U.S. patent number 3,689,071 [Application Number 05/157,238] was granted by the patent office on 1972-09-05 for blackjack or 21 game simulator.
Invention is credited to George F. Kucera, 3048 Greer Road.
United States Patent |
3,689,071 |
|
September 5, 1972 |
BLACKJACK OR 21 GAME SIMULATOR
Abstract
A longitudinal indicia bearing scroll having an arbitrarily
determined sequence of cards distributed in rows and columns.
Opaque sliders are provided so that cards indicated in any row can
be revealed sequentially. Slide assemblies are provided to reveal a
subsequent or prior row of cards in a column without disturbing any
adjacent column. The scroll is mounted on a mechanism which
supports the scroll and permits movement of the scroll in the
longitudinal direction for positioning of the rows. One or more
columns are provided for betting positions, while one column is
provided for the dealing position, called the dealer. Each playing
position may be played by a different player, or a single player to
receive cards as desired until he has a sufficiency or he exceeds
21 for each playing position, and allows the result achieved by
each playing position to be compared with the proper dealer's
result. The first playing position or column provides the most
convenient organization of indicia which permits the splitting of a
pair of identically valued cards, although the pair splitting
organization may be provided for any playing position. Player or
players may "insure," "split," "double-down," "draw," or "stand,"
making actual bets or wagers as allowed by the rules of blackjack
and as any player desires at the appropriate times for such bets.
Instructional or teaching organization and material is provided, on
a real-time basis or after-the-fact, as desired and as needed for
players of varying levels of proficiency.
Inventors: |
George F. Kucera, 3048 Greer
Road (Palo Alto, CA 94303) |
Family
ID: |
22562900 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/157,238 |
Filed: |
June 28, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/281; 434/129;
273/292 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F
1/00 (20130101); A63F 2003/00337 (20130101); A63F
2003/00328 (20130101); A63F 2003/00331 (20130101); A63F
2003/00334 (20130101); A63F 2003/00318 (20130101); A63F
2009/0004 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63F
1/00 (20060101); A63F 9/00 (20060101); A63F
3/00 (20060101); A63f 003/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;273/1R,130R,148R
;35/8B |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Anton O. Oechsle
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Townsend and Townsend
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for simulating a card game, such as blackjack or 21,
of the type played by a dealing player and at least one betting
player, and wherein the dealing player and each betting player
initially receive two cards and are afforded the option to draw
additional cards as they occur in random sequence from a deck of
cards; said apparatus comprising: 1. an elongate sheet having a
longitudinal dimension and a transverse dimension; a. said sheet
bearing indicia symbolizing playing cards having numerical values
of 2 and 10 and aces having optional values of 1 or 11; b. said
indicia being organized in an arbitrary predetermined sequential
order, each indicia being designated individually as n.sup.i,
wherein i is a positive integer of from 1 to n, and indicates the
position of the indicia in the sequential order; c. said indicia
being arranged in a plurality of transversely extending rows, said
rows being arranged in m longitudinally extending columns, where
each column corresponds to a player except one column which
corresponds to the dealer; d. each of said columns being designated
as m.sup.k where k is a positive integer of from 1 to m and
indicates the order in which a column is played; e. each of said
rows having a fixed pair of first and second juxtaposed indicia
representing the covered cards for the players, and in the dealer's
column, one covered card and one uncovered card for the dealer, the
first indicia in each row of column m.sup.k is n.sup.k and the
second indicia is n.sup.m.sup.+k ; f. in any column, if a value of
a fixed pair is 21, there is only one row and no additional
indicia; in all other columns: g. In each row, additional indicia
laterally spaced from said fixed pair representing potential draw
cards, the total number of additional indicia being limited to the
last indicia which results in a maximum total numerical value of
the indicia in the row of at least 12; 48 12; 49 H. in the first
row of each column, the third indicia being N 2m.sup.+1 and in each
successive row of each column, third indicia in the immediately
preceding row; i. any Any additional indicia in each row having i
values 1 greater than the immediately preceding indicia in that
row; J. in the first column, M.sup.1, there is one row having said
first and second juxtaposed indicia, and such succeeding indicia,
so that the total value of the row is at least 12; K. in the second
and succeeding columns, the number of rows being equal to one
greater than the highest i value of an indicia appearing in a prior
column less 2m; 2. an opaque plate having at least m transversely
spaced opening disposed to reveal respectively one row of indicia
from each of said columns; 3. means for supporting said elongate
sheet beneath said plate, said supporting means including means for
advancing said sheet longitudinally of said plate; and 4. movable
means for obscuring said openings and revealing said indicia
successively.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the total number of
additional indicia is limited to the last indicia which results in
a maximum total numerical value of the indicia in the row of at
least 21.
3. In combination with an apparatus according to claim 1, means for
recording the transfer of counters in accordance with a player's
winning or losing in relationship to the dealer.
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said opaque plate has
an opening over each column of indicia large enough to reveal all
of the rows of indicia, mounted on said opaque plate, in vertical
slideable attachment over each of said openings, an opaque vertical
slide means large enough to maintain said opening totally obscured,
except for a window in said slide means, and mounted on said
vertical slide means, horizontal slide means for obscuring said
window.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein on said sheet in said
first column, where said first and second indicia represent common
playing cards, a second row having as its first indicia, said first
indicia of said fixed pair, and having as its second indicia the
indicia n.sup.2m.sup.+ 1, and additional indicia following in the
arbitrary determined sequential order; and a third row, having as
its first indicia, the second indicia of the fixed pair and as its
second indicia the indicia following successively the last indicia
of said second row, any additional indicia following successively
said second indicia of said third row; and additional rows,
arranged in a column under said third row, equal to one greater
than the number of additional indicia present in said second row,
wherein the second indicia in each succeeding row after said third
row is one higher in the sequential order than the second indicia
in the prior row and any additional indicia in each row are
successively higher than the prior indicia in that row; and an
additional opening in said plate juxtaposed to reveal said third or
successive rows.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said second indicia
of said third row is n.sup.2m.sup.+ 2 and any additional indicia on
said second row follows successively according to the sequential
order.
7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said movable means
for obscuring said openings and revealing said indicia
incrementally comprises a slideably engaged opaque plate having a
stepped opening, in each step diminishes in length by about an
indicia width and has a height equal to the height of said
opening.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein associated with each
indicia is a subscript indicating the indicia position in the
sequential order.
Description
Board-type card games which may be played by one or more players
are well known and extremely popular. Such games simulating
Contract Bridge, for instance, have found wide use, both for
enjoyment and for education. The bridge games permit a player to
make his own initial decision and then check it against the
decision of a more experienced player. Methods have been devised
whereby the individual can also bid and then compare his bid to the
bid recommended by the expert. The more sophisticated games of this
type provide the instructional or teaching aspect on a "real-time"
basis, rather than after completion of the play.
While blackjack or 21 is widely played both for amusement and for
money, in casinos and in the home, there have been no blackjack
simulating board-type games, probably because of the complexity in
simulating such a game in all its aspects. The possibilities of
having a plurality of players, each player being able to make
independent decisions which affect the cards which subsequent
players will obtain, requires an elaborate organization. In order
to be practical, any board-type simulator must be fairly simple,
have simple mechanisms which will withstand rugged treatment,
provide a player with conditions closely approximating those which
are found under normal play and, when possible, permit a player to
obtain experience from the simulator, which can be translated into
actual play at a casino with live players and a live "house"
dealer.
Numerous board-type games have been patented with a variety of
mechanisms and for a variety of different card games. See, for
example, U. S. Pat. No. 3,201,122, which is concerned with solitary
gin rummy, and U. S. Pat. Nos. 2,896,951, 2,395,087 and 2,300,737
concerned with other card games. This list is intended to be
illustrative and not exhaustive of the various board-type card
games.
A board-type blackjack or 21 game simulator is provided whereby one
or more betting players and a dealing player (dealer) may play the
game. A scroll is provided having a plurality of indicia organized
in rows which are arranged longitudinally in columns. By movement
of the scroll, the lateral slide, and the vertical slide assembly,
singly or in combination,each player is afforded an opportunity to
select his playing strategy and to stand or draw cards in
accordance with a predetermined arbitrary order by movement of the
scroll or slides or slide assemblies. In this manner, the game of
blackjack is closely simulated, whereby the player or players may
optionally choose the playing strategy and the cards desired and as
many cards as he desires until he has a sufficiency of cards or he
busts by exceeding 21, and then compares his results with the
dealer' s results. The authenticity of the play is precisely the
same as with a live dealer and live players at any casino.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of the present invention
with portions broken away to reveal internal details.
FIGS. 2 and 3 are drawings of facsimiles of fragments of an indicia
bearing scroll for use in the device of FIG. 1. FIG. FIGS. 4A,4B
and 4C on the one hand, and FIG 6 on the other, are plan views of
alternative slide members for use with the device of FIG. 1;
and
FIGS. 5A and 5B is a plan view of a slide member for splitting
pairs.
DETAILED
The board-type game of this invention can provide for leisure-type
enjoyment, teaching, practice, competitive play, demonstration of
probabilities, and evaluation of playing and betting systems. The
game provides for any number of players, normally from one to six,
and a dealer. The board game permits each player to see only those
cards which he draws and the dealer's up card, and to make
alternative choices as he desires. These choices include insurance,
pair splitting, doubling down, drawing one or more cards; or
standing, as these opportunities present themselves during the
play. In addition, instruction can be provided, during the play of
a hand or immediately after completion of the play of a hand. The
instructions can indicate the options available to the player at
the beginning of the play of a hand and the new options that reveal
themselves as the hand is being played, in the light of cards that
have previously been played and in accordance with the laws of
probability.
The card distribution can be completely arbitrary, as in any real
casino game. Alternatively, the cards may be arranged in a
particular manner in order to provide specific playing and betting
situations to furnish training to the serious student of the game,
along with appropriate commentary and instruction. In some portions
of the world all cards are dealt face up to the player(s), and this
mode may be used in programming this invention. The dealer always
is dealt one of his two cards face down.
The game permits each hand (or position at the table) to be played
independently, with the player normally being unaware of more than
one of the dealer's cards or the hole cards of the other hands. In
addition, subject to certain limitations, more than one series of
hands may be played, so that the player can practice memorizing the
earlier cards and their effect on his subsequent choices in
splitting, doubling down, drawing or holding, as these potential
choices occur.
Turning now to consideration of FIG. 1, the board game has a
housing 10 with an opaque top plate 12. Mounted under the plate 12
is a scroll or tape 14, which can be partially seen at the broken
away portion. While the plate 12 in FIG. 1 is designed for four
players and a dealer, as already indicated, fewer or more players
are possible with appropriate plates and tapes to match. However,
increasing numbers of players will require wider tapes or split
tapes, with the resulting increase in the size of the housing. To
the extent that the housing should be small for convenient
carrying, for example, while traveling, the size of the housing
should be limited by being not more than about 10 to 12 inches in
its largest dimension. Otherwise, any size housing may be employed
with concommitant increase in the number of players and information
provided on the scroll.
The tape 14 is mounted on rollers, not shown, which are controlled
by knobs 16 and 18. For purposes of this discussion, it will be
assumed that the roll of the tape 14 is mounted on the roller
attached to knob 18; a portion of the tape is connected to the
roller controlled by knob 16 and the advance is upwards, turning of
knob 16 drawing the roll of tape 14 toward it. When the roll is
completed, it can be returned to its original orientation by
turning knob 18 in the opposite direction of knob 16. Also, during
play, the tape can be moved backwards and forwards by means of the
knobs 16 and 18. Knob 16 may be provided with a spacing mechanism,
so as to retractably engage a pawl or other stopping mechanism, to
position the tape a fixed distance for each turn. The distancing
mechanism is not essential, but is convenient in assuring that the
tape is positioned in accordance with the various openings provided
on the platform 12.
Mounted on the platform 12 are a plurality of lateral slides 20,
20a, 20b, 22, 24, 26 and 28 covering windows 30, 30a, 30b, 34, 36,
38 and 32 respectively. The horizontal or lateral slides are
mounted on runners which have a plurality of spaced indentations,
which provide a flexible barrier for movement of the slide one card
or indicia width. The slide moves one card width and then engages
an indentation to reveal only one card at a time. The movement can
be repeated so as to disclose each card in turn individually. This
allows the player to expose only one card and, therefore, in
essence to be drawing a card, and be able to make his decision,
whether to draw another card, prior to seeing the next card. Other
mechanisms can be employed for disclosing cards individually such
as individual windows, individual vertical slides--to be discussed
subsequently--etc. In the first column, there are three lateral
slides 20, 20a, and 20b. The three slides and their companion
openings 30, 30a, and 30by represent one method of affording a
player who receives a pair of numerically identical cards as his
two original down or holes cards, hereinafter referred to as a
numerically identical pair, to elect to either play those two cards
or to split the numerically identical cards. If he plays them as
with any two cards, he has the usual options-stand, draw, etc. If
he elects to split, he in effect forms two hands from the original
one hand.
Each of the split cards is the nucleus of a new hand and the
betting is now on two hands. The dealer will, when the hand is
split, deal additional cards to each of the split cards. The method
of dealing the additional cards may vary from casino to casino, but
all methods can be handled in this invention. Normally the player
would place a second bet on the second hand formed by the splitting
and the dealer would deal each half of the split hand an additional
card face down, the original numerically identical pair now being
face up on the table. Now the player plays one hand to completion
before he begins play to the second hand of the split pair.
For convenience sake, pair splitting is best restricted to the
first position. It can be handled in any other position but at the
cost of more space on the scroll, without any compensating
advantages. Also, there are several modes in this invention for
mechanically handling the pair splitting procedure, and they
include the method of FIG. 1 and the method of FIG. 3, as shown for
the first position. If a single player is playing all available
positions, one or more, it makes no difference to him where the
pair occurs, position I or position III, for instance, from a
statistical or probabilities viewpoint. If more than one player is
playing, then periodically the players change their positions so
that all have an opportunity to encounter possible splits. Pairs
that can and should be split occur perhaps once in 20-30 hands, on
the average, but since they have a place in the game, they are
provided for.
The dealer's window 32 is arbitrarily offset from the player's
windows 30, 34, 36, and 38 to provide a physical and psychological
distinction between the players and the dealer. Of course, the
dealer's window could be on the same line as the other windows, or
above or below, or even on a separate tape in a separate housing.
The latter possibility exists by virtue of the fact that the Dealer
draws last and that he must stand on a 17 or better count and draw
on anything less.
A window 40 is provided which indicates the particular deal in the
sequence of deals on the tape, for example, by an arabic number and
further serves to aid in positioning the tape, so as to be in the
proper position for beginning a particular deal. An additional
window 42 is provided which has an opaque door 43. When the up
(visible) card of the dealer has the value of 10 or is an ace, the
scroll will indicate, under the window 42, whether the dealer has
21. The purpose of this will be discussed subsequently.
Associated with each column of indicia is a column of row numbers
44 and 46 (only two columns being shown) which serve as row
indicators. The row indicator numbers can be printed on the top
plate 12 or printed on the tape, so as to be obscured by the slides
depending on the mode being used. In the first position, column, I,
there may be one, two or three sets of numbers for row indicators,
so as to indicate the proper row for the first position player, who
plays a pair of numerically identical cards or splits the pair to
provide two new hands to be played. The dealer's column of numbers
46 indicates the plurality of rows of cards which are present in
the dealer's column. Optionally, a long rectangular covered opening
48 may be provided, which can be used at the end of the play of the
hand to indicate the order of the cards utilized in that particular
deal. If desired, and the next deal will be based on the cards
remaining from those in the deck which have been played in the
prior deal, the window can be opened incremently, so as to reveal
only those cards which have been played. If a particular system is
being utilized and being taught by commentary, such as card
counting of key cards, then opening 48 can be utilized to indicate
the precise cards played in the very last series of hands, or the
key cards, aces, 10 value cards, etc., played from the beginning of
the use of that deck and shuffle.
When several decks are used, as they are in some casinos, then it
is more difficult to remember all key cards and opening 48 can
serve as a reminder or check on the student's count during progress
of a given series of deals. As a further aid, opening 48 can show
the last card utilized in the previous series of hands, pursuant to
correct play of that series or pursuant to the particular system of
play being taught or the system which is the basis of the
programming of that particular scroll. Thus the student can correct
his count before beginning the next series of hands. This makes it
entirely feasible to program 20-30 consecutive hands (or more)
using one deck, or up to four decks, regardless of how or whether
the student actually plays a particular series by a system. Opening
48 can have a slide that closes the opening so that student may
refer to the information in the opening to jog his memory or to
check his count or to see with which card the next deal will
begin.
In order to provide the opportunity to simulate a blackjack game,
whereby the player can play the cards in the same manner as at a
game table, a programmed tape is employed. Illustrative
organizations of cards are provided in FIGS. 2 and 3. The tape
would be in color-black for spades and clubs, and red for hearts
and diamonds-and the actual card suit symbols in their appropriate
color would accompany the numerical designator, or the Ace, King,
Queen or Jack designator. Although such realism is not fundamental
to the principle of this invention, it tends further to simulate
the game as it is played in casinos. The basis for the organization
will be considered first.
The order of the cards can be truly abritrary, except for the minor
exception previously noted. That is, pair splitting opportunities
will be limited to the first position since to do otherwise would
unnecessarily expand the numbers of rows in subsequent columns
without compensating benefits. Thus in dealing the cards, one or
more decks, to develop the random and arbitrary hands to be put on
a program, if any pair (numerically identical) falls into any
column other than column I, that pair is simply exchanged with
column I, if that column does not have a similarly numerically
identical pair. Any second such pair is simply folded back into the
deck and two additional cards dealt. Exceptions could be made with
ten value cards which no major system recommends splitting. Also,
there is the case of a pair of 5's which are never split. Since the
situation is not frequent, it can be handled very well in position
I, and, importantly, doing so does not deprive a player of
encountering and mastering splits, and the probabilities of the
game are not changed in any way. Of course, the deck may be
arranged on purpose in any fashion calculated to teach the student
how to handle particular card combinations, in the nature of
repetitive drills with instant commentary-or by self-correcting
techniques in the arrangement of the scroll material and the
several openings. If a misplay is made by the student, he perceives
it immediately when he tries to play the next hand. This
self-correcting feature and mode is shown in FIG. 3.
Assuming a particular order of cards, and four players and a
dealer, the first 10 cards would be distributed in the five columns
in the same manner as if they were dealt out one at a time. That
is, the first and sixth cards would appear in the first column, the
second and seventh in the second column and so on. In each column,
the first two cards in each row will be the player's down or hole
cards. In the United States it is the custom to deal these first
two cards to each player face down: subsequent cards are drawn face
up, except in splits. In other parts of the world it is sometimes
the custom to deal all the player cards face up, including the
original two. In all cases the dealer is always dealt one card up
and one card down.
In the first column, the first card in a card row after the two
original hole cards, in the first and succeeding rows, will be the
eleventh card.
In FIG. 2, the cards in the first column are arranged so that a
card is chosen by moving the tape forward one row. This particular
organization is limited to the first column, if it is desired that
the hand in column I persist after it is completed. Whatever row is
played in column I, the proper row will be in position in column
II, under the window 34, when play to column I is completed,
provided no pair splitting takes place in column I. Additional
cards are provided in each succeeding row of the first column until
the total is 21 or bust. The player can draw one card at a time, as
he sees fit, and may stop at any time and need not draw to 21 or
bust. The player may stand-draw no cards-or he may draw.
There are certain rules and limitations imposed by the casinos, and
there are other rules and limitations imposed by common sense and
the laws of probability. Casinos regulate what combinations may be
split, for instance, and what combinations the player can double
down on. Not all casinos enact the same rules and regulations,
however. The subject device can be programmed to accord with any
particular set of rules and regulations the player desires to play
against, so that his experience on this board game would be
directly applicable.
In FIG. 2 the player of column I, seeing the dealer's 10 card 54
showing, would draw (if he decided not to split) four cards 66,
giving him a total of 17-the Ace counting the optional count of
one. Experience, most systems, and the laws of probability dictate
that he stand on the "hard" 17.
A count is hard when the Ace must be counted as one point to keep
the hand from exceeding 21, or busting. That is, you cannot count
the Ace as 11 points without busting. If you can count the Ace as
11 points without exceeding a 21 count, you have a "soft" hand. In
this instance most players would not stand on a 16 count (three
card draw) and would not draw to the hard 17 count. The draw would
improve the hand 68 in this case, but blackjack is very much a game
that must pay attention to probabilities and drawing to a hard 17
count will lose more times than it will win. Practically, one
should never stand on an 11 count or less since no draw can bust
that count. The rules also do not allow a player to draw to a bust
hand, one that already exceeds a 21 count, since there can be no
utility to such futile procedure.
Assume in FIG. 2 that the player draws four cards 66, the 3, the 4,
the 5, and the Ace-total hard 17. To do that he advanced the tape
four rows, a row at a time, with the lateral slide 20 in the
extreme open position since the lateral slide is not being used as
a card selector in this mode and in this column. Thus the player of
column II (same player or a different player) is ready to play that
hand. First he moves the lateral slide 22 to reveal the row number
and the two cards dealt to him face down. He will see row number 4
and K, 6, 70. Had the player of column I drawn five cards 68, then
player of column II would view row 5 and K, 6. Thus, column II
automatically has the proper card row positioned in its window
whenever player I stands or busts (provided player I does not
split-special case occurring about once in 20-25 or so hands to be
discussed later).
Player It sees the row number (which row number depends on what
player I did) and K, 6. He sees K, 6 in every case, as he must,
since those were the cards dealt to him originally and no action or
lack of action by player I can change that! However, should he
decide to draw to the K, 6 the card he will obtain as his third
card is directly dependent on what player I has done in column I.
If player I drew four cards only, player II will draw the 4 as his
third card; if player I drew five cards, then player II will draw
the 5 as his third card. Should player I incorrectly draw only
three cards, then player II will draw the Ace as his third
card.
The third column in the mode is not keyed to the second column
automatically; it is keyed manually by the player of column III.
Player III notes the row number showing in column II, which number
is the same as that showing in column III when the lateral slide is
moved to reveal the row number and the two original down or hole
cards dealt to position III. Again, such hole cards are fixed and
do not depend on any action or lack thereof by players I and II.
But what the third card player III will draw, if he decides to
draw, is directly dependent on the previous actions taken by
players I and II. To the row numbers showing in column II, player
III adds the number of cards drawn by player II. If player II drew
one card, the tape is advanced one row; if two cards are drawn,
advance the tape two rows; and so on. This manually places the
proper card row of column II in a proper position to be played.
In FIG. 2 this will require advancing the tape one position from
row 4 to row 5, since player I should have drawn four cards (since
he did not split in this example() and player II should draw to a
16 count (K, 6) and he would draw the 4 and stand on the 20 count.
Player III sees J, 7 in any case, but his proper position is row 5.
He should stand on the 17 count, and player IV is ready to play
position IV. Player IV opens the slide to show the row number and
the two hole cards dealt player IV. The row number is 5, the same
as position III. The cards dealt are 8, 7. Since position III drew
no cards, the tape is not advanced. The positioning is automatic
for the next position any time the prior position stands. Position
IV should draw and receives the 5 for a count of 20.
The dealers position is similarily manually keyed, if position IV
draws. In this case the row number showing is 5. Since position IV
drew one card, the tape is advanced one position until dealers row
number shows 6. Now the dealers hand is exposed and it is seen that
dealer has a count of 18, the exposed 10, the two hole card and the
6 drawn. The dealer has no choice and must draw to 16 or less and
stand on 16 or better (hard or soft 17 at most casinos).
To recap: position I stood on 17 and loses to dealer's 18; position
II stood on 20 and wins: position III stood on 17 and loses;
position IV stood on 20 and wins-two positions won and two
lost.
Note that in this version all the hands do not persist during play
of the several hands, and each hands total must be recorded before
play to the next hand is begun. However, the hands will persist if,
beginning with the second position, the proper row number is
located by means of the vertical slide assemblies rather than by
tape movement (see FIG. 6). Although the four completed hands using
vertical slide assemblies will not be in a straight line across the
board, as were the openings when the hands began, they will all be
visible at completion of play. Prior to beginning the next deal,
and after all bets are settled, the vertical sliding assemblies are
moved to the normal straight line across position, the tape
advanced to clear old indicia and to bring the new indicia into
position. All lateral slides, except position I, are returned to
the closed position before advancing tape for the next series.
In the following version, the splitting of a numerically identical
pair in the first position is a special case. Such a pair exists in
FIG. 2 is the first position--2, 2. Assume the player I desired to
split the pair of 2's 52. First, to play hands 58 and 60, the
lateral slider 20 is closed, lateral slider 20a is opened full
width, and lateral slider 20b is opened to reveal only the row
number and one card. That card will be one of the split pair. The
other card of the split pair is, of course, visible in the wide
open opening 21a made by opening slide 20a full width. Now a second
card is dealt to the first 2 by advancing the tape. The 3 appears
to provide a 2 and 3, 75.
Some casinos now deal the next card to the other split card, but
some complete the deal to the first split card before dealing to
the second split card. The latter method will be demonstrated here;
the former procedure is demonstrated in FIG. 3. Drawing again is
achieved by advancing the tape. The 4 appears. Next card by tape
advance is the 5. Count is 14. Against dealers 10 card showing you
should draw. Advance the tape-draw the Ace. Count is now a hard 15.
You should draw again--the 4. Count is now hard 19 in hand 74 and
you should stand.
You have drawn five cards and the row number 5 will be visible in
both window 21a and 21b. However, only the single card, the other
half of the split pair of 2's, is visible in window 20b since the
lateral slide 20b was opened only two spaces at the time the pair
was split. Whatever number of cards are drawn to the first split
card, the second split card will be automatically properly
positioned to play to. To draw to the second split card, open the
lateral slider 20b one position at a time until a sufficiency of
cards is drawn. Draw the 5, then the 6, then the 3. Total is 16.
Against the dealer's 10 card showing you should draw again. The Q
is drawn for a busted hand 78.
Now position II must be played. Open slide 22 sufficiently to
expose the row number and the two hole cards. The row number will,
of course, be 5, since five cards were drawn to the first card of
the split pair opening 21a. Also four cards were drawn to the
second card of the split pair and it is this draw that must be
manually keyed to position 2, or opening 34. Therefore, advance the
tape four rows until row 9 shows in opening 34; or, if it is
desired to have the hands persist, drop the vertical slide assembly
of position II until row number 9 is located in opening 34. Now
draw any cards desired, one at a time, by movement of the lateral
slide assembly until a sufficiency is obtained. Hereinafter the
procedure is as previously described.
As before, position II has been dealt the K, 6. However, now the
next card is the K and the hand 80 in position II busts. Position
III still stands on J, 7, 82 and position IV now is still on row
number 10 (since that was the row position of position III carried
over from position II, and position III did not draw). Position IV
draws the 3 to the dealt cards, the 8, 7, and stands on a value of
18, 84.
Dealer plays on position 11, 86. He was dealt the 10 up and the 2
down. He must draw and he draws the 7--total count 19.
Recap: first position, first split-19 and a tie or push; first
position, second split-bust and a loser; second position-a bust and
and a loser; third position-17 and loses to dealers 19; fourth
position-18 and loses to dealers 19. Net result--four loses, no
wins, one tie.
Each row, except rows where the next card to be drawn is drawn by
means of advancing the tape, as in the first position in FIG. 2, is
complete in having a value of 21 or greater, for the ultimate
choice and discretion of the player. For advanced players these
rows would be considered complete (and could be so programmed) when
the system being taught demanded a stand on some lesser number, say
on a 12 count when the dealer has a 5 exposed and there is no good
count on the cards up to that point to dictate another course of
action.
After the two hole cards originally dealt, each row begins with the
next successive card and continues with the succeeding cards until
a value of 21 or greater is achieved. Each row thereafter starts
with the next card in the abritrary order of the deal, as if no
cards were taken in the previous row. Similarly, Columns III and IV
and the dealer's column begin with the eleventh card in the first
row as the card following the two hole cards, the twelfth card in
the second row, designated , the thirteenth card in the third row ,
and so on. In FIG. 2, the first row in Column IV, designated as ,
has both the eleventh and twelfth card. The second row designated
as , has the twelfth and thirteenth card, and so on. Neither row
has any additional cards since the row totals 21 or more.
The particular organization can be described by a mathematical
formulation. Assume m columns, indicating m-1 players and a dealer.
Each column will be designated as m.sup.i, wherein i is an integer
of from 1 to m. Further assume a series of n indicia, wherein each
indicia and the order in which the indicia are chosen is designated
as n.sup.k, wherein k is an integer of from 1 to n; k equal to one
(n.sup.1) indicates the first card in the order, while when k
equals 10 (n.sup.10 ), it is the tenth card in the order, etc. The
fixed pair in each column m.sup.i will have as the first card
n.sup.i and as the second card n.sup.m+1. That is, in each column,
the first card n.sup.k will have k equal i (n.sup.i) and the second
card of the fixed pair will have k equal m + 1 (n.sup.m+1). For
example, the second column of a five column game will have as the
first card of the fixed pair, the second card in the arbitrary
order (K=i=2) and as the second card of the fixed pair the seventh
card in the arbitrary order(k=m+i=7).
Except for splitting pairs, the first column in certain modes need
have only one row, with capability of drawing cards to 21 or bust.
Therefore, since this is the simpliest situation it will be
described. However, the column may have as many rows as the number
of cards which may be drawn, as illustrated in FIG. 2, position I,
non-split position. The first column will have as many additional
cards as required, so that when adding the value of the last card
to the value of the previous cards, the total equals or exceeds 21.
As already indicated, one could choose any number in the range of
12 to 21, e.g. 17, 18 or 19, which was considered appropriate. The
third card in the row of the first column, assuming the hole cards
have a value of less than 21, will be the indicia (n.sup.k), where
k equals 2m + 1 (n.sup.2m.sup.+1). The fourth and succeeding cards
in the row, as required, will have k equal 2m + 2, 2m + 3, and
so
The second column will have as the two hole cards k = 2 and m + 2
(n.sup.2 and n.sup..sup.+2 ). The third card in the first row of
the second column will have k equal 2m + 1. The third card in the
second row of the second column will have k equal 2m + 2; the third
card in the third row of the second column will have k equal 2m +
3. Each succeeding card after the third card in each row will have
k equal to one greater than the card preceding it in that row.
Continuing with the first row of the second column, the third card
in the first row will have k = 2m + 2 and so one. Similarly, if one
went to the fourth row of the second column, the third card would
have k equal 2m + 4, the fourth card would have k equal 2m + 5, and
so on. The total number of rows in the second column and in the
succeeding columns will be equal to the highest value of k in any
preceding column less 2m. That is, if in the first column of a five
column game, one could draw five cards, therefore, k equals 15,
then the second column would have to have six rows, i.e., K-2m + 1.
Similarly, if the highest k value in the second column was 18, the
third column would have to have nine rows, k-2m + 1. This is true
for each succeeding column, including the dealers column.
When in the first column the hole cards are a numerically identical
pair of cards, then additional rows are provided in the first
column. The first row of the split pair need be only one row. It
will have as its first card, k = 1. The second card, however, will
be k = 2m + 1. The third card will be 2m + 2, and so forth.
For the second card of the split pair, a series of rows are
required in this mode. The only difference between this column of
rows and the second column, is that the second card in each row is
treated in the same manner as the third card in each row of the
second and succeeding columns. That is, in the column formed by the
second card of succeeding rows, each card has a k value higher than
the second card in the row above it. The third and succeeding cards
in each row have a k value, one higher than the k value of the
immediately preceding card in the same row. Whether the pair of
numerically identical cards are split or not, the rule still
remains that the number of rows in the next column, Column II, is
equal to the highest k value appearing in Column I.
Assuming a game is to be played, all the lateral slides are
initially closed and window 40 is open. The knob 16 is turned
rolling the tape 14 until a number appears in window 40. In FIG. 2,
the number 41 appears as 1 and this would be the first deal to be
played. Lateral slide 20 is moved over two spaces to disclose a
pair of deuces, 52. Lateral slide 28 is moved over one space to
disclose the 10, 54, of the dealer. Since in a normal blackjack
game all of the other cards remain covered, those lateral slides
remain closed, so that the first player in unaware of any cards
other than his hole cards and the dealers up card.
The numbers designating the rows such as the columns of numbers 44
and 56 of FIG. 1, can either be printed on the tape or can be
affixed to the plate 12, depending on the particular use it is
intended for and the particular physical mode selected. When the
number appears in window 40, the various rows will be positioned
appropriately in accordance with the numbers on the plate. In FIG.
2, however, if the vertical slide assemblies are fixed,rather than
capable of moving vertically, it is necessary that the rows be
printed on the tape and be associated with the particular row on
the tape.
In the subject deal, the dealer has a 10, 54 uncovered. If the
dealer has an ace as his face down card, which is covered, the
dealer would have 21 and win against all other players, except
those which have 21 for their hole cards, in which case there is a
tie or push. It is frequently permitted at game tables, that a
player may take insurance against the dealer's having a "natural"
21. Therefore, with an ace as the dealer's up card the dealer may
ask if anyone wishes to take insurance by paying the necessary
money (one-half the bet on the table). A player can either pay or
not pay as he pleases. Once payment has been made, the window cover
44 is opened and a yes or no appears.
In the present instance, a "No" 56 is seen in the window, since the
dealer does not have a natural or blackjack, as it is called.
Obviously, if a "Yes" appeared in the window, there would be no
point in any of the players taking cards beyond the hole cards,
since they would all loose automatically, except for ties. The tape
would then be rolled to the next deal without any further playing
of that deal. If the dealer does have a natural, any insurance bets
are paid off two-to-one; if he does not, the dealer collects the
insurance bets and play proceeds as usual. A dealer blackjack wins
all the usual bets, but ties A player's natural.
Some comment is in order in connection with the physical parameters
involved in handling the special case of splitting two hole cards
that are numerically identical. FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 represent two
possible methods. Using the flexibility provided by the combination
of scroll movement, lateral slide movement, and vertical slide
assembly movement, combined with the single, double or triple
openings possible in any column, many permutations are available to
handle this special case in any column.
In order to keep a running record of wins and losses, in betting
units or simply by hands, a peg board 87 may be provided at the
bottom portion of the plate 12. The peg board may have a series of
holes 88 for pegs of varying colors representing different bet
values. The player or players could begin play with a fixed amount,
make wagers and pay the dealer when he lost and collect from the
dealer's kitty when he won. Or, counters could be provided to
record players wins and losses as the play progresses through a
series of hands.
Successful and winning blackjack strategy requires not only good
playing technique but enlightened betting technique. Bets must be
increased (before play to a hand begins) when the deck contains a
preponderance of cards favorable to the player and decreased in
size per bet when unfavorable. Therefore, the running record of the
status of the deck is important in assessing progress in learning
play and betting in blackjack. This is the reasoning behind the
real-time teaching advantages of this invention and the other
features such as the list of cards found under the rectangular
opening 48, to assist the player in developing powers of memory of
key cards played or remaining to be played. And, this is the value
of a commentary stating the what and why of any given situation at
the time the player is playing that situation or immediately after
he has played it. The openings 30, 34, 36, and 38 may be utilized
for this purpose with the lateral slides wide open.
The commentary on any given situation can be very short and terse.
For instance, assume that the hole cards are 8, 3 versus a dealer's
exposed 10 card. Assume further that you draw, get a Q and your 21
beats the dealer's eventual 20. You had $10 on the line and feel
good until you read the commentary at conclusion of the deal, as
follows:
"WITH 8, 3 DOUBLE DOWN--"
"Odds greatly your favor" indicating the player hand kicked away
$10 because he forgot to double down with this holding. With
constant reminders of this type, good technique becomes second
nature. Another feature of this invention is the self-correcting or
"error-flaging" mode, as shown in FIG. 3. In this mode if the first
position is played correctly, then the next position will
automatically have the correct row under the closed lateral slider;
if played incorrectly, (such as standing when another card draw is
the proper play) then the correct row of the next position must be
moved into position by tape movement or by vertical slide assembly
movement.
The above play has been described utilizing primarily lateral
slides which could be moved stepwise to reveal one card at a time.
While this is a convenient structure from a simplicity standpoint,
it suffers from the deficiency that as it is moved stepwise to
uncover each card in sequence, it requires space to accomodate the
extremity of the slide member. A board of seven positions would be
very wide, although a board of three or four positions can be
accomodated easily.
FIG. 4. shows a stepped slide 118 that also reveals the cards in a
row sequentially, but whose motion is in the up or down direction
where space is not nearly as critical. The step slide 118 would
ride over an opaque plate 117 in grooves 90 and 92 having a window
119 and the window 119 positioned at the proper row. The slide 118
would initially reveal the first and second cards as indicated in
FIG. 4A. The position of the slide 120 as indicated in FIG. 4A
would be the minimum area revealed by this particular version of
the slide (it could, for instance, be designed to reveal only the
row number first, and then the row number plus the first two cards
at the next step, or vice versa).
By moving the slide upward (it can also be designed to move
downward) to position 122 as indicated in FIG. 4B, the two hole
cards, as well as an additional card, would be revealed with the
stepped slide 118 being at the second step. Finally, as in FIG. 4C,
the stepped slide 118 is moved to the position 124, where the two
hole cards and four additional cards are revealed. By having five
steps, six cards can be revealed, there being as many steps as
required, each step after the first being increased by the width
needed to depict a card on the scroll.
Other variations of the lateral slide to eliminate the space
consuming problem previously mentioned include designing the
lateral slide in an accordion fashion, so that it folds up on
itself and consumes no additional space as it is moved stepwise
laterally, or breaking up the lateral slide into six or seven
individual slides that cover the opening and as each of the
segments is moved it will uncover a section of the opening equal to
the width of the slide, which width is designed to be the width
needed to depict a card on the scroll, and which movement of such
slide segments are in the downward direction (or in the upward
direction, if desired).
In addition, another version would contemplate projection of the
scroll indicia onto a ground glass top by use of a light source and
appropriate screening, baffles, circuit and switches, and power
source. Scroll indicia arrangement in rows, columns, etc. would be
essentially unchanged, but the scroll material and the indicia
would be of such type as to allow projection onto the ground glass
top, or top of such other material as would allow such
projection.
The vertical slide assembly device is provided to permit the tape
to remain stationary, while at the same time being able to select a
particular row of indicia in a particular column. This device is
needed, if there are to be more than two player columns and it is
desired that the results of play of all positions persist through
completion of dealer play (this device is not needed for the
projection version, nor are any openings, lateral sliders,
etc.).
Turning to FIG. 6, two runners 90 and 92 are provided affixed to
the top plate 12 having grooves for an opaque plate 94 to ride up
and down. The space between the runners 90 and 92 is a rectangular
opening which is completely covered by the opaque plate 94,
irrespective of the position of the opaque plate. In the opaque
plate 94 is a window 96 having a mechanism similar to the lateral
slider or the vertical slider of FIG. 4, the purpose of which is
the same-to expose cards in sequence. The opaque plate 94 moves up
and down on its runners and directly over the tape and the window
96 is positioned in accordance with the appropriate row. The slider
(whatever version) is then used to reveal one card at a time in the
row selected.
A variation of the vertical slide assembly of FIG. 6, is the
assembly shown in FIG. 5. It can be used as another method of pair
splitting, primarily in the first position. The opaque plate is
divided into three parts as shown in FIG. 5A. The upper part 100 is
fixed in position (or is moved to its uppermost extremity) and has
a window 102 and a slider 104. The card designations 106 are the
rows previously discussed and are in in one horizontal line, being
revealed incrementally one at a time by use of any one of the
sliders previously discussed.
Below the first and top part 100 is a second middle part 108 in
direct contact with the first part and having the same construction
as the first part. It is disengageably attached to the first part.
It also has a window 109 and a slider 111. Below part two is the
third part 110, disengageably attached to the second part. This
third part also has a window 112 and a slider 114. This particular
window and slider being spaced a greater distance from the second
window 109 than is the second window 109 from the first window 102.
The second part 108 and the third part 110 can ride up and down in
the runners 90 and 92.
At beginning of play, all parts 100, 108, and 110 are at their
topmost position and attached to each other (not separated). All
sliders are closed. With the tape in position, open slider 104 to
reveal the two hole cards, 4, 4. If the player does not desire to
split he simply stand or draws. Here he would not stand on an 8
count so he would draw by using the slider and would draw the 3.
Still another draw would bring the 2. He might stand or draw at
this point, depending on the dealer's up card. Assume he stands
having drawn two cards--the 3 and 2. Now position (column) No. II
must be manually keyed to the results of the play position (column)
No. I. Since two cards were drawn, either the tape must be advanced
two rows or the vertical slide assembly of position II must be
adjusted until row two of column II appears in the column II
window, which has been opened enough to expose the two hole cards
of that position. Now play continues, as previously described. If
the tape is used to expose the proper card row number in the second
and subsequent columns, the results will not persist; if the
vertical slide assemblies are used, the hands will persist. They
will not, however, remain in the straight line, as at the beginning
of play of that deal.
Now suppose the player desires to split the pair of 4's. First he
closes slider 104. Now he opens slider 111 two positions
(equivalent to space occupied by the card row number designator and
the space occupied by the card row number designator and the space
occupied by the first card in that row). Do the same with slider
114. The space he views in the first opening will have a 4; opening
112 will have an arrow 113 pointing downward, reminding the player
to move the third part down. Movement of one position brings into
view in the opening of the third part the row designator, , and the
second of the split 4's. Now the player moves the slider 111 over
one position to simulate the automatic action of the dealer in
dealing him his second card to his first split 4. It is the 3. (We
will again assume that the dealer completes play to the first 4
before he deals any cards to the second 4. The other manner of play
is just as easily handled). The player now has his normal
compliment of two cards and can double down, stand, or draw. He
will draw by moving the slider 111 another notch. He draws the 2
and he will not stand on the 9 count. He next draws the K and he
will stand on the 19 count.
He has drawn three cards to the first split 4. So move part 110
downward (leaving part 108 stationary and in place) until row 3
appears in opening 112. He will see 4. Moving slide 114 over one
notch obtains for the second split 4, its second card, the 7. The
player should double down and draw one card. He does so and obtains
the Q, for a count of 21. The keying to the next column requires
that column II begin with row No. 5, since the first split 4 took
three cards and the second two cards-total 5. If the vertical slide
assemblies are used subsequently, all hands persist, including the
two split draw hands.
The distance between the opening in part 1, 102 and the opening in
part 2, 109 is any convenient distance of about twice the height of
the openings. This distance is primarily dictated by manufacturing
considerations, since for strength reasons it is not desirable to
have a large opening too near the edge of the material. The scroll
programming would accomodate to whatever the distance selected. The
distance between opening in part No. 2, 109 and opening in part No.
3, 112 is more critical. It must be a minimum distance such that if
the first split card draws the maximum number of cards, usually
about five cards, so that part No. 3 must be lowered until card row
5 appears in the opening, the first notations applicable to the
second split card, 4, in this case will not be exposed as the part
3 is so lowered. Revealing such notions does no harm but could be
confusing.
Many variations of the several modes are contemplated. For example,
in employing the board game as a teaching device, it may be
valuable to have an immediate indication of the correctness of the
player's decision (splitting, drawing, standing, etc.) on one hand
before he commences the play of the next hand. Such visual
indication can be achieved by appropriate organization of the
various columns and the rows of cards in each column. One can
provide an arrangement of the windows in each column so that they
are in a straight line across the board (the dealer's window is the
usual couple of spaces above this line). The windows have the usual
lateral slides to reveal card row numbers and hold cards dealt to
the position. However, the windows could be fixed, rather than, as
usual, being set in a movable vertical slide assembly.
Assume for the moment that the windows are fixed in all the player
positions and the dealer position, and that position No. I has a
second part, similar in makeup to part No. 3 in FIG. 5. This second
part has a window, some distance below the fixed window, with its
horizontal slider. The exact distance the second window is below
the first is not crucial, but it should be below the first window a
distance of at least six times the vertical height of the
windows-or six rows. The second part is disengageable from the
first about one row below the first window and the second part may
slide downward one row at a time to a maximum distance of about
five rows-or six. This split arrangement in the first column is to
handle pair splitting, of course.
Now, the card rows are usually arranged in each column so that the
zero position, or the position that has the zero in the card row
number designator, is under the window when the window is at its
uppermost position. See FIG. 2 for example. That arrangement allows
any position to draw the first card that the dealer deals after the
basic hands are dealt (assume for third position, for instance,
that positions I and II stood and drew no cards to their original
two cards). This flexibility is needed in this situation, since it
is not known what the player might do and there is no assurance
that he will play the position correctly. And, he must be allowed
to be able to play it as he likes, even improperly. However, here
we are demonstrating a teaching situation and the player will not
be allowed to play the hand improperly. If he does so, his mistake
will be evident to him when he tries to play the next hand.
With immoveable windows (in the vertical direction) he will find it
impossible to play the next hand (without moving the tape) and
hence must go back and play the hand properly. Proper play of
position No. I will find the window in column No. II properly
positioned over the correct card row number (because the scroll is
programmed that way), and proper play of position No. II will find
window No. III similarily properly positioned, and so on through
and including the dealer's position.
It is not necessary that the windows be fixed. They may be in a
vertical slide assembly in all positions beyond the first so that
the player may take action different than the normal action, fully
aware that he is not following recommended play. In such case the
windows would be placed in a straight line not at the uppermost
position possible, but at some middle position, since the player
taking action different from recommenced action may find he has to
move the slide assembly containing the window up in some cases and
down in others to find the card row number corresponding to his
particular play. It is not desirable to move the tape after the
first position has been played or the several completely played
hands will not persist.
FIG. 3 depicts play of four hands against the dealer and it is
assumed that the windows over hands 128, 134, 137 (dealer's) 136,
and 139 are arranged in a straight line for the four player
positions, with the dealer position window elevated two rows or
spaces. There is a pair splitting assembly in position No. 1, and
it incorporates a window 130 to handle the second card of the split
pair. The other positions, including the dealer position, have
their windows in vertical sliding assemblies. All windows have
horizontal sliders or sliders that do the same function-allow cards
to be drawn one at a time.
Proceeding with play of the cards dealt in FIG. 3, it is noted the
dealer has a 10 card as his up card (the slide being opened only
one space to show that up card, and the dealer's slide being
designed slightly differently for this particular, so as not to
indicate the row number designator when the up card is visible).
This is so the player has no indication how many cards should have
been drawn by the time the dealer is ready to play. All other
player position sliders are closed.
Open the slider over hand 128 to reveal the card row designator
(always in this first position), and the two hole cards 132--two
18, Aces should always be split if the casino rules allow. Let us
assume the player erroneously tries to play the Aces by drawing to
them instead of splitting. He moves the slider and draws a 6. He
has a soft 18 (one Ace counted as 11 ) or a hard eight (both Aces
counted as 1). Against the 10 card up, player should draw. He draws
a K. The count is now a hard 18 (aces as 1 ) and the player should
stand on a hard 19, as contrasted with a soft 18.
The player drew two cards--the 6 and the K. If this were the
correct play, then the next window should show the card row
designator as 2. The slider of column 2 is opened to see the
designator and the two down cards. The designator is 1 and the
cards are the 4 and 5. Position No. I was played incorrectly!
Assume a double error, the player does not split, as he should, but
he compounds that error by standing on a soft 18 (drawing only the
6). Now position No. II window is correctly positioned on 1, but
after drawing one card to the 4 and the 5 in position II to stand
on 19, he will note that the window in position III should be on 2,
but it is on 3. So the error eventually surfaces, and the necessary
corrections have to be made in the prior positions. If an ace were
showing, the dealer would offer insurance, but that aspect is not
treated here in FIG. 3 since the procedure is as previously treated
in FIG. 2. If the player cannot understand his error, he refers to
the commentary.
Now the hand will be played properly from the beginning by
splitting the Aces as the player should have. The slider over the
first hand 128 is left as is, opened to reveal the row designator
and the two Aces. Then the slider covering opening 130 is likewise
opened an equivalent distance. Until the tape is moved, nothing
will show in opening 130 except an arrow 131 indicating the
direction of movement of the tape. The tape is moved upward, as the
arrow indicates, until (two spaces in FIG. 3) A, 6, is seen in hand
128 and A, K, in opening 130. The 6 represents the first card dealt
to the first split Ace and the K represents the next card in
sequence and the first card dealt to the second Ace. One hand has
become two hands and will be played as two separate hands.
Additional wagers were made at the time the player indicated his
desire to split by turning over the two Aces. Thus FIG. 3
illustrates the mode of dealing a card to each of the split pair
cards, before playing the first split card to completion. In this
mode the second mode card in the dealer's undealt deck always goes
to the second split card, regardless of what is done on the first
split card. (In any splitting procedure, the player must draw at
least one card to each of the split pair cards, represented here by
the 6 and the K). After the player has the required two hole cards,
he may double down, draw, strand, etc.
Note the subscript 1 to the 6 dealt the first Ace. This simply
shows that it is the first card dealt after the original hole cards
were dealt. Note that the second card dealt, the K, has a 2
subscript. Such subscripts are for the convenience of the player in
counting the cards dealt. The player has to stand or draw on A, 6-a
soft 17. He draws by moving the slider one space and draws the 3-a
soft 20. He will stand on this. Now since two cards were drawn to
the first Ace, the keying number for the second Ace is 2. Drop the
detachable bottom half of the first position assembly (which
contains window 130) until is visible in window 130. You are now
ready to play the hand with a second split card. Had you stood
(improperly) on the soft 17 in the hand above, the correct row
designator for the hand below would be ; had you drawn three cards,
it would have been . As it happens, it would make no difference in
the play of this particular holding, A, K, since you will stand on
21 in any event and the next card in the undealt deck is of no
concern to you holding a count of 21. However, any holding totaling
less than a hard 17 or a soft 18 requires a draw and the potential
cards, the 2, the 6, etc., next to be dealt would have to be made
available to the second split card also, as they are to the first.
Technically, the 2 and the 6 available to be drawn in the hand 128
holding the first split Ace could be dispensed with, since the
correct play is to stand on A, 6, 3--soft 20. But they give the
student an opportunity to go wrong, and may be considered a
teaching aide.
Column No. II is now to be played. The correct play of the split
pair consumed three cards--6, 3, K-- and thus the window over the
hand 134, when opened three spaces, should reveal , 4, 5. It does,
since the row 140 will have moved up to replace hand 134, when the
tape was advanced two rows in splitting the pair in the first
column. Of course, each of the other columns II and IV, as well as
the dealer's column will have a two row advance simultaneously.
Player will draw to 4, 5, and will draw in succession, the 2, the
6, and if he elects to draw to the 17 count, will draw the
6-busting. Correct technique demands a stand on 17 and if he does
stand, properly, then the next position, Column III Should show ,
J, 4 when the slider is opened. Row 5, 142 moved up into position
under the window, when the tape was advanced two rows in splitting
the Aces in Column No. I. It does show J, 4, indicating the
previous hand was played properly. Drawing to J, 4 brings the
3--count 17, on which the player stands. Now the last player column
should be on 6 5, 10 when its slider is opened. It is and a draw is
indicated. The Q is drawn, busting the hand.
The Dealer's opening should be on 10, 5, 2, when the slider is
opened wide (remember that the dealer has no discretion and must
stand on 17 or better so actually his slider, when it is his turn
to draw, can be opened wide, rather than one space at a time).
However, until it is the dealer's turn, it is permitted to see only
his up card. The result of proper play will be all hands visible
(persisting) in a straight line, with Dealer's hand elevated. Bets
can now be paid or collected.
Special designations, some in color, could be provided. Thus each
card indicia can be printed on the scroll in the characteristic
playing card rectangular shape, with both the numerical value of
the card thereon, as well as the suit (spades, hearts, diamonds,
clubs). A hold card could be shaded or otherwise distinctively
marked to distinguish them from cards drawn in the play; drawn
cards could carry subscripts to assist the player in keeping up
with total number of cards drawn at any point in the play (this is
important, since keying is at times dependent on the number of
cards drawn up to that moment), the count of the hand at any time
can be indicated in the windows as another subscript; bust cards
could be circled; and similar coding and notions to assist the
player, especially for the beginner or inexperienced player.
Many variations exist with this board game, depending on the
experience level of the player or players, whether teaching and
learning is the objective, or practice, or relaxation, or
competition with one or more other players, both playing on the
same board or each having an identical board and program and
competing players, on the same board-one playing the right side and
one the left-play one, or more, identical hands, betting against
each other as well as against the dealer. Each player plays
simultaneously and neither has any advantage over the other, but
each can play the hand or hands as he desires, one splitting while
the other draws, etc.
Each deal can be a new fresh, random deal, or, the next deal begin
with what would have been the next card had the hands been played
properly. The variation in the total number of cards used in
playing, for example, four hands, is from 0 to perhaps 4 with
proper play versus improper play, since many plus-minus situations
develop. For instance, proper play of a given four hands may use up
the exact number of cards as improper play, but no two positions
might be played identically, or several hands might be played
identically with the total discrepancy in the last hand and the
dealer's hand.
In any event the following deal of the next four hands uses up nine
down cards (eight of the player's and one of the Dealer's). The
only card of these nine cards that it is important not to have seen
in the previous deal is the dealer's hole card, and this card is,
or can be made to be, the 10th card dealt. Thus unless improper
play results in a difference of no more than nine cards as compared
to proper play, no special information is made available to the
player in the play of the subsequent deal, if a card is used in the
next deal that the player also used in the previous deal. Thus the
general rule that the next and following deal will begin with the
card following the card that was last utilized in the previous
deal, assuming proper play. It is only necessary to be sure the
player has a means of checking this information and it can be
checked by reference to opening 48, FIG. 1.
Special designation could be provided where a card results in a
bust, that card could be circled, 142. The row that is the proper
row for the theory could be provided with a distinctive background,
144. Other special treatments may also recommend themselves, as
showing the count of player's hand during play.
Many variations exist as well as optional additions or combinations
in coordination with the board game. If desired, after the first
deal, the second deal can be based on the same deck continuing from
the first deal. However, the permutations and combinations become
unnecessarily large if one is to provide in the second deal for all
the possible variations which have occurred in the first deal.
Therefore, the second deal will normally be limited to the cards
remaining in the deck assuming correct play to the first deal and
those cards played can be shown in the area under the door 48 prior
to beginning the next deal. Instruction in card memory and card
counting can be provided as the deal progresses. Several decks can
be used, if desired. This is an ideal arrangement for the
persisting, correcting mode, FIG. 3.
The teaching aspect of this board game cannot be overemphasized.
The most effective teaching and learning takes place when the
students mistakes are pointed out to him immediately. As has been
demonstrated in FIG. 3, there is a version that is self-correcting.
In order versions the player plays the hand as he sees fit and then
consults a commentary to learn how he could have played more
intelligently. The commentary could be on a tape or record, keyed
to the series, deal and hand. It could be in an accompanying
pamphlet, suitably keyed. It could be on an auxiliary scroll or
tape on top of and at the top or bottom of the board. With its own
take-up and pay-out spools and its own opening, and keyed to follow
the play of each and every hand. Also the openings 30, 34, 36, and
38 can be utilized for commentary about the hand that was last
played there. After all four hands are played in FIG. 2, for
instance, and all bets are settled, the tape is advanced to a point
where commentary appears in opening 30. This will be far enough
along on the tape to clear all indicia in all positions for the
preceeding four hands. The other three openings are then lined up
with opening 30 and their commentary will appear. Example:
Do not split deuces against any UP card greater than 7 See TABLE A
in the TEXT
Of course, all sliders would be opened (position I in FIG. 2 is
normally in the open position-except on splits). After the
commentary is absorbed, by the player, and the slides are returned
to the normal position for each slider, the tape would be advanced
to the next deal and the next series of hands played. The
commentary can also teach and comment on card counting, an absolute
necessity, if the best odds at blackjack are to be realized in the
wagering and in the play. Drills can be programmed to teach
counting, which is simply a matter of being told what to count,
practice in counting accurately and rapidly, and, importantly, what
to do with and how to use the information so obtained.
All bets/wagers allowed and provided for at the casinos are
provided for on this board game and under realistic and authentic
conditions. These include splitting numerically identical pairs
(limited to position I for convenience), insurance bets, double
down bets, stand, and draw. Different casinos have different rules
and tapes would be programmed to correspond to the method the
student desires to learn and practice. For instance, blackjack in
Las Vegas differs in some major aspects from blackjack in the
Reno-Lake Tahoe area.
Various mechanical aides can be provided to assist the player to
achieve the highest proficiency. These include mechanical counters
to count 10s, aces, 5s, etc. These would be used to record those
cards while at the same time the student tries to remember key
cards. The counters are a reference to check the student until he
obtains the necessary accuracy and speed. For non-persisting
versions, counters can record the results of each hand, as played,
for later comparison with the dealer. Records can keep track of the
wagers, as made on each hand and for what purpose, e.g., double
down versus a simple draw, draw versus a stand, split versus a
draw. In such instances the recorders function as the watchdog
dealer and the player commits himself by recording what he wagers
and on what action.
A master text, with charts, tables, probabilities, and application
of the major, proven theories of betting and playing to blackjack
can be keyed to the play through one or more of the commentary
techniques.
The scroll may be modified so as to be capable of projection and be
used in teaching blackjack or analyzing blackjack for a number of
people. Alternatively, the indicia and commentary can be set forth
in braille so as to be useful for blind people as a means for
amusement.
* * * * *