Casino wagering game

Abstract

A method for playing a game of chance including a playing surface with the various wagering options defined thereon. The card game is played with two standard decks of playing cards, wherein all cards 7-King are removed leaving 48 numerically valued cards comprised of two suits each of the cards Ace-6. Each player is asked to select an initial winning option, “7”, “High” or “Low”, based upon how he feels the hand will be dealt, or the dice rolled. In the preferred, playing card embodiment, the players then place their wagers in the corresponding circle on the playing surface and the dealer deals one card, face down, to each player A second card is then dealt, face up, one player at a time. If the player has predicted the result incorrectly he folds his cards and the dealer moves to the next player dealing the second card to the next player and so on. If a player wins he turns up his hole card and waits until the dealer goes all the way around the table, whereupon all players who correctly predicted the outcome are awarded. The present invention also concerns a table layout for playing the above-mentioned wagering game.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] This invention relates generally to card or dice wagering games and more particularly to card games played on casino tables.

[0002] The present invention also concerns a table layout for playing said card game.

[0003] 1. Prior Art

[0004] A number of games utilize the high-low wagering concept. Usually in those games the players play against the house and the object is to get either a higher or lower ranked hand than the rank of the cards in the dealers hand. In most high-low games the options are narrow, many utilize specially altered decks of cards and awards are generally predetermined.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,755, relates to a casino card game in which the player plays against a dealer. Only three cards are dealt and all are face up. Players can make three wagers: Whether the third card dealt is black or red, whether the third card is a high or low ranking card, or whether the third card dealt will match either the card in the first or second position. No wagers are made by the players against the dealers hand in this game and Jokers are wild.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,651,997 relates to a card game in which a player places a first wager and the dealer deals him two cards face up. If the cards are of equal rank the player wins an amount based upon predetermined odds posted on the playing surface, but loses if the cards are of consecutive rank. If the two cards are not the same or of consecutive rank the player can make an additional wager as to whether the third card dealt will be of a rank between the two cards. If the first two cards dealt are of equal rank and that rank is a face card or an ace the player automatically wins according to the predetermined odds and is dealt a third card which, if of equal rank to the first two cards increases the players winnings. The players cards are not compared to dealer cards and no wild cards are used.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,514 relates to an Asian game utilizing the high-low principal. This game involves 15 conventional decks and is similar to the instant invention in that it removes all cards 7-King. The primary difference, however is that the object of the Asian game is to make a hand totaling 12, or close to 12, if a high scheme is selected, or totaling 2 or close to 2 if a low scheme is selected. Separate high-low wagers are not made and no second level or wild card wagering is allowed.

[0008] Other examples of prior art using a high low principal or format reviewed by this writer include several which had similarities, but diverged at key points. KAUFMAN, U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,403. In that game there is a gaming table at least one player, a full deck of 52 cards plus jokers and the players play directly against the dealer. The player places his bet in either the high or low gaming area and the dealer then deals one card to each player and one to himself. The player's card is then measured against the dealer's card. If the player had a higher card than the dealer and had wagered in the high box, he wins. If he had wagered in the low box he loses. The converse is true if the player's card is lower ranked than the dealer's card.

[0009] This game is distinguishable from the instant invention in that every round of 2 cards dealt to each player represents an entire game. Further the KAUFMAN game is played against the house, the house must be beaten, either high or low depending on the wagering option the player has chosen. In the instant invention, the dealer is merely a facilitator and does not himself have cards upon which to wager. In the instant invention the dealer deals the cards to each of the players, but takes none for himself, though in effect the house owns the two options not chosen by the player. The player then wins or loses depending solely upon the total value of the two cards dealt him and whether or not he has predicted the correct total score and placed his wager in the appropriate wagering area, i.e. “LOW” (2-6), “7), or “HIGH” (8-12).

[0010] The EATON U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,712 represents prior art, which is somewhat similar to the instant invention, but is ultimately distinguishable. The EATON game also involves an initial draw of two cards, however, it is from a regulation deck of 52 cards and against a predetermined number, for instance 17 in blackjack. This game allows, indeed requires the player to take additional hits until the predetermined number is attained or the player busts. Additionally second and third bets may be made as the game progresses. The instant invention mandates only two cards be dealt each player and the total of the two determines whether or not the player predicted the correct option and he wins or loses accordingly.

[0011] Additional patents were searched for relevant prior art, including but not limited to: U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,429, 5,144,579, 5,257,810, 5,615,888, 5,707,287, and 5,904,353. These ranged from side bets to jackpots to Spanish 21, with none being close enough to warrant further comment.

[0012] Arguably the most popular casino, table game in the United States and possibly the world, is Blackjack, sometimes called “21”. In that game, the player plays against the dealer, or the house. The object of Blackjack is for the player to get a hand, which is greater than the dealer's without “busting”, or exceeding the point total 21. Despite its popularity however, there are a number of problems associated with Blackjack.

[0013] Beyond the fact that Blackjack or 21 requires at least a modicum of skill for a player to have any chance of being consistently successful, Blackjack is often quite slow paced as players ponder taking a “hit” (an additional card) from the dealer, or to “stand pat” with their hand. A player who is not conversant with the rules will rapidly lose his money and his interest in the game

[0014] Not only is it necessary for the player to know the basic rules and objectives of Blackjack, the odds are significantly improved if the player is knowledgeable of the general guidelines about taking a “hit”. This is an acquired skill and is particularly critical for the player last dealt cards (the player on the dealers immediate right.) It is believed that this player can alter the course of the whole game by taking an unnecessary hit and changing the composition of the dealer's hand. Finally there is the fact that in Blackjack the players play against the house as individuals thereby causing a loss of camaraderie, which can hold players at the table longer. All of these problems have the potential to adversely affect the bottom line earnings by the house.

[0015] While the game Blackjack, or 21 is referenced here as illustrative, it must be kept in mind that this invention is not Blackjack or a minor deviation thereof. The present invention is a totally new game and is no more Blackjack than Blackjack is Poker.

SUMMARY

[0016] The present invention, which may be played as either a card or dice game, is based on high-low wagering using a modified deck of cards or a standard pair of six sided dice. The present invention, a wagering game, addresses the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0017] In response to the problems addressed in the afore mentioned section describing the prior art, an important object of the present invention is to provide a wagering game to players from novice to professional that is interesting, captivating, fast paced and most of all simple. It is also an important object of the present invention to provide a game that does not require a great deal of skill and can be grasped and understood quickly and completely. Another useful objective of this game is that it can introduce a novice player to wagering with a simple, uncomplicated game and lay the foundation to understanding the more complex games. Furthermore, an important objective of the present invention is to give the player the perception that he is controlling the flow of the game and the odds of winning, or at least that they have the ability to influence those odds.

[0018] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an entertaining wagering game that provides a favorable advantage to the house.

[0019] An additional object of the present invention is to provide table layouts for use in playing a wagering game that provides the previously noted objects for both card and dice games.

[0020] Therefore, in accordance with these and other objects, evident from the following description of the preferred embodiment, the present invention concerns a method of playing a wagering game with a deck of 48 numerically valued cards, comprised of two suits each of Spades, Hearts, Clubs and Diamonds totaling eight suits of Ace-6 including the steps of having each player place an initial wager and dealing two cards to each player to form a corresponding number of hands. Each player is asked to select a winning option “7”, “High” or “Low”, based upon how the player expects the hand to be dealt. The game further involves an award to each winning player based upon predetermined odds.

[0021] The present invention also concerns a table layout for playing the above referenced wagering game. The table layout includes a dealer station from which cards are dealt. In addition a plurality of player stations are provided, with each player station having a wager location consisting of a set of three option locations having indicia thereon corresponding to the three different possible ways the hand may be dealt, “7”, “High” or “Low”. The game is also, as will be seen, adaptable to other table games, such as Roulette or Dice. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures

DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description, the description reference and the annexed drawings, wherein:

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of the preferred embodiment of the gaming surface, showing the surface and the three wagering option areas and the positions of the players.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a blown up illustration of the wagering area shown in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention and several variations of that embodiment. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well. For a definition of the complete scope of the invention, the reader is directed to the appended claims.

[0026] FIG. 1, shows the gaming apparatus (100) preferred for use with the game playing method. Gaming apparatus (100) includes a deck of cards (105), and a game table, (101). Game table (100) is preferably of a semi-circular shape similar to those used for casino blackjack. Typically the dealer stands behind the flat side, (104) and one to seven players (102), are situated around the rounded portion of the table.

[0027] With reference to the drawings and in particular FIG. 1, thereof, the present invention is a new and improved wagering game, which is played with a deck of 48 cards, 105. (Two suits each of Spades, Clubs, Hearts and Diamonds, numbered Ace-6).

[0028] The deck of cards, FIG. 1, 105, shall now be described. From two standard decks of 52 cards, cards 7-King in all suits and all jokers are removed. This leaves 48 cards consisting of two suits each of Spades, Clubs, Hearts and Diamonds, numerically valued from Ace-6.

[0029] The Ace counts as one point; all the other cards carry the value of their numerical designation. If desired more than two decks can be used and cards may be dealt, by the dealer, either from a dealing shoe or by hand.

[0030] Each player position is distinguished by the three circles, (103), which define the wagering area of the game table, (101). Based upon how the player predicts the hand will be dealt he places his wager into one of the three option areas.

[0031] FIG. 2, is the full sized embodiment of FIG. 1, 103. and is the preferred embodiment of the “7 High Low” wagering game. As can be seen, each circle has a designation. Low, (200), “7” (203) and High (206). Also in each circle are numbers required to win in that circle and odds for the predetermined award if the player has predicted correctly.

[0032] In the Low circle, (200), if the player has placed his wager in the low circle (200) and the cards dealt to the player total 3,4,5,6 (201), the player wins and is paid a predetermined award of 1 for 1. If the total low score dealt the player, is 2, (which is circled to distinguish it,) the player is awarded a bonus of 1½ times his wager (202).

[0033] If the player places his wager in the middle, or “7” circle (203) he is predicting that the cards dealt to him will total the number 7 (204). If the player has predicted correctly and the cards dealt to him total the number 7, he is awarded a predetermined amount, four times the amount of his wager (205).

[0034] If the player chooses the High option, he places his wager in the High (206) circle wagering area. If he has predicted correctly and the two cards dealt him total 8,9,10,11, (207), he has won and will be awarded a predetermined amount of 1 for 1. If the total of the cards dealt the player is 12, (circled) the player is awarded a bonus of 1½ times the amount of his wager (208)

[0035] Operation and Rules of the Game.

[0036] The present invention may be played as either a banking or non-banking game. In the non-banking version up to seven players sitting at a round table, would first cut a standard deck of 52 cards for high card, or roll dice for high number, that person becomes the first dealer. The first dealer deals one hand, then the right to deal passes one player to the left for each subsequent hand. As the banking version is the preferred embodiment, the operation and rules for the banking version shall be the version detailed here;

[0037] In the preferred embodiment, or banking version, the game may be played by at least two and preferably no more than seven players, using a specially modified deck of 48 cards. The dealer standing at his position, 104. shuffles the cards 105 and randomly chooses one player 102 to cut the deck. The top card from the cut is buried and the dealer calls for wagers. Each player places his wager in the preferred option of 103, High 206, Low 200, or “7” 203. Once the first card is dealt no more wagers may be placed. If using a 48 card deck, dealer should reshuffle after every 14 hands.

[0038] The dealer deals two cards to each player, dealing in a counter clockwise direction, starting with the player most immediately to the dealers left. The first card is dealt face down. Once each player has received his first card the dealer deals each player a second card, again going counter clockwise beginning at the dealers immediate left. The second card is dealt face up. Once all cards are dealt the dealer asks for a showing of hands. Losers fold their hands and winners show their winning hands by turning up the first card, which was dealt face down. Loser's money is swept to the dealer 104. The dealer checks each winning hand and beginning with the player most immediately to his left pays awards according to the predetermined odds of 1 to 1 on High 206 and Low 200, 1½ to 1 on Bonus numbers 2, 202 and 12, 208 with winners on ‘7’ 203, receiving a predetermined award of 4 to 1.

Claims

1. A method of playing a wagering game, which is be played with a deck of 48 numerically valued cards on a gaming table or board containing three circular wagering positions containing the three possible wagers for each hand. The first circle (that closest to the player) has the word “Low” the middle, the numeral “7” and the third the word “High”

(a) each player selects an initial winning option based upon how he expects the hand to be dealt;

(b) having each player then make a wager, placing his bet in the area corresponding to how he predicts the hand to be dealt; Players may choose only one of the three options per hand;

(c) dealing, face down, one card to each player

(d) dealing a second card face up to each player;

(e) awarding those players who correctly predicted how the hands would be dealt.

2. A method of playing a wagering game as claimed in claim 1, but played with a pair of six sided numerically valued dice instead of cards;

(a) as in claim 1, steps (a) & (b) the player chooses his option and places his wager in the area on the playing surface which corresponds to his prediction.

(b) the shooter rolls the dice and if the total showing on the two dice corresponds to the option the player has chosen, i.e. “7” (the numbers showing on the two dice total 7), “High” (the numbers of the dice total 8-12) or “Low” (the total of the two dice adds up to 2-6), the player is awarded

(c) having a step wherein a bonus award of 1½ to one if the players Low score totals 2, or High score totals 12

3) A method of playing a wagering game as claimed in claims 1&2, including having the capability of being played as either a card game or dice game

(a) a deck of cards comprised of 48 cards, consisting of two suits each of Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Clubs, in the numbers Ace-6.

4) A method of playing a wagering game as claimed in claims 1, 2 & 3 including the step of having each player;

(a) place an initial wager;

(b) after step (a), selecting a winning option based upon how the player feels the hand will be dealt or the dice rolled

(c) awarding each of the players whose winning option correctly predicted how the hand would be dealt or the dice rolled.

5) A method of playing a wagering game as described in claims 1&2, including the step of;

(a) placing a wager upon one of three clearly defined wagering areas, which are circular and are printed upon the gaming table

(b) the three wagering areas or circles contain words and numbers which correspond to the prediction the player makes and the predetermined odds of his award if successful.

(c) The first, or closest to the player containing the word “Low”, the numerals 2,3,4,5,6 and the odds (Pays 1½), which references the award paid if the total Low score is 2 (note circled numeral (2)

(d) having a second, or middle circle which contains the numeral “7” and the odds (4 to 1)

(e) having a third circle which contains the word “High”, the numerals 8,9,10,11,12 and the bonus award, (Pays 1½) if the total High score is 12. See (12) circled.

(f) having a set of three such wagering areas located at each player position on the gaming table

6) A method of playing a wagering game as described in 1&2 above, including having a dealer who himself is dealt no cards, eliminating the usual step in high/low games wherein the dealer is dealt a hand which is the hand the other players play against and measure their success or failure to win by,

(a) having only to attain the predicted total number of points to be awarded.