WO2005115569A2

WO2005115569A2 - Double black jacks, a blackjack type game

Info

Publication number: WO2005115569A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/015713
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frederic Wayne Donaldson
Original assignee: Frederic Wayne Donaldson
Priority date: 2004-05-20
Filing date: 2005-05-04
Publication date: 2005-12-08
Also published as: WO2005115569A3

Abstract

A casino wagering game where at least one player has the options to either place multiple wagers (B1), (B2) against a dealer and/or banker in a game, to qualify for a pre-determined Bonus schedule, and/or both. However, uniquely by the design of the present invention, each participating player is initially dealt three cards (H1), (H2), (S1) creating at least two separate hands (H1/S1), (H2/S1). Specifically, one of those cards dealt to each player is considered a 'shared card' (S1) in its relationship to each of the other two cards dealt that player. Within the dealing, the house is dealt one hand (DH) of two cards. According to another aspect, the three cards initially dealt to each player, defined as at least two separate hands, may be treated separately in a Bonus game offered for an additional or separate wager (B3).

Description

Double Blackjacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson. US1 1 /069.61 2

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Double Black Jacks

CROSS-REFERANCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit from my previous applications:

1 ) Design Patent Application no. 29/205,828, filed May 20, 2004 in the US; and/or

2) Non-Provisional Utility or Method Patent Application no. 1 1 /069,61 2, filed 03/01 /2005 in the US.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A "SEQUENCE LISTING" Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Field of the Invention:

The present invention relates to games of chance, more specifically casino wagering games, and more particularly to Blackjack type card games that are suitable for use iri gaming establishments.

Background of the Art:

Blackjack is the most universally known and played card game in the world, whether it is called Blackjack, BJ, Twenty-one, vingt-et-un, pontoon or vanjohn. The main forms of this game (typically called Blackjack) consist of one or more players competing with either a changing bank - usually a private game amongst players, or a permanent bank - the typical casino game. There are a number of other variations offering different card values, and/or points count that the players attempt to reach. Seven and a half, Ten and a half, Macao, Fifteen and Farmer are interesting variants of the game.

Starting In the early 1960's, computer analysis of the game of Blackjack significantly affected future play and development of the game. Basic strategies and evaluations of cards played (counting methods) revealed that, under certain circumstances, there are advantageous plays or opportunities to increase wagers for the player to make while playing Blackjack. Thereafter, quick and not always Double Black jacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2

attractive adjustments to dealing strategies, payouts, etc., have resulted in a game that is in constant change. Yet, the game remains popular to both the public and gaming operators. Casino operators are always looking for new games attractive to players, needing little explanation, offering multiple betting options, attractive payouts and fast paced, yet still retain an attractive hold or profit to the house.

More modern variations have added side bets such as "Pair Square™" (betting that the first two cards dealt the player match rank), or Spin the Wheel type games offering the player options when attaining certain hand totals. Other schemes offer alternatives such as the option to draw additional hands after a bust, or where multiple hands may be dealt to the dealer, where Blackjack hands evolve into poker hands, or community type BJ hands are dealt similar to Mini-Baccarat.

For example, U.S. Patent 5,702,104 discloses a method of playing a mixture of Blackjack and Baccarat. A common card is dealt to the player where by treatment it creates two separate hands. The hands are pre-defined as one, a Blackjack hand, and the other a Baccarat hand. Then the dealer eventually receives two separate hands, one for Blackjack competition and the other for the Baccarat game. The only way the player wins his single wager is to beat the dealer in both hands. This is played out similar to Pai Gow. However, those who are familiar with these games realize there is no provision described allowing the splitting of pairs or the chance to double down in Blackjack. Further, there is no opportunity for the player to choose betting either the "Bank" or "Player" hand as traditionally offered in Baccarat. These limitations make this game less attractive to connoisseurs of either game.

A "Method of Playing Multiple Action Blackjack" is disclosed in an October 1 3, 1 992, patent issued to Richard A LeVasseur (U.S. Patent No. 5,1 54,429). In this presentation, players are each dealt a single hand, with the dealer being dealt two consecutive hands. Play of the first and second dealer hands and the player hands are conventional, with each player allowed to place a wager on the outcome of each of the dealer hands. Each player uses the same hand against each dealer hand. Conventional Blackjack or twenty-one rules are otherwise used. This is a typical, recently offered variant of the game where a new "look" is given to the game, yet fails to offer a new or attractive large payout or a bonus round of play.

All this attempts to keep Blackjack competitive with newer card games being introduced. The focus is on the typical player who is most attracted to table games where they have some knowledge of the game and recognize an opportunity for good or the anticipation of great gain. This is best exemplified by the successes of "Three Card Poker™," "Let-It-Ride^®," and "Caribbean Stud^® Poker." These games have defined payouts and additional bonuses based on poker hands. Interestingly, each has payouts topping out at 40 tol up to 1000 to 1 , or progressive pots that can reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Double Black jacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2

When trying to devise single or multi-level and attractive bonus schedules for the game of Blackjack, there is an inherent problem: its traditional format. There are only 1 ,326 initial two-card hands. In other words, there is little room for development.

Previous developments offer advancements such as a "Fast Action Card (U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,356 issued to Glenn J. Cauda on June 14, 1 994). Here there is offered a game where a common card, referred to as the "Fast Action Card," is common to the hands of each of players and the dealer. In other words, in this invention there is only one "Fast Action Card," or common/shared card, for use by all the participating players and the dealer as well, still leaving each with only a single two (2) card hand to play. All player and dealer hands develop from the combination of the "Fast Action Card" and the initial single card dealt to each player and the dealer. The idea of a common card is introduced here, but fails to fully develop. Any combinations are still limited to the evaluations of a single two (2) card hand.

The same is true for U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,427 issued to jarvis in April of 2004, which discloses a method of playing a plurality of two (2) card hands against the dealer's single or multiple hands. The sequence of dealing the multiple hands, options allotted the players to elect additional hands, etc. are described. Here, four cards are dealt to the player to produce two hands. The multiple hands are each independent and still rely on the basic pool of 1 ,326 initial two card hands, making large bonus payouts difficult.

However, uniquely by the design of the present invention described herein, each participating player is initially dealt three cards that create at least two separate and playable hands. Specifically, one of those cards dealt to each player is considered a "shared card" in its relationship to each of the other two cards dealt to that player. The house is dealt one hand consisting of two cards. In addition, this present invention describes another aspect: the three cards initially dealt to each player, constructed and defined as at least two separate hands, may be treated separately in a Bonus game offered to the player for an additional or separate wager.

Thus, applying the present invention's initial card arrangement to the game, "Double Black jacks" greatly enhances the original scope of 1 ,326 initial two card hand combinations in a single deck of fifty-two cards as described above, into 22,100 potential three-card combinations yielding 66,300 hand combinations. This field offers the imagination many levels and ranges for bonuses. By starting with three cards that produce two separate hands, and then proceeding into a game of "Double Black jacks," the present invention offers an attractive alternative and solution to the development of bonuses for "Double Black jacks" or other card games. Multiple decks of cards yield greater combinations proportionately.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,1 70,827 issued to Lombardo on January 9., 2001 , discloses a method of playing a card game where the player makes two wagers and receives Double Black jacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2

three cards that can be arbitrarily arranged by the player into two separate groups. The dealer is dealt four cards, creating two separate hands. The player's cards will be played against the dealer's two hands in two separate comparisons. Should the play of the game result in a draw, this game allows the player to rearrange the player's hand to form a new competitive position. Aside from the complexity of first playing two player hands against two dealer hands, by design of the invention, players are allowed to touch and arbitrarily arrange these hands. This opens the door for professional cheats and is very difficult for a surveillance team to monitor. Only two (2) wagers are made resulting in two hands with no Bonus available based on the original three cards dealt the player.

Recently, Blackjack games with attractive bonuses have been introduced. U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,1 73 issued to Roger Snow in October of 2004, offers a game where, within a standard Blackjack game, players are offered an optional side bet. Players and the dealer are initially dealt two (2) card hands each. The bonus schedule reveals various awards based on the player's hand alone or with some combination of arrangement or appearance of cards in both the player and dealer's hands combined, if the optional side bet is properly placed for that outcome. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,854,731 issued to Saucier in February of 2005, discloses a Blackjack type card game where the player is offered an optional side wager. Each player is initially dealt a two (2) card. Should that hand in its first two card total the hand count of "20" as normally accepted in the game of Blackjack, a Bonus payout is due if the player properly placed the Bonus bet. Additional Bonus payouts are made based on the player's hand qualifying in a combination of cards in the dealer's hand, i.e., the player has two (2) queens and the dealer has a Blackjack. Both of the games described here rely on the simultaneous appearance of a particular array of cards in the combination of dealer and player's hands. There is only one bet for the player's hand and an optional side bet required to win the bonus.

Uniquely, by the design of the present invention, each player can make up to three separate and distinct wagers, which may or may not be dependent on each other. Further, each wager offers an attractive "house edge" on its own. In other words, the house or operator may offer a player the opportunity to place bets on the hands, or the Bonus wager, or both, with or without requiring that any one be equal to any of the others. Finally, these bets may be of any amount, subject only to table betting limits set by the house and are more easily monitored.

With the above information in mind, the preferred embodiment of the present invention's method application when played as a table game would use the unique design enclosed (See the Drawings attached, Figures 1 , 2 and 3). This layout provides positions for up to five players that between them can produce up to fifteen bets per round of play. When applied to the common table used in gaming establishments, this design produces the advantages of: 1 ) more comfort and seating area for each player, and 2) increasing the number of wagers made per Double Blackjacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2

player (up to fifteen [1 5] per round of play per table) as one advantage to the house offering the game.

There are names and terms similar to that used in the present invention's title, "Double Black jacks™", and have appeared in the marketplace. U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,259 issued to Holmes on March 16, 1999, offers a method of playing a video game called Black Jack Poker. In one example (10), it offers a winning arrangement if the player receives the specific combination of two Blackjacks within the dealing of the five initial cards. Two or four of those cards may create all black. "Blackjack combinations." These two hands, derived from the initial dealing of five cards, are defined specifically as follows: 1 ) the combination of the Jack of Spades and the Ace of Spades, and 2) the combination of the Jack of Clubs and the Ace of Clubs. These are considered pre-designated winning arrangements if the player is dealt one or both of these "two all black Blackjack combinations on the initial deal." Payouts are made should the player receive either or both of these combinations according to Example 10 under the tier of "DOUBLE BLACKJACK," according to the number of coins bet. Play then continues with the player having the option to discard unwanted cards, receive replacements and continue into a game of poker.

Considering all the above, the present invention brings the standard game of Blackjack to a new level and produces an attractive "win-win" scenario. The player is offered multiple wagers on a game known and understood. Play is enhanced with a new and attractive Bonus scheme on the game. The present invention offers an attractive gaming platform with multiple betting options, speed, and little or no exposure to any "counting" strategy. "Double Black jacks™." or "Mississippi Blackjack," as it may be called, offers a new and unique multi-level bonus payout based on traditional Blackjack with an attractive payout scale. All this results in inducing player participation while retaining an attractive hold or profit for the house.

Double Blackjacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

"Double Black jacks, " a Blackjack type game

Blackjack is a common table game played and universally understood in the gaming world. When played as a casino wagering game, the Blackjack-type game of the present invention consists of a house, one or more players and is played with a standard deck of about fifty-two cards or symbols, or multiples of these card decks.

One embodiment of the present invention is that each player is initially dealt three cards, usually face-up, that create two separate and playable hands.

One of those cards dealt to each player is shared with each of the other two cards dealt to that player creating the two playable hands for that player and the name: "Double Black jacks."

Within the dealing of the cards, the house is dealt two cards one face up and the other face down.

Another embodiment of the present invention is that the two hands created from the initial three cards dealt each player can be considered an entity on their own.

This separate treatment of this entity can be subject to a Bonus payout schedule offered to the player for an additional or a separate wager.

Also, the preferred embodiment of the present invention's method application when played as a table game would use the unique design enclosed (See the Drawings attached, Figures 1 , 2 and 3). This layout provides positions for up to five players that between them can produce up to fifteen bets per round of play. When applied to the common table used in gaming establishments, this design produces the advantages of: 1 ) more comfort and seating area for each player, and 2) increasing the number of wagers made per player (up to fifteen [1 5] per round of play per table) as one advantage to the house offering the game.

The categories and payout schedule addressing two hands created from the first three cards dealt to a player is flexible, due to the variations made available by the Double Blackjacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2

present invention, yielding a range of payouts attractive to the player while retaining appropriate advantages in favor of the house, and includes the following: Category Pay-out Bon us Option 1 Option 2 Option 3

1 SUPER "Double Black Jacks™" 500 400 300

2 "Double Black Jacks" BONUS 150 100 100

3 Double Splits (Each Hand a pair) 25 20 10

4 "Double Blackjack" 15 15 10

5 Double 20"s (Each Hand a "20") 0 0 5

6 Either Hand a Blackjack 2 2 1

7 Either Hand a Pair 1 1 1

8 Lowest 0 0 0

After the initial Bonus aspect of the game is resolved, the unique game designed by the present invention of "Double Black jacks" based on Blackjack, or any other game offered here, commences between each player and the house.

Play resumes according the house rules. Each player plays first one and then the other of their multiple hands against the dealer's hand. Then the dealer plays out his hand. The payouts for the Blackjack part of the "Double Black jacks" game are made according to the gaming establishment's rules for Blackjack or other payout schedule they may apply.

To best accommodate the preferred embodiment of the present invention's method application when played as a table game would be to use the unique design enclosed (See the Drawings attached, Figures 1 , 2 and 3). This layout provides positions for up to five players that between them can produce up to fifteen bets per round of play. When applied to the common table used in gaming establishments, this design produces the advantages of: 1 ) more comfort and seating area for each player, and 2) increasing the number of wagers made per player (up to fifteen [1 5] per round of play per table) as one advantage to the house offering the game.

The invention also provides game apparatus for use in playing the card-type games of the present invention. For example, the games of the present invention are readily adaptable for play as a board game, "scratch-off " card game, computer generated game, or on a gaming device such as video or slot gaming devices common to the gaming industry. For example, one aspect of the present intention comprises an apparatus for playing a card-type game comprising some type of display element including, but not limited to a board, screen, table cards, play cards, a play sheet, slot or other gaming devices, etc., for informing at least one player of a hierarchy of a plurality of possible hands and a predetermined plurality of winning combinations. Further, an area or position for receiving at least one wager selection from a plurality of wagering options by at least one player, wherein the wagering comprises whether a player's hand attains at least one of Double Blackjacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2

said predetermined plurality of winning combinations; and a surface of display area for displaying a plurality of indicia of playing cards to form at least one or more of the player's hands placed in to play.

Double Blackjacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.612

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figs. 1 shows a playing surface for use in playing "Double Black jacks," one embodiment of the present invention.

Figs. 2 illustrates an example of the disclosure of the Bonus Bet Payouts for the first three cards, creating two hands, dealt to each player where the player has made an appropriate wager.

Figs. 3 is a view of one player's position showing the areas for the placement of cards dealt and wagers made.

FIG. 4 reveals the face of a peel-off or scratch-off card representing another embodiment of the present invention, "Double Blackjacks."

FIG. 5 displays the back or reverse side of the card illustrated in FIG. 4. l

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the same card from FIGS. 4 and 5 above and is of a normal thickness for cards so used in the industry.

FIG. 7 is another embodiment of the present invention illustrating a VIDEO DISPLAY UNIT offering a game based on the present invention, "Double Blackjacks."

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in general, the present invention is seen to relate to a casino wagering card-type game involving the playing of two hands for each player, as created by the present invention, competing with the house. This may be a game of "Double Black Jacks" or other game defined by the house. Further, an additional Bonus wager made by each player is subject to a separate payout based on a schedule made available. The playing cards are at least one standard deck of about fifty-two cards When used in Blackjack, the value of the deuce (two) through nine is as represented by each card's value while the Ace has a value of one or eleven (optional to the holder of the card) and each ten or face card has a value of ten. Those skilled in the art will recognize the addition or incorporation of Jokers, wild cards, specialty cards, or electronic representations of same into the present invention may be used and defined by the establishment offering the game, yet still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Figure 1 discloses a view of a table game layout TI providing for the playing of the present invention's card game. These are readily adaptable to any gaming establishment's typical card game table and operation. Note that although only five player positions are shown, they represent a total of ten playing hands, approximately 40% more than is found on a typical gaming table with an initial maximum of seven hands of blackjack, or any other card game available for play. - Additional Bonus bets make the game and layout more attractive.

Figure 3 illustrates a detailed example of a typical player's position. The player's two hands are created in this example of a possible table layout as follows: the Shared Card SI when combined with the HI card creates the first playable hand for the player HI /SI ([Hand]-! ); the Shared Card SI when combined with the H2 card creates the second playable hand for the player H2/S1 ([Hand]-2). Each player may place a wager in Bl and B2 for each of their hands HI /SI [Hand]-1 ) and H2/S1 ([Hand]-2), respectively. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, these two wagering options may be equal or independent and the player may wager according to the house rules in effect for the Game.

Further, Figures l and 3 disclose that each player may place a wager in the Bonus Bet position B3 in Fig. 3 shown by the circle indicating "BONUS Bet." One aspect of this game is that the player may place a bet on B3 in Figure 3 without the placement of bets Bl and B2. Further, bet B3 in Figure 3 may or may not be equal to either of the bets Bl nor B2 and is only subject to table limits established and posted by the house for the game.

When the above wagers are in place, the cards are shuffled. The cards are dealt to the participating players and the dealer , with each player receiving an initial total of three cards usually face up (exposed) and the dealer receiving an initial total of Double Blac jacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2

two cards, one face up (exposed), and the other face down (concealed). The cards may be dealt to the player and house positions in any order.

Then the player and dealer compare the initial three cards dealt the player in positions HI , SI and H2, to the Bonus Bet Payouts PT disclosed in Figure 2. A payout schedule such as PT should be displayed in a convenient manner and location readily available to each player and able to be viewed by the dealer and casino management staff. When the player has wagered for the Bonus Bet B3 in Figure 3, and qualifies for one of the payouts indicated, the dealer shall pay the player according to the schedule example PT provided. This payout may or not be related to the game of "Double Black jacks" or any other game offered by the house here that may ensue from this point. Where the player has wagered the Bonus Bet, and fails to qualify for any of the payouts indicated in example PT, the dealer shall immediately collect the Bonus wager B3 Figure 3 made by the player. The procedure described in this paragraph is repeated in turn with each participating player at the table TI .

Now the play of Blackjack as defined by the house within the game of "Double Black jacks" begins with the object being to beat the dealer's hand DH without exceeding a hand value of twenty-one as a player. By design of the present invention and referring to the example of the player's position disclosed in Figures 1 and 3, each participating player has two playable hands. One created by combining HI with SI ([Hand]-1 ), and the other by combining H2 with SI ([Hand]- 2). The dealer has one hand DH consisting of two cards, one card exposed and another card concealed.

The play of Blackjack, or other game offered here by the house, continues around the tables as shown in Fig. 1 until all participating players have had their turn to play against the dealer's hand. The house then plays its hand according to the game. Appropriate payouts and collections of bets are accomplished and the game is completed. Play then continues in another round, with the players commencing by making bets on their hands and Bonus bets as described above.

Although the Table Game Covering disclosed in Figure 1 is the preferred embodiment of the design that would best be used with the present invention, other table layouts may be different. Others may vary, such as by offering more or less player positions than those shown, the shapes, components or their positions on the table layout may change, the rules varied, or additional rules imposed, it still remains that these variations are within the scope of the present invention.

Now, referring to Figures 4, 5 and 6, other embodiments of the present invention "Double Black jacks" is seen to relate to and otherwise could be utilized as part of other commonly used devices in the gaming industry as a wagering game.

For example, Fig. 4 relates to a peel-off or scratch-off card type game. In this application, a gaming card of any size normally used, is inscribed on the front as Double Black jacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2

shown in Fig. 4 and on the back as shown on Fig. 5 with a thickness approximately that of a typical playing card represented by Fig. 6.

Once the player purchases, or through some other means acquires this card, the "JACKPOT CARDS" (on Fig. 4 shown as SI , HI and H2) are revealed through methods familiar to the industry of scratching or peeling the card in the designated areas. The revealed symbols are compared to the "JACKPOT CARD PAYOFFS" or "Other Hand Payoffs" as shown on Fig. 5. These designates conform to Claim 3, or any obvious variation of the same. When a comparison is a match, the player has won the indicated payoff, or that defined by the issuer. The game may continue to another round or terminate as designed by the issuer.

Now referring to Figure 7, we see a "VIDEO DISPLAY UNIT," representing an example of other embodiments of the present invention, whether it be any one of the following: 1 ) a video game, 2) an electro-mechanical machine (slot or otherwise), a purely mechanical machine, or 3) any electronic slot machine application, video produced or otherwise. The design of the game conforms to that described within Claims 1 through Claim 5.

This aspect of the present invention as a casino wagering game would comprise the steps of 1 ) placing a wager to participate in the game, 2) the presentation of the initial three cards to each player that create two separate and playable hands, all subject to some Bonus round during play, 3) the presentation of at least two cards to the dealer, 4) paying the participating player(s) should they qualify for a Bonus according to a schedule made available, and then continuing into a game defined by the provider of said game. Those familiar with the art will appreciate that any one or more of the games referred to within the scope of this paragraph may incorporate the assistance of a computer using random number generation to produce the unpredictability of the game generated.

From the present descriptions, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications may be made without department from the scope of the present invention. For example, the naming of the wagers, the naming and/or ranking of any hand, the payout schedule, amounts to be paid, as well as predetermined winning or losing ranks all may be varied in accordance with the requirements of the gaming establishment or producer, yet remain within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Double Blackjacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1 . A game involving one or more entities acting as a dealer and/or banker (from hereinafter called the "house"), at least one player, at least one standard deck of about fifty-two playing cards, an appropriate gaming platform, providing steps where:

At least one player determining whether to place separate wagers on multiple hands to be dealt to the player's position;

Each hand is a defined part of the initial three cards dealt the player;

The player may place a wager on each hand defined;

The separate wagers placed by the player may be equal to one another;

One of the three cards initially dealt to the player is designated as "Card One;"

Another of the initial three cards dealt to the player is designated as "Card Two;"

The remaining card initially dealt to the player is designated as "Card Three," also designated as a "shared card" in its relationship with the other two cards initially dealt to a player;

These three cards may be dealt to the player in any order;

The "shared card" when joined with one of the other two cards dealt the player produces the player's first playable hand (Hand One);

The "shared card" when joined with the other card, not used above, dealt the player produces the player's second playable hand (Hand Two);

The two cards that do not include the "shared card," being part of the initial three cards dealt the player produce a possible third playable hand for the player (Hand Three);

Each one or more of the hands created and initiated from the initial three cards dealt the player may be used separately in a game,

Within the dealing of the cards, the house is initially dealt two cards, one face-up (exposed) and the other face-down (concealed) forming one initial house hand (or Dealer's Hand); and then Double Blackjacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2

The game continues from here as a game of Blackjack or any other game defined by the house offering the game.

2. Playing a game according to Claim 1 wherein the improvement comprises a step providing each player the opportunity to place a third wager on the gaming platform in a separate place for a Bonus or Jackpot bet;

This third wager, made separately by the player, is not dependent on any wager made by the player defined in Claim 1 ,

This third wager is not required to be equal to any wager provided in Claim 1 and is limited only by the house rules made available to the player;

The initial three cards dealt a player produce separate hands as according to Claim 1 ;

These separate hands are subject to some ranking and scale of payouts made available to the player; and

The objective of this player's third Bonus wager is to receive a Bonus payout as an automatic winner dependent on the defined game's analysis of the initial separate hands created from the initial three cards deal the player, regardless of the outcome of any game created in Claim 1 .

3. Playing a game according to Claim 1 wherein the improvement comprises that said separate hands created from the initial three cards dealt to the player are ranked according to the following definitions and Scale: for the purpose of definition of a standard fifty-two card deck used and the descriptions that follow, the ranks of the cards are: A=Ace, K= King, Q = Queen, J = Jack, 10 = 10 numbered cards; the cards K, Q and J and the card 10 have the value 10 while card numbers 9 through 2 represent their own value and an Ace can have the value of 1 1 or 1 at any time; for suits, H = Hearts, C = Clubs, D = Diamonds and S = Spades; and further for the purposes of definition: BJ = Blackjack; Rank = numerical or face value (where a Jack is greater than a 5); Face = the inclusion of all K=s, Q=s, J=s and 10's; Any = one card out of all possible combinations of the designate (by example, Any Face = any one of all K, Q, J and 10's of all suits available in the deck, or Any H=s indicates any one of all the Hearts in the deck); Sh = Shared Card; and

Each player's two card hands created from the three-cards initially dealt the player are represented, defined and use dashes and brackets as follows: Double Blackjacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2

"Card" is a playing card, group of cards, symbol or symbols, as defined using the designations described above (i.e. ["Card"] may indicate ["J of S or C] which shall represent that the playing card(s) or symbol(s) indicated there are either the Jack of Spades or the Jack of Clubs);

One of the said three cards initially dealt the player is defined as [Card]-!;

One of the said three cards initially dealt the player is defined as [Card]-2;

One of the said three cards initially dealt the player is defined as the Shared Card indicated by [Card]-Sh; and

Player's Hands include:

Player's Hand 1 (HI or HI /SI ) is defined as the combination of [Card]-! and fCardl-Sh;

Player's Hand 2 (H2 or H2/S1 ) is defined as the combination of [Card]-2 and fCardl-Sh:

Player's Hand 3 (HI /2) is defined as the combination of [Card]-! an [Card]-2; and

The dealer has one hand, "DH," consisting of two cards, one card exposed and another card concealed; further,

"Double Black jacks" includes each of the following:

SUPER "Double Black jacks" First three cards received by the player that create two separate hands have the designations: U of S or C]-l with [Any A]-Sh with [J of S or C]-2

"Double Black jacks" BONUS First three cards received by the player that create two separate hands have the designations: [Any A]-l with U of S or C only]-Sh with [Any AL2

"Double Blackjacks" First three cards received by the player that create two separate hands have the designations: [Any A]-l with [Any Face (but not J of C or S)]-Sh with [Any A]-2 OR [Any Face*]-! with [Any Ace]-Sh with [Any ace*]-2, * provided the J of C or S's are not both involved in noted card positions 1 and 2.

The Scale addressing the initial two hands created from the first three cards dealt to each player is as follows from the Highest and then descending: Double Blackjacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2

1 - SUPER "Double Black jacks" First three cards received by the player that create two separate hands have the designations: U of S or C]-l with [Any A]-Sh with |J of S or C]-2

2-"Double Black jacks" BONUS First three cards received by the player that create two separate hands, have the designations: [Any A]-l with [) of S or C only]-Sh with [Any A]^2

3-"Double Blackjacks" First three cards received by the player that create two separate hands have the designations: [Any A]-l with [Any Face (but not J of C or S)]-S_h with [Any A]-2 OR [Any Face*]-! with [Any Ace]-Sh with [Any ace*]-2, • provided the J of C or S's are not both involved in noted card positions 1 and 2.

4- Double Pairs Each of the cards in the two hands created from the first three cards dealt the player are of the same rank (i.e. [Any 7]-l with [Any 7]-Sh with [Any 7]-2);

5- Double 20's (Each hand a "20") Each of the cards in the two hands created from the first three cards dealt the player comprise any combination of the card ranks 10's, J's, Q's or K's, in any order received with no regard to suit; or Aces and 9's where they combine, regardless of suit, all resulting in both hands totaling "20;"

6- Either Hand is a Single Blackjack Either of the two hands created from the first three cards dealt the player is a Blackjack (not both).

7- Either Hand a Pair Either one of the two hands created from the first three cards dealt the player consist of cards that match rank, (not both); and

8- Lowest Either hand created from the initial three cards dealt the player fail to produce any combination in the above list of 1 through 7.

4. A game where the Scale defined in Claim 3 is improved by payments of bonuses being made according to a schedule, where the payoff in each Category is paid as a multiple to the unit or units wagered by the player (i.e. 100 noted is the same as 1 00 to 1 ); and the Payout schedule shown below, addressing two hands created Double Black jacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2

from the first three cards dealt to a player, is flexible due to the variations made available by the present invention, yielding a range of payouts attractive to the player while retaining appropriate advantages in favor of the house, and includes the following by example:

Category Pay- -out Bonus Option 1 Option 2 Option 3

1 SUPER "Double Black Jacks™" 500 400 300

2 "Double Black Jacks" BONUS 150 100 100

3 Double Splits (Each Hand a pair) 25 20 10

4 "Double Blackjack" 15 15 10

5 Double 20"s (Each Hand a "20") 0 0 5

6 Either Hand a Blackjack 2 2 1

7 Either Hand a Pair 1 1 1

8 Lowest 0 0 0

5. Where a game created in Claim 1 is modified by using, adding or incorporating one or more features into the playing of the game.

6. Where a game created in Claim 1 is modified by using, adding or incorporating symbols in place of a deck of playing cards.

7. Playing a card game created according to Claim 1 modified by offering the player the opportunity to use his multiple Player's Hands in competition with the Dealer's Hand, DH, in a game of Blackjack according the house rules made available to the player.

8. Playing a card game created according to Claim 1 wherein the game is player banked,

9. Playing a card game created according to Claim 1 modified by offering the opportunity for each player to use their Player's Hands in competition with the Dealer's Hand, DH, in any one or more of the games of Poker as commonly understood according the house rules made available to the player.

1 0. Playing a game created according to Claim 1 which continues by providing each player the opportunity to use their Player's Hands in competition with the Dealer's Hand, DH, in a game offered by the house according the house rules made available to the player.

1 1 . Playing a game created according to Claim 1 on an electronic or an electromechanical gaming platform. Double Black jacks, a Blackjack type game; Frederic Wayne Donaldson, US1 1 /069.61 2

1 2. Playing a game created according to Claim 1 adapted to a "scratch-off card type format.

1 3. Playing a game according to Claim 1 that is improved where the house is initially dealt three cards that produce separate playable house hands, further applying to said house hand the same definitions for a hand as dealt the player in Claim 1 , and thereafter put into competition with the player.

14. Playing a game according to Claim 1 that is improved where the house is initially dealt three cards, discards one card, leaving the house with a two-card hand in competition with the player.

1 5. Playing a game according to Claim 1 that is improved by offering the player the option to choose the placement or arrangement of the initial three cards dealt to the player's position.

16. Playing a game according to Claim 1 that is improved by having the placement or arrangement of the initial three cards being at the discretion of the house offering the game.

1 7. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention also provides game apparatus for use in playing the games described above. Suitable controls or the incorporation of "smart" technology using electronic processing devices may be used. These devices or controls can be for the receiving of necessary input and game progress, provide for single or multiple player positions, leading to payouts or collection of wagers, accounting, etc. All this is well within the scope of the present invention, readily available, and will not be described in detail here. Further by example:

These formats may provide for only one, or more than one, player playing simply to compete for a Bonus payout; and

Any game created from the application of the present invention is readily adaptable for play as a board game.