the dealer position. The one card
at a time delivery sequence is again repeated so that each player
position and the dealer position have an initial hand of exactly
two cards. Complexity in hand development is introduced because
players have essentially unlimited control over additional cards
until point value in a hand exceeds a count of twenty-one. Players
may stand with a count of 2 (two aces) or take a hit with a count
of 21 if they are so inclined, so the knowledge of the count of a
hand is no assurance of what a player will do. The dealer, on the
other hand, is required to follow strict house rules on the play of
the game according to the value of the dealer's hand. Small
variances such as allowing or disallowing a hit on a "soft"
seventeen count (e.g., an Ace and a 6) may exist, but the rules are
otherwise very precise so that the house or dealer cannot exercise
any strategy.
[0237] Other cards games may provide equal numbers of cards in
batches. Variants of stud poker played against a dealer, for
example, would usually provide hands of five cards, five at a time
to each player position and if competing against a dealer, to the
dealer position. This card hand distribution is quite simple to
track as each sequence of five cards removed from the dealer shoe
is a hand.
[0238] Other games may require cards to be dealt to players and
other cards dealt to a flop or common card area. The system may
also be programmable to cover this alternative if it is so
desired.
[0239] Baccarat is closer to blackjack in card sequence of dealing,
but has more rigid rules as to when hits may be taken by the player
and the dealer, and each position may take a maximum of one card as
a hit. The hand identification system of the invention must be able
to address the needs of identifying hands in each of these types of
games and especially must be able to identify hands in the most
complex situation, the play of blackjack.
[0240] In various embodiments, where cameras are used to read
cards, the light sensitive system may be any image capture system,
digital or analog, that is capable of identifying the suit and rank
of a card.
[0241] In various embodiments, a first step in the operation is to
provide a set of cards to the smart delivery shoe, the cards being
those cards that are going to be used in the play of a casino table
card game. The set of cards (usually one or more decks) is provided
in an already randomized set, being taken out of a shuffler or
having been shuffled by hand. A smart delivery shoe is described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/622,321, titled SMART DELIVERY
SHOE, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference. Some delivery systems or shoes with reading capability
include, but are not limited to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,750,743; 5,779,546; 5,605,334; 6,361,044; 6,217,447; 5,941,769;
6,229,536; 6,460,848; 5,722,893; 6,039,650; and 6,126,166. In
various embodiments, the cards are read in the smart card delivery
shoe, such as one card at a time in sequence. Reading cards by edge
markings and special codes (as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,848) may
require special encoding and marking of the cards. The entire
sequence of cards in the set of cards may thus be determined and
stored in memory. Memory may be at least in part in the smart
delivery shoe, but communication with a central processor is
possible. The sequence would then also or solely be stored in the
central computer.
[0242] In various embodiments, the cards are then dealt out of the
smart delivery shoe, the delivery shoe registering how many cards
are removed one-at-a-time. This may be accomplished by the above
identified U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/622,321 where cards
are fed to the dealer removal area one at a time, so only one card
can be removed by the dealer. As each card is removed, a signal is
created indicating that a specific card (of rank and suit) has been
dealt. The computer and system knows only that a first card has
been dealt, and it is presumed to go to the first player. The
remaining cards are dealt out to players and dealer. In the play of
certain games (e.g., stud variants) where specific numbers of cards
are known to be dealt to each position, the shoe may be programmed
with the number of players at any time, so hands can be correlated
even before they have been dealt. If the shoe is playing a stud
variant where each player and the dealer gets three cards (Three
Card Poker.TM. game), the system may know in advance of the deal
what each player and the dealer will have as a hand. It is also
possible that there be a signal available when the dealer has
received either his first card (e.g., when cards are dealt in
sequence, one-at-a-time) or has received his entire hand. The
signal may be used to automatically determine the number of player
positions active on the table at any given time. For example, if in
a hand of blackjack the dealer receives the sixth card, the system
may immediately know that there are five players at the table. The
signal can be given manually (pressing a button at the dealer
position or on the smart card delivery shoe) or can be provided
automatically (a card presence sensor at the dealers position,
where a card can be placed over the sensor to provide a signal).
Where an automatic signal is provided by a sensor, some physical
protection of the sensor may be provided, such as a shield that
would prevent accidental contact with the sensor or blockage of the
sensor. An L-shaped cover may be used so a card could be slid under
the arm of the L parallel to the table surface and cover the sensor
under that branch of the L. The signal can also be given after all
cards for the hand have been delivered, again indicating the number
of players, For example, when the dealer's two cards are slid under
the L-shaped cover to block or contact the sensor, the system may
know the total number of cards dealt on the hand (e.g., 10 cards),
know that the dealer has 2 cards, determine that players therefore
have 8 cards, and know that each player has 2 cards each, thereby
absolutely determining that there are four active player positions
at the table (10-2=8 and then 8/2=4 players). This automatic
determination may serve as an alternative to having dealers input
the number of players each hand at a table or having to manually
change the indicated number of players at a table each time the
number changes.
[0243] Once all active positions have been dealt to, the system may
now know what cards are initially present in each player's hand,
the dealer's hand, and any flop or common hand. The system
operation may now be simple when no more cards are provided to play
the casino table game. All hands may then be known and all outcomes
may be predicted. The complication of additional cards will be
addressed with respect to the game of blackjack.
[0244] After dealing the initial set of two cards per hand, the
system may not immediately know where each remaining card will be
dealt. The system may know what cards are dealt, however. It is
with this knowledge and a subsequent identification of discarded
hands that the hands and cards from the smart delivery shoe can be
reconciled or verified. Each hand is already identified by the
presence of two specifically known cards. Hands are then played
according to the rules of the game, and hands are discarded when
play of a hand is exhausted. A hand is exhausted when 1) there is a
blackjack, the hand is paid, and the cards are cleared; 2) a hand
breaks with a count over twenty-one and the cards are cleared;
and/or a round of the game is played to a conclusion, the dealer's
hand completed, all bets are settled, and the cards are cleared. As
is typically done in a casino to enable reconciling of hands
manually, cards are picked up in a precise order from the table.
The cards are usually cleared from the dealer's right to the
dealer's left, and the cards at each position comprise the cards in
the order that they were delivered, first card on the bottom,
second card over the first card, third card over the second card,
etc. maintaining the order or a close approximation of the order
(e.g., the first two cards may be reversed) is important as the
first two cards form an anchor, focus, basis, fence, end point or
set edge for each hand. For example, if the third player position
was known to have received the 10 of hearts (10H) and the 9 of
spades (9S) for the first two card, and the fourth player was known
to receive the 8 of diamonds (8D) and the 3 of clubs (3C) for the
first two cards, the edges or anchors of the two hands are 9S/10H
and 8D/3C. When the hands are swept at the conclusion of the game,
the cards are sent to a smart discard rack (e.g., see U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/622,388, which application is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety) and the hand with the 9S/10H
was not already exhausted (e.g., broken or busted) and the swept
cards consist of 9S, 10H, 8S, 8D and 3C (as read by the smart
discard rack), the software of the processor may automatically know
that the final hands in the third and fourth positions were a count
of 19 (9S and 10H) for the third hand and 19 (8D and 3C originally
plus the 8S hit) for the fourth hand. The analysis by the software
specifically identifies the fourth hand as a count of 19 with the
specific cards read by the smart discard shoe. The information from
reading that now exhausted hand is compared with the original
information collected from the smart delivery shoe. The smart
delivery shoe information when combined with the smart discard rack
information shall confirm the hands in each position, even though
cards were not uniformly distributed (e.g., player one takes two
hits for a total of four cards, player two takes three hits for a
total of five cards, player three takes no hit for a total of two
cards, player four takes one hit for a total of three cards, and
the dealer takes two hits for a total of four cards).
[0245] The dealer's cards may be equally susceptible to analysis in
a number of different formats. After the last card has been dealt
to the last player, a signal may be easily and imperceptibly
generated that the dealer's hand will now become active with
possible hits. For example, with the sensor described above for
sensing the presence of the first dealer card or the completion of
the dealer's hand, the cards would be removed from beneath the
L-shaped protective bridge. This type of movement is ordinarily
done in blackjack where the dealer has at most a single card
exposed and one card buried face down. In this case, the removal of
the cards from over the sensor underneath the L-cover to display
the hole card is a natural movement and then exposes the sensor.
This can provide a signal to the central processor that the
dealer's hand will be receiving all additional cards in that round
of the game. The system at this point knows the two initial cards
in the dealer's hand, knows the values of the next sequence of
cards, and knows the rules by which a dealer must play. The system
knows what cards the dealer will receive and what the final total
of the dealer's hand will be because the dealer has no freedom of
decision or movement in the play of the dealer's hand. When the
dealer's hand is placed into the smart discard rack, the discard
rack already knows the specifics of the dealer's hand even without
having to use the first two cards as an anchor or basis for the
dealer's hand. The cards may be treated in this manner in some
embodiments.
[0246] When the hands are swept from the table, dealer's hand then
players' hands from right to left (from the dealer's position or
vice-versa if that is the manner of house play), the smart discard
rack reads the shoes, identifies the anchors for each hand, knows
that no hands swept at the conclusion can exceed a count of
twenty-one, and the computer identifies the individual hands and
reconciles them with the original data from the smart delivery
shoe. The system thereby can identify each hand played and provide
system assurance that the hand was played fairly and
accurately.
[0247] If a lack of reconciling by the system occurs, a number of
events can occur. A signal can be given directly to the dealer
position, to the pit area, or to a security zone and the cards
examined to determine the nature and cause of the error and inspect
individual cards if necessary. When the hand and card data is being
used for various statistical purposes, such as evaluating dealer
efficiency, dealer win/loss events, player efficiency, player
win/loss events, statistical habits of players, unusual play
tactics or meaningful play tactics (e.g., indicative of card
counting), and the like, the system may file the particular hand in
a `dump` file so that hand is not used in the statistical analysis,
this is to assure that maximum benefits of the analysis are not
tilted by erroneous or anomalous data.
[0248] Various embodiments may include date stamping of each card
dealt (actual time and date defining sequence, with concept of
specific identification of sequence identifier possibly being
unique). The date stamping may also be replaced by specific
sequence stamping or marking, such as a specific hand number, at a
specific table, at a specific casino, with a specific number of
players, etc. The records could indicate variations of indicators
in the stored memory of the central computer of Lucky 777 Casino,
Aug. 19, 1995, 8:12:17 a.m., Table 3, position 3, hand 7S/4D/9S, or
simply identify something similar by alphanumeric code as
L7C-819-95-3-3-073-7S/4D/9S (073 being the 73.sup.rd hand dealt).
This date stamping of hands or even cards in memory can be used as
an analytical search tool for security and to enhance hand
identification.
[0249] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the minimum components for
the hand-reading system on a table 4 of the invention, a smart
card-reading delivery shoe 8 with output 14 and a smart
card-reading discard rack 12 with output 18. Player positions 6 are
shown, as is a dealer's hand position sensor 10 without output port
16.
[0250] The use of the discard rack acting to reconcile hands
returned to the discard rack out-of-order (e.g., blackjack or bust)
automatically may be advantageous, in some embodiments. The
software as described above can be programmed to recognize hands
removed out-of-dealing order on the basis of knowledge of the
anchor cards (the first two cards) known to have been dealt to a
specific hand. For example, the software will identify that when a
blackjack was dealt to position three, that hand will be removed,
the feed of the third hand into the smart card discard tray
confirms this, and position three will essentially be ignored in
future hand resolution. More importantly, when the anchor cards
were, for example, 9S/5C in the second player position and an
exhausted hand of 8D/9S/5C is placed into the smart discard rack,
that hand will be identified as the hand from the second player
position. If two identical hands happen to be dealt in the same
round of play, the software will merely be alerted (it knows all of
the hands) to specifically check the final order of cards placed
into the smart discard rack to more carefully position the location
of that exhausted hand. This is merely recognition software
implementation once the concept is understood.
[0251] That the step of removal of cards from the dealer's sensor
or other initiated signal identifies that all further cards are
going to the dealer may be useful in defining the edges of play
between rounds and in identifying the dealer's hand and the end of
a round of play. When the dealer's cards are deposited and read in
the smart discard rack, the central computer knows that another
round of play is to occur and a mark or note may be established
that the following sequence will be a new round and the analytical
cycle may begin all over again.
[0252] The discard rack indicates that a complete hand has been
delivered by absence of additional cards in the Discard Rack
in-feed tray. When cards are swept from an early exhausted hand
(blackjack or a break), they are swept one at a time and inserted
into the smart discard rack one at a time. When the smart discard
rack in-feed tray is empty, the system understands that a complete
hand has been identified, and the system can reconcile that
specific hand with the information from the smart delivery shoe.
The system can be hooked-up to feed strategy analysis software
programs such as the SMI licensed proprietary Bloodhound.TM.
analysis program.
[0253] Various embodiments include a casino or cardroom game
modified to include a progressive jackpot component. During the
play of a Twenty-One game, for example, in addition to this normal
bet, a player will have the option of making an additional bet that
becomes part of, and makes the player eligible to win, the
progressive jackpot. If the player's Twenty-One hand comprises a
particular, predetermined arrangement of cards, the player will win
all, or part of, the amount showing on the progressive jackpot.
This progressive jackpot feature is also adaptable to any other
casino or cardroom game such as Draw Poker, Stud Poker, Lo-B all
Poker or Caribbean Stud.TM. Poker. Various embodiments include a
gaming table, such as those used for Twenty-One or poker, modified
with the addition of a coin acceptor that is electronically
connected to a progressive jackpot meter. When player drops a coin
into the coin acceptor, a light is activated at the player's
location indicating that he is participating in the progressive
jackpot component of the game during that hand. At the same time, a
signal from the coin acceptor is sent to the progressive meter to
increment the amount shown on the progressive meter. At the
conclusion of the play of each hand, the coin acceptor is reset for
the next hand. When a player wins all or part of the progressive
jackpot, the amount showing on the progressive jackpot meter is
reduced by the amount won by the player. Any number of gaming
tables can be connected to a single progressive jackpot meter.
XV. CARD SHUFFLERS
[0254] Various embodiments include an automatic card shuffler,
including a card mixer for receiving cards to be shuffled in first
and second trays. Sensors detect the presence of cards in these
trays to automatically initiate a shuffling operation, in which the
cards are conveyed from the trays to a card mixer, which randomly
interleaves the cards delivered to the mixing mechanism and
deposits the interleaved cards in a vertically aligned card
compartment.
[0255] A carriage supporting an ejector is reciprocated back and
forth in a vertical direction by a reversible linear drive while
the cards are being mixed, to constantly move the card ejector
along the card receiving compartment. The reversible linear drive
is preferably activated upon activation of the mixing means and
operates simultaneously with, but independently of, the mixing
means. When the shuffling operation is terminated, the linear drive
is deactivated thereby randomly positioning the card ejector at a
vertical location along the card receiving compartment.
[0256] A sensor arranged within the card receiving compartment
determines if the stack of cards has reached at least a
predetermined vertical height. After the card ejector has stopped
and, if the sensor in the compartment determines that the stack of
cards has reached at least the aforesaid predetermined height, a
mechanism including a motor drive, is activated to move the
wedge-shaped card ejector into the card receiving compartment for
ejecting a group of the cards in the stack, the group selected
being determined by the vertical position attained by the
wedge-shaped card ejector.
[0257] In various embodiments, the card ejector pushes the group of
cards engaged by the ejector outwardly through the forward open end
of the compartment, said group of cards being displaced from the
remaining cards of the stack, but not being completely or fully
ejected from the stack.
[0258] The card ejector, upon reaching the end of its ejection
stroke, detected by a microswitch, is withdrawn from the card
compartment and returned to its initial position in readiness for a
subsequent shuffling and card selecting operation.
[0259] In various embodiments, a technique for randomly selecting
the group of cards to be ejected from the card compartment utilizes
solid state electronic circuit means, which may comprise either a
group of discrete solid state circuits or a microprocessor, either
of which techniques preferably employ a high frequency generator
for stepping a N-stage counter during the shuffling operation. When
the shuffling operation is completed, the stepping of the counter
is terminated. The output of the counter is converted to a DC
signal, which is compared against another DC signal representative
of the vertical location of the card ejector along the card
compartment.
[0260] In various embodiments, a random selection is made by
incrementing the N-stage counter with a high frequency generator.
The high frequency generator is disconnected from the N-stage
counter upon termination of the shuffling operation. The N-stage
counter is then incremented by a very low frequency generator until
it reaches its capacity count and resets. The reciprocating
movement of the card ejector is terminated after completion of a
time interval of random length and extending from the time the high
frequency generator is disconnected from the N-stage counter to the
time that the counter is advanced to its capacity count and reset
by the low frequency generator, triggering the energization of the
reciprocating drive, at which time the card ejector carriage coasts
to a stop.
[0261] In various embodiments, the card ejector partially ejects a
group of cards from the stack in the compartment. The partially
displaced group of cards is then manually removed from the
compartment. In another preferred embodiment, the ejector fully
ejects the group of cards from the compartment, the ejected cards
being dropped into a chute, which delivers the cards directly to a
dealing shoe. The pressure plate of the dealing shoe is initially
withdrawn to a position enabling the cards passing through the
delivery shoe to enter directly into the dealing shoe, and is
thereafter returned to its original position at which it urges the
cards towards the output end of the dealing shoe.
[0262] Various embodiments include a method and apparatus for
automatically shuffling and cutting playing cards and delivering
shuffled and cut playing cards to the dispensing shoe without any
human intervention whatsoever once the playing cards are delivered
to the shuffling apparatus. In addition, the shuffling operation
may be performed as soon as the play of each game is completed, if
desired, and simultaneously with the start of a new game, thus
totally eliminating the need to shuffle all of the playing cards
(which may include six or eight decks, for example) at one time.
Preferably, the cards played are collected in a "dead box" and are
drawn from the dead box when an adequate number of cards have been
accumulated for shuffling and cutting using the method of the
present invention.
[0263] Various embodiments include a computer controlled shuffling
and cutting system provided with a housing having at least one
transparent wall making the shuffling and card delivery mechanism
easily visible to all players and floor management in casino
applications. The housing is provided with a reciprocally slidable
playing card pusher which, in the first position, is located
outside of said housing. A motor-operated transparent door
selectively seals and uncovers an opening in the transparent wall
to permit the slidably mounted card pusher to be moved from its
aforementioned first position to a second position inside the
housing whereupon the slidably mounted card pusher is then
withdrawn to the first position, whereupon the playing cards have
been deposited upon a motorized platform which moves vertically and
selectively in the upward and downward directions.
[0264] The motor driven transparent door is lifted to the uncovered
position responsive to the proper location of the motor driven
platform, detected by suitable sensor means, as well as depression
of a foot or hand-operated button accessible to the dealer.
[0265] The motor driven platform (or "elevator") lifts the stack of
playing cards deposited therein upwardly toward a shuffling
mechanism responsive to removal of the slidably mounted card pusher
and closure of the transparent door whereupon the playing cards are
driven by the shuffling mechanism in opposing directions and away
from the stack to first and second card holding magazines
positioned on opposing sides of the elevator, said shuffling
mechanism comprising motor driven rollers rotatable upon a
reciprocating mounting device, the reciprocating speed and roller
rotating speed being adjustable. Alternatively, however, the
reciprocating and rotating speeds may be fixed; if desired,
employing motors having fixed output speeds, in place of the
stepper motors employed in one preferred embodiment.
[0266] Upon completion of a shuffling operation, the platform is
lowered and the stacks of cards in each of the aforementioned
receiving compartments are sequentially pushed back onto the moving
elevator by suitable motor-driven pushing mechanisms. The order of
operation of the pushing mechanisms is made random by use of a
random numbers generator employed in the operating computer for
controlling the system. These operations can be repeated, if
desired. Typically, new cards undergo these operations from two to
four times.
[0267] Guide assemblies guide the movement of cards onto the
platform, prevent shuffled cards from being prematurely returned to
the elevator platform and align the cards as they fall into the
card receiving regions as well as when they are pushed back onto
the elevator platform by the motor-driven pushing mechanism.
[0268] Upon completion of the plurality of shuffling and cutting
operations, the platform is again lowered, causing the shuffled and
cut cards to be moved downwardly toward a movable guide plate
having an inclined guide surface.
[0269] As the motor driven elevator moves downwardly between the
guide plates, the stack of cards engages the inclined guide surface
of a substantially U-shaped secondary block member causing the
stack to be shifted from a horizontal orientation to a diagonal
orientation. Substantially simultaneously therewith, a
"drawbridge-like" assembly comprised of a pair of swingable arms
pivotally mounted at their lower ends, are swung downwardly about
their pivot pin from a vertical orientation to a diagonal
orientation and serve as a diagonally aligned guide path. The
diagonally aligned stack of cards slides downwardly along the
inclined guide surfaces and onto the draw bridge-like arms and are
moved downwardly therealong by the U-shaped secondary block member,
under control of a stepper motor, to move cards toward and
ultimately into the dealing shoe.
[0270] A primary block, with a paddle, then moves between the
cut-away portion of the U-shaped secondary block, thus applying
forward pressure to the stack of cards. The secondary block then
retracts to the home position. The paddle is substantially
rectangular-shaped and is aligned in a diagonal orientation. Upon
initial set-up of the system the paddle is positioned above the
path of movement of cards into the dealing shoe. The secondary
block moves the cut and shuffled cards into the dealing shoe and
the paddle is lowered to the path of movement of cards toward the
dealing shoe and is moved against the rearwardmost card in the
stack of cards delivered to the dealing shoe. When shuffling and
cutting operations are performed subsequent to the initial set-up,
the paddle rests against the rearwardmost card previously delivered
to the dealing shoe. The shuffled and cut cards sliding along the
guide surfaces of the diagonally aligned arms of the draw
bridge-like mechanism come to rest upon the opposite surface of the
paddle which serves to isolate the playing cards previously
delivered to the dispensing shoe, as well as providing a slight
pushing force urging the cards toward the outlet slot of the
dispensing shoe thereby enabling the shuffling and delivering
operations to be performed simultaneously with the dispensing of
playing cards from the dispensing shoe.
[0271] After all of the newly shuffled playing cards have been
delivered to the rear end of the dispensing shoe, by means of the
U-shaped secondary block the paddle which is sandwiched between two
groups of playing cards, is lifted to a position above and
displaced from the playing cards. A movable paddle mounting
assembly is then moved rearwardly by a motor to place the paddle to
the rear of the rearmost playing card just delivered to the
dispensing shoe; and the paddle is lowered to its home position,
whereupon the motor controlling movement of the paddle assembly is
then deenergized enabling the rollingly-mounted assembly supporting
the paddle to move diagonally downwardly as playing cards are
dispensed from the dispensing shoe to provide a force which is
sufficient to urge the playing cards forwardly toward the playing
card dispensing slot of the dealing shoe. The force acting upon the
paddle assembly is the combination of gravity and a force exerted
upon the paddle assembly by a constant tension spring assembly.
Jogging (i.e., "dither") means cause the paddle to be jogged or
reciprocated in opposing forward and rearward directions at
periodic intervals to assure appropriate alignment, stacking and
sliding movement of the stack of playing cards toward the card
dispensing slot of the dealing shoe.
[0272] Upon completion of a game, the cards used in the completed
game are typically collected by the dealer and placed in a dead box
on the table. The collected cards are later placed within the
reciprocally movable card pusher. The dealer has the option of
inserting the cards within the reciprocally slidable card pusher
into the shuffling mechanism or, alternatively, and preferably, may
postpone a shuffling operation until a greater number of cards have
been collected upon the reciprocally slidable card pusher. The
shuffling and delivery operations may be performed as often or as
infrequently as the dealer or casino management may choose. The
shuffling and playing card delivery operations are fully automatic
and are performed without human intervention as soon as cards are
inserted within the machine on the elevator platform. The cards are
always within the unobstructed view of the players to enable the
players, as well as the dealer, to observe and thereby be assured
that the shuffling, cutting and card delivery operations are being
performed properly and without jamming and that the equipment is
working properly as well. The shuffling and card delivery
operations do not conflict or interfere with the dispensing of
cards from the dispensing shoe, thereby permitting these operations
to be performed substantially simultaneously, thus significantly
reducing the amount of time devoted to shuffling and thereby
greatly increasing the playing time, as well as providing a highly
efficient random shuffling and cutting mechanism.
[0273] The system may be controlled by a microcomputer programmed
to control the operations of the card shuffling and cutting system.
The computer controls stepper motors through motor drive circuits,
intelligent controllers and an opto-isolator linking the
intelligent controllers to the computer. The computer also monitors
a plurality of sensors to assure proper operation of each of the
mechanisms of the system.
XVI. CASINO COUNTERMEASURES
[0274] Some methods of thwarting card counters include using a
large number of decks. Shoes containing 6 or 8 decks are common.
The more cards there are, the less variation there is in the
proportions of the remaining cards and the harder it is to count
them. The player's advantage can also be reduced by shuffling the
cards more frequently, but this reduces the amount of time that can
be devoting to actual play and therefore reduces the casino
profits. Some casinos now use shuffling machines, some of which
shuffle one set of cards while another is in play, while others
continuously shuffle the cards. The distractions of the gaming
floor environment and complimentary alcoholic beverages also act to
thwart card counters. Some methods of thwarting card counters
include using varied payoff structures, such Blackjack payoff of
6:5, which is more disadvantageous to the player than the standard
3:2 Blackjack payoff.
XVII. VIDEO WAGERING GAMES
[0275] Video betting games are set up to mimic a table game using
adaptations of table games rules and cards.
[0276] In one version of video poker the player is allowed to
inspect five cards randomly chosen by the computer. These cards are
displayed on the video screen and the player chooses which cards,
if any, that he or she wishes to hold. If the player wishes to hold
all of the cards, i.e., stand, he or she presses a STAND button. If
the player wishes to hold only some of the cards, he or she chooses
the cards to be held by pressing HOLD keys located directly under
each card displayed on the video screen. Pushing a DEAL button
after choosing the HOLD cards automatically and simultaneously
replaces the unchosen cards with additional cards which are
randomly selected from the remainder of the deck. After the STAND
button is pushed, or the cards are replaced, the final holding is
evaluated by the game machine's computer and the player is awarded
either play credits or a coin payout as determined from a payoff
table. This payoff table is stored in the machine's computer memory
and is also displayed on the machine's screen. Hands with higher
poker values are awarded more credits or coins. Very rare poker
hands are awarded payoffs of 800-to-1 or higher.
XVIII. APPARATUS FOR PLAYING OVER A COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
[0277] FIG. 2 shows apparatus for playing the game. There is a
plurality of player units 40-1 to 40-n which are coupled via a
communication system 41, such as the Internet, with a game playing
system comprising an administration unit 42, a player register 43,
and a game unit 45. Each unit 40 is typically a personal computer
with a display unit and control means (a keyboard and a mouse).
[0278] When a player logs on to the game playing system, their unit
40 identifies itself to the administration unit. The system holds
the details of the players in the register 43, which contains
separate player register units 44-1 to 44-n for all the potential
players, i.e., for all the members of the system.
[0279] Once the player has been identified, the player is assigned
to a game unit 45. The game unit contains a set of player data
units 46-1 to 46-6, a dealer unit 47, a control unit 48, and a
random dealing unit 49.
[0280] Up to seven players can be assigned to the game unit 45.
There can be several such units, as indicated, so that several
games can be played at the same time if there are more than seven
members of the system logged on at the same time. The assignment of
a player unit 40 to a player data unit 46 may be arbitrary or
random, depending on which player data units 46 and game units 45
are free. Each player data unit 46 is loaded from the corresponding
player register unit 44 and also contains essentially the same
details as the corresponding player unit 40, and is in
communication with the player unit 40 to keep the contents of the
player unit and player data unit updated with each other. In
addition, the appropriate parts of the contents of the other player
data units 46 and the dealer unit 47 are passed to the player unit
40 for display.
[0281] The logic unit 48 of the game unit 45 steps the game unit
through the various stages of the play, initiating the dealer
actions and awaiting the appropriate responses from the player
units 40. The random dealing unit 49 deals cards essentially
randomly to the dealer unit 47 and the player data units 46. At the
end of the hand, the logic unit passes the results of the hand,
i.e., the wins and/or losses, to the player data units 46 to inform
the players of their results. The administrative unit 42 also takes
those results and updates the player register units 44
accordingly.
[0282] The player units 40 are arranged to show a display. To
identify the player, the player's position is highlighted. As play
proceeds, so the player selects the various boxes, enters bets in
them, and so on, and the results of those actions are displayed. As
the cards are dealt, a series of overlapping card symbols is shown
in the Bonus box. At the option of the player, the cards can be
shown in a line below the box, and similarly for the card dealt to
the dealer. At the end of the hand, a message is displayed
informing the player of the results of their bets, i.e., the
amounts won or lost.
XIX. ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGIES
[0283] It will be understood that the technologies described herein
for making, using, or practicing various embodiments are but a
subset of the possible technologies that may be used for the same
or similar purposes. The particular technologies described herein
are not to be construed as limiting. Rather, various embodiments
contemplate alternate technologies for making, using, or practicing
various embodiments.
XX. REFERENCES
[0284] The following patents and patent applications are hereby
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes: U.S. Pat. No.
6,579,181, U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,536, U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,103, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,941,769, U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,718, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/622,321, U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,367, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,000,453, U.S. Pat. No. 7,137,630, and U.S. Pat. No.
7,137,629.
XXI. EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0285] Some embodiments may provide players of a Baccarat Game
(e.g., a Punto Banco variant) with an opportunity to make interim
bets during a hand of the game. For example, after one or more
cards has been dealt to one or more of the Player and the Banker,
players of a Baccarat game may be offered a chance to place a bet
on the game with odds based on a then current state of the hand. A
state of a hand may include a set of conditions that make up a
current situation of the hand. For example, a state of a hand may
include the cards dealt in the hand thus far, cards discarded in
the hand, cards in the deck, cards burned from the deck, cards
visible to a player, and/or any other information that described
the current situation of a hand. It should be understood that while
some embodiments are described based on a Punto Banco variant of
Baccarat, other variants of Baccarat may be used and/or other games
may be used in other embodiments.
[0286] In some embodiments, a player may be allowed to bet on a
Baccarat hand at the beginning of the hand as is typically allowed
in Baccarat (for example, which hand wins--Player/Banker, or
Tie).
[0287] In one example embodiments, an interim bet may be
offered/allowed after the game has started. In some embodiments, an
interim bet may include a bet after at least one first card has
been dealt (e.g., to one or more of a Player and a Banker). In some
embodiments, an interim bet may include a bet based, at least in
part, on a second card that will be dealt. An example of an interim
bet may include a bet on a characteristic of a card, a bet on a
characteristic of a hand (e.g., a Banker hand, a Player hand), a
bet on an outcome of a hand, and so on. A characteristic may
include a point value (e.g., 0-9) a number (e.g., ace, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8, 9, J, Q, K), a suit (e.g., hearts, spades, clubs,
diamonds), and/or any other desired characteristic. A
characteristic of at least one card may include a characteristic of
two cards (e.g., if two cards have the same number, the same suit,
a summed value, etc.).
[0288] An interim bet may include, for example, betting after two
cards have been dealt to each of the Banker and the Player. Since a
traditional game of Punto Banco ends after two cards have been
dealt if either Player or Banker has an 8 or 9, or if both have a 6
or a 7. There may be 60 different starting points for a remainder
of a game of Punto Banco. A lookup table may be used to determine
odds for each of the 60 possible states for the remainder of the
game. A player may then be able to bet on various outcome of the
game (e.g., Banker wins, Player wins, tie) based on the odds
determined from the lookup table.
[0289] An outcome may include a final outcome and/or an
intermediate outcome if not otherwise specified. An outcome may
include a transformation of an outcome if not otherwise specified.
An outcome of an action or event may include a result of the action
or event occurring. For example, an outcome of a hand of Baccarat
may include the winner and/or loser of the hand. The outcome may
also include the components of the hand (e.g., the cards, the
scores, the ordering of events, etc.). As another example, an
outcome of a bet may include whether a bet is a winning bet, a
losing bet, an amount won, an amount lost, and so on. An outcome of
a wager, similarly, may include whether a proposition was a winning
proposition, whether a proposition was a losing proposition,
amounts won by bets on the proposition, amounts that would be won
by various possible bets on the proposition, and so on.
[0290] It should be understood that in various embodiments, the
additional betting may take place after any number of cards have
been dealt to either the Player and/or the Banker based on odds at
a current state of the game. It should further be understood that a
lookup table is only one non-limiting example of how odds may be
determined. In other embodiments, for example, odds may be
determined by calculating the odds, and/or by any other method.
[0291] As a more detailed example, if both Player and Banker have 0
points after the initial two cards have been dealt to each of them,
a bettor (sometimes referred to as a punter) can choose to back the
Player to win at 2.13 odds (corresponding to the odds of winning in
such a situation plus a house edge of 10%). That means that $100
will return him $213, including his stake, showing him a profit of
$113. The prices in the table below are quoted in this fashion.
Some rounding of these prices may be performed. A house edge may
include a portion of a bet that is expected to be earned by a
casino or other operator of a game. The table below describes a set
of approximate possible odds for betting on a Player, betting on a
Banker, and betting on a tie after the initial two cards are dealt
to the Player and the Banker and assuming a 10% house edge. It
should be understood that other odds may be used in other
embodiments and may be calculated based on other desired house
edges.
TABLE-US-00001 Score Odds for Bet on Odds for Bet on Odds for Bet
on (Player/Banker) Player Banker Tie 0/0 2.13 2.13 6.15 0/1 2.23
1.83 9.60 0/2 2.33 1.77 9.60 0/3 2.36 1.73 10.24 0/4 2.48 1.57
17.07 0/5 2.85 1.42 21.95 0/6 3.66 1.26 30.73 0/7 5.91 1.18 11.82
1/0 1.83 2.23 9.60 1/1 2.13 2.13 6.15 1/2 2.23 1.83 9.60 1/3 2.29
1.77 10.24 1/4 2.65 1.51 17.07 1/5 3.20 1.35 21.95 1/6 4.52 1.28
10.24 1/7 5.91 1.18 11.82 2/0 1.77 2.33 9.60 2/1 1.83 2.23 9.60 2/2
2.13 2.13 6.15 2/3 2.23 1.81 10.24 2/4 2.85 1.45 17.07 2/5 3.66
1.40 9.04 2/6 4.27 1.30 10.24 2/7 5.91 1.18 11.82 3/0 1.71 2.44
9.60 3/1 1.77 2.33 9.60 3/2 1.83 2.23 9.60 3/3 2.16 2.08 6.40 3/4
3.07 1.36 25.61 3/5 3.34 1.45 9.04 3/6 4.04 1.32 10.24 3/7 5.91
1.18 11.82 4/0 1.65 2.56 9.60 4/1 1.71 2.44 9.60 4/2 1.77 2.33 9.60
4/3 1.87 2.13 10.24 4/4 2.74 2.79 2.65 4/5 3.07 1.51 9.04 4/6 3.84
1.35 10.24 4/7 5.91 1.18 11.82 5/0 1.60 2.70 9.60 5/1 1.65 2.56
9.60 5/2 1.71 2.44 9.60 5/3 1.83 2.56 6.15 5/4 1.52 3.14 8.09 5/5
2.85 2.60 2.74 5/6 3.66 1.37 10.24 5/7 5.91 1.18 11.82 6/0 1.31
3.94 11.82 6/1 1.31 3.94 11.82 6/2 1.31 3.94 11.82 6/3 1.31 3.94
11.82 6/4 1.31 3.94 11.82 6/5 1.31 3.94 11.82 7/0 1.18 5.91 11.82
7/1 1.18 5.91 11.82 7/2 1.18 5.91 11.82 7/3 1.18 5.91 11.82 7/4
1.18 5.91 11.82 7/5 1.18 5.91 11.82
[0292] Some embodiments may include determining odds for interim
wagers. Such odds may be based on the interim state of particular
hand and a desired house edge. The house edge may be provided by an
operator of the game (e.g., a casino). In some embodiments, such
odds may be provided for use in a game. Such providing may include
storing the odds in a lookup, publishing the odds, or otherwise
allowing the odds to be accessed by a gaming device or game
operator.
[0293] In some embodiments, additional rounds of betting may be
allowed after a third card is dealt to a Player. The odds of such a
bet may be determined from a lookup table similar to the above
example and/or in any other desired way. In other embodiments,
rounds of betting may be allowed before the two cards in the
example are dealt, such as after one card is dealt to the Player,
etc.
[0294] In some embodiments, such betting opportunities may be
presented to live players at a table game, players of an electronic
game, players of a mobile game, players of an internet based game,
and/or players of any other type of Baccarat game.
[0295] Some embodiments may include publishing the odds of
available interim bets. For example, a book may be distributed that
indicates odds of interim bets given the possible states of the
game. In other embodiments, odds may be displayed in a gaming
interface, such as in a window or portion of an interface through
which the game may be played.
[0296] Some embodiments may include providing indications of an
outcome. Such indications may be provided from client to server,
server to client, to a player, displayed through a gaming
interface, and so on.
[0297] In some embodiments, rather than or in addition to interim
bets that are based on similar propositions as the initial bets
(e.g., who will win a Baccarat game), other types of interim bets
may be allowed. For example, in some embodiments, interim bets may
be card specific, hand specific, span various hands, etc. For
example, a player may bet that a next card is red or black, may bet
that a next card is higher or lower than a previous card, may bet
on who will win the next 10 hands, may bet on whether a pair will
be dealt, may bet on whether the point totals of the Player will be
the same in the next two games, may bet on whether the point total
of the next 10 cards dealt will be less than 4, etc.
[0298] In some embodiments, odds may not be based on prior dealt
cards for interim bets. For example, in some embodiments, the odds
given in a game of Baccarat for a bet on whether a red card will be
dealt may be constant regardless of prior dealt card. In some
embodiments, such constant odds may be used, for example, when a
deck is constantly replenished with dealt cards to maintain its
initial state. In other embodiments, the odds may not be based on
all prior dealt cards, but only on a portion of the dealt
cards.
[0299] In some embodiments, if a typical game would not normally
allow a bet at a particular time, the game may nonetheless stop for
input on one or more interim bets or to offer propositions for
possible interim bets. So, for example, Baccarat without any
interim bets is resolved without any intervention or necessary
breaks, but there could be a break at every card being dealt,
during which various wagers are offered/made available.
[0300] In some embodiments, proposed wagers or available wagers may
be randomly or systematically selected from a group of possible
wagers. In this way, wagers may systematically and/or randomly be
generated--e.g., at the time of dealing a card "do you want to bet
if it's red or black" or "higher/lower than the previous card", and
offered/made available in a game when there would traditionally not
be a break in the game play.
[0301] In some embodiments, play of an electronic card game may
have functions distributed among one or more servers and one or
more clients. Actions performed by the clients and the servers may
be distributed in any fashion desired to allow control of security,
speed, information gathering, odds, play, updating of the game,
etc.
[0302] In one example embodiment, a client may transmit a play
command to a server to initiate a game (e.g., of Baccarat) based on
input from a player. The play command may include details of bet
information (e.g., an initial bet made by a player). The server may
respond to the play command with a play reply. The play reply may
include an indication of the card or cards to be dealt, indications
of any resolved bets, indications of any wagers to be offered/made
available, and/or any other information. The player may then select
an action to perform, if any, and the client may transmit another
play command, and so on. In some embodiments, messages transmitted
between clients and servers may be in the form of XML messages
and/or any other desired format.
[0303] In some embodiments, when a wager is offered or otherwise
made available or made available to a player, the wager is
identified at a client and/or server by stored information,
referred to below as a "ticket". A ticket may include a database
entry and/or any other desired storage of information. The ticket
may include information about a type of the wager, a time of the
wager, a player ID, a client ID, a bet amount, a bet limit, and/or
other details of the wager. In some embodiments, a ticket may
include a sequence identifier. Each sequence Identifier may be
associated with a particular hand being played, so that multiple
hands may be played at the same time or overlapping in some way
without confusing ticket information.
[0304] In some embodiments, when a client receives an indication of
a wager to present to a player, the wager may be presented, for
example, in the form of a drop down box, text, a list, a dialog
box, a graphic, a portion of a game element, and/or any other
desired way (e.g., a way defined by an XML message).
[0305] In some embodiments, after a player bets on a wager, a
ticket identifying the bet may be updated and/or generated (e.g.,
by a client and/or a server) so that the bet may be tracked.
[0306] In some embodiments, when an outcome for a bet is
determined, such information may be presented to a player. The
determination may take place at a server and an indication of the
determination may be transmitted to a client (e.g., through a next
play command reply, through a special message, etc.). It should be
understood that this distribution of actions is given as a
non-limiting example only, and that other embodiments may include
any other desired distribution of actions, if any.
[0307] In one example embodiment of a Baccarat game, players may be
able to bet on the winner, the next card and whether Player and/or
Banker will have a pair in their first two cards at the start, the
next card at every stage that a next card can be drawn, and whether
the Player will draw a third card after the first Player card is
drawn. In some embodiments no bets may be required to play a game.
In other embodiments, at least one bet may be required to play the
game. It should be understood that these possible wagers are given
as examples only, and that other embodiments may include any
desired set of possible wagers.
[0308] The following list of wagers may describe this example
game:
[0309] Proposition 1--Pick the winner, Player/Banker/tie
TABLE-US-00002 Odds: Player 1 to 1 Banker 19 to 20 Tie 8 to 1
[0310] Proposition 2--Pick the next card,
red/black/Clubs/Diamonds/Hearts/Spades
TABLE-US-00003 Odds: red 1 to 1 black 1 to 1 Clubs 2 to 1 Diamonds
2 to 1 Hearts 2 to 1 Spades 2 to 1
[0311] Proposition 3--Will the player draw a third card?,
Yes/No
TABLE-US-00004 Odds: Yes 3 to 1 No 1 to 1
[0312] Proposition 4--Who will draw a pair on the first two
cards?,
[0313] Player/Banker/Both/None
TABLE-US-00005 Odds: Player 4 to 1 Banker 5 to 1 Both 10 to 1 None
1 to 1
[0314] Initially, propositions 1, 2, and 4 may be presented to a
player for betting if desired. Appropriate tickets may be created
to track the bets associated with presenting these propositions.
So, the initial proposition 1 may be associated with a ticket ID of
1, initial proposition 2 may be associated with a ticket ID of 2
and initial proposition 4 may be associated with a ticket ID of
3.
[0315] The following may describe an example play of the hand and
actions taken between an example client and server. It should be
understood that the described set of actions may be otherwise
separated between client and server in any way, may not be
separated at all, and/or may not even include a client and/or a
server. [0316] 1. The player makes an initial bet of $5 that the
Player will be dealt a pair (ticket 3). [0317] Client->Server
[0318] Bet 5 on ticketed 3, outcome Player [0319] Draw cards [0320]
2. The first Player card is drawn, a 5 of hearts. The player is
offered a wager on the next card (ticket 4) and whether the Player
will draw a third card (ticket 5). [0321] Server->Client [0322]
Player receives a 5 of Hearts [0323] Proposition 2, not required,
ticketId 4 [0324] Proposition 3, not required, ticketId 5 [0325] 3.
The player bets $25 that the next card is red (ticket 4), and $50
that the Player will draw a third card (ticket 5). [0326]
Client->Server [0327] Bet 25 on ticket 4, outcome red [0328] Bet
50 on ticket 5, outcome Yes [0329] Draw cards [0330] 4. The Banker
receives a 5 of Spades. This is not a red card, so ticket 4 has
been resolved, with no return. The player is offered the next card
wager again (as ticket 6). [0331] Server->Client [0332] Banker
receives 5 of Spades [0333] Result of 0 on ticket 4, outcome
black/spade [0334] Proposition 2, not required, ticketId 6 [0335]
5. The player opts again to bet $25 that the next card is red
(ticket 6) [0336] Client->Server [0337] Bet 25 on ticket 6,
outcome red [0338] Draw cards [0339] 6. The Player receives the
King of Spades. This results in no return on the next card wager
(ticket 6), $100 return on the Player drawing a third card wager
(total is 5, so Player hits) (ticket 5), and no return on the
Player's first two cards being paired wager (ticket 3). The player
is offered the next card wager again (ticket 7). [0340]
Server->Client [0341] Player receives King of Spades [0342]
Result of 0 on ticket 6, outcome black/spade [0343] Result of 100
on ticket 5, outcome Yes [0344] Result of 0 on ticket 3, outcome
None [0345] Proposition 2, not required, ticketId 7 [0346] 7. The
player opts to forgo any bets and continues the game. [0347]
Client->Server [0348] Draw cards (opts not to bet again) [0349]
8. The Banker receives 3 of clubs, and the client is offered the
next card wager (ticket 8). [0350] Server->Client [0351] Banker
receives 3 of Clubs [0352] Proposition 2, not required, ticketId 8
[0353] 9. The player opts to forgo any bets and continue the game
[0354] Client->Server [0355] Draw cards [0356] 10. The Player
receives 2 of Spades. Player total is 7. Banker total is 5. Players
third card was a 2 and the Bankers total is 5, so the Banker
stands. The game is over. [0357] Server->Client [0358] Player
receives 2 of Spades [0359] Game over
[0360] It should be understood that the example games and
embodiments are given as non-limiting examples only. Other
embodiments may include other types of wagers presented at other
times. Other embodiments may include games other than Baccarat and
variations of Baccarat.
XXII. ADDITIONAL EMBODIMENTS
[0361] The following are further example embodiments:
A. A system for playing Baccarat, the system comprising:
[0362] a processor; and
[0363] a memory having stored thereon a plurality of instructions
that when executed by the processor cause the system to: [0364]
provide an indication of at least one first card in a hand of
Baccarat, [0365] determine odds based at least in part on the at
least one first card for a wager, in which the wager is based, at
least in part, on at least one second card in the hand of Baccarat,
[0366] receiving an indication of a bet on the wager, [0367]
providing an indication of the at least one second card, [0368]
determining an outcome of the bet based at least in part on the at
least one second card, and [0369] providing an indication of the
outcome. A.1. The system of claim A, in which the wager includes a
wager based on a characteristic of the at least one second card.
A.1.1. The system of claim A, in which the characteristic includes
at least one of a point value, a number, and a suit. A.2. The
system of claim A, in which the wager includes a wager based on a
characteristic of at least one of card of a Banker in the hand of
Baccarat, and cards of a Player in the hand of Baccarat. A.2.1. The
system of claim A, in which the characteristic includes at least
one of a point value, a number, and a suit. A.3. The system of
claim A, in which the wager includes a wager based on an outcome of
the hand of Baccarat. A.4. The system of claim A, in which the at
least one first card includes at least one card dealt to at least
one of a Banker in the hand of Baccarat and a Player in the hand of
Baccarat. A.5. The system of claim A, in which determining odds for
the wager includes referencing a lookup table in which the odds are
stored. A.6. The system of claim A, in which providing the
indications includes providing the indications to a gaming client,
and in which receiving the indication includes receiving indication
from the gaming client. A.7. The system of claim A, in which at
least one of the indications includes an XML message. A.8. The
system of claim A, in which the outcome includes at least one of an
amount won by the bet, an amount lost by the bet, whether the bet
is a winning bet, and whether the bet is a losing bet. B. A method
comprising:
[0370] receiving an indication of a house edge;
[0371] determining odds for at least one wager in a hand of
Baccarat that correspond to the house edge and a first state of the
hand of Baccarat that includes at least one first dealt card, in
which an outcome of the at least one wager is based on a second
state of the hand of Baccarat that includes at least one second
dealt card; and
[0372] providing an indication of the odds.
B.1. The method of claim B, in which the outcome of the wager is
based on a characteristic of the at least one second dealt card.
B.1.1. The method of claim B, in which the at least one second
dealt card includes at least one of a card dealt to a Banker in the
hand of Baccarat, and a card dealt to a Player in the hand of
Baccarat. B.1.2. The method of claim B.1, in which the
characteristic includes at least one of a point value, a number,
and a suit. B.2. The method of claim B, in which the outcome of the
wager is based on an outcome of the hand of Baccarat. B.3. The
method of claim B, in which the odds include an amount won for a
winning bet. B.4. The method of claim B, further comprising storing
the indication of the odds for access by a gaming device. B.5. The
method of claim B, in which storing the indication of the odds
includes storing the indication of the odds in a lookup table. B.6.
The method of claim B, in which the second state includes at least
one more dealt card than the first state. C. A machine readable
medium having stored thereon a plurality of instructions configured
to cause a computer system to perform the method of claim B. D. A
system for playing Baccarat, the system comprising:
[0373] a processor; and
[0374] a memory having stored thereon a plurality of instructions
that when executed by the processor cause the system to: [0375]
provide an indication of a first state of a hand of Baccarat, in
which the first state includes at least one dealt card, [0376]
receive an indication of a bet on at least one second state of the
hand of Baccarat, in which the odds of the bet are based, at least
in part on the first state, [0377] provide an indication of the at
least one second state, and [0378] provide an indication of an
outcome of the bet. D.1. The system of claim D, in which the bet
includes a bet based on a characteristic of the at least one second
card. D.1.1. The system of claim D, in which the characteristic
includes at least one of a point value, a number, and a suit. D.2.
The system of claim D, in which the bet includes a bet based on a
characteristic of at least one of card of a Banker in the hand of
Baccarat, and cards of a Player in the hand of Baccarat. D.2.1. The
system of claim D.2, in which the characteristic includes at least
one of a point value, a number, and a suit. D.3. The system of
claim D, in which the bet includes a bet based on an outcome of the
hand of Baccarat. D.4. The system of claim D, in which the at least
one dealt card includes at least one card dealt to at least one of
a Banker in the hand of Baccarat and a Player in the hand of
Baccarat. D.5. The system of claim D, in which providing the
indications includes displaying information to a player of the hand
of Baccarat, and receiving the indication includes receiving
information from the player of the hand of Baccarat. D.6. The
system of claim D, in which the outcome includes at least one of an
amount won by the bet, an amount lost by the bet, whether the bet
is a winning bet, and whether the bet is a losing bet. D.7. The
system of claim D, in which the instructions are further configured
to cause the system to provide an indication of the bet to a gaming
server, and receive an indication of the outcome from the gaming
server. D.8. The system of claim D, in which the second state
includes at least one more dealt card than the first state. E. A
method of playing Baccarat, the method comprising:
[0379] placing a bet in a game of Baccarat using the system of
claim D.
* * * * *