US20090295087A1

US20090295087A1 - One bet card game

Info

Publication number: US20090295087A1
Application number: US12/128,628
Authority: US
Inventors: Werner Alecsander Kling; Hugo Hagen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-05-29
Filing date: 2008-05-29
Publication date: 2009-12-03

Abstract

A method of playing a card game comprises: each player selecting a value from a predetermined set of values; each player placing one bet; a dealer drawing a predetermined quantity of cards; determining actual value based on the cards drawn by the dealer; and resolving each player's bet wherein the player wins if the player's selected 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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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.

BACKGROUND

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.

SUMMARY

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram depicting a gaming method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart depicting a gaming method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a game layout for the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart depicting a gaming method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a game layout for the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart depicting a gaming method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a game layout for the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart depicting a gaming method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a game layout for the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 8.

DESCRIPTION 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.

Gaming Method

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 FIG. 1 which depicts the gaming method of the present invention, each player selects a value from a predetermined set of values (action 10), each player places one bet (action 20), a dealer draws a predetermined quantity of community cards (action 30), actual value is determined based on the community(s) (action 40), and each player's bet is resolved wherein the player wins if the player's selected value matches the actual value (action 50). In various embodiments, the predetermined set of values may include values of an individual community card, blackjack values of a plurality of community cards, a poker combination of a plurality of community cards, or the baccarat point count of a plurality of community cards.
Still referring to FIG. 1, in a first embodiment of the invention, the predetermined quantity is one and the predetermined set of values is comprised of Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, and King. Alternatively, the predetermined quantity is one and 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 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.

Gaming Layout

Still referring to FIG. 1, during action 20, each player places his one bet on a game layout. The game layout is comprised of a plurality of betting positions corresponding with the predetermined set of values from which the player selects his chosen value. After each player selects a value from the predetermined set of values (action 10), the player places one bet (action 20) by simply by placing his wager on the corresponding betting position which will be described in more detail below.
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.

I. Embodiments Using Values Based on One Card Drawn

In an embodiment of the gaming method depicted in FIG. 1, the gaming method of the present invention is designed to reward players (by allowing them to win and get paid for their bets) if they correctly select the outcome of one community card drawn by the dealer (or the card value may randomly be selected via computer or electronic methods or via a spin of a customized roulette-type wheel marked with card values instead of standard roulette values). In such embodiments, the predetermined quantity of community cards referenced in FIG. 1 would equal one.
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 FIG. 2 comprises: each player selecting a value (action 110); each player placing one bet on the value selected (action 120); a dealer drawing one card (action 130); determining actual value based on the one card drawn (action 140); and resolving each player's bet wherein a player wins if his selected value matches the actual value (action 150). A game layout is provided (FIG. 3) which corresponds to the predetermined values that a player may select.

Predetermined Set of Values

Still referring to FIG. 2, each player selects a value (action 11) by placing his one bet on the corresponding betting position on the game layout shown in FIG. 3. These values are selected from a predetermined set of values which could include any suitable value which corresponds to the predetermined set of cards used in the game. As depicted in FIG. 2, a player may select a single cared value (action 111); a two-card value (action 112); a three-card value (action 113); a four-card value (action 114); or a six-card value (action 115). Accordingly, the predetermined set of values used in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 is comprised of the following:

- Single Card Values which include: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, and King;
- Two-Card Values which include: 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;
- Three-Card Values which include: 2-3-4, 5-6-7, 8-9-10, and Jack-Queen-King;
- Four-Card Values which include: 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;
- Six-Card Values which include: 2-3-4-5-6-7, 5-6-7-8-9-10, and 8-9-10-Jack-Queen-King.

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 FIG. 2 (actions 111-115).

Game Layout & Placing of Bets

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 FIG. 3. The game layout in FIG. 3 is comprised of the following betting positions: position 161 to designate a single-card bet on an Ace card, position 162 to designate a single-card bet on a 2 card, position 163 to designate a single-card bet on a 3 card, position 164 to designate a single-card bet on a 4 card, position 165 to designate a single-card bet on a 5 card, position 166 to designate a single-card bet on a 6 card, position 167 to designate a single-card bet on a 7 card, position 168 to designate a single-card bet on an 8 card, position 169 to designate a single-card bet on a 9 card, position 170 to designate a single-card bet on a 10 card, position 171 to designate a single-card bet on a Jack card, position 172 to designate a single-card bet on a Queen card, position 173 to designate a single-card bet on a King card, position 181 to designate a six-card bet on the six-card value 2-3-4-5-6-7, position 182 to designate a six-card bet on the six-card value 5-6-7-8-9-10, and position 183 to designate a six-card bet on the six-card value 8-9-10-Jack-Queen-King.
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:

- Single card bets would be placed directly on the single-card value position on the layout (i.e., a player may place one bet on any one of positions 161-173).
- Two-card bets would be placed on a border between two single-card value positions (e.g., a two-card bet may be placed on the border between positions 171 and 172 to designate a two-card bet on Jack-Queen or a two-card bet may be made on positions 166 and 169 to designate a two-card bet on 6-9. However, position 161 which designates a single-card bet on an Ace card cannot be involved in any two-card bets as well as three-card bets, four-card bets, and six-card bets since an Ace can only be selected via a single-card bet in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2-3.
- Three-card bets would be placed at an end of a row of three single-card value positions (e.g., a three-card bet may be placed on the row ending with position 170 to designate a three-card bet on 8-9-10).
- Four-card bets would be placed at the intersection of four single-card value positions or at an end of a column of four single-card value positions (e.g., a four-card bet may be placed at the intersection of positions 163, 164, 166, and 167 to designate a four-card bet on 3-4-6-7 or a four-card bet may be placed at the end of the column ending with position 173 to designate a four-card bet on 4-7-10-King).
- Six-card bets would be placed on a position specially designated for six card values (e.g., a six-card bet may be placed on position 181 to designate a six-card bet on 2-3-4-5-6-7).

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 FIG. 3), or each multi-card betting position may designate a different type of bet. For instance, in an alternate embodiment, the game layout may include a betting position that designates a three-card bet, four-card bet, five-card bet, seven-card bet, eight-card bet, or any other multi-card bet. Yet, in other embodiments, roulette betting practices are not used and the game layout includes betting positions which are each specially designated for the various types of single card bets and multi-card bets. In such embodiments that do not incorporate the betting practices of conventional roulette when making multi-card bets, to make a multi-card bet, players do not place bets at the ends of columns or rows, in between two single-card betting positions, or at the intersection of four single-card betting positions. Instead, players must only place bets within specially designated betting areas (e.g., there may be a plurality of any suitable shapes such as circles, squares, octagons, etc. in which the bets may only be placed within, and bets are not allowed to be placed in between such shapes or outside the borders of such shapes). 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.

Predetermined Set of Cards

In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 2, the predetermined set of cards is comprised of a standard 52-card deck of playing cards, which includes four of each of the following cards: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jacks, Queens, and Kings; one of each value is also denominated with suits of spades, diamonds, clubs, and hearts. In alternate embodiments, the predetermined set of cards may be comprised of a 54-card deck of cards which include one or more jokers.
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 FIG. 2, one or up to eight 52-card decks may be used. Additionally, in electronic embodiments, virtual “cards” may be used and card values may be selected randomly by computer. As such, the playing card deck or roulette-like wheel with corresponding card values may be replaced by computer-generated representations in various embodiments. Similar to computer poker games, the values may be selected randomly by computer and displayed as a virtual representation on a computer/electronic device or television screen/monitor, transmitted across the Internet, or replicated as a series of lights or colors. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be easily able to adapt the present invention to various electronic, computer and Internet-enabled forms.

Resolving Bets

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 FIGS. 2-3 may be resolved as follows:
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 FIGS. 2-3, Ace is a single-card bet only and is not included in any of the two-card values, three-card values, four-card values, or six-card values. When a player places a bet on single-value “Ace” and any other card is drawn, the player loses only half of his bet.
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:

- the dealer paying 11-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value was selected from the single card values;
- the dealer paying 5-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value was selected from the two-card values;
- the dealer paying 3-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value was selected from the three-card values;
- the dealer paying 2-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value was selected from the four-card values; and the
- dealer paying 1-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value was selected from the six-card values.

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 unless the community card is an Ace;
- the player losing half of the one bet if the community card is an Ace; and
- the player losing half of the one bet if the chosen value is an Ace.

II. Embodiments Using Blackjack Values

In another embodiment of the gaming method depicted in FIG. 1, the predetermined quantity of community cards referenced in FIG. 1 may be two. Depending on the value of the hand formed by the two community cards drawn, the dealer may then have to draw one or more additional cards according to house rules as discussed below. In alternate embodiments, the community card values may randomly be selected via computer or electronic methods.
FIG. 4 depicts an a method of playing a card game comprising: each player selecting a value (action 210); each player placing one bet on the value selected (action 220); a dealer dealing two cards and must hit (or draw another card) until value of the cards dealt is 17 or better using blackjack scoring (action 230); determining actual value based on blackjack score of all cards dealt (action 240); and resolving each player's bet wherein a player wins if his selected value matches the actual value (action 250). During action 210, each player may select a value from the predetermined set of values comprised of the following values: 17 (action 211), 18 (action 212), 19 (action 213), 20 (action 214), 21 (action 215), blackjack (action 216), and bust (action 217).

Predetermined Set of Values

The predetermined set of values in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is comprised of 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, Blackjack, and Bust. In another embodiment, the dealer draws only two community cards, and thus, 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. The set of predetermined set of values may differ in various embodiments of the present invention.

Game Layout & Placing of Bets

FIG. 5 illustrates a game layout which may be used with the method depicted in FIG. 4 as it includes betting positions that correlate with the predetermined set of values used in this embodiment. The predetermined set of values depicted in actions 211-217 corresponds with betting positions on the game layout as illustrated in FIG. 5. The game layout in FIG. 5 is comprised of the following betting positions: position 261 to designate that the player selected the value 17, position 262 to designate that the player selected the value 18, position 263 to designate that the player selected the value 19, position 264 to designate that the player selected the value 20, position 265 to designate that the player selected the value 21, position 266 to designate that the player selected the value Blackjack, and position 267 to designate that the player selected the value Bust.
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 FIG. 5.
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).

Predetermined Set of Cards & Valuing Community Cards Drawn

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.”

Predetermined Quantity of Cards & Drawing of Additional Cards

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the predetermined quantity of cards is initially two community cards. However, the dealer will deal the two community cards to form a community hand and then if necessary, play out the hand by house rules. For example, the house rules may be comprised of the following: if the blackjack value of the two community cards is at least a certain value (which is 17 in this embodiment), the dealer stands (i.e., does not draw any additional cards); and if the value of the two community cards is less than 17, the dealer is required to hit (or draws another card) until the value of the community card hand is 17 (including soft 17) or better. A “soft 17” is a hand that contains at least one ace and the total value of the hand can equal either 7 or 17 since an ace can be valued as either a one or an eleven. A soft 17 is a hand which adds up to 17 counting an ace as an eleven. Other examples of soft 17 hands include, but are not limited to, hands comprised of: (ace-4-2), (ace-3-3), (5-ace-ace), (2-2-2-ace), or (4-ace-ace-ace). Therefore, whether the community hand is comprised of the two community cards or is comprised of the two community cards plus at least one additional card, the value of the community hand will either be 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, blackjack, or bust. The actual value is therefore based on the blackjack score of the community hand comprised of the two community cards (if the two community cards form a hand with a value of at least 17) or the two community cards and at least one additional card (if the two community cards initially formed a hand less than 17).
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 FIG. 1, the aforementioned embodiment is directed to a method of playing a card game wherein 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 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.

Resolving Bets

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.

TABLE 1

Pay Table

	Hand Value	Payment

	17	5 to 1
	18	6 to 1
	19	6 to 1
	20	4 to 1
	21	12 to 1
	Blackjack	19 to 1
	Bust	2 to 1

TABLE 2

Pay Table

	Hand Value	Payment

	17	5 to 1
	18	5 to 1
	19	6 to 1
	20	4 to 1
	21	12 to 1
	Blackjack	18 to 1
	Bust	2 to 1

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.

III. Embodiments Using Poker Values

In an alternate embodiment of the gaming method depicted in FIG. 1, the predetermined set of values are comprised of poker combination values, and actual value is based on the poker combination of the hand formed by the community cards drawn. In such embodiments, the predetermined quantity of cards is any suitable quantity of cards that will form a poker combination.
FIG. 6 depicts a method of playing a card game comprising: each player selecting a value (action 310); each player placing one bet on the value selected (action 320); a dealer drawing five cards (action 330); determining actual value based on the poker combination of the five cards drawn (action 340); and resolving each player's bet wherein a player wins if his selected value matches the actual value (action 350). During action 310, each player may select a value from the predetermined set of values comprised of the following values: four-of-a-kind or better (action 311), full house (action 312), flush (action 313), straight (action 314), three-of-a-kind (action 315), two pair (action 316), and pair of 5's through aces (action 317).

Predetermined Set of Cards & Valuing Community Cards Drawn

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):

- Royal Flush: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and 10 of the same suit (e.g., A-K-Q-J-10)
- Straight Flush: five cards of the same suit, in order (e.g., Q-J-10-9-8 of spades)
- Four-of-a-Kind: four cards of the same value, and one extra card (e.g., J-J-J-J-7)
- Full House: three cards of one value, plus two of another (e.g., A-A-A-3-3)
- Flush: five cards of the same suit (e.g., A-J-9-7-2 of clubs)
- Straight: five cards in sequence, Aces may be low or high (e.g., 9-8-7-6-5)
- Three-of-a-Kind: three cards of the same value, and two extra (e.g., 5-5-5-K-Q)
- Two Pair: two cards of one value plus two cards of another (e.g., 10-10-6-6-Q)
- One Pair: two cards of one value, and three extra (e.g., A-A-9-5-2)

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.

Predetermined Set of Values & Predetermined Quantity of Cards

As seen in FIG. 6, the predetermined quantity of cards is five, and the predetermined set of values therefore include: four-of-a-kind or better (action 311), full house (action 312), flush (action 313), straight (action 314), three-of-a-kind (action 315), two pair (action 316), and pair of 5's through aces (action 317).
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.

Game Layout & Placing of Bets

FIG. 7 illustrates a game layout which may be used with the method depicted in FIG. 6 as it includes betting positions that correlate with the predetermined set of values used in this embodiment. The predetermined set of values depicted in actions 311-317 corresponds with betting positions on the game layout as illustrated in FIG. 7. The game layout in FIG. 7 is comprised of the following betting positions: position 361 to designate that the player selected the value four-of-a-kind or better, position 362 to designate that the player selected the value full house, position 363 to designate that the player selected the value flush, position 364 to designate that the player selected the value straight, position 365 to designate that the player selected the value three-of-a-kind, position 366 to designate that the player selected the value two pair, and position 367 to designate that the player selected the value pair of 5's through Aces.
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 FIG. 7.
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).

Resolving Bets

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.

TABLE 3

Pay Table

	Hand Value	Payment

	Four-of-a-Kind or Better	3000 to 1
	Full House	600 to 1
	Flush	450 to 1
	Straight	220 to 1
	Three-of-a-Kind	40 to 1
	Two Pair	19 to 1
	A Pair of 5's thru Aces	2 to 1

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.

IV. Embodiments Using Baccarat Point Values

In another embodiment of the gaming method depicted in FIG. 1, the predetermined quantity of community cards referenced in FIG. 1 may be two. Depending on the value of the hand formed by the two community cards drawn, the dealer may then have to draw a third card as described below. In alternate embodiments, the community card values may randomly be selected via computer or electronic methods.
FIG. 8 depicts an a method of playing a card game comprising: each player selecting a value of either 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 (action 410); each player placing one bet on the value selected (action 420); a dealer drawing two cards and if the baccarat point count of the two cards drawn is less than 5, the dealer must draw a third card (action 430); determining actual value based on the baccarat point count of all cards drawn (action 440); and resolving each player's bet wherein a player wins if his selected value matches the actual value (action 450).

Predetermined Set of Values

The predetermined set of values in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is comprised of: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. In another embodiment, the dealer draws only two cards wherein the actual value is based on the baccarat hand formed only by the two community cards, and the predetermined set of values may also be comprised of: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The set of predetermined set of values may differ in various embodiments of the present invention. For instance, in an alternate embodiment, the predetermined set of values may exclude one or more of the above-identified values.

Game Layout & Placing of Bets

FIG. 9 illustrates a game layout which may be used with the method depicted in FIG. 8 since it includes betting positions that correlate with the predetermined set of values used in this embodiment. The predetermined set of values 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 corresponds respectively with betting positions 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, and 469 on the game layout illustrated in FIG. 9. Thus, the game layout in FIG. 9 is comprised of the following betting positions: position 460 to designate that the player selected the value 0; position 461 to designate that the player selected the value 1; position 462 to designate that the player selected the value 2; position 463 to designate that the player selected the value 3; position 464 to designate that the player selected the value 4; position 465 to designate that the player selected the value 5; position 466 to designate that the player selected the value 6; position 467 to designate that the player selected the value 7; position 468 to designate that the player selected the value 8; and position 469 to designate that the player selected the value 9.
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 FIG. 9.
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).

Predetermined Set of Cards & Valuing Community Cards Drawn

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.

Predetermined Quantity of Cards & Drawing of Additional Cards

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the predetermined quantity of cards is initially two community cards. The dealer will initially deal the two community cards to form a community hand and then deal a third card if the baccarat point count of the two community cards drawn is less than 5. Therefore, the community hand is either comprised of the two community cards initially drawn or is comprised of the two community cards plus a third card. The actual value is based on the baccarat score of the community hand comprised of the two community cards (if they form a baccarat hand with a value of at least 5) or the two community cards and a third card (if the two community cards initially formed a baccarat hand less than 5).
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.

Resolving Bets

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.

TABLE 4

Pay Table

	Hand Value	Payment

	0	12 to 1
	1	14 to 1
	2	14 to 1
	3	14 to 1
	4	14 to 1
	5	6 to 1
	6	6 to 1
	7	6 to 1
	8	6 to 1
	9	6 to 1

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.

V. Embodiments with Varying Rounds of Play

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 (FIG. 1): each player selects a value from a predetermined set of values (action 10), each player places one bet (action 20), a dealer draws a predetermined quantity of community cards (action 30), actual value is determined based on the community(s) (action 40), and each player's bet is resolved wherein the player wins if the player's selected value matches the actual value (action 50). However, the gaming method includes varying rounds of play wherein each round incorporates a different embodiment such as those depicted in FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and/or 8 as described hereinabove. In other words, one gaming method may include one round of play using the one-card variation described in FIG. 2, a second round of play using the blackjack variation described in FIG. 4, a third round of play using the poker variation described in FIG. 6, and/or a fourth round of play using the baccarat variation described in FIG. 8 wherein each variety is played randomly or according to parameters predetermined by game rules or decided by the player.
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 FIGS. 5 and 7 or a variation thereof comprised of one layout that incorporates both blackjack values and poker combination values. However, computer or electronic variations of the present invention are more suitable for varying rounds of play since the player would simply need to select and program which varieties he wishes to play. For example, a player may choose to play a variation that incorporates the variations of the invention described in FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and, 8 (i.e., variation of the present invention that are based on one card values, blackjack values, poker combinations, and baccarat values respectively). The player may either choose to play the game wherein each round incorporates a randomly generated variation, or the player may choose to play the variations in a certain order (e.g., the player chooses to play the one card variation in the first round, the black jack variation in the second round, the baccarat variation in the third round, the poker variation in the fourth round wherein one round of each variation is played at a time, or the player can select to play any number of rounds for each variation to be played). The player may also choose to only play certain variations (e.g., the player chooses to play only rounds of blackjack variations and baccarat variations) and may also choose to play a specified percentage or quantity of each variation (e.g., the player may choose to play a game wherein 80% of the rounds played are blackjack variations and 20% of the rounds played are baccarat variations, the player may choose to play sixteen blackjack rounds and four baccarat rounds, or the player may choose to play for a predetermined time period such as one hour). Nonetheless, the player may specify a variety of preferences (e.g., sequence, quantity, time periods, etc., and may choose to play any combination of one or more of the variations of the gaming method of the present invention. For example, the player may choose to play: any one or combination of the variations as described hereinabove in the description of the embodiments and in FIGS. 2-9.
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.

CONCLUSION AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

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.

Claims

1. A method of playing a card game comprising:

(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.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the predetermined quantity is one and the predetermined set of values is comprised of Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, and King.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the predetermined quantity is one and 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.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein if the chosen value matches the actual value, resolving each player's one bet comprises:

the dealer paying 11-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value was selected from the single card values;

the dealer paying 5-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value was selected from the two-card values;

the dealer paying 3-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value was selected from the three-card values;

the dealer paying 2-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value was selected from the four-card values;

the dealer paying 1-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value was selected from the six-card values;

and if the chosen value does not match the actual value, resolving each player's one bet comprises:

the player losing the one bet unless the community card is an Ace;

the player losing half of the one bet if the community card is an Ace; and

the player losing half of the one bet if the chosen value is an Ace.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein

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.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein if the 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 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;

the dealer paying 2-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is Bust;

and if the chosen value does not match the actual value, resolving each player's one bet comprises the player losing the one bet.

7. The method of claim 5 wherein if the 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;

the dealer paying 2-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is Bust;

8. The method of claim 1 wherein

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, and

the actual value is based on a poker combination formed by the community cards.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein if the chosen value matches the actual value, 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;

the dealer paying 2-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is at a pair of at least 5's;

10. The method of claim 1 wherein

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.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein if the chosen value matches the actual value, 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;

the dealer paying 6-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 9;

12. A method of playing a card game comprising:

(a) each player selecting a chosen value from a predetermined set of values comprised of:

(iii) three-card values including: 2-3-4, 5-6-7, 8-9-10, and Jack-Queen-King;

(v) six-card values including: 2-3-4-5-6-7, 5-6-7-8-9-10, and 8-9-10-Jack-Queen-King;

(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

13. The method of claim 12 wherein if the chosen value matches the actual value, resolving each player's one bet comprises:

the player losing the one bet unless the community card is an Ace;

the player losing half of the one bet if the community card is an Ace; and

the player losing half of the one bet if the chosen value is an Ace.

14. A method of playing a card game comprising:

(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.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein if the 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 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;

the dealer paying 2-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is Bust;

16. The method of claim 14 wherein if the 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;

the dealer paying 2-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is Bust;

17. A method of playing a card game comprising:

(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

18. The method of claim 17 wherein 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.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein if the chosen value matches the actual value, resolving each player's one bet comprises:

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 19-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is two pair;

20. The method of claim 17 wherein 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.

21. A method of playing a card game comprising:

(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

22. The method of claim 21 wherein if the chosen value matches the actual value, 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;

the dealer paying 6-to-1 of the one bet if the chosen value is 9;