Patent Application
20090295087
The present invention generally relates to a method for playing a card game that may be played as a casino table game or as a video or computer game.
Roulette, blackjack, poker, and baccarat are popular casino games played all over the world. While these traditional casino games are popular, there is a need in the art for new and improved games that appeal to different classes of players and gamblers and that offer additional benefits to players and casinos alike.
Some players may be looking for a variation of a casino game that uses familiar rules but which is simpler and less stressful to play. A variation of a casino game that does not require as much strategy to play as in traditional games like poker and blackjack would be very popular among some players especially those who are new to casino games. Additionally, a modified casino game that simplifies features of traditional games and eliminates some of the drawbacks would be appealing to many players. For instance, although conventional roulette games generally have simple rules of play, some players may be distracted by the numerous betting options (e.g., there are numerous ‘inside bets’ possible such as individual number bets, split bets, three number bets, corner bets, six-line bets and numerous ‘outside bets’ possible such as red/black bets, even/odd bets, column bets, etc.); while other players may find valuing player and banker hands in baccarat confusing or may be deterred from playing since players must pay the house a commission (often 5%) on winning bets placed on the banker's hand.
Additionally, a simpler game that eliminates multiple hands to value and compare and eliminates complex betting systems and multiple rounds of betting such as those used in traditional poker and variations thereof (e.g., Texas Hold 'em) would be much faster to play, and therefore more exciting for players and more attractive to casinos who wish to conduct as many possible rounds of play in a given time period. Finally, some players will enjoy the guarantee of knowing that the most they can lose on any given hand is their initial bet, and that they cannot lose their entire stack of chips in one hand or be precluded from participating in the remainder of the game if they lose an “all-in” bet as in some variations of poker.
Variations such as those mentioned above are therefore likely to expand its reach to even more potential players. Casino games utilizing such variations and advantages are likely to be easier to learn and to play than standard casino games, attract more and higher wagers from bettors, be more enjoyed by players, and be more profitable for the casinos that offer them. Other advantages of the present invention will be apparent in light of the ensuing description of the present invention.
The present invention is directed to a method of playing a card game that is easy and quick to play, generates additional excitement, and allows for larger payouts than many conventional card games (e.g., players are afforded the opportunity to place a bet which can pay out up to 3000 to 1 in one embodiment of the present invention). Offering a more streamlined version of a casino game where all the cards are dealt face up, there is no separate dealer and player hands to value and compare but rather one community card hand to be used communally by all players, and where there is no longer confusing multiple betting opportunities or options (such as blinds or antes, checking or betting between cards, and folding) would provide numerous advantages. For instance, a streamlined version of a casino card game would: (i) attract more players to the game; (ii) eliminate the complex system of betting; (iii) decrease the need for strategy, conviction, mathematical aptitude, the ability to read other players, the ability to bluff, and the ability to hide facial expressions or other signals that may give away a player's hand; (iv) allow for a smoother and quicker flow of play; and (v) allow for more rounds of play in a given time period. Nonetheless, the features of the present invention will likely attract higher wagers from bettors, attract novice players who are new to casino games or experienced players who desire variety, be more enjoyed by players, and be more profitable for the casinos that offer them and the players who play such games.
The present invention is directed to a gaming method that comprises: (a) each player selecting a chosen value from a predetermined set of values; (b) each player placing one bet; (c) a dealer drawing a predetermined quantity of community cards; (d) determining actual value based on the community cards; and (e) resolving each player's one bet wherein a player wins if the player's chosen value matches the actual value. In one embodiment, actual value is based on the one card drawn. In a second embodiment, actual value is based on the blackjack value of the two or more cards drawn. In a third embodiment, actual value is based on the poker combination of the five cards drawn. In a fourth embodiment, actual value is based on the baccarat point count of the two or three cards drawn. In further embodiments, a gaming method comprises any combination of two or more of the above-mentioned embodiments.
In various embodiments of the invention, the actions of the gaming method may be performed in a variety of ways and sequences. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, a gaming method comprises: (a) each player selecting a chosen value from a predetermined set of values; (b) each player placing one bet; (c) a dealer drawing one community card; (d) determining actual value based on the one community card; and (e) resolving each player's one bet wherein a player wins if the player's chosen value matches the actual value. In an embodiment, the predetermined set of values is comprised of Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, and King. In a further embodiment, the predetermined set of values is comprised of: (i) single card values including: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, and King; (ii) two-card values including: 2-3, 3-4, 5-6, 6-7, 8-9, 9-10, Jack-Queen, Queen-King, 2-5, 5-8, 8-Jack, 3-6, 6-9, 9-Queen, 4-7, 7-10, 10-King; (iii) three-card values including: 2-3-4, 5-6-7, 8-9-10, and Jack-Queen-King; (iv) four-card values including: 2-5-8-Jack, 3-6-9-Queen, 4-7-10-King, 2-3-5-6, 3-4-6-7, 5-6-8-9, 6-7-9-10, 8-9-Jack-Queen, and 9-10-Queen-King; and (v) six-card values including: 2-3-4-5-6-7, 5-6-7-8-9-10, and 8-9-10-Jack-Queen-King.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of playing a card game comprises: (a) each player selecting a chosen value from a predetermined set of values comprised of 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, blackjack, and bust; (b) each player placing one bet; (c) a dealer drawing two community cards; (d) if the blackjack score of the community cards is at least 17, determining actual value based on the two community cards (e) if the blackjack score of the community cards is less than 17, requiring the dealer to draw at least one additional card until a total blackjack score of the community cards and the at least one additional card is at least 17 wherein the actual value is based on the total blackjack score of the community cards and the at least one additional card; and (f) resolving each player's one bet wherein a player wins if the player's chosen value matches the actual value.
In an alternate embodiment, a method of playing a card game comprises: (a) each player selecting a chosen value from a predetermined set of values; (b) each player placing one bet; (c) a dealer drawing a predetermined quantity of community cards; (d) determining actual value based on poker combination formed by the community cards; and (e) resolving each player's one bet wherein a player wins if the player's chosen value matches the actual value. In one embodiment, the predetermined set of values is comprised of: four-of-a-kind or better, full house, flush, straight, three-of-a-kind, two pair, and a pair of at least 5's and the predetermined quantity is five. In another embodiment, the predetermined set of value is comprised of: straight flush, three-of-a-kind, straight, flush, and a pair and the predetermined quantity is three.
In a further embodiment, a method of playing a card game comprises: (a) each player selecting a chosen value from a predetermined set of values comprised of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; (b) each player placing one bet; (c) a dealer drawing two community cards; (d) if baccarat point count of the community cards is at least 5, determining actual value based on the baccarat point count of the two community cards; (e) if the baccarat point count of the community cards is less than 5, requiring the dealer to draw a third card wherein the actual value is based on a total baccarat point count of the two community cards and the third card; and (f) resolving each player's one bet wherein a player wins if the player's chosen value matches the actual value.
The above description sets forth a summary of embodiments of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There may be, of course, other features of the invention that will be described below and may form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in further detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways; for example, the invention may be carried out through software on a computer, via the Internet, or other electronic medium. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, various features of embodiments of the invention.
In the following description of embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, certain embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The order in which the actions are presented below is not limited to any particular order and does not necessarily imply that they have to be performed in the order presented. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the order of these actions can be rearranged and performed in any suitable manner. It further will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that some actions may be omitted, added, modified and/or consolidated and still fall within the spirit of the invention.
The present invention is directed to a gaming method and game layouts that may be used to implement the gaming method. In general, the gaming method is designed to reward players who have selected a value that matches a value randomly generated by computer or electronic methods or by a dealer's random drawing one or more community cards. The gaming method of the present invention incorporates traditional casino gaming rules in various embodiments of the invention.
In the various embodiments described herein, the term “dealer” may represent the “house” or the casino, and for purposes of description the term “dealer” and “the house” may be used interchangeably herein to illustrate various embodiments of the invention. The term “dealer” may also refer to a virtual dealer or a random value generator in embodiments of the invention that involve computers, the Internet, and/or other forms of electronic media. In other variations of the invention, the dealer may be a player designated in advance or the players may take turns acting as the dealer.
As seen in the block diagram of
Still referring to
In a second embodiment, the predetermined set of values is comprised of 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, Blackjack, and Bust; the predetermined quantity is two, the actual value is based on a blackjack score of the community cards if the blackjack score of the community cards is at least 17, and if the blackjack score of the community cards is less than 17, said method further comprises requiring the dealer to draw at least one additional card until a total blackjack score of the community cards and the at least one additional card is at least 17 wherein the actual value is based on the total blackjack score of the community cards and the at least one additional card.
In a third embodiment, the predetermined set of values is comprised of: four-of-a-kind or better, full house, flush, straight, three-of-a-kind, two pair, and a pair of at least 5's, the predetermined quantity is five, the predetermined quantity is two, and the actual value is based on the poker combination formed by the two community cards. Alternatively, the predetermined set of values may be comprised of: three-card straight flush, three-of-a-kind, straight, flush, and a pair. the predetermined quantity is three, and the actual value is based on the three poker combination formed by the three community cards.
In a fourth embodiment, the predetermined set of values is comprised of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, the predetermined quantity is two, the actual value is based on a baccarat point count of the community cards if the baccarat point count of the community cards is at least 5, and if the baccarat point count of the community cards is less than 5, said method further comprises requiring the dealer to draw a third card wherein the actual value is based on a total baccarat point count of the community cards and the third card.
The term “community cards” is used to describe cards drawn to be used for all players in the game. In some variations, the community cards may be used to form a blackjack hand, poker hand, or a baccarat hand. In other variations, only one community card is drawn. The gaming method of the present invention does not involve cards drawn to form multiple hands—i.e., there are no individual player hands formed for each player and there is no separate dealer hand to compare with a player or players' hand. In certain embodiments, the community cards drawn may also be referred to as “the dealer's hand;” although such a term is used for purposes of illustration, this hand is used communally by all players to determine actual value. Thus, the terms “community hand” and “dealer hand” may be used interchangeably. In sum, there is only one hand formed (or in some embodiments there is only one card drawn) by the predetermined quantity of community cards drawn. This community hand (or card drawn) is to be used to determine the actual value.
Still referring to
For all the embodiments discussed herein, the gaming layout used may be made with the common shapes of conventional casino gaming tables such as a semi-circular shape, and may also be made with materials of conventional gaming tables, such as felt, vinyl, wood, plastic, laminate, and/or marble. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the gaming layout may be a video or computer representation of a conventional gaming table, game layout and/or player position (comprised of the plurality of betting positions).
Each game layout may be comprised of a plurality of player positions where each player position includes an individual set of betting positions. Any suitable number of player positions may be included in any given gaming layout of the present invention. The number of player positions may vary depending on the size of the gaming table and the number of players a casino wishes to accommodate in one given game. Also, it is not necessary that all player positions be utilized while the game is being played. At least one player position needs to be utilized for the game to be played. For computer or electronic embodiments, not all player positions need to be shown on the display. In some embodiments, only one player position is shown while in other embodiments such as those wherein the player plays along with virtual players or other real players via the Internet, the other player positions may be shown so that the player can see which values the other players are selecting although not necessary.
Alternatively, each game layout may be comprised of one communal set of betting positions to be used by all players. In embodiments that implement the use of one communal set of betting positions, each player's bets may be distinguished by different wagering chips (e.g., different color wagering chips such as those used in traditional roulette games).
The gaming layout may also include one or more community card positions. The one or more community card positions may be located substantially in the center of the gaming layout or the board, near or in front of the dealer, or in any position that is easily visible by all players. Any combination of colors, patterns, designs, words, numbers, logos, shapes, borders, and/or other symbols may be used to designate community card positions.
For the game layout of the present invention that will be described in more detail below, the betting positions may be configured in a variety of patterns and positions and may be comprised of a variety of shapes. Any one or combination of words, numbers, colors, logos, shapes, patterns, designs, borders, and/or other symbols or indicia may be used to designate the different betting positions so that they correspond with the predetermined set of values. Other features may be included within any given gaming layout such as payout schedules/tables, rules of play, logos, trademarks, casino name, designs and/or various artistic elements.
In an embodiment of the gaming method depicted in
Such embodiments are directed a roulette-type game that can be played with a predetermined set of cards comprised of one to eight decks of cards. The player is required to make one bet on the value of a card the dealer will draw. If the card the dealer draws matches the card value the player picked then the player wins. After all players have placed their bets, the dealer draws one card and places it face up on the table. The value of the card drawn decides the outcome of the game.
In light of the foregoing, a method of playing a card game shown in
Still referring to
Any suitable predetermined set of values may be used in such embodiments so long as the predetermined set of values correlate with the predetermined set of cards used in the game. For example, the predetermined set of values may include any one or combination of the following values: spades, diamonds, clubs, hearts, red, black, even, odd, joker, any combination thereof; or any one or more of the foregoing values may be further included in the predetermined set of values shown in
For purposes of describing the various embodiments herein, the term “single-card bet” is used to designate a bet when the player selects a single-card value; “two-card bet” is used to designate a bet when the player selects a two-card value; “three-card bet” is used to designate a bet when the player selects a third-card value; “four-card bet” is used to designate a bet when the player selects a four-card value; and “six-card bet” is used to designate a bet when the player selects a six-card value.
The predetermined set of values depicted in actions 111-115 corresponds with betting positions on the game layout as illustrated in
Each player places one bet on the player's selected value by placing his wager on the betting position that corresponds with the value selected on the game layout. The player would place his bet according to betting practices used in traditional roulette. Such traditional roulette betting practices include the following:
In other embodiments of the invention, the game layout may include betting positions configured differently and therefore, the method of placing bets may differ than as described above. For instance, the grid of betting positions may be comprised of fewer or more rows and/or columns, and rows and columns may be used for different types of bets than as described above. Additionally, there may be less or more betting positions that designate multi-card bets (e.g., positions 181, 183, and 183 are each multi-card betting positions since they each designate six-card bets in
In the embodiment of the invention depicted in
Although, the embodiment depicted utilizes 52 cards of a standard deck of playing cards, additional playing cards may be added or removed from the predetermined set of cards, and specialized cards with custom indicia (e.g., custom colors and/or symbols) may be used instead of or in combination with standard playing cards so long as the betting positions of the wagering area correlate with the set of cards chosen for any given embodiment. Also, in alternate embodiments, a single deck or up to eight or more decks of predetermined cards may be used. For instance, in the version of the invention depicted in
Each player's bet is resolved wherein the players' bets are either lost or paid out in some multiple according to the rarity of the event predicted by the wager. A player wins if his selected value matches the actual value or in other words: if the card value the dealer draws matches the card value the player picked, then the player wins. The embodiments shown in
Ace Bets & Ace Card Drawn
Unless the player selects a single-card value on “Ace” alone, if an Ace is drawn then the player will lose only half of his wager. If the player bets on single-card value “Ace,” and an Ace is drawn, then his bet will be resolved according to single-card bets described below. In the embodiment shown in
Single Card Bet (Player Selects Single Card Value)
If a player places a bet on any single card value and if the card drawn matches it, the player is paid 11 to 1.
Two-Card Bet (Player Selects Two-Card Value)
If a player places a bet on a two-card value and if the card drawn matches one of the two cards identified in the two-card value, the player is paid 5 to 1.
Three-Card Bet (Player Selects Three-Card Value)
If a player places a bet on a three-card value and if the card drawn matches one of the three cards identified in the three-card value, the player is paid 3 to 1.
Four-Card Bet (Player Selects Four-Card Value)
If a player places a bet on a four-card value and if the card drawn matches one of the four cards identified in the four-card value, the player is paid 2 to 1.
Six-Card Bet (Player Selects Six-Card Value)
If a player places a bet on a six-card value and if the card drawn matches one of the six cards identified in the six-card value, the player is paid 1 to 1.
In view of the above, if the player's chosen value matches the actual value, resolving each player's one bet comprises:
If the player's chosen value does not match the actual value, resolving each player's one bet comprises:
In another embodiment of the gaming method depicted in
The predetermined set of values in the embodiment shown in
Once the player selects a value from the set of predetermined set of values, the player then places his one bet on the value selected on the correlating betting position on the game layout. In other embodiments of the invention, the game layout may include betting positions configured differently or may include different shapes, patterns, designs, colors, and/or indicia. For instance, the betting positions may be arranged linearly instead of the configuration shown in
There may be a plurality of any suitable shapes such as circles, squares, diamonds, etc. in which the bets may be placed within. Of course, numerous variations of game layouts are possible so long as the betting positions correspond with the predetermined values from which the players must select their chosen value. As such, the set of betting positions may be comprised of fewer or more betting positions to correlate with a different set of predetermined values.
In alternate embodiments, the game layout may include one or more betting positions that designate multi-value bets (e.g., a player may select a value of 19-20 which means that the blackjack score of the cards drawn will be either 19 or 20). In such embodiments, there may be additional betting positions that each designates such multi-value bets (e.g., there may be a separate betting position specially designating the 19-20 value). Alternatively, roulette-type betting practices as described above may be used (e.g., if the player selects a value of 17-19, then the player places his bet on the border between positions 261 and 263).
Traditional blackjack rules are used to value the cards drawn and to determine game outcome. At least one standard deck of 52 playing cards is used in the present invention although up to eight decks of cards may be used. These cards each have a numerical or letter value, and a suit associated with them. A standard deck is comprised of four sets (of thirteen cards each) numbered as follows: A (ace), 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J (jack), Q (queen), and K (king). There are four cards of each value, one of each “suit”: spades, diamonds, clubs, and hearts. As in conventional blackjack, the suit is irrelevant for purposes of the present invention, and only the value of the card is considered. The value of the cards is computed as follows: for the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 cards, they are each given the value shown on the card; tens, jacks, queens, and kings are each valued as ten points; aces may be valued as one point or as eleven points.
To value the community card hand (which may also be referred to as the dealer hand although there is no player hand used in the gaming method of the present invention), the value of each card drawn is added together based on the above-described rules for blackjack scoring. An Ace and any 10-value card form a blackjack. If the total value of all the cards drawn exceeds a score of 21, then the hand “busts.”
In the embodiment shown in
In alternate embodiments, the house rules which dictate whether the dealer must draw at least one additional card after drawing the two community cards may vary. For instance, in an alternate embodiment, a dealer may be required to draw an additional card if the two community cards drawn form a soft 17. Yet, in another embodiment, the dealer is not permitted to draw any additional cards and the actual value is based on the hand formed only by the two community cards. In such embodiments, the predetermined set of values may be comprised of: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21.
With reference to
In light of the above, a method of playing a card game comprises: (a) each player selecting a chosen value from a predetermined set of values comprised of 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, blackjack, and bust; (b) each player placing one bet; (c) a dealer drawing two community cards; (d) if the blackjack score of the community cards is at least 17, determining actual value based on the two community cards; (e) if the blackjack score of the community cards is less than 17, requiring the dealer to draw at least one additional card until a total blackjack score of the community cards and the at least one additional card is at least 17 wherein the actual value is based on the total blackjack score of the community cards and the at least one additional card; and (f) resolving each player's one bet wherein a player wins if the player's chosen value matches the actual value.
The player simply has to make a bet on the value of the dealer hand. If the value of the dealer hand matches the value the player picked then the player wins. If the player selects a hand value that does not match the value of the dealer hand, the player will lose his bet. TABLES 1 or TABLE 2 may be used to resolve each player's bet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
As seen in TABLE 1, if the player's chosen value matches the actual value (i.e., value of the community hand which is also referred to as dealer hand), resolving each player's one bet comprises: the dealer paying 5-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 17; the dealer paying 6-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 18; the dealer paying 6-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 19; the dealer paying 4-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 20; the dealer paying 12-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 21; the dealer paying 19-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is Blackjack; and the dealer paying 2-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is Bust. If the chosen value does not match the actual value, resolving each player's one bet comprises the player losing the one bet.
Alternatively, according to TABLE 2, if the player's chosen value matches the actual value, resolving each player's one bet comprises: the dealer paying 5-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 17; the dealer paying 5-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 18; the dealer paying 6-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 19; the dealer paying 4-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 20; the dealer paying 12-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 21; the dealer paying 18-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is Blackjack; and the dealer paying 2-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is Bust. If the chosen value does not match the actual value, resolving each player's one bet comprises the player losing the one bet.
In alternate embodiments, any suitable payment schedule may be used to resolve each player's bet. For instance, each player's bet may be resolved according to any payment schedule wherein the players' bets are either lost or paid out in some multiple according to the rarity of the value selected by the player.
In an alternate embodiment of the gaming method depicted in
In this embodiment, one standard 52-card deck of playing cards is used. These cards each have numerical or letter indicia and a suit associated with them. A standard deck is comprised of four sets (of thirteen cards each) numbered as follows: A (ace), 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J (jack), Q (queen), and K (king); and there are four of each of these cards, one of each “suit:” spades, diamonds, clubs, and hearts. In different embodiments, one, two, or four “jokers” may be added to the deck to serve as “wild cards,” which may be used to represent any card of any suit.
Poker games usually use a standard method of ranking poker hands although in this embodiment of the present invention, ranking is relevant to the payment schedule used to resolve each player's bet since the ranking of poker combinations are based on rarity. Descriptions and the ranking of five-card poker combinations are as follows (from most valuable to least valuable):
Hands higher in the list are more rare (the odds of attaining them are higher), and therefore more valuable, and beat hands lower on the list. If a player correctly selects a high ranking hand, the player would get paid out more on his bet than he would if he correctly selected a lower ranking hand. The highest possible Straight Flush, A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit, is called a “Royal Flush” or “Royal Straight Flush.” Five-of-a-kind is possible only with wild cards (or multiple decks), and usually beats a Straight Flush.
As seen in
In alternate embodiments, a different quantity of community cards may be used and therefore, the actual value (and predetermined set of values from which the player selects his value) is based on poker combinations formed by hands comprised of fewer or more cards. For example, in one embodiment, the predetermined quantity is three (i.e. dealer draws three community cards to form a three card poker hand). A ranking system similar to the above-described system for five card hands may be used for three card hands wherein a three-card straight flush may still be the highest-ranking hand, followed by three-of-a-kind (there is no possibility of four-of-a-kind or a full house), a straight, a flush, and a pair. Different variations may vary whether the straight or flush is the higher-ranking hand. In another example, more than five community cards may be drawn to form a poker hand. For instance the predetermined quantity of cards may be seven (which forms a seven card poker hand), and actual value may then be determined by whichever five cards form the most valuable hand.
Once the player selects a value from the set of predetermined set of values, the player then places his one bet on the value selected on the correlating betting position on the game layout. In other embodiments of the invention, the game layout may include betting positions configured differently or may include different shapes, patterns, designs, colors, and/or indicia. For instance, each betting positions may be arranged linearly instead of the configuration shown in
There may be a plurality of any suitable shapes such as circles, squares, diamonds, etc. in which the bets may be placed within. Of course, numerous variations of game layouts are possible so long as the betting positions correspond with the predetermined values from which the players must select their chosen value. As such, the set of betting positions may be comprised of fewer or more betting positions to correlate with a different set of predetermined values.
In alternate embodiments, the game layout may include one or more betting positions that designate multi-value bets (e.g., a player may select a value of “full house-flush” which means that the poker combination of the cards drawn will be either a full house or a flush). In such embodiments, there may be additional betting positions that each designates such multi-value bets (e.g., there may be a separate betting position specially designating the “full house-flush” value). Alternatively, roulette-type betting practices as described above may be used (e.g., if the player selects a value of “full house-flush”, then the player places his bet on the border between positions 361 and 363).
The player selects a value (a poker combination in this embodiment), and if the value of the community hand matches the value the player chose then the player wins and may be paid according to a variety of payment schedules. If the player selects a value that does not match the value of the community hand, the player will lose his bet. TABLE 3 may be used to resolve each player's bet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
As seen in TABLE 3, if the player's chosen value matches the actual value (i.e., poker combination of the community hand), resolving each player's one bet comprises: the dealer paying 3000-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is four-of-a-kind or better; the dealer paying 600-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is full house; the dealer paying 450-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is flush; the dealer paying 220-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is straight; the dealer paying 40-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is three-of-a-kind; the dealer paying 19-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is two pair; and the dealer paying 2-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is at a pair of at least 5's; and if the player's chosen value does not match the actual value, resolving each player's one bet comprises the player losing the one bet.
In alternate embodiments, any suitable payment schedule may be used to resolve each player's bet. For instance, each player's bet may be resolved according to a payment schedule wherein the players' bets are paid out in some multiple according to the rarity of the poker combination value selected by the player.
In another embodiment of the gaming method depicted in
The predetermined set of values in the embodiment shown in
Once the player selects a value from the set of predetermined set of values, the player then places his one bet on the value selected on the correlating betting position on the game layout. In other embodiments of the invention, the game layout may include betting positions configured differently or may include different shapes, patterns, designs, colors, and/or indicia. For instance, the betting positions may be comprised of different shapes and may be arranged in alternate patterns (e.g., grid, pyramid, circular pattern, etc.) instead of the linear configuration shown in
There may be a plurality of any suitable shapes such as circles, squares, diamonds, etc. in which the bets may be placed within. Of course, numerous variations of game layouts are possible so long as the betting positions correspond with the predetermined values from which the players must select their chosen value. As such, the set of betting positions may be comprised of fewer betting positions to correlate with a different set of predetermined values.
In alternate embodiments, the game layout may include one or more betting positions that designate multi-value bets (e.g., a player may select a value of 4-5 which means that the baccarat point count of the cards drawn will be either 4 or 5). In such embodiments, there may be additional betting positions that each designates such multi-value bets (e.g., there may be a separate betting position specially designating the 4-5 value). Alternatively, roulette-type betting practices as described above in another embodiment of the invention may be used (e.g., if the player selects a value of 4-5, then the player places his bet on the border between positions 464 and 465).
Traditional baccarat scoring rules are used to value the cards drawn and to determine game outcome. At least one standard deck of 52 playing cards is used in the present invention although up to eight decks of cards may be used. These cards each have a numerical or letter value, and a suit associated with them. A standard deck is comprised of four sets (of thirteen cards each) numbered as follows: A (ace), 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J (jack), Q (queen), and K (king). There are four cards of each value, one of each “suit”: spades, diamonds, clubs, and hearts.
The cards in a baccarat hand are valued as follows: all face cards and tens have no value or have a zero value. Cards less than ten are valued at their face value, with aces valued as one. Suits are irrelevant. The two or three cards in a hand are added up, and any two digit values drop the digit in the tens column (resulting in a value between zero and nine). For example, a 7 card and an 8 card add up to 15, but the baccarat card value is five.
In the embodiment shown in
In alternate embodiments, the game rules which dictate whether the dealer must draw a third card after drawing the two community cards may vary. For instance, in an alternate embodiment, a dealer may be required to draw an additional card if the two community cards drawn have a baccarat point count of 4, 6 or another value not equal to 5. In another embodiment, the dealer does not draw a third card no matter what the baccarat point count of the first community cards, and the actual value is therefore based on the hand formed only by the two community cards.
In view of the foregoing, a method of playing a card game comprises: (a) each player selecting a chosen value from a predetermined set of values comprised of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; (b) each player placing one bet; (c) a dealer drawing two community cards; (d) if baccarat point count of the community cards is at least 5, determining actual value based on the baccarat point count of the two community cards; (e) if the baccarat point count of the community cards is less than 5, requiring the dealer to draw a third card wherein the actual value is based on a total baccarat point count of the two community cards and the third card; and (f) resolving each player's one bet wherein a player wins if the player's chosen value matches the actual value.
The player is required to make one bet on the baccarat score of the dealer hand. If the baccarat score of the dealer hand matches the baccarat score the player chose then the player wins. If the player selected a baccarat score that does not match the baccarat score of the dealer hand, the player will lose his bet. TABLE 4 may be used to resolve each player's bet in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in TABLE 4, if the player's chosen value (i.e. selected baccarat score) matches the actual value (i.e., baccarat score of the community hand), resolving each player's one bet comprises: the dealer paying 12-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 0; the dealer paying 14-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 1; the dealer paying 14-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 2; the dealer paying 14-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 3; the dealer paying 14-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 4; the dealer paying 6-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 5; the dealer paying 6-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 6; the dealer paying 6-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 7; the dealer paying 6-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 8; and the dealer paying 6-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 9. If the chosen value does not match the actual value, resolving each player's one bet comprises the player losing the one bet.
In other embodiments, any suitable payment schedule may be used to resolve each player's bet. For instance, each player's bet may be resolved according to any payment schedule wherein the players' bets are paid out in some multiple according to the rarity of the value selected by the player.
In a further embodiment, the gaming method of the present invention is comprised of multiple rounds of play wherein each round of play generally includes the following (
Such embodiments are possible on gaming tables, but the tables would need to incorporate additional betting positions to accommodate the variety in rounds of play and possible bets a player can make. For example, one game layout may include both
While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The above-described embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. For example, some actions of the gaming method described above may be added, omitted, modified, or performed in various sequences, and some of the actions described are for illustrative purposes, and accordingly, some of the actions may be modified, added, or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention.
It can be realized from the embodiments described herein that the present invention provides a modified casino game that adds new excitement and is more rewarding than traditional casino games for both players and gaming establishments. The above-described embodiments of the present invention have many advantages. For instance, the present invention is easier and quicker to play, generates additional excitement, and allows for larger payouts than conventional casino games.
The present invention offers a more streamlined version of a casino game where all the cards are dealt face up to form one community hand, there are no separate player and dealer hands to value and compare, and the player makes only one bet during the course of the game. Therefore, there are no longer confusing multiple betting opportunities or options such as blinds or antes, checking or betting between cards, and folding. This simplification would likely attract more players to the game (especially those who are new to casino games) and allow for a smoother and quicker flow of play. A streamlined version of a casino game would also eliminate complex systems of betting and valuing multiple hands and eliminate the need for strategy, conviction, mathematical aptitude, the ability to read other players, the ability to bluff, and the ability to hide facial expressions or other signals that may give away a player's hand. Since the present invention eliminates the foregoing skills, many novice players can easily learn the rules of play and will not be deterred from playing. Additionally, in a given time period, casinos can conduct more rounds of play of a more streamlined and simplified game. Thus, the features of the present invention will likely attract higher wagers from bettors, be more enjoyed by players since it is less stressful and less complicated to play, and be more profitable for both the players and the casinos that offer them.
The players do not compete against each other like in many conventional casino games, and thus more than one player may win in any given round. There is only one community hand and it is irrelevant how the other players are playing or what the other players are betting on. There are no multiple hands to compare or to beat. The player simply has to predict the outcome of the community hand (or the outcome of the one community card drawn in some embodiments). Such features can be more enticing to new players as it may be less intimidating than playing against other more experienced players.
The present invention retains some of the features and advantages of conventional casino games while also providing the player with a streamlined version of a casino game and en element of variety for enhanced player anticipation and enjoyment. The invention benefits the player who desires a novel variation to conventional casino games as well as the player who does not want to have to learn new rules for valuing cards and scoring hands, but desires some variety. Furthermore, various embodiments of the present invention have reasonable odds for both the player and the house. This is another advantage of the invention because, to be a viable casino game, the gaming method should provide opportunity for a reasonable return for both the house and the player.
It is to be understood, that even though some advantages of the present invention are described herein, it is not necessary that all the advantageous features and/or all the advantages need to be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.
Although the present invention has been described above in considerable detail with reference to certain versions thereof, other versions are possible. For instance, the gaming method described above is not limited to being played as a table game. The gaming method may be played as a board game or by using computers or electronic devices having audio and video outputs. Thus, the term “cards” as used in this application refers to traditional cards made of paper stock having traditional game indicia, such as numbers (2-10), suits (diamonds, hearts, spades, and clubs), and characters (aces, jacks, queens, and kings). The term “cards” is also used to refer to electronic images of traditional cards. The term “dealer” may be an actual person distributing the cards. It is noted that the dealer may also be a player, and the dealer does not have to be associated with a business entity having a stake in any profits derived from operating the game. The players may play against each other wherein one player is designated as the dealer. Alternatively, the players may take turns acting as the dealer. The term “dealer” may also be used to refer to a virtual dealer that is programmed through an electronic device or computer.
The invention can be readily implemented in a wide variety of additional forms and media including, but not limited to: single player slot video machines, multi-player slot video machines, electronic games and devices, lottery terminals, scratch-card formats, software, as well as in-flight, home, and Internet entertainment. Furthermore, the invention can be readily implemented in software, which can be stored on a disk (e.g., magnetic disk, compact disc (CD), USB memory stick, pen drives, flash drives, etc.) and used with a computer system. In one embodiment, the gaming method of the present invention may be implemented as a computer game that may be executed via disk or downloaded from the Internet and played using a computer, gaming console, or an electronic handheld device (e.g., personal digital assistants (PDA), mobile phones, etc.). Such embodiments may be played individually or may be played with other real and/or virtual players. In another embodiment, the present invention may be played as an interactive online gambling game wherein the player may play against the dealer individually or with other players via the Internet. The dealer may be an actual person or a virtual dealer. Similarly, the other players may be actual people or they may be computer generated virtual players. In other embodiments of the invention, the gaming method may be played against a casino or wagering establishment from a remote location via the Internet or any other type of network.
Some actions of the gaming method described herein may be added, omitted, modified, or performed in various sequences. Additionally, some of the actions described in the various embodiments herein are for illustrative purposes, and as such, some of the actions may be modified, added, or omitted without departing from the scope of the invention. Nonetheless, the various embodiments of the invention which are described herein may be incorporated in a variety of contexts as mentioned above.
In certain variations of the present invention, the gaming method may further include allowing each player to optionally make a side bet before any cards are drawn. The side bet may win if the player hand is comprised of any predetermined event such as a predetermined poker combination, blackjack score, baccarat score, or any other value. For instance, the side bet may be made on the occurrence of any one or combination of a variety of events. The side bet may be based on the outcome of any one or combination of the community cards drawn during the course of the game. For instance, in an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein at least two community cards are drawn, a side bet may be made that the first two community cards drawn will form a pair of any designated value or a pair of a predetermined value. In other examples of the invention wherein a plurality of community cards are drawn, a side bet may be based on a plurality of designated community cards (e.g., first and last community cards drawn, the first and second community cards drawn, etc.) being of a certain value or forming a pair, a blackjack combination (i.e., the sum of the values total twenty-one), or any other predetermined combination. The side bet may also be based on the occurrence of one specific card. For example, a side bet may be based that the first second, third, or last community card drawn is an ace or any other predetermined value. Any suitable payout schedule may be used based on the rarity of the hand (i.e., rarer hands get paid more than less rare hands).
In various embodiments of the invention, the actions of the gaming method of the present invention may be performed in a variety of ways and sequences. The one or more community cards drawn may be drawn in different ways. For instance, the one or more community cards may be dealt face down before each player selects his value or before each player places his one bet on his selected vale, and then the community cards may later be revealed after the players have placed their bets. Thus, the effect of dealing a card face down and then later revealing it at some point in the game can also be achieved by merely drawing (or dealing) the card face up at some point after each player places his bet. It is to be appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the gaming method of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention.
Cards may also be burned in-between the drawing/dealing of the one or more community cards. It can be realized that if a card is burned, the outcome may be more challenging to predict as only some cards are used during play, and the game indicia of the burned cards cannot be seen by the players. Burning a card may also protect against the possibility of a stacked deck or prevent any chance of a player from being able to see the top card before it is dealt. Furthermore, burning a card may create excitement, suspense, and drama for the players. It is noted, however, that burning a card may be omitted as desired. For example, in embodiments which involve computer/electronic applications such as online gambling websites and video games, the burning of cards is not necessary, but it may nonetheless be included to elevate excitement.
While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
