Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~-- WO95131262 21 9~266 r~ q~
DESCRIPTION
BLACKJACK GAME SYSTEM AND METI~ODS
Techrlical li'ield . . .
This invention relates to game systems amd methods for playing the casino card game
alternatively called blaekjack, casino twenty-one, or simply twenty-one.
B..~ ` Art
The eard game twenty-one or blackjack is a very popular card game. It is particularly
popular as a easino card game involving betting. In easinos the house holds the dealer hand.
In cardrooms, the house often by law is prohibited from holding the dealer hamd, amd one
~o of the other players is dealer. The basie object of the game is to obtain a combined card
count which beats the count of the dealer without going over twenty-one. The game is
played with a common card deck or multiple decks having fifty two cards in four suits. Each
suit has an ace, nurnerically indexed cards from two to ten, and the face cards. The face
cards are jacks, queens and kings. Multiple decks can be combined together.
ts In the play of blackjack the dealer initially deals two cards to each player and the
dealer. The cards are dealt one at a time around the table. The initial two cards to the
players are either dealt both facedown or both faceup, depending upon the rules of the
particular casino or cardroom involved.
The dealer receives one card faceup and the other initial card facedown. The faceup
card is also called the "upcard". The face-down card is also called the "hole card". An initial
wager is placed before dealing the first two cards. After the first two cards are dealt to all
players, each player is offered a variety of options including: standing, hitting, splitting and
doubling down. The player directs the dealer to deal æro, one or more additional cards to
that particular player. Lhnits of betting, rules, and play vary between gaming ~If the player's total hand count exceeds twenty-one, then the player loses and this is often
called a "bust". If the player stands with cards which count a total of twenty-one or less, then
he is still in and the next player makes srmilar decisions about betting and additional cards.
The dealer plays last and is instructed by the house to hold when a certain count is achieved,
typically 17 or higher.
30 The best possible hand occurs when a player or dealer has a ten-count card and an
ace after receiving the first two cards. This hand is referred to ' ~I.y as a "blackjack"
or "natural". A natural hand is a winning hand unless the opposing dealer or player also has
a natural, in which case the play is called a push and neither the player or dealer involved
lose their bet or collect from the other. A player who is dealt a natural hand is ~ypically
3~ entitled to a bonus, such as equal to one and a half times the player's bet. All players lose
if the dealer iS ir~itially dealt a natural hand, unless a player also has a natural. This is true
WO95~31262 2 1 932 66 P~ !6~
except in the case when the player has taken what is called "insurance" (an amount usually
equal to half the player's original bet).
A hand exceeding twenty-one is referred to as a "bust"or "bust hand" for both players
and dealers. Players who are still in play win the hand when a dealer goes bust. The dealer
6 wins when a player busts.
Blackjack has become one of the most popular casino card games. However, in manycasinos it does not have the same popularity as gambling attractions which offer large
jackpots, for example slot machines. In blackjack, wipnings for each hand are limited to the
amount wagered or a small multiple of the players' bets. This is rn coMrast to slot machines
to which can often be played for a chanc~ of winning very large jackpots.
Some casinos have ;,. ,l.i. .., ..l jackpots in the game of blackjack. For instance, one
blackjack variation awards a jackpot to players receiving four like value cards in the same
hand. Another variation offers a jackpot for players receiving, in a single hand, seven cards
which total twenty-one. These approaches have not been commercially significant. The lack
s of response has apparently been due to the absence of any logical relationship between the
game of blacyack as it is normally played and the events which trigger such a jackpot. The
lack of response may also be due to the infrequency of such jackpot events which is needed
by the casino to make it possible to offer the jackpot.
Jackpots for blackjack have also been impeded by the difficulty in finding a jackpot
event which is of sufficient interest to players and of a sufficiently low p~obability that the
casino can afford to pay a jackpot on that event.
A related problem is that prior art card games offermg jackpots are limited in their
flexibility to offer different types of jackpots. In order to attract players, it is desirable to
display large jackpot dollar amounts. However, these large jackpots are by necessity
~s relatively infrequent events. Thus if a card game picks four seven cards as a jackpot hand,
they have used an infrequent event which does not hold player attention. Thus there is a
need for a card game system which can offer both large infrequent jackpots and smaller more
frequent jackpots which will better hold the player's desire to continue playing the game.
The inventive game system and methods described below are ~ in
providing a blackjack or other card game which allows both large infrequent jackpots and
smaller more frequent jackpots to be offered. It further allows a casino to offer liberalized
blackjack rules. This is ~ l without sacrificing the desirable aspects of playing
blackjack which have made the game so popular.
l~rief DescriPffon of the Prawin~s
3s Fig. 1 is a top view of a game system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the invention.
.
Wo 95131262 2 1 9 0 2 6 6 F~
Fig. ~ is a front view of the game system shown in Fig, 1.
Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a dealer console in accordance with a preferred
~--Ludil~ of the invention.
Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a player console in accordance with a preferred
6 er ho~iiml~n~ of the invention.
Fig. 5 is a simplified block diagram of a preferred control system for the game system
of Fig. 1.
Fig. 6 is a simplified block diagram of a player console control circuit in accordance
with a preferred ~ u~ of the invention.
0 Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a preferred control unit in accordance with the invention.
Fig. 8 is a block diagram of a preferred dealer console control circuit in accordance
with the invention.
Figs. 9 and 10 are block diagrams showing a preferred player console control circuit
in accordance with the invention.
~s Fig. 11 is a top plan view of an alternative game system according to this invention.
Fig. 12 is a front elevational view of a blackjack table fitted with the alternative game
system shown in Fig. Il.
Fig. 13 is a top plan view of a further alternative ~ o~ game system of this
invention mounted upon a blackjack table,
Fig. 14 is a top plam view of a still further alternative ~mhorlim~n~ game system
module according to this invention mounted upon a blackjack table.
Fig. 15 is a top plan view similar to Fig. 14 also showing cards, betting chips. amd
colored tabletop markings which aid in player ill~ L~liiull of the game system module in
;,.,. with the table covering design.
2S Fig. 16 is an enlarged top plan view of the game system module shown in Figs. 14
and 15 in isolation from other parts of tbe game system.
Fig. 17 is a side elevational view of the game system module shown in Fig. 16. The
opposite side view is a mirror image of this view.
Fig. 18 is a rear elevational view of the game system module shown in Fig. 16.
Fig. 19 is a front elevational view of the game system module shown in Fig. 17.
Fig. 20 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a preferred electronic construction
used in the circuitry included as part of the game system module of Fig. 16.
Fig. 21 is a front elevational view of a preferred video card game apparatus
' ~ a novel game system according to this invention.
WO9S/31262 21 902 6 6 - r~ m s~c ~ --
~est Modes for Carrvin~ Out the Invention and Disclosure of Invention
The inventions described herein define novel card games amd methods. The card
game is most preferably blackjack. The novel games can pay attractive jackpots based upon
sequential occurrences of jackpot triggering events. These jackpot triggering or jacicpot tally
events are counted to provide player and dealer count values which must achieve a threshold
value to result in a jackpot award. The jækpot tally events are most preferably required to
occur in a sequence of consecutive hands. The typical consecutive jackpot taily events are
dealer busts and consecutive non-deaier player natural hands (blackjack hands). The natural
hands of the player are winning hands. The busts of the dealer are losing hands.o The invention can further include having several blackjack tables which share a
common jackpot, thereby increasing the size of available jacicpots.
As in cu..~,..,iul~l blackjack, a game played in accordance with the invention
involves a deaier and at least one non-dealer player. A pluraiity of non-deaier players are
typically involved but only one non-dealer player is necessary. One preferred embodiment
~6 of the invention described herein: ~' up to seven players, in addition to the deaier.
The game includes dealing a series of card hands to each player and to the deaier
rn accordance with common blackjack playing procedures. The hands are dealt by initially
dealing two rounds of single cards to the dealer and each non-dealer player, thus giving each
.?0 player two cards.
The game includes counting and maintaining a player count value for the players.The player count values indicate the current number of player jackpot tally events which the
player has to his credit. The jackpot tally events or jackpot hands are preferably credited
in seriaily consecutive runs, such as serially consecutive occurrences of a natural or blackjack
23 hand. Other events can _' v~l~ count toward a jækpot count sufficient to produce a
jackpot award. Two ten cards might be an aiternative jackpot tally event hand, which when
obtained ~ù.~,u~ lead to a jackpot award. Alternatively, the non-dealer players may
be given a jackpot tally count when the dealer has a natural hand. This could be preceded
or followed by one or more player natnral or naturals leading to a jackpot award. A further
30 possible player jackpot tally event might be attributable to a player's jackpot count when the
player obtains a total card count of twenty or twenty-one, even though more than the initial
two cards were required to produce the twenty-one hand count.
The game aiso includes counting or otherwise maintaining a dealer count value which
indicates the number of consecutive bust or other dealer event jackpot hands dealt to the
33 dealer. These deaier jackpot tally events can include a dealer bust hand or a deaier natural
i~and. Other deaier jackpot tally events are aiso possible. Alternatively, dealer events such
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~ Wo 95131262 2 1 9 ~ 2 6 6 . ~ "~
as busts can be credited to the counts of players or used to offer increased jacicpots for non-
dealer players during the next consecutive hamd or other subsequent play.
The counting steps are preferably ,.. ~.., ;.l;~l-- .1 by providing at least one player
coumter and a deaier counter. The counters are preferably electronic counters capable of
s registering multiple jackpot count vaiues for multiple players and the deaier.After deaiing the initial two cards to himself and each player, the dealer identifies
ail players who have been dealt natural or other jacicpot hands in the current hand being
played. The dealer then increments the player count values of all players identifled as having
been dealt natural or other jacicpot-count hands. In another ~ - I.o~ the dealer~o increments after ail hands are fully played out. The hand is played out with the remaining
players, and the dealer increments the dealer count value if the dealer is deait a bust hand
or other deaier taily jacicpot hands.
The game also preferably includes zeroing the player count vaiues of all players not
identified as having been dealt natural or other player jacicpot count hands in the current
hand. Additionally the game includes zeroing the dealer count vaiue if the dealer has not
been deait a bust or other deaier jacicpot count hand in the current hand. An end-of-hand
device is a~i~ " 'S/ operated by the dealer at the end of each hand to automatically
initiate the zeroing steps.
The preferred methods according to this invention further include awarding a bonus
20 or jacicpot, referred to as a player bonus, to any player whose player count value meets or
exceeds a predefined player count value threshold. For instance, a first natural bonus of
perhaps $50 is awarded to any player whose player count value meets or exceeds a first
predefined player COUrlt vaiue threshold of three. For example, this count indicates that the
player has been deait at least three consecutive natural card hands. A second natural bonus
25 of perhaps $500 is awarded to any player whose player count value meets or exceeds a
second predefined player count value threshold of four. This indicates that the player has
been dealt four consecutive naturai card hands. Plu6.~aa~ y increasing player bonuses are
awarded for ~ 'S increasing player count values.
In a similar marmer, the preferred methods of the invention include awarding a bonus
30 or jacicpot, referred to as a "bust" or dealer jacicpot bonus, to all the players at a particular
table when the dealer jacicpot tally event count exceeds a predefined dealer jacicpot count
value threshold. For irlst;mce, a first bust bonus of $50 is awarded to all players when the
deaier jacicpot count vaiue meets or exceeds a first predefined deaier count value of five.
This indicates that the deaier has been deait five consecutive bust card hands. A second bust
35 bonus of $100 is awarded to all active players when the deaier jacicpot couM value meets or
exceeds a second predefined deaier count value of six. This indicates that the dealer has
WO9513126Z 21 ~0266 r~l~n.~ r 1 --
been dealt six consecutive bust card hands. r~u~5lc~D;~ly increasing bust bonuscs are
awarded for collc~u~ ly increasing dealer count values.
Because of the statistically low probability ûf any player being dealt consecutive
natural hands, or ûf the deaier being dealt consecutive bust hands, relatively large bonuses
5 or jackpots can be provided. It is believed that jacicpots of up to a million dollars could be
offered in conjunction with a game played in accûrdance with the inveMiûn. rulll.~.lllulc,
it is believed that the presence of large jacicpots, in addition to the normal winnings of
blackjack, will be attractive enough to allow casino operators tû collect a small per hand
surcharge or "ante" for each hand of blackjack played in accordance with the methods of this
~o invention. Such an ante could be used to fund the jackpots and can also allow more
liberalized blackjack rules during each hand. Alternatively, the ~.c,' ' bonus count
amounts can be set to assure a suitable improved margin for the casino.
Figs. I and 2 show an imprûved blackjack table in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the invention, generaliy designated by the reference numeral 10. Table 10
15 includes a tabletop 12 having a cu..,.,..,iu-~l felt playing surface. Table top playing surface
12 can be provided with ~u..,~..,iu ~l markings cu..~ul. ii.l~ to seven player pûsitions 14
arranged in an arc about a dealer pûsition 16. Table 10 aiso includes a chip tray 18 for
storing gaming chips. The table is supported by a pedestal 17.
Table 10 includes two status displays which are connected to display player jackpot
20 count values and the dealer jackpot count values. In a preferred version, the player coumt
values correspond to the number of consecutive narurai hands dealt to the players. The
dealer count values ~.UII~ . " _ to the number of consecutive bust hands dealt to the
deaier. One ûf the displays is pûsitioned for viewing by the dealer, preferably in the fûrm
of a dealer cûnsole 20. The ûther display is a iv v '~ positioned for viewing by the
26 players, such as in the form of pla~er consûle 22. Both of the status displays are
a~ , mounted to playing surface 12. Dealer and player consûles 20 and 22 are
provided to monitor and display the current status ûf the game. Specifically, the consoles
display the current number of consecutive natural hands which have been deait to each
player and tile current number of consecutive bust hands which have been dealt to the
~o dealer. Dealer consûle 20 additionally provides input functions to ailûw the deaier or
operator to signal the occurrence of naturai or bust hands.
Fig. 3 shows dealer consûle 20 in detail. It is mounted fiush with playing surface 12,
facing upwardly, preferably at a position adjacent to the dealer. It includes a ~ gr~mm~ir
IC~JlC~Clll~lliUII of a blackjack table, including a pluraiity of numeric indicators Cull~
35 to the dealer and maximum number of players. Seven indicators 24 are arranged in an arc
to correspond to the seven player positions at the blackjack table. An eighth indicator 2~,
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positioned at or near the centerpoint of the arc, corresponds to the dealer's position. The
indicators are positioned on the face of console 20 in a layout simulating the ~of the actual dealer and players relative to table 10. Each numeric indicator isa iv~ull..s~,u,ly a s.~.. S~ IL LED (light emitting diode), capable of displaying a single
5 digit in the range of ~ero through nine.
Deaier console 20 further comprises a player key 26 for each player. Each playerkey 26 is manually operable to indicate or signai that the player has been dealt a natural or
other jackpot hand. More specifically, each player key 26 is a membrane-type switch which
is depressible by the deaier to increment an individual player's count vaiue when said
~o individual player has been dealt a naturai hamd. Each player key is positioned adjacent a
numeric indicator. A numeric indicator 24 and a player key 26 are thus positioned to
correspond to each player. Dealer console 20 aiso includes a dealer key 28 which is
depressible or otherwise manually operable to indicate or signai that the dealer has been
dealt a bust hand, amd to increment the dealer's count vaiue when the dealer has been dealt
5 a bust hand. Dealer key 28 is positioned adjacent numeric indicator 25. Appropriate
legends are printed on the keys. For instance, the player keys are labelled "I"through ~7
The dealer key is labelled "D". The player keys amd, deaier key 28 are preferably membrane-
type switches. Capacitive or other types of keys or switches can also be used to allow the
dealer to signal the occurrence of player jackpot and dealer jackpot hands.
Firlally, deaier console 20 includes a pair of locking keyswitches 30 and 32. The
functions of these keyswitches will be e~plained in more detail below. In general,
keyswitches 30 and 32 are operable by a floor manager amd by a pit boss, respectively, to
reset the game control circuits or to implement other system control functions.
Fig. 4 shows player console 22. Console 22 is ~ , adapted for mounting
25 to table 10 by a pair of mounting struts 27. It is positioned to face away from the deaier
and, toward the players. Player console 22 includes a numeric indicator 34 for each piayer,
arranged in an arc similarly to indicators 24 of dealer console 20. Player console 22 also
includes a numeric indicator 35 for the dealer, positioned centraily within of the arc formed
by numeric indicators 34. Console 22 does not include player keys or a dealer key. The
30 numeric indicators of player console 22 are preferably similar or identical to the indicators
used in dealer console 20. However, the dealer and player displays are oriented oppositely
with regard the arc direction to reflect the different p.,.",~ of the table as viewed by
players and the dealer. Because the indicators are arranged like the players about table 10,
players can ' ~ associate each of the indicators with a specific player or deaier
35 position.
W095/31262 21 90266 ~ C ~ I ~
Player console 22 also preferably includes a ~u~ ulul~Llc signboard or textual
display 36. r~u~ .u..~l~ signboard 36 is of a type which can be controlled through a digital
port. It is preferably a matrix-type display, having individual pixels which
are illuminated or activated to present selected messages across the top of player console 22.
s Signboard 36 is capable of forming scrolling or flashing messages for added visual impac~ and
to serve as an attraction to draw players to the game system.
While inexpensive forrns of dealer and player consoles are shown and described,
variations are of course possible. For instance, it may be desirable in some situations to
utilize a singie matrix or pixel-type display, such as commonly used in conjunction with
~o personal computers, in place of the discrete numeric indicators of ea-ch status display. Such
a display would be controlled by software to display individual coumt values in the desired
~",.,~,, "~ -l A display such as this might also incorporate "touch" input features, so that
the dealer could signal natural or bust hands by simply touching a designated area of the
display rather than discrete keys. A rectimgular matrix display could also be ~.u,, ' to
~5 incorporate the textual display or signboard discussed above. Alterrlatively, some
components of the consoles, such as the numeric indicators, might be physically positioned
around the table, rather than grouped as described above.
in addition to the status displays, table 10 aiso i-~iv~ ly includes an end-of-
hand device 38 (Fig. 1) which is positioned for manual operation by the deaier at the end
20 of each hand to signal the end of the hand. End-of-hand device 38 is preferably a
~u..~ iullal poker slide into which the ante chips from the players deposited before each
hand. At the end of the hand, the dealer operates the poker slide to accept the deposited
chips. The poker slide includes a sensor or switch (not shown) which is connected to the
control unit 40 in order to zero the player count values of players who were not dealt natural
25 hands in the previous hand. It also serves to trigger zeroing of the dealer count value if the
deaier was not dealt a bust hand in the previous hand
Fig. 5 shows a simplified block diagram of a preferred control system for the game
system described above. It comprises three units: a l~u~u-u~ control unit or controller
40, a dealer console circuit 42, and a player console circuit 44. In actual practice, control
30 unit 40 is physically i~,u~u ' with dealer console circuit 42. For purposes of explanation,
however, control unit 40 and dealer console circuit 42 are described below as two separate
circuits. Either ,~,rie...~ isacceptable.
Control unit 40 is connected to dealer corlsole circuit 42 by a number of individual
parallel lines, collectively referenced by the numeral 46. Control unit 40 ~ with
35 player console circuit 44 through first and second seriai signals 48 and 50. As shown in
21 9~266
~ WO g5131262 r~ ,s.c~
Fig. 6, first serial signal 48 is connected from control unit 40 to ~u~ blc signboard 36
of player console 22. Second serial signal 50 is conmected from control unit 40 to a numeric
indicator control circuit 52. P~..L,.,."""~I,I- signboard 36 is a CU~ UI~I CVI~ U; 1~
available product which can be commanded by control unit 40 to display various textual
5 messages in a variety of formats. Numeric indicator control circuit 52 is a custom circuit,
described below, which allows control unit 40 to command player console æ to display the
player count values and the dealer count value. A third, optional serial signal 51 can be used
to ~ with a master or slave blackjack table as discussed below.
Control unit 40 is preferably a u,u-u~G~vl-based logic circuit, ~UIU,~IO,IIIIII~I to
~o monitor the player and dealer keys and to control the indicators and displays of game table
10 It is connected to command the numeric indicators of dealer console 20 and player
console 22, as well as to command ~JIU~51~:LIIIIII~LI~ signboard 36 ~hrough first serial signal.
It is also connected to be signalled by the player keys. the dealer key, and the end-of-hand
device. More specifically, control unit 40 is ,UIU~, ~ to provide and maintain a plurality
~5 of counters or counter registers. A player counter is maintained for each player and a dealer
counter is maintained for the dealer. ~ach player counter counts amd registers the player
count value for a particular player. The dealer counter counts and registers the dealer count
value.
As discussed above, the player count values indicate the number of consecutive
natural hands dealt to individual players. The dealer count value indicates the number of
consecutive bust hands dealt to the dealer. The coumters are preferably maintained in one
or more Illi~.lU~IUC~UI registers or in read/write memory associated with a ~ lU~UIUI,I,~UI.
Dealer console 20 amd player console 22 are connected to receive information from the
player and dealer coumters amd to display such information to the players and the dealer.
Control unit 40 might ' ~ be designed with circuit elements other than
i~lu,ulv~"u,-related ~ r For instamce, control unit 40 could ~dvllllL ,!,_vu~ly be
.' ' with discrete logic gates or with ,ul,.~ gate arrays. However, a
fi~,~u,ulu~ ul-based system allows a degree of flexibilitywhich is desirable as compared with
other types of circuits.
Regardless of the specific means of i ,~ control unit 40 forms means for
keeping a count and selectively ill~.lCll.~,lliillg individual players' player count values in
response to operating the player keys CUllC~UUlllii..l, to said individual players. Control unit
40 also forms means for ill~ illg the dealer count value in response to operating the
dealer key. Additionally, control unit 40 forms means for zeroing, at the end of each hand,
35 the count values of players which were not dealt a natural hand in the previous hand. It also
serves as a means for zeroing, at the end of each hand, the dealer count va~ue if the dealer
Wo 95/31262 2 1 9 0 2 6 ~ 1 I/U s c-n~ --
was not dealt a bust hand in the previous hand. Said ~erolng functions are ~ iV~lli~;~VU~Iy
performed in response to operating end-of-hand device 38 at the end of each hand.
r~ ll.,l..ù.~;, control unit 40 is ylu~ ull... d and forms means for displaying the
deaier count value and the player count vaiues of all the players. rn the preferred
e embodiment of the invention, control unit 40 is further yl,., ' to command
ylu~l~ulllll~lc signboard 36 of deaier console 22 to indicate the award of the natural and
bust bonuses discussed above for consecutive natural or bust hands. r~u~, ' '
signboard 36 ean also be used to display other messages, such as current jackpot amounts,
attractions messages, or other useful infonn~ti~n
~o Fig. 7 shows control unit 40 i~ more detail. It comprises a yl,,, '' data
processor or Illi~,lUylU~c~UI 60, associated with program memory 62 and data memory 64.
Program memory 62 typically comprises a read-only memory or erasable read-only memory.
Data memory 64 typieally comprises rea~i/write memory. Data memory 64 is preferably non-
volatile memory such as battery-backed memory. The various components of eontrol unit
~e 40 ~ through a eonventional address/data bus 66.
Control unit 40 ineludes three .u .~,..iUI411 serial port interfaee chips or integrated
cireuits, designated in Fig. 7 by the referenee numerals 67, 68, and 69. These ehips provide
three serial ports, Lu-l~yu.llill~ to seriai signals 48, 50, and 51 of Fig. 5. First and seeond
serial signals 48 and 50 are eonneeted to player eonsole 22. Third serial signal 51 is intended
~D to be used for, ' with a host eomputer or other blaekjack tables as described
below.
Control unit 40 also includes three parailel l/O chips, designated in Fig. 7 by the
reference numerals 70, 71, and 72. The first two r/O chips 70 and 71 each accept eight
inputs. The third l/O chip 72 has eight output lines.
2C Fig. 8 shows dealer console eireuit 42, which includes numeric indieators 24 and 25.
Eaeh numerie indieator eomprises a cu...,...iu..~l LED indieator in eombination with a
diserete eontrol ehip or integrated eireuit. The numerie indieators are multiplexed to reeeive
a eommon four bit binary eommamd signal, eomprising the individual signals D01, D02, D04,
and D08. D01, D02, D04, and D08 are produced by l/O chip 72 (Fig. 7), in response to
30 eommands from Uylu~cSSul 60. Each indieator also aceepts one of a set of eight ehip
seleet signals designated SELI-SEL8. SELI-SEL8 are generated by a three-to-eight deeoder
78 whieh is driven by a set of deaier eonsole seleet lines DSELI-DSEL3. DSELI-DSEL3
are produeed by l/O ehip 72 (Fig. 7), again in response to eommands from vy~u~,e~u~
60. Mi~,luylu~c~vl 60 is ylu~ ul~ d to eommand numeric indicators, through l/O chip 72,
35 to display the player count values and the dealer count vaiue.
.
21 90266
Wo ss/3 1262 ~ ~ I ").,,_. c
11
Fig. 8 also shows player keys 26, dealer key 28, and keyswitches 30 and 32. Each of
these switches has a first terminal connected to ground, and a second terminal connected to
an input of l/O chip 70 or 71. The player and dealer keys are connected to I/O chip 71
through signal lines DSWI through DSW8. Keyswitches 30 and 32 are connected to I/O
6 chip 70 through signal lines KSWI and KSW2. End-of-hand device 38 (shown only in Fig.
I) is cormected to ,m input of I/O chip 70 through an input signal EOH (Fig. 7).Keyswitches 30 and 32 are used to alter the operating mode of the system for
providing control fimctions. For instance, one of the keyswitches is operable by a floor
manager to allow the floor manager to adjust counter tohls. When activated, this keyswitch
o allows individual counters to be selectively incremented by repeatedly depressing the
appropriate player or dealer keys. The other of the keyswitches is operable by a casino pit
boss to enable other control functions such as specifying jackpot amounts and display modes.
The player and dealer switches are used to input the appropriate information.
In addition to the indicators and switches discussed above, coMrol unit 40 includes
ts five mode switches, labelled 80, connected to inputs of I/O chip 70. These switches are used
to select operating ~ of the gaming system. It is .' ' that mode
switches 80 will be used primarily to specify to Illh.lUIJlU~ Ul 60 whether game table 10
should operate in a stamd-alone, master mode or as a slave to another table or to a master
computer. When acting as a slave, jackpot amounts would be controlled by a master table
or computer, and hble 10 would report game status to the master table or computer. This
would allow a plurality of hbles to share a common jackpot, and would allow monitoring of
game shtus from a central location. Mode switches 80 are also used to specify the address
of game table 10 when it is operating as a slave. Other functions might be associated with
mode switches 80 in the future.
26 Figs. 9 and 10 show numeric indicator control circuit 52. Numeric indicator control
circuit 52 is nearly identical to the rnnnh~ inn of control unit 40 and dealer console circuit
42, shown in Figs. 7 and 8, except that it includes only a single serial interface chip and a
single parallel l/O chip, and it does not include any switches. Thus, numeric indicator control
circuit 52 comprises a ~ lc data processor or Illi~,lU,UlU~ UI 90, associated with
read-only program memory 92 and read/write data memory 94. The components of numeric
indicator control circuit 52 r ., ~ r through a conventiorlal address/data bus 96.
Numeric indicator control circuit 52 furthermore includes a conventional serial port interface
chip or integrated circuit 96, and a parallel l/O chip 98. I/O chip 98 has eight output lines.
As shown in Fig. 10, numeric indicator control circuit 52 also includes numeric
36 indicators 34 and 35. Each numeric indicator comprises a ,u".-iiu~ l LED indicator in
r ' with a discrete control chip or integrated circuit. The numeric indicators are
Wo 95/31262 21 9 0 2 6 6 12 PCT/USg~/06064
multiplexed to receive a common four bit binary commamd signa~, comprising the individual
signais P01, P02, P04, and P08. P01, P02, P04, and P08 are produced by l/O chip 98 (Fig.
9), in response to commands from III;~.IU~JIU~,~.>~Ol 90. Each indicator also accepts one~of a
set of eight chip select signals designated SELI through SEL8. SELI through SEL8 are
s generated by a three-to-eight decoder 99 which is driven by a set of player select lines
PSELl through PSEL3. PSELI through PSEL3 are produced by l/O chip 98 (Fig. 9), again
in response to commands from ~ lu~lu~-a~ul 90. Mi~lu~,lu~,.ssui 90 is 1~ ' to
command numeric indicators 34 and 35, through l/O chip 98, to display the player count
values and the dealer COUM value in respûnse to serial commands frûm control unit 40
~o through serial signai 50. .
The game system described retains ail the features of cu..~ ~...iu.~l casino blackjack.
In addition, it provides variety jackpot features or different jackpot p~ iliti:~c The game
system, as a result, is more exciting to play than l:U~ liiUll~l blackjack. When playing in
accordance with the methods of the invention, players have the hope not only of winning
s individual hands, but of also wimling jackpots based on consecutive hamds or other sequential
jackpot tally events. The increase in potential winnings is likely to make the game even
more popular than ~UlI~ .,l..iUII~II forms of blackjack. r~ llllUI~;, the added desirability of
potential jackpot winnings should make it possible to collect hamd surcharges or antes amd
to thus increæe revenues of gaming ~ Additionaily, the procedures may allow
20 more liberali~ed rules of play.
hgs. 11 and 12 show an alternative gaming system 200 according to this inveMion.Gaming system 200 is an electronic retroflt tabletop game system constructed to be moumted
upon a standard blackjack table 10. Table 10 is as described above in connection with the
embodiment shown in Fig. 1, including six player positions 14 and playing surface 12.
~s Gaming system 200 includes a first or centrai module 201 and two side modules 202 and 203.
CeMral module 201 has a low profile and is positioned in a ceMrai location upon the
blackjack table adjacent to the dealer's position 16. The port side module 202 is at the
dealer's left and the starboard side module 203 is at the dealer's right. Central module 201
includes a chip tray 218 adjacent the dealer position which has a plurality of receiving
30 troughs for holding gaming chips (not shown).
The centrai module 201 preferably includes a central moduie housing 205. Housing205 has a top member with an upper surface 206. Housing 205 also has a lower or bottom
member 207 which rests upon the upper playing surface 12 of gaming table 10. The top and
bottom members are joined by a perimeter ( ' ` or curb wall 209. The leading or
3s front edge 208 of curb wall 209 rests upon the upper playing surface of gaming table 10.
The curb is preferably constructed so as to provide a front wall which is sloped at a suitable
..... .
21 9026~
WO~5/31262 P~ .C'~
13
angle, such as in the range of 30-60 ~rom horizOMal. This inclined or sloped construction
proYides improved utility for handling of cards by the dealer, reduced risk of injury to the
deaier's hands and arms when working over the curb, and improved ~i~ib;lily ru. the displays
mounted thereon. As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the top edge of the curb is preferably flush
6 with the upper surface of the central module top member 206.
Housing 205 defines an interior cavity within which are mounted various electronic
components and wiring associated with the control system 40 and displays, switches and other
components which are described more specifically elsewhere herein. The housing of central
module 205 is constructed so as to provide a mechanically integrated unit containing such
to internal .ulllr Such a central module can be easily moved to a gaming tabie and
placed in the position shown in Fig. 11.
A series of indicator displays 210 are arramged aiong curb 209. Displays 210 include
six player displays 211-216. A deaier display 217 is located in the center. Displays 210
preferably include am array of individually controllable light bars. The light bars for displays
t6 210 preferably extend along the front face of curb 209 and also along the upper surface 206
to thereby provide good visibilityfor the dealer from above and players from the front. As
shown, each display light bar can be individually lit to indicate from one to five consecutive
jackpot hamds. The display is uniit when there has not been a jackpot hand in the preceding
play for which the player still has credit. In the case of deaier display 217 the light bars can
2a be lit to indicate one to five consecutive dealer bust hands.
Central module 205 also preferably includes player keys 223 and deaier key 224.
Keys 223 and 224 are similar in function to keys 26 and 28 described above. Keys 223 and
224 are .u..~ positioned for activation by the dealer just after handling cards to and
from the players.
26 Centrai module 205 is aiso preferably provided with a deposit slot 242 which ailows
the deaier to deposit cash used by players to purchase gaming chips. Deposit slot 242
through the central module to provide money pass through into a
.u~ ' deposit slot (not shown) formed through the blackjack table 10.
As shown, the preferred gaming system 200 further includes a port side module 202.
3a Port side module 202 is adapted to comlect with a back wall 245 of the central module 205.
Side module 202 comnects with the centrai module in a malmer which places the side module
in an upstanding orientation. This is a i~ using fasteners (not
shown). Side module 202 is also supported upon the surface of gaming table 10. The
outboard end of the side module cam aiso be attached to the table using a suitable clip (not
36 shown) which slides under the padded perimeter of the blacyack table.
W o 9 5/3 1 2 6 2 2 1 9 0 2 6
Gaming system 200 also preferably includes a starboard slde module 203. Starboard
side module 203 is similar in construction to port side module 202 in several respects. It is
preferably fastened to the central module and is supported upon the gaming table in similar
fashions. It additionally includes a dealer control panel 251 having a series of dealer controls
5 252. Dealer controls 252 include the key switches, similar to switches 30 and 32 described
above. Additional controls are shown melely to suggest possible controls used to operate
the preferred side panel displays described below.
Side modules 202 and 203 also prefc~ably inc;ude side panel displays 254 mountedupon the front &ces 246 of the side modul( ,. Side panel displays can be printed malerial
o or electronic displays of fixed or alterable r:isplay capabilities. One embodiment includes
variable electronic displays which can be sc~r.~lled to present a moving message. Another
embodiment shows fixed information illdicatlr,g betting range~ for the blackjack table. A still
further embodiment allows a rr~mh;~ ir~n vf ixed inform~ion on table betting ranges
coupled with a scrolling or flashing display sign which presents an attracting message
s designed to bring players to the table. Othe: alternative display modes are also possible.
The details of particular displays 254 will varv dependent upon the particular, , "~
available display chosen.
The front faces 246 of side modules 202 auld 203 are also adv...~ v~ provided
with printed material dispensers 260 wllich hold printed rule pamphlets 261. Rule pamphiets
20 261 adv~,..l..b~v~ly present information abou; the particular jackpot amounts and sequential
event which pay jackpots at the particular blackjack table involved.
Gaming system 200 is particularly adv.. b~v~,u in providing a add-on or retrofitgaming system which can be brought to an exi~.ting blackjack table and be fitted thereon with
minimal expense. Once fitted, the blackjack table can then be used to perform the novel
25 gaming methods according to this invention.
Fig. 13 shows a further alternative embodiment of gaming system 300 similar to
system 200. In the ~ ' of Fig. 13 the central module is configured as an amnularor curb 301 which extends partially around the dealer position. The central
module is constructed as an amnular curb band or ring. An infield area 302 is within the
30 curb, and is open to expose the blackjack tabletop surface 12. The light bar displays 210 are
mounted upon the annular curb-shaped central module. This construction does not require
a slot ~42 but instead allows a similar slot 343 already formed through the tabletop to
function without impedance. Otherwise system 300 is similar to system 200 arld sirlular
reference numbers have been used in both ~ for similar features.
21 90766
Wo 95/31 262 P
Fig. 14 shows a preferred game system ioo according to this inven~ion. Game system
400 has numerous components which are similar to other systems described above,
specifically game systems 10, 200, and 300.
Table 410 is similar to table 10 but is provided with a tabletop playing surface 412
5 which has a special design and marking . ~ which works in conjunction with a game
system central module 405 which is centrally located upon the playing surface at a central
module rest location 415. Table 410 has sixnon-dealer player positions 421426 and a dealer
position 427. Other numbers of players are possible. Tablelop 41~has player zones 431-436
which are associated with player positions 421-426, respectively. Each player zone is
o demarcated by player zone boundary markings 413. The space 417 immediately in front of
central module 405 is left open or can be used for prominent presentation of the game name
or other inf~rn~ n
Adjacent to each player zone are visual leader designs or markings 441-446 which act
as a direct visual tabletop indicators between the player position and associated player zone,
t5 and the ~ v player count displays 451-456 which are arranged along the sides of
module 405. As shown, the visual leader markings 451-456 comprising arcuate bands which
extend from the heads of each player zone toward the central module. The visual leader
markings 451-456 are most preferably colored in contrast to the other portions of the player
surface, amd in manners which are different from the adjacent visual leader marking bands.
20 Fig. 15 shows the visual leader bands shaded for a specific color: , but numerous
alternative color schemes are possible. Visual leader markings 451-456 also preferably
mclude leader symbols 458 which as shown are star designs which help to direct the viewer-s
attention along the leader bands toward the player count displays.
Each player zone 431-436 is preferably provided with a chip betting area 438.
25 Betting areas 438 are used to specifically provide an area of the playing surface upon which
chips being bet must be placed.
Table 410 also includes a chip rack 418 and bill deposit slot 442.
Fig. 15 is similar to Fig. 14 with Lhe additional presentation of betting chips 439
within chip betting areas 438. Also shown are playing cards 449. The visual leader markings
30 451 and 456 are shown shaded for the color red, markings 452 and 455 are shown shaded
for the color purple, and markings 453 and 454 are shown shaded for the color green. This
provides additional visual contrast between the different players' markings.
Figs. 16-19 show the preferred central game system module 405 in greater detail.Game system module 405 has a front 401 which is oriented toward the player side of table
35 410 during normal use. Module 405 also has a rear 402 which is normally oriented toward
the dealer position 427. A first side 403 and second side 404 extend between the front and
Wo 95131262 21 9 0 2 6 6 r~ rGqc~ --
16
rear of the module. A top surface 406 is adv.~ . Vll~ly provided with player keys 471476
which correspond to player positions 421426, respectively. Player keys 471476 are used to
increment the player count value stored in the associated player counter. As shown there
is one player key which is depressed to increment one player counter. Alternatively, more
s than one player counter may be used in particular IlLu~ L~ c~ to count differing types of
player jackpot tally events. However, fol purposes of operational simplicity, the single
counter, single player key construction is most preferred. Player jackpot tally events are
subject to various rules of play but willtypically include a player blackjack or similar winning
hand; a dealer blackjack hand may be used a~ an equivalent, as indicated below; or a player
to receiving a pair of ten-count cards may also .esul~ in a player jackpot tally event.
Module 405 also preferably includes ~ first dealer key 477. As shown, the first dealer
key 477 is used to increment the player ccu.1ters. This action causes the dealer playing
event, such as a dealer natural or blackjack h~nd, to function ils a player jackpot tally event.
Thus each player rn the hand receives a increr lental addition to his or her player count value
due to the dealer having received a blackjack ;land or other triggering event as determined
by the rules of play. Alternatively, the dealer [~lly event can be used to increment a separate
dealer blackjack counter (second dealer coun.er) which is distinct from the individual player
counters.
Module 405 further preferably includes a second dealer key 478. As shown, the
20 second dealer key 478 is used to increment ihe dealer bust counter (first dealer counter)
which registers the dealer jackpot tally event count. The dealer receives a incremental
addition to his or her dealer jackpot count value due to the dealer having received a bust
hand or other triggering dealer jackpot tally e~/ent as determined by the rules of play.
Module 405 still further includes a lo ~ koy ~79 ~hi^h functions as an end-of-hand
~s device which is depressed or otherwise activated at the end of each hand. Under typical play
the activation of the end-of-hand log key 479 will result in the zeroing processes described
above being effected to reset the coumters which should be reset to zero under the
conditions present in Lhat game and given the specifics of play. Log key 479 also translates
temporary events to cause the appropriate player counters to be incremented in preparation
30 for the hand.
Module 405 also includes a control key switch 480 which is adapted to receive a
security key used by a dealer, pit boss or floor manager to reset or backup play of the
module.
Module 405 further includes the player count displays 4514~6 along the sides of the
3S module. The player count displays shown are ~d~li~_v..~ly discrete LED (light emitting
diode) elements 459 which light up as individually controlled. The player count displays
-
21 9026~
Wo95131262 1,_I~u~s~r
17
indicate player jackpot count values of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 as shown by turnlng on the same
number of elements. Each player count displa~ is adv~ i..6~v~ly rendered more
J6...~blc by an optional player count display border 409. When module 405 is placed
on tbe table, the player coumt display borders 409 preferably are positioned to align with the borders between the adjacent visual leaQer bands 441-446 to further aid in the easy
cl~llhJll of play by all viewers.
Fig. 20 shows an electronic schema lc block diagram of a preferred electronics
circuitry SJ0 used in module 405. The preferred electr~nics include a main power supply 501
which is connected to a supply of aitemating current power, such as a typical 110 volt AC
1D power source. Alternatively, the AC line electrical power source and power supply 501 can
be replaced by a suitable battery power sou ~:OE.
The output from power supply 501 prc:erably produce~ a -12 volt direct current (DC)
output. This output is used to power other o~rtions of the Cil~Uit as indicated at the symbol
A. The output of power supply 501 is advant~eously coupled to a second power suppiy 502
~s which produces arl output which is preferably '1-5 volt direct current power source indicated
bythe symbol B. The output of power supply 501 is also preferably coupled to a third power
circuit 503 which provides integration of a b~iery backup circuit powered by battery 504 to
preserve data during periods of power interl~pt,on. I.'rli ltf rrl~r~fJhlf~ S volt DC power is
supplied to a micro-controller 510 via circuit 503. Circuit 503 also provides a reset signai to
20 micro-controller 510 in response to a reset switch (not shown).
Micro-controller 510 is provided witi~. a clock crystal 511 which allows the micro-
controller to maintain an internai clock. Micro-controller 510 has an audio output signal
which is electrically coMected to an audio ef~ects subcircuit 520. Audio effects subcircuit
520 provides audio output to a speaker 522 ~Ihich i,rovi~es chimes or other desired audio
z5 effects to attracts patrons, signal a wiMing jackpot, or provide other sounds as desired.
Micro-controller 510 is connected to two serial-to-parallel LED driver circuits 531
arld 532. The outputs from circuits 531 and 532 are coMected to the player count indicators
459 for displays 451456.
Micro-controller 510 receives signals from a key pad shift register 540. Key pad shift
30 register 540 is connected to the key switches 471-480. Signals from shift register 540 are
processed in micro-controller to provide the indicated couMing and zeroing functions
imdicated hereinabove.
Micro-controller 510 is also ~iv~..~6~ y comnected to a serial port 550 which can
be used to interface the centrai module 405 with an ancillary display sign (not shown) but
~5 similar in construction amd function to displays 22, 202, amd 203 explained above.
21 9026~ =
WO95/31262 r~ ,.,r.c,
18
Fig 21 shows a further card gaming system 600 which functions in accordance withthis invention. Gaming system 600 is adapted to perform the novel methods for playing card
games, such as blackjack, as described herein. Gaming system 600 includes a video card
game machine 601. Machine 601 includes a side unit 602 which includes a bill vaiidator 603
5 and a player account and i~i. ..~ir, -1;..,, card reader 604. Bill validator 603 reads monetary
bills and upon vaiidation accepts the bills and posts credits to the player's account in the
gaming machine. Player account and i~ r. -:;.." card reader 604 is a card reading device,
such as an automated magnetically coded credit or bus-ticket-type card reader, well known
in the art. Reader 604 is used to either provide am account balance to the gaming machine
o againstwhichaplayercanchargebets~andlorprovideuseri~ irl-l;llll forverificationand
user tracking information used by the casino to monitor against gaming fraud and to better
understand customer behavior and desires. Video gaming machine 600 also includes a coin
insert or feed 640 which is used to insert coins in lieu of the bill validator 603 or an account
card read by reader 604.
Gaming system 600 further preferably includes a main display 610 which is preferably
a cathode ray tube, liquid crystal display, or similar cl~,LIu.~..lly controlled display. Display
610 is used to display various information either to attract a player or for use during the play
of the game. In particular for the playing of blackjack, the main display is used to show
dealer cards 611 and 612 and player cards 613 and 614. Card 611 is the dealer down card
20 and is shown blackened to indicate it is face-down. Card 612 is the deaier's up card and is
shown face-up. Both player cards 613 and 614 are shown face-up.
In the upper portion is a jackpot counter display section 620 forming a part of the
main display 610. Jackpot counter display has three counters pictured. The upper line 621
irldicates the number of player first jackpot tally events are credited. In this case the upper
25 line indicates the number of blackjack hands which the player has either received or been
credited due to blackjack by the player or the dealer. The second line 622 of the jackpot
display indicates the number of twenty-count hands received by the player which qualify as
second jackpot tally events. The third line 623 indicates the number of dealer busts which
are included in the dealer first jackpot tally events. In the preferred form the jackpot tally
30 eveMs which led to the indicated counts shown in lines 621-623 are due to qualifying events
occurring in a sequential manner, most preferably in ~ul~l,u~ y sequentially hamds.
Alternatively, the rules of play may make various sequentiai patterns qualifying events for
purposes of being coumted in one or more of the jackpot taily event counters. For example,
consecutive sequences of any particular card hands may lead to events being tallied in the
35 jackpot tally counters. Consecutive 20-count hands, consecutive l9-count hands, consecutive
18-c~qunt hands, multi-card (more than 2 card) 21-count hands, blackjacks of a specihc suit,
.
WO95131262 21 90266 P~llv,,,3.C'~
19
red-suit blackjacks, black-suit blackjacks, and many other .1 ' of cards which when
they occur in a defined sequential pattern ov~r a serie~ of played hands can lead to a jackpot
threshold being met and the player receiving a jackpot payout. The sequential occurrence
allows the gaming ~ to adjust the payout schedule to inciude both extremely high5 payouts for very infrequent events, and wh~n desired or in the alternative relatively smaller
jackpot payouts with greater frequency. This greatly enhances the appeal of the game to the
player.
Gaming machine 600 also preferably includes a payout schedule 628. Payout
schedule 628 is d~iv~ullh6~vu~1y positioned uron the front of gaming machine 600 above the
o main display 610. Payout schedule 628 can ei her be a printed posting or can be information
displayed upon a second electronic display. ~.imilar to main display 610. 1[ is ~ ,ly
possible for the payout schedule and other inf~rmation to be rprovjded upon a portion of the
mam display. The main display may be made ,arg~r to ~ the various information
presented thereon.
s In the preferred video blackjack maci.ine 600 Lhere is typically a single non-deaier
player. Machine 600 is equipped with a serie~: of option keys 630 which are d~
arranged beneath the main display. Alterrla ively, the option keys can be provided in the
form of a touch screen display having touch ~on rol vp~io~ls which are activated by bring a
person's funger into proximity or contact at the appropriat~ location upon the display screen.
~o As shown, the card gaming machine 600 is p:ovided with key switches 631-636 which have
specific functions. As shown, key 631 is used to hit the player so that another card is dealt
to the player. Key 632 is used to indicate Jhe player's choice to stand and not receive
frlrther cards. Key 633 is used to indicate the player's choice to double. Key 634 is used to
split the players initial two cards and play t~o han~s ~il.lulL.~ ,v~.~ly. Key 635 is used to
instruct the machine to payout any ' ' winnings. Key 636 is used to start the deal
of another card hdnd.
Video card machine 600 also preferably includes a payout tray 650 into which is
deposited coirls or other winnings in response to the player's choice to payout, as indicated
by activating key 635.
30 Video card gaming machine 600 also d~ v.. ~ly includes an attraction display
660. Display 660 is used to indicate a jackpot amount which can be rnachine-specific and
determined in part by rules of play which are aiso specific to the particular machine being
used.
Gaming machine 600 is constructed using previously known video card gaming
35 machine technology adapted as needed to achieve the features and functions indicated
herein. Such gaming machines are i~nown from prior d~ u~ L and are commoniy used
WO95131262 21 90266 ~ 7'~!Gq~1 --
in connection with video poker, video blackjack, and other games. Such machines are
suitably ~ h..~i according to this invention so as to provide the features described
herein and to perform the novel methods and related processes used in this invention.
Current machines has ~ hllillg capability which willallow the novel games to be played.
5 Such play can be scheduled either with an ante by the player, or without an ante depending
upon the desires of the gaming . ~. .l ,l j~l.., . ~l It is also possible to have the jackpot features
of this invention appiy during some games and not during others depending npon the bet
placed by the player or by other optional choice.
Industrinl Al . ' ' ' ~ . . - . . - - - - - - -
~o The inventions are useful in the gaming industry to play enhanced card games.
