BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] This invention relates to card games suitable for live casino play in commercial gaming establishments catering to an international clientele, in particular it relates to an apparatus and method providing a lowest common denominator for playing a combination of two/four card poker as a variation of baccarat having novel bonus and call wager options.

[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0004] In the casino gaming industry, live table play provides the most exciting, sociable, and entertaining experiences for players and casino staff. Unfortunately, these live manual games are difficult for the establishment to operate and secure primarily due to human factors. Traditional casino card games such as baccarat, blackjack, and stud poker have too few positive attributes for self-securing and ease of operation, and can be difficult to learn and play. Many of these classic games and their modern day variants speed and secure play by using computer-based electronics and electrical-mechanical devices.

[0005] Some of the disadvantages of the above noted games are:

[0006] Baccarat has a commission system that is very time consuming and requires a multitude of non-playable markers to reconcile a 5% fee charged on winning pay-outs associated with the banker hand. The game requires a team of casino employees, and does not offer many wager choices or pay-outs greater than eight to one (8:1).

[0007] Blackjack requires excessive security measures to protect against card counting. Many establishments use eight decks, a dealer down-card reader, and an elaborate time consuming shuffle procedure to minimize the opportunities to cheat. Novice players are fearful of ridicule, and the pay-out odds are low.

[0008] Stud poker and its variants permit player handling and possession of the playing cards. This factor has lead to dependency on computer based automation to enhance and secure play.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,946 to Miller on Dec. 17, 1991 discloses a baccarat-like game having limited wagering options, and no face cards whatsoever. The pack of cards used being novel, but opposite of the compilation of cards used in the game taught by the present invention.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,098,107 to Boylan et al March 1992, discloses a game with some additional wagering options, as does U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,234 also issued to Boylan et al August 1992. Neither game mentions the combination of both hands, or plays with only four cards each round based on the master-pack compilation of the present invention.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,395,119 to Jacob and Garcia on Mar. 7, 1995 discloses additional wagering options, but also permits counterproductive withdrawal-surrenders. The game plays with as many as six cards per round based on standard decks. As in all the above noted games, this game not based on the core discovery of the present invention, operates much differently. Moreover, none of the above noted baccarat-variant games operate without the administrative burden of the commission tracking system and its multitude of markers that must be continuously manipulated by the dealer throughout the gaming process. Finally, most premium players are not comfortable with gaming automation or rules that de-socialize play. Personal preferences, superstitions, cultural incompatibilities, and perceived all luck/no skill games further alienate clientele seeking enhanced gaming-entertainment experiences.

[0012] The symbolically symmetrical master-pack apparatus taught herein is novel, as are the wagering-card game methods derived from its improved constitution. Thus none of the above noted patents or classic games in public domain, taken either singly or in combination, are seen to disclose the specific arrangement of concepts and discoveries of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The wagering game of the present invention is played with a master-pack of sixty-four conventional playing cards comprising four identical sixteen-card sub-decks, and broadly involves generally well know and accepted procedures and outcomes of baccarat and poker. The pack can be shuffled before each round or once every eight to nine rounds. The gaming method comprises each player placing opening baccarat-typical wagers predicting the winning and/or tie outcomes of only two opposing two-card poker-like hands, and an optional bonus wager predicting that all eight playing symbols shall be present at the conclusion of the two hand/four card round.

[0014] The dealer deals one opening-card face-up to each of the hands. Players examine the two opening cards, and have the option to place a closing wager predicting a combined all card outcome expressed as a four-card poker hand. The dealer deals one closing-card face-up to each of the opposing hands. The dealer identifies the winning hand, tie hands, the bonus outcome and closing-call combination hand outcomes as per a predetermined hand-rating index, and resolves all wagers as per predetermined pay-out odds.

[0015] More specifically, the master-pack has a constitution ratio of four-suits to four-ranks to four sets of cards (4:4:4) and a cubed-like mathematical characteristic of four to the third power (4×4×4=64), this formulation provides common denominations for integrating card play with base two, four, eight, and thirty-two (2, 4, 8, & 32) number systems. Baccarat, is substantially streamlined and enhanced by eliminating complicated third-card draw rules and the entire commission process and apparatus. As in baccarat, a winning wager on one of the two opposing hands pays one to one (1:1), when a tie occurs a house edge of; 1.66% is provided by tie-surrender collections of one-half (½) of wagers placed on either of the common two-card hands. A tie-placed wager wins when said two hands tie, and pays twenty-five to one (25:1), providing a house edge of 13.33%.

[0016] Baccarat-variant play, using only two common two-card poker-like hands per round simulates the play of a pai gow-like two and four tile/domino game. Forming two basic classes of hands providing instant determination of outcomes, the two classes of hands are; pairs and duos. Further sub-rating is achieved by suit and/or color. Card ranking and/or suiting within a class will break most ties, making the probability of a tie only one in thirty (29:1).

[0017] The optional eight-symbol bonus wager (eight-way) pays eighty-eight to one (88:1), the associated house edge ranges from approximately 5% to 15% depending on pack penetration based on mathematical laws of average and probability.

[0018] The optional call/closing-wager may be placed mid-round to predict a four-of a-kind, or four-card-straight, consisting the combined outcome of all four cards dealt to both common hands, pay-outs can range from 25:1 to 5:1, the associated house edge can range from about 3.% to 9.2% and higher, depending on options selected by the house.

[0019] Apparatus is disclosed for playing the wagering game according to the method outlined above. A typical gaming table, with a playing surface, is modified to include specific areas that provide locations for placing the wagers and for displaying the two opposing two-card hands. A display device may be associated with the apparatus for displaying game information.

[0020] It is the Objective(s) of this Invention to:

[0021] (I) Provide a game that is instantly and easily playable by players of any skill level or culture.

[0022] (II) Provide a game that is instantly and easily operable by any average professional dealer

[0023] (III) Provide a game that is acceptable to casino industry licensees and regulators in any jurisdiction.

[0024] (IV) Provide a game that plays fast and decisive yet polite and relaxed, encouraging socialized play.

[0025] (V) Provide a game that clearly defines the dealer region and the individual players regions of the table

[0026] (VI) Provide a game that maintains separation of an individuals' wagers from those of others.

[0027] (VII) Provide a game that has only community cards and/or hands per round of play.

[0028] (VIII) Provide a game that the player plays against himself, rather than the dealer or other players.

[0029] (IX) Provide a game that does not require player contact with the gaming elements (cards)

[0030] (X) Provide a game that does not require or permit wager withdrawals.

[0031] (XI) Provide a game that increases profitability via efficiency of operation.

[0032] (XII) Provide a game that displaces less frequented/difficult games, yet retains the players thereof.

[0033] (XIII) Provide a game that combines the well-known basic-elements of Baccarat and Poker.

[0034] It is an advantage of the game of the present invention that all personnel, equipment, and techniques required to facilitate play are pre-existing in the casino gaming industry, and that the game can be operated and played on any slightly modified mini or standard baccarat layout using the novel compilation of conventional playing cards, and common casino checks or chips.

[0035] It is another advantage of the game that it attracts a broad range of table game players seeking easy and exciting play wherein either skill, luck, or both can be employed in play strategies.

[0036] Still another advantage of this game is its appeal to the Asian-gaming enthusiasts, who constitute the largest and fastest growing player demographic demanding high stakes live manual play. An Asian version of the gaming layout is available, specifically modified for proper cultural correctness and to make all players feel equally seated, numbered, and positioned for best luck.

[0037] It is yet another advantage of this game of the present invention, that more wager choices having higher pay-out odds are available, and will generate more play action and profits, without exceeding generally well known and acceptable house edges that players and regulators are comfortable with.