Abstract:
This invention is a variation of a public domain game Blackjack and incorporates that game&#39;s familiar rules into a new modified method of play designed to increase player appeal and casino profits. 21+No-Bust+3 Card Blackjack is a card game based upon the public domain game of Blackjack in which a new method of play includes conventional blackjack rules and new rules and new wagers. New wagers are offered to the Player in addition to a required proposition wager: side bet wagers that may be made independently or in combination, a No-Bust+ wager, a Blackjack Bonus wager, a Progressive Rolling/Jackpot Bonus, or Fixed Jackpot Bonus.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention is generally directed to card games and games of chance and, more particularly, to a method of playing a variation of the public domain game of Blackjack also known as “21” or twenty-one, hereinafter Blackjack. 
         [0003]    2. Brief Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a representation of a Blackjack table with the modifications and including additional spaces for optional wagers. These optional wagers may be combined into one or more wagers with outcomes and payoffs provided in a separate Table and provided either via sign, printing on the table surface, or both. Similarly in an electronic embodiment the payoff schedule will be made available via a technologically feasible method. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    This invention provides a card game that enhances and extends the conventional game of Blackjack with new wagers and new rules. The New wagers include side bets which may be offered separately or in combination, and or expanded to include any side bet with a pre-determined set of payouts based on pre-determined combinations of cards: No-Bust+, Blackjack Bonus, a Progressive Rolling/Jackpot Bonus, Premium Wager, 
         [0006]    In the casino table game embodiment, the invention can be played in conjunction with a conventional Blackjack casino-type table with the provision for marked areas for placing game specific wagers, and a single standard deck or multiple standard decks of 52 playing cards shuffled and distributed by hand, dealing box, or mechanical device for this purpose. The table surface has a marked bet area where proposition wagers and cards are placed, with additional bet areas for the No-Bust+ wager—generally above the outline provided for the primary proposition wager, a Premium Wager side bet—generally to one side of the primary proposition wager, and a Rolling Progressive/Jackpot Bonus, and or separate Blackjack Bonus, generally to one side of the primary proposition wager area. In such an embodiment, the table also displays a payoff scale for all wagers and informational and promotional information. Some or all of these wagers may be combined into one or more wagers. 
         [0007]    The present invention is a new version directed to a card game and to a game of chance and method of playing the game, which involves a variation of the conventional game of Blackjack. The present game is preferably played between a Dealer who represents a banker or casino, such as casino employee, and one or more players; however, the game may also be played electronically between a player and a video device or image display controlled by appropriate computer or other electronic apparatus. 
         [0008]    Standard Method of Play (see Alternate Embodiments Described in Claims  1 - 8 ) 
         [0009]    A player placing an initial proposition wager against the Dealer or the house initiates the game. The player may also place additional No-Bust+, Premium wager, Progressive Rolling/Jackpot Bonus wager(s), which wagers may be combined in one or more combinations or variations. Side bets are predicated on a pre-determined outcome that may be exclusive of Dealer play or relative to it. The Dealer, after dealing initial hands containing 3 cards each, deals three cards to himself from a set of cards equaling one or more standard fifty two card decks, dealt either by hand, a dealing box, a mechanical shuffling/dealing device, or combination of methods and devices and reveal one card by placing it face-up over the remaining two. 
         [0010]    The play begins with the following player actions:
       A. Player places wager(s).   B. Player may stand, draw, double, or split the original initial 3 cards received.   C. Player may split-off 1 card and play 2 hands: requires an additional base proposition wager, equal to the original wager. An additional No-Bust+ wager may be required if initially placed. Optional side wagers mirroring those made prior to card distribution of the initial player&#39;s hand may be made or precluded.   D. Split Hands: Player may Stand, Draw, Double Down.   E. Split Aces and double down hands: 1 draw card only.   F. Player splitting: draws to split hand first receiving 1 card. Play on the spilt hand continues until completion.   G. On completion of the split hand the Player plays the original 2-card hand by standing and playing the remaining 2 cards as is, splitting pairs, doubling, or drawing.   H. Insurance is always offered.       
 
         [0019]    In a varied embodiment of the above rules:
       I. Player may discard 1 card and stand only—no further action permitted.   II. Player may discard 1 card play the original 2-cards: Stand, Draw, Double Down, or Split a pair.       
 
         [0022]    Play then continues in accordance with rules D through H. 
         [0023]    Dealer Play:
       Dealer checks his hole cards regardless of his face up card. If Blackjack is present the Dealer reveals his cards and declares Blackjack. Play stops and Players without Blackjack surrender the proposition and No-Bust+ wagers; Player&#39;s satisfying the requirement of one or more optional wagers not dependant on the outcome of the Dealer&#39;s hand are paid in accordance with the rules governing said wagers. The NoBust+ wager is always surrendered. In an alternate embodiment the NoBust+ wager may be retained by the Player when the Player hand upon which the NoBust+ wager is made succeeds in beating the Dealer&#39;s hand that round. Dealer/Player Blackjack results in the proposition wager being a push or paid according to a side bet pay table. Other side wagers are paid in accordance with their respective pre-determined outcomes and payouts, otherwise unaffected by the Dealer Blackjack except as defined i.e. Dealer/Player suited Blackjack, Dealer/Player same suit Blackjack etc. In a varied embodiment a Blackjack Bonus wager may be a separate wager with the wager paid in accordance with an applicable Blackjack Bonus payout table, and house rules.   The Dealer&#39;s 3-card total is 16 or less the Dealer draws to the three-card hand until a total of 17-21 or exceeding 21.   The Dealer&#39;s three-card cards contain a 2 or 3 card total 17-21, the Dealer stands with the highest amount 17-21 and discards the 3 rd  card. Play stops and wagers are satisfied under the governing rules.   In an alternate embodiment of the rules if the Dealer cannot make 17-21 from any of his initial 3 cards, the Dealer keeps the lowest two cards total, discarding the 3 rd  card and draws until the Dealer&#39;s hand equals 17-21 or exceeds 21. In this scenario Aces count as 1 until such time as an Ace counting as 11 would place the Dealer&#39;s hand in the range 17-21.       
 
         [0028]    In a varied embodiment of the game of the present invention, a player splitting off one card may win a side bet from the remaining two-card hand by completing the pre-determined higher paying Premium wager on the first draw card only to any two-card hand—subject to jurisdictional and house rules. An offered Progressive Rolling/Jackpot Bonus is paid on the initial three-cards of any hand only. A Blackjack bonus is paid to Players that split off an Ace or any 10-point card with a No-Bust+ wager, Blackjack Bonus, or other determining wager (as appropriate) in place, and completing the Wager requirement. The Progressive Rolling/Blackjack Bonus hand can be split following the Player collecting the Bonus wager, and play then continues on both hands according to conventional Blackjack rules with those modifications defined here. The 2 nd  split-off hand with additional No-Bust+ or Blackjack Bonus wager, if a separate wager, succeeds when satisfying the bonus payout requirement. 
         [0029]    Premium Wager side bets are paid as described in the accompanying suggested pay table and may be subject to change given jurisdictional rules, house rules, minimums, maximums, and aggregate payouts per round etc. Determination of the Progressive Rolling/Jackpot Bonus, Blackjack Bonus and Premium Wager side bets are determined as described above with modification permissible in accordance with jurisdictional and casino policy. House rules, minimums, maximums, and aggregate payouts per round apply. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a casino table or an image of a table on a video screen showing a Dealer position and a plurality of player positions wherein each player is initially dealt a hand containing three cards with the Dealer also being dealt three cards with one revealed, and showing all initial wagers as placed by each player prior to game play initiation. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    With continued reference to the drawings; the present invention is directed to an improvement over the conventional game of Blackjack or “Twenty-One”. The game may involve the use of either conventional playing cards or video simulations thereof and may involve the use of one or more multiple decks of cards, or simulated cards. The object of the game is for each player to beat the Dealer or banker by having cards that have a higher total point value than the Dealer&#39;s cards without the player&#39;s cards exceeding twenty-one. All Dealer and Player hands exceeding 21 are counted as 22. Dealer/Player hands exceeding 21 are considered a tie with a NB+ wager in place, which is surrendered, and the Player&#39;s proposition wager is a push, else the Player surrenders the proposition wager made on a hand exceeding 21. In an alternate embodiment tie hand less than 22 push only with the NB+ wager in effect. 
         [0032]    For purposes of playing the card game of the present invention, the card values are treated as they are in a conventional game of Blackjack. Cards designated two to nine are counted at their face value. Tens, Jacks, Queens, and Kings count as ten points. Aces are counted as a one or eleven with the exception that once a total point count reaches any 17-21 or exceeds 21 there is no additional draw. 
         [0033]    To initiate game play, each player makes a preliminary wager: a proposition bet, and one or more additional wagers using the casino approved and accepted form of currency with one or more, but not limited to the following names; cash, chips, tokens, credits etc. 
         [0034]    Once each player has placed their wager(s), the Dealer deals three-card hands to each player which may be dealt one card at a time, in sequence to the Players around the table, or via block of three cards to each player, either by hand, dealing box (commonly called a shoe) or mechanical dealing device. Cards are dealt thereafter in accordance with the manner of distribution of Player(s)&#39; cards used in conventional Blackjack. The Dealer deals three cards to him or herself and that comprises the Dealer&#39;s initial 3-card hand. Once the cards are dealt, each player reviews their three cards and if those three cards satisfy the parameters for the Premium Side Wager, Progressive Rolling/Jackpot Bonus or Blackjack Bonus wager(s) the player reveals the winning combination and is paid as appropriate. 
         [0035]    Player options, initial 3 cards are:
       1. Stand on the initial 3-card hand.   2. Double or Draw to the initial 3-card hand.   3. Split off one card and play two hands according to the conventional rules of blackjack and those rule modifications detailed here.       
 
         [0039]    In alternative embodiments given jurisdictional and or house rules, 3 Card No-Bust+21+Blackjack the Player&#39;s initial 3-card options are either:
       A. Discard one card and stand with the remaining two cards as the completed hand. Split, Double, or Draw not allowed.   B. Discard one card and stand, split, double or draw to the original two cards dealt.       
 
         [0042]    Play begins with the first player to a Dealer&#39;s left. That player must decide whether to stand on the original initial 3 cards as dealt; double the wager on the original 3 card hand, drawing one card, draw to the original three card hand until the hand totals 17-21 or exceeds 21; or split-off one card and play a 2 nd  hand to which 1 card will be initially dealt face-up next to the split-off card. The split hand is completed before the original 2-card hand is played. When a player requests a draw card, a “hit”, the Dealer will place an additional card face up next to the first two cards, which card reflects a point total which must be added to the point total of the players cards selected to play the hand. Play proceeds in a like manner until a player must stand, or decides to stand, at which point the hand as complete. A Player&#39;s hand exceeding 21 points is counted as 22 and with a concomitant No-Bust+ wager and remains active until Dealer activity ceases. A Dealer hand with a point total exceeding 21 is considered 22 and the player&#39;s initial proposition wager is a push. The No-Bust+ wager is surrendered. Without a No-Bust+ wager the Player surrenders the initial proposition wager upon exceeding 21. 
         [0043]    Premium wager payouts dependent on a combination of Dealer/Player hand contents are handled in the suggested following manner given jurisdiction and or house rules: A Players&#39; hands containing a combination i.e. a suited Blackjack for which the payout is reduced or increased dependent on the Dealer&#39;s hand is paid on revelation of the Dealer Blackjack which is immediate on Dealer peeking. The Super Jackpot payout which is dependent upon a Player&#39;s initial 3 of a kind/straight flush/royal flush and Dealer 3 of a kind/straight flush-royal flush when the Player splits off one card is addressed by turning sideways the split off card while all draw cards to the split card are placed in normal portrait fashion. On. Dealer revelation of a 3 of a kind or straight flush/royal flush the Player&#39;s premium wager if applicable is paid, and the Dealer then continues according the rules governing play. 
         [0044]    After all players have finished, the Dealer, having previously checked for Blackjack and not having Blackjack, completes his or her hand and settles all wagers. The Dealer, according the rules governing Dealer play, stands with any two or three card total 17-21 or draws if the total of the Dealer&#39;s initial three cards is less than 17, until 17-21 is achieved or the Dealer&#39;s total exceeds 21. At this juncture Aces count as 1 point. Their value may increase to 11 when following the Dealer&#39;s draw card doing so will complete a point total 17-21. 
         [0045]    If the Dealer&#39;s initial 3-cards do not total 17-21 in any combination and exceeds 21: EXAMPLES: 8-8-8, 8-8-7, 8-8-6—the Dealer retains the lowest two-card total, discards the third card, and draws to the remaining two cards until the point total is 17-21 or exceeds 21. In an alternative embodiment with the Dealer&#39;s initial hand exceeding 21 there is no further play. The Dealer stands with an initial 3-card card hand that cannot total 17-21 in any combination, and exceeds 21. Players&#39; proposition wagers are settled accordingly. Side wagers are settled in accordance with side wager rules. 
         [0046]    Any number of combinations may be predetermined as winning combinations above those enumerated here, and may be the subject of wagers such as a Premium Wager side or other bet. 
         [0047]    As a variation to the above embodiment of the present invention the Premium Wager or any side bet may be incorporated as part of the No-Bust+ wager and paid accordingly. A separate Blackjack Bonus wager or Progressive Rolling/Jackpot Bonus wager may be offered independently or in conjunction with the No-Bust+ wager, or each other. 
         [0048]    Although not specifically shown in the drawings, the game of the present invention may also be played electronically as described. In such circumstances, a computer or other device would control the display of player cards on an appropriate video screen with the player being able to make decisions for continued play or with decisions made automatically by the electronic device using best strategy. Wagers are made in a conventional manner as is currently done for other games of chance in casinos and other gambling establishments for electronic devices. Side bets can also be made against the Dealer in the same manner as discussed above with respect to the embodiment wherein physical playing cards are utilized. In view of the foregoing, the use of the term “cards” within the meaning of the present invention relates not only to physical playing cards but also to cards which are simulated in computer form or on a video display for purposes of playing the game as outlined above. See Slot Version description. 
       Slot Version 1.0  
     Slot 21+-21+-21+Blackjack 
     1-6 hands per round 
       [0049]    Wagers/Suggested Credits-In:
       PROPOSITION: X credits.   NO-BUST+ Benefits: pays Blackjack Bonus on Proposition wager, Over 21 hand is a push on Dealer bust, side and bonus wager payoffs increase.   PROGRESSIVE/JACKPOT WAGER: Equals the Proposition wager. Player wins on any combination 3 of a Kind or higher and the Dealer any 3 of a Kind or higher—Suggested payout: 1000-1       
 
       Maximum Six Hands per Round Maxium Y Credits per Hand 
     Total Credit Wager: #hands ×Credits 
       [0053]    Slot Game Play Mirrors Table Game Play &amp; Rules: 
         [0054]    Dealer and each Player hand initially receive 3 cards. 
         [0055]    Player Rules
       Play initial 3 cards: Stand-Draw-Double-Split.   May split off 1 of initial 3 cards and retain/play original 2 cards (BJ etc): Stand-Draw-Double-Split, 2 nd  hand is played first, no split. (may be automatic)   The initial 2-card hand is played after split hand: Stand-Draw-Double-Split.   1 draw card on Ace or Double Down.   Premium Wager paid according to predetermined outcome and payoff.   Aces—no 2 nd  card draw. Premium if applied pays pair only.   Player may draw to any initial two-card hand to complete higher Premium hand. Winning pair may draw and third card must match for 3 of a Kind, else Premium wager is surrendered.   Super Bonus: 1,000-1 is paid on any combination of Player 3 of a Kind or higher and Dealer 3 of a kind or higher.       
 
       Blackjack Pays 6/5 Without NB+ 
     Insurance Pays 2-1  
       [0064]    Dealer Rules
       Stands with any 2-3 card total 17-21   Stands with hand exceeding 21: when no 2-3 card total=17-21.   Draws to initial 3 card total less than 17       
 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 NO-BUST + PAYOUTS 
               
               
                 Multiple Deck Play (suggested payoffs) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 BLACKJACK 
                 PAYS 
                 PREMIUM HAND* 
                 PAYS 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Both Dealer/Player unmatched 
                 PUSH 
                 Pair** 
                  5-1 
               
               
                 Ace &amp;unsuited 10-K 
                  3/2 
                 Suited Pair** 
                 12-1 
               
               
                 Ace &amp;matching 10-K 
                  5-1 
                 3 of a Kind 
                 30-1 
               
               
                 Dealer/Player Suited 
                 10-1 
                 Straight/Royal Flush 
                 40-1 
               
               
                 Dealer/Player Same Suit 
                 25-1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *Paid on first 3 cards - any hand. 
               
               
                 **Split: Ace + Ace Pair paid - no draw. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Premium Hand Super Bonus/Jackpot Pays: 1,000-1* 
     *Player any 3 of a Kind or Higher and any Dealer 3 of a Kind or Higher: 1 st  3 cards only. 
       [0068]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 NO-BUST+ 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 PAYS 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 BLACKJACK 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Dealer/Player unmatched 
                 PUSH 
               
               
                   
                 Ace &amp;unsuited 10-K 
                 3/2 
               
               
                   
                 Ace &amp;matching 10-K 
                  5-1 
               
               
                   
                 Dealer &amp;Player Each Suited 
                 10-1 
               
               
                   
                 Dealer/Player Same Suit 
                 25-1 
               
               
                   
                 PREMIUM HAND* 
               
               
                   
                 Pair** 
                  5-1 
               
               
                   
                 Suited Pair** 
                 12-1 
               
               
                   
                 3 of a Kind 
                 30-1 
               
               
                   
                 Straight/Royal Flush 
                 40-1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 *Paid on first 3 cards - any hand. 
               
               
                   
                 **Split Hand: Ace + Ace Pair paid - no draw. 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0069]    Insurance Pays 2-1 
         [0070]    Without No Bust: Blackjack Pays 6/5 Premium Hands—See Posted Table. 
         [0071]    Insurance is offered any time. Dealer checks for Blackjack in initial 3 cards. Play stops with Dealer Blackjack. Wagers are settled on initial 3 cards only. 
         [0072]    The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented to illustrate the principles of the invention and not to limit the invention to the particular embodiment illustrated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by all of the embodiments encompassed within the claims and their equivalents. 
         [0073]    Object of the Game: 
         [0074]    For the Player: To attain a point total sufficient to succeed against a Dealer hand where Blackjack, a combination of an Ace and Ten-point card is considered best possible hand, otherwise to attain a point total of 21. Blackjack is paid at 3/2 on the initial proposition wager for all hands on which the NB+ is made and the Player achieves Blackjack as defined herein. Where the No-Bust+ wager incorporates the Blackjack Bonus the Player is be paid in accordance with the schedule for Blackjack Bonus for either the initial Proposition wager or the No-Bust+ wager, as defined. The next best outcome is to reach the highest point total in a hand without exceeding 21 and stop with the expectation that the Dealer&#39;s hand will total less than the Player&#39;s total or exceed 21; a No-Bust+ wager in place protects the initial proposition wager in the hope that the Dealer&#39;s hand point total will also exceed 21 and thereby save the initial proposition wager by making it a push while surrendering the No-Bust+ wager. 
         [0075]    No-Bust+ wager may be placed along with, or separately from, other side wagers. Where the side wager is separate, making the No-Bust+ wager increases the payout for the side wagers and or Progressive Rolling/Jackpot Bonus, The Player hand that does not outright beat the Dealer hand surrenders the No-Bust+ wager. 
       Game Play &amp; Rules 
       [0000]    
       
         
           
             Players&#39; place a proposition wager, and either or both the NoBust+ and Premium wagers. 
             Dealer and all Players each initially receive 3 card hands. 
             The Dealer reveals 1 card, while peeking at his hole cards. 
             On Dealer Blackjack in initial 3 cards play stops, and hands/wagers are resolved. 
           
         
       
     
         [0080]    After Dealer peeks play proceeds according to conventional Blackjack rules:
       Player may Stand, Hit, or Double the original three-card hand.   The Player may discard one of the original three cards, but then must stand with the remaining original 2 cards. (Option rule: the Player may Hit, Split, Double original two cards after one card discard.)   The Player splitting off one card and playing a second hand must place an additional proposition wager equal to the proposition wager made on the original hand.   Split Aces receive one additional card only.   On receiving the second card to a split hand (other than an Ace) the Player may Stand, Hit, or Double—no split.   Split hand is played to completion before the original remaining two-card hand is played. Player Option: if a Premium wager was placed on the original hand, a 2 nd  Premium wager of an amount equal to the first may (not required) be made on spit hands.   Split hand Premium wagers (if made) are paid for pair/suited pair, BJ/Suited BJ only when the split card is an Ace. Pairs are paid on split and or hand at the Player&#39;s option or the Player may elect to forgo the pair win trying for three-of-a-kind. (Alternate Rule: Premium wager original 3 card hand only—no additional Premium wager allowed for split hands etc no Player option to draw for higher hand)   On Completion of a split hand the original two-card hand is played: stand, hit, split, or doubled.   Original 2 cards=Aces may be split: one card draw only to each—no addition split;   Premium Wager does not apply to original 2-card hand splits, only initial 3 cards or first draw card to original two-card hand only (if rule is applicable).   Dealer stands with any initial total: 17-21 from 2 or 3 cards, and hits a three-card total 16 or less (soft 17-21: Ace and any other card(s) totaling 17-21—Dealer Stands with highest total 17-21.)   When the final Dealer and the Player hands both exceed 21, if the Player has a NB+ wager the Player&#39;s proposition wager is a push.   NB+ wager increases proposition wager payoff to 3/2 for regular Blackjack and 2-1 for a suited BJ (except ties which push) and is always surrendered (except when required for split hands—then Player retains the NB+ wagers made on hands when beating the Dealer.)       
 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 Suggested Alternate Pay Table 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Unsuited Dealer/Player BJ 
                 PUSH 
               
               
                   
                 Suited Player BJ/unsuited Dealer BJ 
                  1-1 
               
               
                   
                 Suited Player BJ only 
                  5-1 
               
               
                   
                 Dealer/Player Suited BJ 
                 10-1 
               
               
                   
                 Same Suit Dealer/Player BJ 
                 25-1 
               
               
                   
                 Pair 
                  3-1 
               
               
                   
                 Suited Pair 
                  8-1 
               
               
                   
                 3 of a Kind 
                 30-1 
               
               
                   
                 Straight/Royal flush 
                 40-1 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Any combination 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Dealer/Player: 3 of a kind or higher 
                 1,000-1