Abstract: A game for entertaining and transferring casino chips between players. The inventive game includes a plurality of player stations situated around a random number generating device. A plurality of cards having numbers thereon are provided for selection by each player. Casino chips are placed onto the cards in accordance with the random number generated by the random number generating device. The player placing casino chips onto all numbers of the card is declared the winner and collects unplaced casino chips from the remaining players.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a casino card game is disclosed that utilizes a single, 41-card deck of playing cards consisting of a standard, 4-suit playing card deck from which all "face" cards have been removed and a single "joker" card has been added. Play of the game starts with a first player selecting a card value, termed the "dealer number". No bets can be placed on the dealer number. Players may then place their wagers(s) on any of the remaining "live" numbers, and the dealer deals a first playing card, face up. If the identified "dealer number" card value is turned over, all players having placed a bet on any of the "live" numbers win, and are paid off even money. If the card has a value other than the "dealer number", the house wins all bets placed on the "value" number of the card that was turned over, and that value number is thereafter considered "dead".

Abstract: An architectural construction game including a building board is described herein. The building board includes a rectangular rigid board having recessed cavities in three corners and a transparent protecting sheet. A piece of VELCRO-type hook fastening material is provided in each cavity while pieces of VELCRO-type loop fastening material are provided on the undersurface of the protecting sheet so as to overly the cavities. The contact between the VELCRO-type hook fastening material and the VELCRO-type loop fastening material maintain the protective sheet onto the board. A plan may be inserted between the board and the protective sheet so as to assist in the assembly of an architectural construction.

Abstract: A device for speeding the pace of a game of blackjack is provided. The device is comprised of a housing having a top surface. A card reader for reading at least a portion of a playing card is located within the housing. An indicator cooperating with the card reader is provided to inform the dealer if his down card is of a desired value. There is also disclosed herein a method for increasing the speed of play in an organized game of blackjack.

Abstract: A casino game table for card games such as poker includes a plurality of displays that operate to display dealt card representations in lieu of actual dealt cards. The game table includes a dealer position and a number of player positions. Each player position has a video display upon which is displayed, during game play, representations of game cards viewable substantially only by the associated player. The dealer position has a video display viewable by players and the dealer, upon which are displayed representations of cards dealt the dealer during game play, and cards of the dealer and participating players at the conclusion of game play. The dealer position includes game controls for initiating and maintaining game play.

Abstract: A gaming system and method comprising a flat craps table constructed and adapted for a set of five dice to be rolled thereupon, a set of five dice, and betting indicia on the table defining betting spaces, the betting spaces respectively being identifiable as winning spaces if, respectively, the dice, when rolled and the number of spots thereon counted and totaled, define specific totals or sets of numbers is disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming machine island A comprising gaming machines 1 for players to play games with game play media and for paying out game play media to players as a prize, a counter B for counting the number of game play media used at the gaming machines 1, and a money changing machine C for changing a bill or coin into bills or coins of a smaller denomination. The money changing machine C is placed adjoining the counter B.

Abstract: A bartop gaming system comprising a plurality of player stations interconnected to a table server which is connected to a modem provides players with a cashless way of playing a gaming system. The bartop gaming system allows a player to use a financial institution credit card for gaming purposes, thereby eliminating the need for the player to carry cash, as well as the need for the gaming system to handle cash. The table server controls the individual player stations, and utilizes the modem for communicating with a financial institution for credit card limit verifications, as well as for collecting gaming system usage and information and relaying that information to a central processing station in a remote location.

Abstract: A card game and method of playing the same played with a standard 52 card deck is disclosed, wherein each of several players is dealt three cards and is given the opportunity to stand pat or to exchange one card for another dealt by a non-player dealer with the object of achieving a hand having a high score based on a numerical point scoring system in which the lowest hand score is zero and the highest is ten. Each such score is then compared with that of a predesignated reference player or "banker" to distinguish winning hands from losing hands. In those jurisdictions in which it would be legal, the game may also include wagering by the players according to specific payout rules.

Abstract: A method of tracking movement of gaming chips in casino comprising gaming chips each having an electronic circuit which transmits information, and antennas located at gaming chip placement areas. When gaming chips are placed on a first gaming chip placement area within the casino, the antenna at that first gaming chip placement area transmits a radio beam which in effect scans the electronic circuits of the gaming chips. The electronic circuits identify the gaming chips by electronically broadcasting information. Upon moving a first of the gaming chips to a second gaming chip placement area, the antenna at the second gaming chip location transmits a radio beam which scans the electronic circuit of the first gaming chip. The electronic circuit in the first gaming chip identifies the first gaming chip on the second gaming chip placement area so that the location of the first gaming chip is tracked. The gaming chip placement areas may be at various places such as on a gaming table or a gaming chip tray.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a gaming table or other surfaces for removing and filtering indoor airborne fumes and particles at their point of origin. A laminar exhaust air flow is created across the table surface. The laminar exhaust is drawn by vacuum through air intakes positioned at the table surface and ported through exhaust ducts for filtering and discharge.

Abstract: A module for announcing when a dealer has blackjack without exposing the face of the dealer's down-card. The module scans a character from the dealer's face-down standard playing card, compares the result of the scan with a set of references, and identifies the down-card. The module also receives input from the dealer as to the identity of the dealer's up-card, and announces whether the dealer has blackjack or the hand continues. The module is designed to be mounted to a blackjack table such that the surface of the module on which the standard playing card rests while being scanned is in the plane of the surface of the blackjack table, allowing the dealer to slide the down-card across the table and onto the scanner without lifting, and potentially exposing, the card's face. The module also removes the noise generated by a casino's heat, dust, cigarette and cigar ashes, and lint from the felt of the blackjack table, during the scanning process.

Abstract: A game of Blackjack or "Twenty-One" is modified by providing a player with the option of wagering on whether the player will receive a "stiff" hand. As used herein, the term "stiff" is defined as occurring when the first two cards dealt to a player have a hard total of 12 to 16, i.e. 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, when aces are counted as one. According to another embodiment, a player in a Blackjack game is provided with the option of wagering on whether he will be dealt a non-pair "stiff" hand or a pair of aces. According to a still further embodiment, a player in a Blackjack game is provided with the option of wagering on whether his first two cards will result in a "stiff" hand or a "soft" hand, i.e. that the player's first two cards include an ace and either: 1) any non-ten denomination, i.e., ace through nine or 2) any non-ten and non-ace denomination, i.e. two through nine.

Abstract: A casino table game played by a dealer and one or more players seated at player stations at a table. After a player places an ante wager, the dealer depresses a dealer spin button on a control panel to cause one of a plurality of indicium on respective arc segments of each of two dealer reels of a slot machine to randomly appear on a payline of the machine. Thereafter, the player may place a combination bet on a prospective appearance of any of a plurality of combinations of indicia on the payline. Additionally, the player may make a proposition bet on a prospective appearance of a predetermined combination of indicia on the payline. After the dealer operates a player enable button on the control panel, the player operates a player spin button at the player's player station to cause one of a plurality of indicium on respective arc segments of the player reel to randomly appear on the payline.

Abstract: A secure game table system, adapted for multiple sites under a central control, for monitoring each hand in a live card game. A common deck identity code is located on each card. A shuffler has a circuit for counting the cards from a previous hand which are inserted into the shuffler and which reads the common identity code. The game control verifies that no cards have been withdrawn from the hand by a player or that new cards have been substituted. A unique code also placed on each card is read as the card is dealt to indicate the value and the suit. The game control stores this information in a memory so that a history of each card dealt is recorded. Sensors are located near each of the player positions for sensing the presence of a game bet and a progressive bet. A card sensor located near each player position and the dealer position issues a signal for each card received.

Abstract: Gaming house facilities having one or more gaming machine islands (1) each comprising a plurality of machines containing at least a plurality of gaming machines (11) placed-side by side, and a floor (31) on which the gaming machine islands are placed are disclosed. The gaming machine island (1) comprises an island pillar unit (10) for fixing and supporting the machines and placing the machines in two rows for forming the gaming machine island, a base frame (22) being installed on the floor for fixing and supporting the island pillar unit, and a plurality of extending frames (21) being placed at predetermined intervals along a length direction of the base frame and being attached to the base frame in a condition of crossing the base frame in a width direction thereof.

Abstract: The number of parts is decreased for reducing costs. When a transport unit 70 and an introduction unit 80 are connected, if problems occur because of the outer frame dimension difference between gaming machines 11 or a combination of a gaming machine 11 and a pachinko ball lending machine 20, the transport unit 70 and the introduction unit 80 are expanded or contracted in a transport direction. If the transport unit 70 and the introduction unit 80 are set to a predetermined length, then both the units are fixed by adjustment screws 85b and 86b. This eliminates the need for manufacturing new transport units 70 or introduction units 80 of different types.

Abstract: A blackjack or other card game system having a plurality of player counters which count the blackjack hands or other player jackpot tally events dealt to players. The system also includes at least one dealer counter which counts the number of bust hands of the dealer or other dealer jackpot tally events. Displays are included for both the dealer and players to indicate the counts. The counters are typically zeroed at the end of each hand if a natural hand or bust have not occurred. Jackpots are awarded when the tally counts exceed predefined thresholds. Other rules can credit dealer counts to players or provide other effects. A tabletop retrofit game system is shown for mounting upon blackjack tables.

Abstract: A dice game apparatus includes a gaming table having a generally horizonal plane surface forming a generally arcuate peripheral edge about which a plurality of players are located. A game board is displayed on an upper surface of the table with a board having designated thereon a first series of individual crap bet placing areas positioned in a repetitive pattern along a portion of the table extending along the arcuate peripheral edge. The dice game is played with a set of two casino dice having six faces and an additional third die enclosed in a shake container. The shake container is configured and adapted so that each of the dice randomly registers one of the faces after a shaking of the container. The shake dice game method includes a portion whereby the players make wagers in general accordance with the rules of craps on the faces registered by the casino dice after a shaking of the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smoke-eliminating device of simple construction which can easily be installed onto a preexisting casino gaming table. The fan for circulating air during the purification process is located beneath the gaming table to thereby reduce noise and increase the amount of usable area surrounding the gaming device. The smoke-eliminating device of the present invention is placed between the outer edge of the gaming table and a padded rim above this outer edge. Spaces are placed between the padded rim and the outer edge of the gaming table, to thereby vertically raise the padded edge. The space created between the padded rim and the gaming table is filled with intake vents and the spacers. An air circulator and purifying device is located beneath the table and conduit connects the intake vents to the air circulator and purifying device. The intake vents thus remove cigarette smoke from near the gaming table, purify the air, and release the purified air beneath the gaming table.

Abstract: A betting game employing a first pair of dice or their equivalent for producing a random first set of numbers S1 is disclosed. The betting game includes a playing surface, at least one player station including a first betting zone and a second betting zone. The first betting zone includes an indicia marked on the playing surface representing a second numerical set S2 corresponding to the total of the first pair of dice and the second betting zone includes an indicia marked on the playing surface representing a third numerical set S3 mutually exclusive of the second set S2 and corresponding to the total of the first pair of dice. The betting game includes a dealer station having a first dice spinner for spinning the first pair of dice.

Abstract: An apparatus for including a progressive jackpot component in a live casino table game. In addition to playing a live casino table game, each player makes an additional wager at the beginning of each hand that makes that player eligible to win all or part of a jackpot. If during the play of the hand a player is dealt a predetermined arrangement of cards, the player wins a preselected percentage of the jackpot amount. The jackpot is progressive in that unwon amounts of the jackpot carry over to the next hand. Apparatus is provided to receive each gaming token wagered for the jackpot component, to increment the jackpot meter which displays the jackpot amount, to decrement the jackpot meter whenever a winning hand is paid and to reset the apparatus for the next hand.

Abstract: A a game frame for playing the game POGs (tm). The game frame has a uniform, consistent playing surface for the play of the game, as well as separate peripheral storage space for playing pieces or discs for each of the players. The game frame also provides for the removable installation of interchangeable mats or pads in the center thereof, to provide surfaces of different resilience as desired. The game frame is used by stacking a plurality of the playing pieces or discs in the center thereof, and using a "slammer" playing pieces or disc (also called a "kini" or "hitter") to hit the stack and attempt to cause at least some of the stacked playing pieces or discs to be flipped over. Playing piece which are flipped over are kept by the player, with the player acquiring the greatest number of playing pieces (or those having the greatest value, in some variations) being the winner.

Abstract: A bingo box (10) comprises substantially identical first and second relatively rigid containers (12, 14) each having a hinged angled panel (38) for providing a working angled surface (36) with clamps (48) at one end thereof. The first container includes a right hinge means at an intersection of its tapered right edge wall (20) and base sidewall (16) and the second container including a left hinge means at an intersection of its tapered left edge wall and base sidewall. The right and left complementary hinge elements are selectively engagable with one another for allowing the first and second containers to rotate relative to one another between a carrying configuration in which the base sidewalls are adjacent one another and a working configuration in which the base and work sidewalls (18) are approximately coplanar to one another. Storage spaces can be accessed via the hinged angled panels when the containers are in both the carrying configuration and the working configuration.

Abstract: A multiple position play Twenty One or Blackjack card game is provided wherein a player can play not only his own hand against the dealer but by an extra play also those hands of other players at the table. Any player making an extra play is betting on the outcome of the cards of another player position, over which he has no control.

Abstract: A gaming layout for the game of Craps having a jackpot box for receiving a wager that a set of randomly generated dice outcomes will be rolled. The set of randomly generated dice outcomes has a remote probability of occurrence and is selected from a predefined set of limited possible outcomes. A jackpot corresponds to a higher payoff than the payoffs associated with the ongoing possibilities of a conventional Craps game. The dice outcomes may be generated by a computer or by mechanical means. The dice outcomes to be matched and the corresponding tally of matches achieved are displayed for the bettors to observe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a poker-like game with a deck of fifty-two playing cards wherein each player plays against the dealer. After each player makes a wager, the dealer deals four initial cards of the deck face up to seven separate hands, places odds on each hand according to predetermined guidelines, and selects two of the seven hands as a combination field position. Each player then selects either one of the hands, the field position, or a no-hand winning position which requires that none of the seven hands, after all cards are dealt, have two pairs or better. After each player selects a hand or a position, the dealer deals three more cards of the deck face up to each of the seven separate hands. The dealer then determines the winning hand or position and pays each player who selected the winning hand or position according to the odds and their wager or collects each player's wager who did not select the winning hand or position.

Abstract: A game cabinet is supported on legs that are provided with apertures for receiving fasteners such as bolts. The bolts engage mating receptacles formed on the game cabinet. The game cabinet is provided with a greater number of mating receptacles than the legs are provided with holes. Thus, the position of the legs relative to the game cabinet can be changed by aligning the holes with different receptacles thereby to adjust the height of the game.

Abstract: A new and improved holder for supporting a plurality of bingo cards during play comprising, a flat rectangular base of a thin flexible material of a size to receive a rectangular array of a plurality of rows of bingo cards and a plurality of columns of bingo cards, the base having linear rows of score lines and four linear columns of score lines corresponding to the rows and columns between bingo cards when on the base; a flat rectangular cover sheet of a thin flexible, transparent material of a width to cover the width of the base and of a height greater than the height of the base; attachment means coupling the top edge of the base to the top edge of the cover sheet with the bottom edge of the cover sheet extending beneath the bottom edge of the base and folded there under; a reusable adhesive layer secured between the base and the bingo cards on the base and adapted to secure a plurality of bingo cards on the base between the perforations.

Abstract: A method of playing a wagering game 20 wherein a plurality of players select sets of winning numbers (step 26). Play includes the players placing wagers (step 24), the dealer dealing two cards face up (step 28), the dealer comparing the numeric sum of the two face up cards with the selected sets of winning numbers (step 34), and the dealer distributing one-half of the pot to each player whose winning numbers include the numeric sum of the face up cards (step 36). If the face up cards are equal to two predetermined key cards (step 30), the dealer and players implement a bonus playing procedure (step 32).

Abstract: A poker tournament is displayed to an audience using a tournament table having stations for receiving and scanning the image of each players down cards. The display can identify the down cards of the players to the audience without revealing the information to the other players so that the audience can fully observe the strategy of each player.

Abstract: A casino gaming table provides a smoke-free environment for the casino operator by discharging an air curtain or air barrier of purified filtered air. The gaming table includes a filter assembly which withdraws smoke contaminated air from ashtrays and smoking patrons who are playing the casino game. The purified filtered air is discharged adjacent the casino operator to provide a breathing zone free of cigarette smoke and related pollutants.

Abstract: A playing card wagering game method which involves placing a three part bet. Cards are dealt by the dealer, two face down to the dealer and three face down to each player. Players inspect or "sweat" their cards and the dealer asks "take it or leave it?" with regard to one part of the bet. Each player decides and the dealer then turns over one of the cards and again asks "take it or leave it?" with regard to the second part of the bet. The players decide, their cards are shown, and all remaining bets are resolved.

Abstract: A casino card game is disclosing which uses a deck of cards having series of individual cards which can be arranged into an ordered card sequence such as a poker deck. In the play of the game an initial card is randomly selected to start the game. The selected card is used as the starting point in a game sequence that is the same as the card sequence of the deck except that it is started at position in the sequence established by the selected card. The cards are opened one at a time from the deck. As each card is opened its position in the ordered sequence is compared to the what is the next position in the game sequence. If the opened card does not match the card in the game sequence a second card is opened and compared with the next position in the game sequence. If there still is no match a third card is opened and the process repeated until there is a match or the entire game sequence is completed without a match. The house win if there is a match.

Abstract: This invention provides a portable jig-saw puzzle work board comprising a rectangular, four-sided open frame having a fitted bottom interior work surface and a removable fitted transparent shatter-proof window that is securely and releasably positionable relative to the work surface such that puzzle pieces are held in place on the work surface when the window is in place and the position of the work board is changed.

Abstract: A base panel for use with building blocks has a top surface, edges defining the perimeter of said surface, a circumferential wall extending downwardly from the edges, and a plurality of bores defining a grid in said surface. The bores are square, each side of the bore having a dimension X. The distance between each bore is no greater than 1/2X. However, the distance between an outer edge of the bores and the edges of the panel is at least X so that a block which fits in the bores and spans the space between the bores, can not be positioned so that a portion of the block overhangs the panel. The panel removably rests on a support.

Abstract: A ventilated gaming table assembly includes a gaming table component, a rail component and a plurality of electric ventilating fan subassemblies mounted about the periphery of the table and operable selectively by individual players.

Abstract: A playing structure includes a plurality of playing structure modules connectable together to form an array having a generally continuous, visually fluid, three-dimensional playing surface. Each playing structure module has a reversible top to allow the topography of the playing surface to be changed. The top of each playing structure module has a different three-dimensional topography on either side thereof. Each playing structure module may have a different or the same top. The playing surfaces have a coloured landscape painted thereon to depict lakes, countrysides, roadways etc. and the like. The topography of the playing surfaces and the painted landscapes are designed so that the certain symmetries exist.

Abstract: A progressive jackpot wagering game and method, including a playing card wagering game, involves placing a game wager and an optional jackpot wager. Cards are dealt by the dealer, two face down to the dealer and three face down to each player. Players inspect or "sweat" their cards and the dealer asks "take it or leave it?" with regard to one part of the bet. Each player decides and the dealer then turns over one of the cards and again asks "take it or leave it?" with regard to the second part of the bet. The players decide, their cards are shown, and based on the shown cards the game wagers are resolved. Also based on the shown cards, players become eligible for a second wagering game for determining a winner of the progressive jackpot.

Abstract: A dice game involving wagering on the outcome of a toss of three dies. A player places a first bet means. If the dealer throws a preselected winning combination, such as a 4-5-6, triple, or pair and a 6, the dealer wins. If the dealer throws a preselected losing combination, such as a 1-2-3 or a pair and a one, the dealer loses. If the dealer throws a third combination, such as a pair and a 2-3-4 or 5, then the player throws in an attempt to beat the dealer. If the player throws a preselected combination, such as a 4-5-6, or a pair and single die having a value higher than that of the dealer, the player wins. If the player throws a preselected loser, such as a 1-2-3, or a pair and single die having a value less than that of the dealer, the player loses. If the player or dealer does not throw one of above stated winning or losing combinations, then the dealer or player must throw again.

Abstract: A method of playing a blackjack type of card game in which the players play against one another rather than against a dealer. Initially, each player places an identical wager to form a pot and then receives two cards face down from a dealer. The dealer receives no cards but the house collects a rake from each pot. A player may split pairs, draw additional cards or stand. A player receiving a blackjack on the first two cards (i.e., ace and ten value card) or scoring the highest card sum without exceeding 21 wins the pot. If two or more players receive a blackjack on the first two cards, all tie, and the game is repeated using the same pot. If two or more players achieve the same card sum, then a predetermined schedule may be used to ascertain that all tie, and the game is repeated using the same pot.

Abstract: A frame kit for the temporary or permanent assembly of picture puzzles or the like therein, comprises a plurality of frame components and a backing panel which may be temporarily or permanently assembled together. The backing panel includes an adhesive side with a removable overlay sheet. The overlay sheet may be left in place for the temporary assembly and later disassembly of picture puzzles thereon, or may be removed to expose the adhesive to provide for the permanent assembly of such a puzzle thereon for permanent display within the frame. The frame components may be formed of a variety of different materials and may utilize different assembly techniques. The disassembly of the components, as well as the folding configuration of the backing panel, result in a relatively compact kit for storage purposes. The frame and backing panel may be provided in various sizes to closely match the various sizes of completed picture puzzles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a mixture of modified Draw Poker and Twenty-One wherein a player can simultaneously play Poker against the dealer and Twenty-One against other players. The players place one bet against the Casino to play Draw Poker against the dealer, and a second bet against other players to play Twenty-One against the other players.

Abstract: A system to generate large (e.g. $1 million) jackpots for live card games such as blackjack is disclosed. Multiple live card tables are placed in one or more gaming establishments. A coin acceptor is assigned to each player position on the tables and includes a sensor for determining the presence of a coin to generate a signal indicating that a jackpot side bet has been placed and to correspondingly increase the available jackpot that is being accumulated from the side bets on all tables. The coin acceptors are mounted directly to the playing tables. The acceptors have a low profile above the table top and include sloping surfaces to facilitate the insertion and withdrawal of coins from them. Each coin acceptor communicates with a central computer or processor.

Abstract: In a poker game variation in which one or more players play against the house, the player(s) place bets and then three face-up hands consisting of two cards each are dealt. Player(s) each choose one of the three hands and then five communal cards are dealt face-up. In a first embodiment, all five communal cards are dealt face-up at one time, and then the winning hand(s) is determined by comparing the three hands in conjunction with the communal cards using poker rank as the criterion for comparison. Each player betting on the winning hand wins his or her bet. In a second embodiment, three of the five communal cards are turned face-up, after which all players have the option of surrendering one-half of their bet and folding. After the surrender opportunity, the remaining two communal cards are turned face-up and the winning hand determined using poker rank as the criterion for comparison.

Abstract: A gaming table is provided with a coin head having a coin-in slot at each of a plurality of player locations. Each coin slot is connected by means of a coin chute to the coin bin formed as part of the chip rack. Each coin that is dropped into the coin slot rolls or slides along the coin chute and into the coin bin during the play of the game. The dealer can reach into the coin bin at any time it is necessary to refill the chip rack with coins for use during the play of the game. The coin chute is preferably configured in a C-shape so that access is available to the coin chute in the event a coin jams in the coin chute.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for allowing gamblers playing either live casino table game or electronic video device versions of card games allow the players the options of (1) making wagers in both the underlying card game and a progressive jackpot component, (2) making wagers only in the underlying card game, and (3) making a wager only in the progressive jackpot component. In the live table version, a player may activate an indicator light or place a special token in the bet box for the underlying game to signal that the player opts to participate only in the progressive jackpot component. In the electronic video device version, a player activates one or more push buttons to select one of the three operational modes. The underlying card game preferably comprises Twenty-One or a five-card stud poker variant known as Caribbean Stud.TM. poker, but may also comprise other card games such as five card stud, seven card stud, Jacks or better, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for including a progressive jackpot component in a live casino table game. In addition to playing a live casino table game, each player makes an additional wager at the beginning of each hand that makes that player eligible to win all or part of a jackpot. If during the play of the hand a player is dealt a predetermined arrangement of cards, the player wins a preselected percentage of the jackpot amount. The jackpot is progressive in that unwon amounts of the jackpot carry over to the next hand. Apparatus is provided to receive each gaming token wagered for the jackpot component, to increment the jackpot meter whcih displays the jackpot amount, to decrement the jackpot meter whenever a winning hand is paid and to reset the apparatus for the next hand.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for determining whether or not a hole card is a member of a blackjack pair without direct observation of the hole card. The cards are separably marked in groups of aces and of face cards and tens. Each mark is detectable by a card mark sensor. The card mark sensor is used to differentially determine whether or not the hole card is a member of predetermined group when a card is placed face down therein. Thus, when the dealer receives a face-up member of a blackjack pair, the hole card is inserted into the sensor and determined to be or not to be the other member of the blackjack pair immediately and without observation of the face of the hole card. If the hole card is the other member of the blackjack pair play is stopped, and the next hand is thereby more quickly started. If the dealer does not have blackjack, play continues without knowledge by either player or dealer of the actual value of the hole card.

Abstract: A device for speeding the pace of a game of blackjack is provided. The device is comprised of a housing having a top surface and an upper planar portion. The top surface will be connected on top to the upper planar portion. A card reader for reading a corner of a specialized playing card is located within the housing. An indicator cooperating with the card reader is provided to inform the dealer if his down card is of a desired value. A magnetic sensor, optic sensor, bar code and decoder, video camera, reflective element, refractive element or the like are disclosed for allowing the dealer to determine the value of the down card. There is also disclosed herein a method for increasing the speed of play in an organized game of blackjack.