Baccarat game

Abstract

An improved baccarat-type game. In one embodiment, each player plays his or her own baccarat hand, against a dealer hand. Players may wager on the outcome of their hand versus the dealer hand and, in one embodiment, may bet on either hand to win. Preferably, at least one and preferably two additional wagering opportunities are provided. In one, players may wager on the identity of the dealer's first card, which is dealt face down. In a second, players may wager on the combined value of the dealer hand and the wagerer's player hand. In one embodiment, one or more of these bonus opportunities are provided, in a game in which there is only a single player hand.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to baccarat-type card games and, more particularly, to an improved baccarat game.

BACKGROUND 0F THE INVENTION

The rules of the game of baccarat, also known as punto banco, are well-known. Two hands are dealt—a “dealer” hand and a “player” hand. Each hand initially receives two cards, and the goal is to achieve the highest point total when adding the value of the cards making up the hand. A series of relatively complicated rules govern whether the player hand or the dealer hand is dealt a third card.

Special rules apply to the determining of card values for adding purposes. 10's and face cards have no value, Aces have a value of one, and the remaining cards have their face value. If the added value of the cards is greater than 10 (e.g., two sevens have an added value of 14), the first digit is ignored and only the second one is considered in determining value (e.g., the baccarat value of two sevens is “4” and not “14”). As a result of these adding rules, the highest baccarat hand achievable is nine.

The gambling on the play of baccarat consists of players wagering on either the dealer hand or the player hand to win. Because there is only one “player” hand, the remaining wagerers, other than the player with the “player” hand, are not actually playing a baccarat hand.

A need exists for an improved baccarat-type game that permits greater player participation, additional wagering opportunities, improved third card rules, and/or an outcome determining device where there is a tie between dealer and player hands. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other, related, advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an improved baccarat-type card game is disclosed. The game comprises, in combination, the steps of: accepting an initial wager from one or more players; dealing each of the one or more players a first card; dealing a dealer a first card; dealing at least one additional card to each of the one or more players until completing a player baccarat hand for each of the one or more players; dealing at least one additional card to the dealer until completing a dealer baccarat hand; determining a baccarat hand value for each player baccarat hand; determining a baccarat hand value for the dealer baccarat hand; comparing the baccarat hand value of each player baccarat hand with the baccarat hand value of the dealer baccarat hand; and if the baccarat hand value of at least one player baccarat hand and the baccarat hand value of the dealer baccarat hand are equal, providing a determination card to each player having the baccarat hand having an equal value to the dealer baccarat hand; wherein a value of the determination card determines what will happen to the initial wager.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an improved baccarat-type card game is disclosed. The game comprises, in combination, the steps of: accepting an initial wager from one or more players; dealing each of the one or more players a first card; dealing a dealer a first card; wherein the dealer's first card is dealt face down; permitting each player an option of placing a wager on an identity of the dealer's first card; dealing at least one additional card to each of the one or more players until completing a player baccarat hand for each of the one or more players; dealing at least one additional card to the dealer until completing a dealer baccarat hand; determining a baccarat hand value for each player baccarat hand; determining a baccarat hand value for the dealer baccarat hand; comparing the baccarat hand value of each player baccarat hand with the baccarat hand value of the dealer baccarat hand; awarding a jackpot to each player who has placed the wager on the identity of the dealer's first card and who has correctly selected the identity.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an improved baccarat-type card game is disclosed. The game comprises, in combination, the steps of: accepting an initial wager from at least one player; dealing a first card to at least one player hand; dealing a first card to a dealer hand; dealing at least one additional card to each player hand until completing the player hand; dealing at least one additional card to the dealer hand until completing the dealer hand; determining a baccarat hand value for each player hand; determining a baccarat hand value for the dealer hand; comparing the baccarat hand value of each player hand with the baccarat hand value of the dealer hand; determining based on a value of cards comprising at least one player hand and the dealer hand whether the at least one bonus jackpot has been achieved.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, an improved card game is disclosed. The game comprises, in combination, the steps of: accepting an initial wager from one or more players; dealing each of the one or more players a first card; dealing a dealer a first card; dealing at least one additional card to each of the one or more players until completing a player hand for each of the one or more players; dealing at least one additional card to the dealer until completing a dealer hand; determining a hand value for each player hand; determining a hand value for the dealer hand; comparing the hand value of each player hand with the hand value of the dealer hand; and if the hand value of at least one player hand and the hand value of the dealer hand are equal, providing a determination card to each player having the hand having an equal value to the dealer hand; wherein a value of the determination card determines what will happen to the initial wager.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an improved card game is disclosed. The game comprises, in combination, the steps of: accepting an initial wager from one or more players; dealing each of said one or more players a first card; dealing a dealer a first card; wherein said dealer's first card is dealt face down; permitting each said player an option of placing a wager on a value of said dealer's first card; dealing at least one additional card to each of said one or more players until completing a player hand for each of said one or more players; dealing at least one additional card to said dealer until completing a dealer hand; determining a hand value for each said player hand; determining a hand value for said dealer hand; determining said value of said dealer's first card; and awarding a jackpot amount to a player who placed said wager on said value of said dealer's first card and who correctly predicted said value.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an improved card game is disclosed. The game comprises, in combination, the steps of: accepting an initial wager from one or more players; dealing each of said one or more players a first card; dealing a dealer a first card; dealing at least one additional card to each of said one or more players until completing a player hand for each of said one or more players; dealing at least one additional card to said dealer until completing a dealer hand; determining a hand value for each said player hand; determining a hand value for said dealer hand; and determining based on a value of cards comprising at least one said player hand and said dealer hand whether said at least one bonus jackpot has been achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a game table, suitable for the play of an improved baccarat game consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a player wagering area for a baccarat game consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a player wagering area for a baccarat game consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a table on which an improved baccarat game consistent with the present invention may be played. (Of course, table size and shape can be varied as desired, including based on the number of players to be accommodated.)

First, it should be noted that each player is, preferably, dealt cards, so that there will be as many “player” hands as there are players. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, illustration is made of a table 10 adapted to accommodate multiple players, with each player having his or her own play area 12 for his or her cards.

Referring additionally to FIG. 2, initially, each player places one initial wager or “ante” in Baccarat bet area 14. Play then preferably begins with the dealer standing or sitting at dealer station 16 dealing one card, preferably face up, to each player, and one card, preferably face down, for the dealer hand. It is preferred that the dealer utilize a multi-deck stack of cards 17, and preferably one containing a minimum of eight decks.

The dealer then deals a second card to each player hand and to the dealer hand. All second cards are, preferably, dealt face up. After the dealer and each player have received two cards, each player is permitted to complete his or her baccarat hand. Rules should be established to determine when a player may select a third card. These rules can be classic baccarat rules (i.e., player automatically draws a third card with a hand that is less than or equal to five, player does not draw with a hand that totals 8 or 9, and player may draw at 6 or 7). Preferably, however, baccarat rules are modified slightly, so that the player must draw with a total of 5 or less, must stand with a total of 7, 8 or 9, and may draw with a total of 6.

Once each player hand is completed, the dealer reveals his or her first card and completes his or her hand. Classic baccarat rules can be utilized to determine whether the dealer draws a third card. Preferably, however, the classic rules are modified so as to simplify them. In a preferred embodiment, the dealer must take an additional card with a hand of 5 or less, and must stand with a hand of 6 or more.

Once the dealer hand is completed, the dealer compares his or her hand to each player hand, and winners are determined on a hand by hand basis. For example, with respect to Player 1, the dealer will compare his/her hand to Player 1's hand. If Player 1 has a better hand, Player 1 will be awarded an amount equal to the amount wagered. If the dealer has a better hand, Player 1 loses the amount wagered.

If the hands tie, several possibilities are created. For example, it can be provided that in the event of a tie, the original wager is returned. Preferably, in the event of a tie, an additional card is dealt to the tying player. That card, known as a “determination” or “D” card, determines the disposition of the baccarat wager. By way of example only, it can be provided that if the D card has a value of 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9, there is a “push,” and the player receives the return of the initial wager. If the D card has a value of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, J, Q, or K, the following mechanism can apply—the player will forfeit a percentage of the initial baccarat wager depending on the card value. For example, if the D card is 2, the amount lost will be 20% of the original wager, if the D card is 4, the amount lost will be 40% of the original wager, if the D card is 6, the amount lost will be 60% of the original wager, if the D card is 8, the amount lost will be 80% of the original wager, if the D card is 10 or higher, the amount lost will be the full amount (100%) of the original wager.

A baccarat game as herein described can be played with one or more additional wagering/jackpot features. In one version, participation in which preferably requires an additional wager (to be placed in bonus area 20), a player can achieve a jackpot payout depending on the poker-type or other value of the combination of the player's baccarat hand and the dealer's baccarat hand. (Preferably, although not necessarily, any D card received by a player is not considered in determining the value of the player and dealer hands.) Thus, following play of an embodiment of a baccarat game as herein described, determination is made as to whether or not the player who is participating in the bonus game has achieved a designated value, based on the combination of the player's cards and the dealer's cards, entitling him or her to the award of a bonus payout.

As shown in FIG. 2, possible bonus-generating combinations include: four of a kind, five of a kind, six of a kind, a straight flush, a royal flush (A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit) a baccarat flush (A, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the same suit), a super royal flush ((A, K, Q, J, 10, 9 of the same suit), all red, and all black. It should be recognized that the particular bonus-generating combinations can be varied as desired.

Preferably, the actual payout amount associated with a particular bonus combination is determined based on the relative degree of difficulty of achieving a possible bonus combination, with the amount being higher the greater the degree of difficulty. It may be desired to make one or more of the bonus payout amounts progressive.

Another possible betting feature, as illustrated in FIG. 2, is to permit players to wager on the identity of the dealer's first card, which is dealt face down. By placing a wager in the desired dealer first card area 24, the player can wager on whether the dealer has a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, etc. In one embodiment, if the first card is a face card, the player's wager is returned. Preferably, in this embodiment, the payout is eight to one, though a different payout may be provided. In another embodiment, if the first card is a face card, the player loses the wager. In this embodiment, it is preferred that the payout be eleven to one, though a different payout may be provided. A player may be permitted to place more than one such wager, in one embodiment.

Yet another possible betting feature, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. 2 (and also in FIG. 3), is to permit players to wager on whether the cards forming the combination of the dealer's hand and the wagering player's hand are all red, or all black. Such a wager may be placed in the applicable area 28.

Preferably, all three additional wagering options as herein described are utilized, though it may be desired to utilize only one or two of them. It should be further noted that, while an additional wager is preferably required for each additional wagering option as herein described, it may be desired to permit a player to participate in one or more of these options with no additional wager beyond the initial wager, or to permit a player to participate in two or more of these options with a single wager in addition to the initial wager. For example, a single additional wager could permit a player to be eligible for two or more additional jackpots based on the value of the combined dealer and player hands, selection of the identity of the first dealer card, and/or or selection of “all red” or “all black” for the combined dealer and player cards.

In one embodiment, a player can be permitted to bet on the dealer hand rather than on the player's own hand. In this embodiment, it will be necessary to modify the rules relating to the drawing of a third card, so as to make the decision automatic. Preferably, the player should be required to stand on a hand of six or more, and to draw on a hand of five or less.

Referring now to FIG. 3, it should be noted that while it is preferable that each player play a hand, it would be possible to have only a single dealer hand and a single player hand, with non-player players wagering on whether the dealer or the player hand will win.

In this embodiment, a player wishing to wager on the player hand places the wager in Baccarat bet area 14. If a player wishes to wager on the dealer hand, the wager is placed in banker bet area 22.

One card is dealt face up to a single player hand, and one card is dealt face down to the dealer hand. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the player hand and the dealer hand each follow the same rules with respect to the drawing of any additional cards. Preferably, third cards must be drawn on a total of five or less, and standing is required for a total of six or greater.

In this embodiment, where there is a single player hand, rather than multiple hands, and where a D card is utilized in the event of a tie, it is preferred that a D card be dealt for every player who has made a wager, so that the fate of each wager may be determined on an individual basis. Alternatively, a single D card can be drawn to determine the collective fate of all player wagers.

In this embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 3, player may be permitted to participate in one or more of the additional wagering opportunities described above Where multiple players participate, it may be desired to divide any additional jackpot to which they may be entitled based on the combined value of player and dealer hands as between them.

It should be noted that the games as herein described can be played as live games on a table such as that illustrated in FIG. 1. Optionally, they may also be embodied in an electronic version, video terminal version, on a disk to be played on a personal computer or the like, in a version playable over the Internet or other network to be played on a personal computer, or otherwise as desired.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

For example, the use of a D card to determine the fate of a wager in the event of a “push” between dealer and player hands may have application to other card games, such as blackjack, pai gow poker, etc. Similarly, the concept of wagering on the value of a dealer's down card may be utilized in connection with other card games, including for example blackjack, where the dealer receives a down card. Still further, the concept of wagering on a combined value of dealer and player cards, such as whether these are “all red” or “all black,” may also be extended to other card games, such as blackjack, pai gow poker, etc.

Claims

1. An improved baccarat-type card game comprising, in combination, the steps of:

accepting an initial wager from one or more players;

dealing each of said one or more players a first card;

dealing a dealer a first card;

dealing at least one additional card to each of said one or more players until completing a player baccarat hand for each of said one or more players;

dealing at least one additional card to said dealer until completing a dealer baccarat hand;

determining a baccarat hand value for each said player baccarat hand;

determining a baccarat hand value for said dealer baccarat hand;

comparing said baccarat hand value of each said player baccarat hand with said baccarat hand value of said dealer baccarat hand; and

if said baccarat hand value of at least one said player baccarat hand and said baccarat hand value of said dealer baccarat hand are equal, providing a determination card to each said player having said baccarat hand having an equal value to said dealer baccarat hand;

wherein a value of said determination card determines what will happen to said initial wager.

2. The game of claim 1 further comprising the step of accepting a forfeiture of at least a portion of said initial wager when said determination card has a first value.

3. The game of claim 1 further comprising the step of returning all of said initial wager when said determination card has a second value.

4. The game of claim 1 wherein each said player's first card is dealt face up.

5. The game of claim 1 wherein said dealer's first card is dealt face down.

6. The game of claim 1 further comprising the step of determining for each said player baccarat hand for each of said one or more players, after a second card is received, a baccarat value of each said player baccarat hand, and dealing a third card if said value is five or lower.

7. The game of claim 6 further comprising the step, where said value is six for any said player baccarat hand, of permitting said player having said player baccarat hand the option of drawing a third card.

8. The game of claim 6 further comprising the step, where said value is seven or greater for any said player baccarat hand, of requiring said player having said player baccarat hand to stand after receiving two cards.

9. The game of claim 1 further comprising the step of determining for said dealer baccarat hand, after a second card is received, a baccarat value of said dealer baccarat hand, and dealing a third card if said value is five or lower.

10. The game of claim 9 further comprising the step, where said value is six or more for said dealer baccarat hand, of requiring said dealer to stand after receiving two cards.

11. The game of claim 1 wherein each said player is provided with an option of placing said initial wager on said player's player baccarat hand or on said dealer baccarat hand.

12. The game of claim 5 further comprising the step of permitting each said player an option of placing a wager on a value of said dealer's first card.

13. An improved baccarat-type card game comprising, in combination, the steps of:

accepting an initial wager from one or more players;

dealing each of said one or more players a first card;

dealing a dealer a first card;

wherein said dealer's first card is dealt face down.

permitting each said player an option of placing a wager on an indentity of said dealer's first card;

dealing at least one additional card to each of said one or more players until completing a player baccarat hand for each of said one or more players;

dealing at least one additional card to said dealer until completing a dealer baccarat hand;

determining a baccarat hand value for each said player baccarat hand;

determining a baccarat hand value for said dealer baccarat hand;

comparing said baccarat hand value of each said player baccarat hand with said baccarat hand value of said dealer baccarat hand; and

awarding a jackpot to each said player who has placed said wager on said identity of said dealer's first card and who has correctly selected said identity.

14. An improved baccarat-type card game comprising, in combination, the steps of:

accepting an initial wager from at least one player;

dealing a first card to at least one player hand;

dealing a first card to a dealer hand;

dealing at least one additional card to each said player hand until completing said player hand;

dealing at least one additional card to said dealer hand until completing said dealer hand;

determining a baccarat hand value for each said player hand;

determining a baccarat hand value for said dealer hand;

comparing said baccarat hand value of each said player hand with said baccarat hand value of said dealer hand;

determining based on a value of cards comprising at least one said player hand and said dealer hand whether said at least one bonus jackpot has been achieved.

15. The game of claim 14 wherein said bonus jackpot is awarded based on a value of cards comprising at least one said player hand and said dealer hand.

16. The game of claim 14 wherein said bonus jackpot is awarded based on whether said cards comprising at least one said player hand and said dealer hand are one of all red and all black.

17. The game of claim 14 further comprising the step of selecting as a winning baccarat hand between said dealer baccarat hand and each said player baccarat hand whichever of said dealer baccarat hand and each said player baccarat hand has a higher baccarat value.

18. The game of claim 14 further comprising the step of providing a determination card to each said player having a baccarat hand having an equal value to said dealer baccarat hand.

19. The game of claim 18 wherein a value of said determination card determines what will happen to said initial wager.

20. The game of claim 19 further comprising the step of accepting a forfeiture of at least a portion of said initial wager when said determination card has a first value.

21. The game of claim 19 further comprising the step of returning said initial wager when said determination card has a second value.

22. The game of claim 14 wherein each said player's first card is dealt face up.

23. The game of claim 14 wherein said dealer's first card is dealt face down.

24. The game of claim 14 further comprising the step of determining for each said player baccarat hand for each of said one or more players, after a second card is received, a baccarat value of each said player baccarat hand, and dealing a third card if said value is five or lower.

25. The game of claim 24 further comprising the step, where said value is six for any said player baccarat hand, of permitting said player having said player baccarat hand the option of drawing a third card.

26. The game of claim 24 further comprising the step, where said value is seven or greater for any said player baccarat hand, of requiring said player having said player baccarat hand to stand after receiving two cards.

27. The game of claim 14 further comprising the step of determining for said dealer baccarat hand, after a second card is received, a baccarat value of said dealer baccarat hand, and dealing a third card if said value is five or lower.

28. The game of claim 27 further comprising the step, where said value is six or more for said dealer baccarat hand, of requiring said dealer to stand after receiving two cards.

29. The game of claim 14 wherein each said player is provided with an option of placing said initial wager on one said player hand or on said dealer hand.

30. The game of claim 23 further comprising the step of permitting each said player an option of placing a wager on a value of said dealer's first card.

31. An improved card game comprising, in combination, the steps of:

accepting an initial wager from one or more players;

dealing each of said one or more players a first card;

dealing a dealer a first card;

dealing at least one additional card to each of said one or more players until completing a player hand for each of said one or more players;

dealing at least one additional card to said dealer until completing a dealer hand;

determining a hand value for each said player hand;

determining a hand value for said dealer hand;

comparing said hand value of each said player hand with said hand value of said dealer hand; and

if said hand value of at least one said player hand and said hand value of said dealer hand are equal, providing a determination card to each said player having said hand having an equal value to said dealer hand;

wherein a value of said determination card determines what will happen to said initial wager.

32. The game of claim 31 further comprising the step of accepting a forfeiture of at least a portion of said initial wager when said determination card has a first value.

33. The game of claim 31 further comprising the step of returning all of said initial wager when said determination card has a second value.

34. An improved card game comprising, in combination, the steps of:

accepting an initial wager from one or more players;

dealing each of said one or more players a first card;

dealing a dealer a first card;

wherein said dealer's first card is dealt face down;

permitting each said player an option of placing a wager on a value of said dealer's first card;

dealing at least one additional card to each of said one or more players until completing a player hand for each of said one or more players;

dealing at least one additional card to said dealer until completing a dealer hand;

determining a hand value for each said player hand;

determining a hand value for said dealer hand;

determining said value of said dealer's first card; and

awarding a jackpot amount to a player who placed said wager on said value of said dealer's first card and who correctly predicted said value.

35. An improved card game comprising, in combination, the steps of:

accepting an initial wager from one or more players;

dealing each of said one or more players a first card;

dealing a dealer a first card;

dealing at least one additional card to each of said one or more players until completing a player hand for each of said one or more players;

dealing at least one additional card to said dealer until completing a dealer hand;

determining a hand value for each said player hand;

determining a hand value for said dealer hand; and

determining based on a value of cards comprising at least one said player hand and said dealer hand whether said at least one bonus jackpot has been achieved.

36. The game of claim 35 wherein said bonus jackpot is awarded based on a value of cards comprising at least one said player hand and said dealer hand.

37. The game of claim 35 wherein said bonus jackpot is awarded based on whether said cards comprising at least one said player hand and said dealer hand are one of all red and all black.