TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The subject matter described herein relates to casino card games.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In card games, such as blackjack, each participant is dealt his or her hand(s). As
the number of participants increase, the number of hands dealt by a dealer also increases.
The dealer is burdened with the task of keeping track of the score and betting amount
for each participant. The increase in the number of hands dealt and the degree of
complexity for different card games can cause addition burden on the dealer to avoid
mistakes.
SUMMARY
[0003] Techniques and systems are disclosed for implementing an interface to manage game
play for various card games. For example, a system is described for providing an interface
for automatically detecting the type and amount of bets made by each participant in
a card game. Also, the interface can determine whether to deal one or more hands of
cards to each participant. While the techniques and systems described in this application
are applicable to any card games where each participant can receive his/her own hand(s)
of cards, a non-traditional version of Baccarat is used for illustrative purposes.
For example, a version of Baccarat is described that allows each game participant
the opportunity to play one hand against the House or to play two hands against the
House's two hands. In addition, each game participant is able to place additional
bets on each of their hands with the odds associated with each bet tracked by a system
described in this specification. Additional bets, if allowed by the House rules, may
only be placed before the last card of each hand is dealt (e.g., first additional
bet before the third card is dealt to a Player hand and a second additional bet before
the third card is dealt to a Bank hand.
[0004] In one aspect, a system includes a card-game table that includes visually defined
regions on a surface of the card-game table to accommodate one or more card hands
of each of one or more participants in addition to one or more separate card hands
of a house entity. An analysis system is associated with the card table. The analysis
system is configured to receive data representing at least a value associated with
each card from a group of cards dealt by a dealer to the one or more hands of each
participant in addition to the one or more separate hands of the house; process the
received data to calculate scores and odds for the one or more hands of each participant
in addition to the one or more separate hands of the house, and generate an output
signal indicative of the calculated scores and odds. A display device is in communication
with the analysis system to receive the generated output signal and display the received
output signal as a visual indication of the calculated score and odds.
[0005] Implementations can optionally include one or more of the following features. The
system can include a card shuffler associated with the card-game table to shuffle
the group of cards before the dealer deals two or more of the cards to each of the
one or more hands for each participant and the house. A card reader can be in communication
with the analysis system. The card reader can be configured to identify the value
associated with each card dealt by the dealer; and send the data representing the
identified value to the analysis system. The analysis system can be configured to
process the received data after two of the cards are dealt to each hand for each participant
and the house. The one or more hands for each participant can include a baccarat player
hand for each participant and the one or more hands for the house can include a baccarat
bank hand. The analysis system can calculate the scores that include a two-card score
for the player hand of each participant and a two-card score for the house's bank
hand based on the processing of the received data. The analysis system can determine
whether the calculated two-card scores represent a final result for the player hand
of each participant. The analysis system can be configured to perform operations including
when the analysis system determines that the calculated two-card scores do not represent
a final result, the analysis system can determine whether a third card should be dealt
to the player hand of each participant; and when a the third card is dealt to the
player hand of each participant, the analysis system can calculate a three-card score
for the player hand of each participant and determine whether the calculated three-card
score represents a final result.
[0006] Implementations can optionally include one or more following features. The analysis
system can be configured to perform operations including when the system determines
that the calculated three-card score for the player hand of each participant does
not represent a final result, perform the following: determine whether the house's
bank hand should receive a third card; and when a third card is dealt to the house's
bank hand, calculate a three-card score for the house's bank hand and compare the
calculated three-card score for the player hand for each participant against the three-card
score for the house's bank hand to determine a final result. The analysis system can
be configured to process the received data after two of the cards are dealt to each
of the one or more hands for each participant and the house, wherein the one or more
hands for each participant include a baccarat bank hand for each participant and the
one or more hands for the house include a baccarat player hand. The analysis system
can calculate the scores that include a two-card score for the bank hand of each participant
and a two-card score for the house's player hand based on the processing of the received
data; and determine whether the calculated two-card scores represent a final result
for the bank hand of each participant. The analysis system can be configured to perform
operations including: when the analysis system determines that the calculated two-card
scores do not represent a final result, determine whether a third card should be dealt
to the house's player hand; when a third card is dealt to the house's player hand,
calculate a three-card score for the house's player hand and determine whether the
calculated three-card score represents a final result for the bank hand of each participant.
The analysis system can be configured to perform operations including: when the analysis
system determines that the calculated three-card score for the player hand of the
house does not represent a final result, perform the following: determine whether
the bank hand of each participant should receive a third card; and when a third card
is dealt to the bank hand of each participant, calculate a three-card score for the
bank hand of each participant and compare the calculated three-card score for the
house's player hand against the three-card score for the bank hand of each participant
to determine a final result.
[0007] Implementations can optionally include one or more of the following features. The
analysis system can be configured to determine whether to accept one or more additional
bets for the one or more hands of each participant based on a policy of a casino or
an online betting establishment. The analysis system can be configured to determine
whether to accept one or more additional bets for the one or more hands of each participant
based on the calculated odds that include real time calculations of a probability
of the third card having a value from any one of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
The analysis system can be configured to determine whether to accept the one or more
additional bets for the one or more hands of each participant based on the calculated
odds that include real time calculations of the probability of the third card having
a value from any one of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 and final result of any bet
being winning bet or losing bet. The display device can include a liquid crystal display
positioned at or near the baccarat table so as to be viewable by all of the one or
more participants. The system can include one or more remote devices in communication
with the analysis system to receive the generated output signal. The one or more remote
devices can be configured to perform operations including: receive an input from one
or more users different from the one or more participants, wherein the input represents
a request to place a bet on a select one of the one or more hands of each participant
and the house; and send the input representing the request to the analysis system.
The one or more remote devices can be located at a remote location and in communication
with the analysis system over a network connection.
[0008] Implementations can optionally include one or more of the following features. The
display device can include a separate display unit for each participant so as to provide
participant specific information. The separate display unit can include a touch-screen
to receive bets from each respective game participant, wherein the received bets can
include bets on any of the one or more card hands of each game participant. The display
device can include multiple display regions configured to display the output signal
so as to provide the scores and odds for each participant in separate one of the display
regions viewable by each participant. An input sensor can be associated with each
visually defined region on the surface of the card-game table to detect user input
that represents one or more types of bets and a value of the one or more types of
bets, wherein the input sensor is in communication with the analysis system to send
data indicative of the user input to the analysis system. The input sensor can include
a pressure sensor. One or more visual indicators can be associated with each visually
defined region on the surface of the card-game table to provide one or more visual
indications of whether each participant should receive the one or more hands. The
one or more visual indicators can be in communication with the analysis system to
receive a control signal from the analysis system, and the one or more visual indicators
can provide the one or more visual indications of whether each participant should
receive the one or more hands in response to the received control signal. The analysis
system can generate the control signal based on the data received from the input sensor.
The system can include an image capture device in communication with the analysis
system to capture live video data of a card game at the card-table; and one or more
slot machines to receive the captured live video data. The one or more slot machines
can be configured to receive bets from a user different from the participants based
on the received video data. The live video data can include the data representing
at least a value associated with each card from a group of cards dealt by a dealer;
and the analysis system can receive the data from the image capture device. The image
capture device can include a camera to capture still or video images.
[0009] Implementations can optionally include one or more of the following features. The
analysis system can be configured to perform operations including: receive one or
more initial bets from one or more participants; based on the received one or more
bets, determine a number of hands to deal to each participant; signal the dealer to
deal two cards to each of the determined number of hands of each participant in addition
to separate hands for a house entity; calculate a two-card score for each hand dealt
to each participant and house; and determine whether the calculated two-card score
represents a final result for each hand of each participant. The analysis system can
be configured to determine the number of hands to deal to each participants comprising
determining whether to deal a baccarat player hand and a baccarat bank hand to each
participant. When the analysis system determines that the calculated two-card scores
do not represent a final result, the analysis system can determine whether each hand
of each participant should receive a third card; and when a third card is dealt to
at least one hand of each participant, the analysis system can calculate a three-card
score for the hand of each participant that received the third card and determine
whether the calculated three-card score represents a final result.
[0010] When the analysis system determines that the calculated three-card score does not
represent a final result, the analysis system can perform the following: determine
whether at least one of the house entity's hand should receive a third card; and when
a third card is dealt to at least one of the house entity's hand, calculate a three-card
score for the house entity's hand that received the third card and comparing the calculated
three-card score for the hand for each participant against the three-card score for
the house's hand to determine a final result. The analysis system can determine whether
to accept one or more additional bets for any of the hands of any participant based
on a policy of a casino or an online betting establishment.
[0011] In another aspect, a system includes a card-game table comprising visually defined
regions on a surface of the card-game table to accommodate one or more hands of each
of one or more participants in addition to one or more separate hands of a house.
A card shuffler is associated with the card-game table to shuffle multiple cards before
a dealer deals two or more of the shuffled cards to each hand for each participant.
A card reader is in communication with the card shuffler to identify a value associated
with each of the shuffled cards dealt by the dealer to the one or more hands of each
participant in addition to the one or more separate hands of the house. An analysis
system is in communication with the card reader to perform operations including receive
data from the card reader, wherein the received data represents at least the identified
value associated with each of the shuffled cards dealt by the dealer to the one or
more hands of each participant in addition to the one or more separate hands of the
house; process the received data to calculate scores and odds for the one or more
hands of each participant in addition to the one or more separate hands of the house,
and generate an output signal indicative of the calculated scores and odds.
[0012] Implementations can optionally include one or more of the following features. The
analysis system can include a display device in communication with the analysis system
to perform operations including: receive the output signal, and display the received
output signal to provide a visual indication of the scores and odds.
[0013] In another aspect, a system supporting game play of a card game, wherein a first
party and one or more participants take part in the card game and one or more cards
are dealt to the first party and to the one or more participants in at least one round,
the at least one participant places a bet on an outcome of at least part of the card
game. The system includes a card reader which identifies a value associated with a
card being dealt. An analysis system is in communication with the card reader. The
analysis system receives data representing the value associated with a card being
dealt, wherein after at least a first round of cards are dealt the analysis system
calculates odds for each bet placed by one of the participants based on a predefined
set of rules and the data received from the card reader. A display system is in communication
with the analysis system, wherein the display system displays the odds calculated
by the analysis system.
[0014] Implementations can optionally include one or more of the following features. In
the system, the predefined set of rules can include rules of baccarat providing additional
bet opportunities. The analysis system can output a modified signal to the display
system if the odds for a certain bet are 0% or 100%, i.e. the participant has lost
or won the bet. The display system comprises a separate display unit for each participant
and wherein optionally the display unit provides the participant with his or her scores
and other participant's scores calculated by the analysis system and/ or data related
to participant's history of betting. The system can include an input sensor system
that includes one or more input sensors attributed to each participant, wherein the
input sensors detect whether the participant has placed one or more bets and determines
which kind of predefined bets have been placed, and wherein the input sensor system
communicates the result of the detection to the analysis system. The system can include
one or more visual indicators associated with each participant, wherein the analysis
system determines, based on the data received from the card reader, the data received
from the input sensor system and the predefined set of rules, whether one or more
cards have to be dealt and controls the visual indicators to provide a visual indication
for those positions to which the one or more cards have to be dealt. After at least
a first round of cards are dealt the analysis system can determine whether or not
to offer additional betting options to the participant based on the bets previously
placed, the predefined set of rules and the data received from the card reader. Terms
for additional betting options can be determined by the analysis system based on the
calculated odds, the predefined set of rules and predefined margin parameters. The
analysis system can provide data related to the offer of additional betting options
to the display system. The data related to the offer of additional betting options
can be displayed on the display unit for the participant to which the additional betting
option is offered. The system can include a spectator system being in communication
with the analysis system to receive and/ or transmit data from the analysis system,
wherein the spectator system enables a spectator to place a bet related to the one
or more cards of a participant. The spectator system can include one or more handheld
devices assigned to each spectator. The analysis system can determine whether a participant
or the spectator has won or lost based on the predefined set of rules and provides
final result data to the display system optionally including wins and or losses. The
card reader can include an image capture device to capture live video data of the
card game including the value associated with the card being dealt. The spectator
system can include at least one slot machine to perform operations including receive
the captured live video data; determine whether the spectator has won or lost based
on the predefined set of rules and received live video data; and provide final result
data to the spectator optionally including wins and or losses.
[0015] Similarly, systems are also described that may include a processor and a memory coupled
to the processor. The memory may encode one or more programs that cause the processor
to perform one or more of the techniques described herein.
[0016] The subject matter described herein can optionally provide one or more of the following
advantages. For example, the dealer at a casino does not need to personally keep track
of the bets placed by each participant because the system described in this specification
can automatically detect the bets placed by each participant. Also, the system described
in this specification can detect the cards dealt to each participant and keep track
of the score for each participant. In addition, the system described in this specification
can provide a personal display for each participant so as to display individualized
information to each participant for each participant's view.
[0017] Also, the systems described in this specification can enable each game participant,
not just the participant placing the highest bet on Player and Bank, to enjoy the
various rituals of looking at his or her own cards on each hand played. In addition,
the systems described in this specification can be implemented with end-user devises
that allow persons not sitting at the table to place bets on games shown on a display
device, such as regular or big screen TVs, computers or on the end-user devises. For
example, these persons are not the participants, but may be spectators (on site or
off site spectators) to the Baccarat game described in this specification.
[0018] The systems and techniques described in this specification may greatly enhance the
enjoyment of the game by the game participants and spectators as well as improve the
house margin due to increased play. The systems and techniques described in this specification
can allow each game participant and others not at the card game table to place multiple
bets on each hand of each participant based on dynamic odds of winning as game progresses.
Furthermore, the systems and techniques described in this specification can provide
opportunity to place additional bets on BANK, PLAYER and TIE based on changing odds
to make the game of Baccarat far more challenging and fun for the game participants.
In addition, the systems and techniques described in this specification can enable
each participant and others not at the card game table to place additional bets to
provide additional play and revenues for casinos.
[0019] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and
advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description
and drawings, and from the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0020]
FIG. 1 shows an example system for implementing multiple hands for each game participant.
FIG. 2 shows an example system for allowing spectator participation.
FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e and 3f show an example system for receiving user input.
FIG. 4 shows an example Baccarat table for implementing multiple hands for each game
participant.
FIG. 5 shows an example Baccarat table for implementing multiple hands for each game
participant and allowing additional bets.
FIGS. 6a and 6b show an example process for implementing multiple hands for each game
participant (with and without additional bets).
FIG. 7 shows an example process for implementing additional bets.
[0021] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Techniques and systems are disclosed for implementing an interface to manage game
play for various card games. For example, a system is described for providing an interface
for automatically detecting the type and amount of bets made by each participant in
a card game. Also, the interface can determine whether to deal one or more hands of
cards to each participant. While the techniques and systems described in this application
are applicable to any card games where each participant can receive his/her own hand(s)
of cards, a non-traditional versions of Baccarat and Blackjack is used for illustrative
purposes.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows an example system 100 for performing the techniques described in this
specification. The system 100 includes a card shuffler 110, a card reader 120, an
analysis system 130, an output system 140 and a table 150.
[0024] The card shuffler 110 can include an electronic shuffler that automatically shuffles
multiple decks of cards. The card shuffler 110 can include an off the shelf unit.
A dealer 160 can use the card shuffler 110 to shuffle the decks of cards before dealing
the required hands according to the house rules.
[0025] The card reader 120 can include an electronic reading system, such as an optical
reader for recognizing the face value of each card. Similar to the card dealing/shuffling
system 110, the card reader 120 can be an off the shelf unit. The card reader 120
can be designed to communicate directly with the card dealing/shuffling system 110
to read or otherwise obtain the value of each card being dealt by the dealer 160 as
the card leaves the card dealing/shuffling system 110. For example, an optical reader
or similar device can be attached to the card dealing/shuffling system 110, and the
card reader can obtain the scanned value of cards in the card dealing/shuffling system
110. Also, the card dealing/shuffling system 110 can include a card holder, such as
a shoe that holds one or more decks of cards. The card holder can hold cards before
or after the cards are automatically shuffled by the dealing/shuffling system 110
or manually shuffled by the dealer 160. The dealing/shuffling system 110 can shuffle,
shuffle and hold the cards or just hold the cards. In implementations where the dealing/shuffling
system 110 is merely holding the cards, the dealer 160 can manually shuffle the cards.
[0026] In some implementations, the card reader 120 can interface with the table 150 to
read the value of each card being dealt by the dealer. For example, the table 150
can include one or more scanning interfaces 152 to scan each card before or after
the card is dealt by the dealer 160. The card reader 120 can communicate with the
one or more scanning interfaces 152 to obtain the value of each card before or after
the card is dealt by the dealer 160.
[0027] The analysis system 130 can include one or more computing devices designed to calculate
the odds and determine the results of each game based on information received from
the card reader 120. The analysis system 130 communicates with the card reader and
obtains data that includes the values of the cards being dealt by the dealer. The
analysis system 130 can use the obtained data to generate output data that includes
a score for each hand and calculated odds for each hand. The calculations of the scores
and odds can be generated in real-time. The analysis system can receive input manually
from the dealer or automatically from the card reader 120 when present.
[0028] For example, in a casino Baccarat game using actual playing cards, the analysis system
130 can be used by the casino to determine the odds for placing additional bets during
a game play as described in this specification. The additional bets described in this
specification are bets other than the traditional bets placed before the game play
in Baccarat. In addition, the analysis system 130 could perform other functions, such
as (1) determine whether to deal a third card; (2) determine scores for each hand;
(3) determine odds (probabilities) for placing of the additional bets in real-time;
(4) determine whether the additional bets should be received from the game participants;
(5) determine the final scores for each hand of each participant; and (6) determine
the winners. The functions performed for a Baccarat game are described further with
respect to FIGS. 4, 5, 6a, 6b and 7 below.
[0029] For other card games, such as a casino Black Jack game using real cards, the analysis
system 130 can also be used by the casino to determine the odds for placing additional
bets during a game play as described in this specification. The additional bets described
in this specification are bets other than the traditional bets placed before the game
play or during the game play (insurance, double-up, split) in Black Jack. In addition,
the analysis system 130 could perform other functions, such as (1) determine scores
for each hand; (2) determine odds (probabilities) for placing of the additional bets
in real-time; (3) determine whether the additional bets should be received from the
game participants; (4) determine the final scores for each hand of each participant;
and (5) determine the winners.
[0030] Based on these functions performed, the analysis system 130 can also send game information
including participant specific information to the output system 140. Examples of game
information can include an explanation of the rules of the game, possible options
for each participant based on the currently dealt cards and example payouts for possible
betting amounts. This information sent to the output device 140 is described further
below.
[0031] The output system 140 can include a display device 142, such as a liquid crystal
display (LCD) device or other similar devices for outputting visual cues to the participants
and spectators. Example visual cues can include one or more of textual, graphical,
video, etc. displays that convey the running scores and odds during the game play.
Examples of the display device 142 include a computer monitor, a large screen television,
and display unit associated with a computing device, such as a computer, a laptop
and an end-user device. The output system can also include other output devices, such
as a printer 144.
[0032] The visual cues displayed provide each participant with an opportunity to instantly
obtain the scores and the odds during game play. The output system 440 can include
a display system of one or more liquid crystal displays (LCD) of varying sizes. Such
display system can allow all game participants and any spectators to view and obtain
the scores and odds for each hand during the game play. In addition, the output system
140 can include individual display units provided for each game participant. The individual
display units can be provided in addition to or instead of the display units of varying
sizes.
[0033] When each game participant is provided with his/her own display unit, information
customized for each participant can be presented on the display. For example, the
participant's history of betting, scores, wins, losses, account balance, etc. can
be presented on the personal display unit. The participant's information can be obtained
by using a log-in procedure or using a key card, such as a frequent player account
card that each participant can sign up for with the Casino. The display unit provided
to each game participant can be used to keep track of game information such as trends
and history of game results for each hand of each participant to allow each game participant
to place bets on his hands and other participant's hands.
[0034] The output system 140 includes on-site units and/or off-site units. For example,
the displayed output data can be displayed to other viewers at remote locations. In
such examples, the output system 140 includes remote units that are in communication
with the system 100 over a network connection as shown in FIG. 2 below.
[0035] The table 150 includes a modified Baccarat table, such as those described with respect
to FIGS. 3a, 4 and 5 below. However, the table 150 can have other designs that correspond
to other card games, such blackjack. As described above, the table 150 can be modified
to include an interface for the card reader. In some implementations, the card reader
420 can be integrated into the table along with the card shuffler 110.
SPECTATOR PARTICIPATION
[0036] In some implementations, people other than the game participants, such as the spectators
to a card game, such as a Baccarat game can also place bets on any of the game participant's
hands. FIG. 2 shows an example system 200 for allowing spectator participation. In
addition to the components described in FIG. 1 above, the system 200 also includes
a spectator system 210 for allowing persons other than those sitting at the table
to participate in the game.
[0037] The spectator system 210 is in communication with the analysis system 130 to receive
the output data generated by the analysis system 130. The spectator system 210 includes
one or more end-user devices 212, 214, 216, etc. assigned to each spectator that wishes
to participate. The end-user devices 212, 214, 216 can include a personal digital
assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a smart phone and other similar portable or handheld
computing devices. The end-user devices 212, 214, 216 are in communication with the
analysis system 130 over a network connection 220 to receive the output data that
include the odds and results calculated by the analysis system 130. Each of the end-user
devices 212, 214, 216 can include a display unit 213, 215, 217, etc. for display the
output data received from the analysis system 230. In some implementations, the end-user
devices can include other gaming devices such as slot-machines or video-game devices
available on the casino floor.
[0038] The end-user devices 212, 214, 216 also include a mechanism for the spectators to
place a bet on any of the game participants' hands. The mechanism for the spectators
to place a bet can include a software application that provides a user interface to
receive input from the spectators. For example, a user interface can include menus
and other user selectable components, such as buttons, tabs, sliders, etc. for receiving
input from the spectators. The participants are allowed select any type of card game
and particular card table connected to the system at the casino.
[0039] The end-user devices 212, 214, 216 can be in communication with the analysis system
130 over a communication link 220 that includes a wired or wireless connection. The
communication link 220 can provide either unidirectional or bidirectional communications,
and can be a part of a shared communication channel (e.g., a bus network). Examples
of wired connections include a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, a FireWire connection,
and other parallel or serial connections. Examples of wired connections include WiFi,
Bluetooth, infrared, etc.
[0040] The system 200 can also include additional remote nodes. For example, an individual
can interface with his/her computer 230 to access a website over a network (e.g.,
network 220) to log-in as an off-site participant or spectator to the table game at
the casino. The individual can log-in using a standard network protocol login procedure,
such as a HTTP connection. Also, an off-site casino 260 can be in communication with
the table game by connecting to the analysis system 130 over the network 220. In addition,
an individual can participate in the table game by calling a telephone number to access
an interactive voice response system (IVR) or a live person to place bets.
[0041] The system 200 can also include a data repository 250 for storing game related information.
The scores and odds can be stored in the data repository for archival purposes or
for later data processing.
[0042] In some implementations, the system 200 can also include one or more audio-visual
input devices or image capture devices 170, such as a camera (video or still) to capture
live still and/or video data of a selected table game. The captured video data can
include the value of each card dealt by the dealer to each hand of each participant.
[0043] The captured live still/to the end-user devices 212, 214, 216 such as slot machines
within the casino. Any patrons at the casino can use the slot machines to place bets
in the table game. The slot machines can be configured to receive the live video and/or
still feed from any table game in the casino. The patron using the slot machine can
select one or more table games to receive the live feed and place bets on any of the
hands in the selected table game.
[0044] The slot machines can include any form of money accepting devices used in a casino
such Coin or Bill Acceptors, Ticket-in-Ticket-out (TITO), magnetic and smart cards
to receive a wager from the patrons. In addition, the live video feed can incorporate
video recognition technology to identify the cards and the hand signal of the dealer
"for no more bets," for example.
[0045] The existing slot machines within each casino can be retrofit to receive the video
from the table games. This can be done without disturbing the table games as the casino.
[0046] The casino commission for the wagers placed from the slot machines can be calculated
by the slot machines or the analysis system 130. The money settlements can be done
through existing TITO systems available throughout the casino which are linked to
their centralized Slot Accounting System.
[0047] FIGS. 3a and 3b show an example system 300 to facilitate processing of user input
during a card game as described in this specification. The systems 100 and 200 as
described above can be modified to include additional components to provide additional
technical solutions in processing user input. For example, the system 300 can include
some or all of the features described with respect to FIGS. 100 and 200 above. An
additional input sensor 310 can be provided for each space 372, 374 and 376 allocated
to each participant. Each of the input sensors 310, 320, 330 can be incorporated with
betting spaces (e.g., 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366 and 367, 368, 369 and 370) to automatically
determine whether any of the participants have place a bet on any of the betting spaces.
[0048] The input sensors 310, 320, 330 can include a pressure sensor, a touch sensor, an
optical reader, a weight sensor, a microchip such as an radio-frequency identification
(RFID) sensor associated with betting chips or a combination thereof. FIG. 3b shows
an example design of input sensor 320 for illustrative purposes. The input sensor
320 can include multiple delineated active areas that can be dynamically arranged
and customized with respect to shape and size based on the application. For example,
FIG. 3b shows the input sensor implemented as 10 distinct active areas 321, 322, 323,
324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329 and 331 that correspond to each betting/participant space
372, 374 and 376 (see Fig. 3a). Each active area can detect via touch, pressure, etc.
whether a bet has been placed and the amount of the bet.
[0049] For example, in the non-traditional Baccarat game described in this specification,
when a participant places a bet on his Bank hand (B1) by placing chips on active area
322, the active area 322 senses the chips via touch, pressure, optical scan and sends
a signal to an analysis system (e.g., analysis system 130). The signal from the active
area 322 can include data that identify the type of chip placed and the amount based
on touch, pressure optical scan or a combination thereof. Thus, the analysis system
130 can automatically determine the types of bets placed by the participant and the
amount of his/her wager for each type of bet.
[0050] In addition, the output system 140 can include individual display units 312, 322
and/or 324 located at or near the table. For example, a single display unit 312 can
be incorporated into the surface of the table to provide data associated with each
participant's Player and/or Bank hand. The display unit 312 can be mounted on the
surface of the table so that the display surface of the display unit is flush with
the surface of the table. Once flush-mounted onto the surface of the table, the display
unit 312 can be rotated or tilted so that the display surface is positioned at an
angle with respect to the surface of the table. The display unit can be rotated or
tilted to obtain any angle in the range between 90 and 180 degrees with respect to
the surface of the table. The 180 degree angle represents the display surface of the
display unit being flush with the surface of the table. The single display unit configuration
is shown in FIG. 3a with respect to the participant 1's space 312 for illustrative
purposes.
[0051] In some implementations, two display units 322 and 324 can be mounted on the table,
one for each hand (e.g., Player and Bank hand in Baccarat) of each participant. By
providing a display unit for each hand, the information can be further separated and
thus assisting each participant to keep track of his/her hands. FIG. 3a shows the
two display unit configuration with respect to participant 2's space 320. While, different
participant spaces 372, 374 and 376 are shown with different display unit configurations,
all participant spaces can be provided with the same display configurations (i.e.,
all with one display unit or all with two display units.) Alternatively, the different
display configurations can be available for each participant space.
[0052] Further, the system 300 can include visual indicators 352 and 354 for each participant's
space to provide a visual cue as to whether each participant should receive his/her
own Player hand and/or Bank hand. Based on the above determination of the types of
bets placed by the participant, the analysis system can send a signal to the visual
indicators 352 and/or 354 to allow the participants and the dealer to know that the
participants should receive his/her own Player hand and/or Bank hand. Visual indicator
354 can correspond to a participant's Player hand and the visual indicator 352 can
correspond to the participant's Bank hand.
[0053] The visual indicators 352, 354 can include a simple light, such as an LED light that
lights up when the corresponding hand should be dealt. When the participant places
a bet in the active space 321 or 322 only, the visual indicator 352 lights up but
not visual indicator 354. When the participant places a bet in the active space 325
or 326 only, the visual indicator 354 lights up but not visual indicator 352. When
the participant places a bet on both active spaces (321 or 322) and (325 or 326),
both visual indicators 352 and 354 lights up.
[0054] The visual indicators 354 and 352 can include a simple light with no particular shape.
Also, the visual indicators 354 and 352 can include any appropriate terms associated
with each hand of cards. For example, in a Baccarat game, the visual indicators can
include terms "Player Hand" (or "Player") and "Bank Hand" (or "Bank") respectively
that light up. Other visual indications can be implemented, such as blinking light,
an illustration, a photograph, etc.
[0055] While the active areas 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329 and 331 are shown
as circular shapes, other shapes can be implemented. For example, rectangles, triangles,
stars, etc. can be implemented. Similarly, the visual indicators, such as visual indicators
354 and 352 can be implemented in other shapes including rectangles, triangles, stars,
etc.
[0056] FIG. 3c shows example information 360 displayed on the output device (e.g., display
device 312). The analysis system 130 can output data to the display device (e.g.,
display device 312) to display real-time status and information for each participant
throughout the game play. This information 360 is displayed on the respective individual
display units when physical casino chips are used to place bets. For example, the
information 360 displayed can include the real-time score for each participant's hand(s)
and the house's hands. For the Baccarat example, after the two cards are dealt, two
card scores can be provided. Then after the third card is dealt, the three card score
can be displayed. In some implementations, the information can be used to inform each
participant of the rules of the game including options available to each participant.
For example, each participant can be informed whether a third card can be obtained.
In addition, each participant can be informed whether an additional bet is available.
If an additional bet is available, the dynamically calculated odds for placing additional
bets on the participant's own hands can be displayed. The information 360 shows the
above described information for participant 3 for example.
[0057] FIG. 3d shows example information 382 displayed on a display device that includes
information on all positions. This information 382 can be displayed on a display unit
viewable by all participants. In this manner all participants can easily view the
scores for all hands of all participants. Similar to FIG. 3c, the system allows each
participant to use physical chips to place bets on the participant's own hands. Also,
the odds for additional bets can be displayed for all positions.
[0058] The display unit can include a touch-screen interface to allow the participant to
provide input in response to the displayed information 380 that includes interactive
information. For example, using the touch-screen, the participant can place bets on
the participant's own hands or other participants' hands or both using electronic
betting means.
[0059] FIG. 3e shows example betting information 382 displayed on a display unit (e.g.,
display 312) that allows each participant to place various electronic bets on the
participant's own hands and/or other participant's hands. The betting information
382 includes total scores for each hand of the house and the respective participant.
Information 382 shows the score for the House and Position 3, for example. In addition,
the initial bet amounts for each type of bets, such as House's Player hand vs. Participant's
Bank hand (B), House's Bank hand vs. Participant's Player hand (P) and Tie (T) bets
can be displayed. Also the odds for additional B, P and T bets can be displayed. Additional
bet amounts for the additional B, P, T bets can be displayed. In addition, the amount
won/lost for the B, P, and T bets can be displayed.
[0060] To place initial and additional bets, the participant can touch the desired bet.
Then the bet amount for the bets can be inputted by touching the appropriate money
amount (500, 200, 100, 50, 25 and 10) and then adding or subtracting the selected
money amount by touching the add (+) or subtract (-) touch-buttons. The displayed
information 382 can include the balance for the respective participant (My Balance)
and the total won for each hand.
[0061] FIG. 3f shows example information 384 displayed to enable each participant to place
bets on other participant's hands in addition to his own hands. The information 384
includes the same information as information 382 but provides the information for
all participants. This information 384 can be displayed on individual display units
to allow each participant to place electronic bets on his own hands and other participant's
hands.
[0062] In all of the information 360, 380, 382 and 384, history of winning and losing for
each hand of each participant can be tracked displayed on the display unit to allow
the participant to analyze the tracked history and make future bets based on the tracked
history.
[0063] The systems 100, 200 and 300 as described above can be implemented to facilitate
game play in various card games, such as Blackjack and Baccarat.
[0064] For example, the systems 100, 200 and 300 can be implemented in a non-traditional
version of Baccarat as described that allows each game participant the opportunity
to play one hand against the House or to play two hands against the House's two hands.
In traditional Baccarat, only two hands are dealt, one for the Player position and
one for the Bank position. In addition, in traditional Baccarat table games, some
House rules allow game participants to touch the cards and in other cases, house rules
prohibit the touching of cards by game participants. In games in which participants
are allowed to touch the cards, the game participant who places the highest bet on
Bank generally has first option to look at the Bank hand, and the game participant
who places the highest bet on Player generally has first option to look at the Player's
hand. Baccarat players, especially high rollers, may cherish the privilege of looking
at the initial cards and draws, and often times employ elaborate rituals while doing
so.
[0065] Further, commercially available casino table versions of the game of Baccarat generally
provide game participants a choice of three standard bets per hand: BANK, PLAYER and/or
TIE. And while other side bets are sometimes accepted, both standard bets and side
bets are accepted by casinos only prior to the beginning of each hand.
[0066] In addition, in the non-traditional version of Baccarat described in this specification,
each game participant is able to place additional bets on each of their hands and
each of other game participants' hands with the odds associated with each bet tracked
by a system described in this specification. Additional bets, if allowed by the House
rules, may only be placed before the 3
rd card is dealt to Player hand and/or before a 3
rd card is dealt to Bank hand. In contrast to bets that are required to be placed before
the beginning of a hand, additional bets are based on changing odds of winning as
the game progresses.
[0067] Baccarat is a simple gambling card game with only three possible results (excluding
approved side bets): (1) Player, (2) Bank and (3) TIE. The term Player does not refer
to a game participant, and the term Bank does not refer to the house. Player, Bank
and TIE are merely names of three betting options from which a game participant can
choose.
[0068] Baccarat, as played on a table in a casino, is generally played with 8 decks of cards
dealt from a container known as a shoe. The shoe facilitates efficient dealing while
decreasing the chance of cards being prematurely exposed by the dealer. Baccarat,
in its electronic form, as played on-line or by machine in a casino, may use electronic
decks of cards and shoes in which shuffles may not occur until the end of the shoe
as in table games using real cards. In situations where the participants can gain
an advantage by counting cards, the casino may reshuffle or use a new deck prior to
dealing a new hand. For example, when additional bets are allowed, such reshuffle
may be used. For both table games and electronic games, the cards can be reshuffled
after each hand is played as described above.
[0069] Scoring in Baccarat involves the assignment of points corresponding to the face value
of each card. The suit and color does not matter in determining the value of each
card. Aces are worth 1. Each numbered card less than ten is worth its face value.
Tens and face cards are worth 0. Further, the score of a hand is determined by the
right digit of the total value of the cards. For example, if the cards dealt are an
8 and a 7 (of any suit or color), the total value is 15 but the score for the hand
would be 5. If the cards dealt are an 8, 7 and a 6, the total value is 21 but the
score would be 1. The scores always range from 0 to 9, and it is impossible to bust
as in the game of blackjack. The winning hand is determined by identifying the hand
with a score closest to 9 at the end. Matching scores at the end are considered a
TIE. In case of a TIE, bets on TIE win and bets on the Bank and Player positions are
returned.
[0070] Baccarat is a game that tends to attract high stakes because (with the exception
of the TIE bet) the game provides extremely close odds, as can be seen in Table 1
below.
Table 1. Traditional Baccarat Bets |
|
|
Calculating Odds |
Net Odds |
Bet on Bank (Pays 1-1 less 5% commission) |
Winning Hand |
50.68% X 0.95 |
48.15% |
1-1 is verbally spoken as 1 to 1 |
Losing Hand |
49.32% X 1.00 |
49.32% |
|
House Edge |
|
1.17% |
|
|
|
|
Bet on Player (Pays 1-1 with no commission) |
Winning Hand |
49.32% X 1.00 |
49.32% |
|
Losing Hand |
50.68% X 1.00 |
50.68% |
|
House Edge |
|
1.36% |
|
|
|
|
Bet on TIE (Pays 8-1 with no commission) |
Winning Hand |
9.54% X 8.00 |
76.32% |
8-1 is oftentimes described as 9 for 1 |
Losing Hand |
90.46% X 1.00 |
90.46% |
|
House Edge |
|
14.14% |
[0071] Traditionally, the bets on BANK, PLAYER and TIE are placed by game participants prior
to the beginning of each hand. In some instances, various supplemental bets may be
allowed by some casinos, but in all cases of table game and virtually in all cases
of on-line gaming, these early bets are placed when the odds of winning or losing,
as described in Table 1, are static since no cards have been dealt yet. Additional
bets, as described in this specification, are based on the changing odds of winning
as the hand progresses. The opportunity to place additional bets on BANK, PLAYER and
TIE based on changing odds can make the game of Baccarat far more challenging and
fun for the game participants, while simultaneously producing additional play and
revenues for casinos. These additional bets could be placed without respect to (1)
whether the game participant had placed a bet prior to the beginning of the hand and
(2) without respect to whether a game participant's first bet was on BANK or PLAYER
and/or TIE and/or any side bet allowed.
[0072] Similarly in Blackjack, each game participant is able to place additional bets on
hands of other participants and the house during the game play. In addition, the game
participants can place additional bets on dynamic odds of winning as the game play
advances.
PLACING OF BETS
[0073] As described above, in conventional Baccarat, while practice varies depending upon
House rules, each game participant is normally allowed to place a bet on: (1) Tie
and/or (2) Bank or Player (but not Bank and Player). The techniques and systems described
in this specification provide each participant with the opportunity to obtain his/her
own Player and Bank hands, and thus participants are provided with different betting
opportunities. In particular, each game participant can be allowed (but not required)
to place a bet on: (1) Bank and/or (2) Player and/or (3) Tie. The Tie bet can include
a tie between each participant's Player hand and House's Bank hand, and a tie between
each participant's Bank hand and House's Player hand. The system allows each participant
to place bets on his own hands and other participant's hands.
[0074] Further, when additional bets are implemented in addition to providing each participant
with his/her hand(s), the House is provided with the option of requiring a bet on
TIE at traditional odds as a condition of a game participant being allowed to place
an additional bet on TIE at additional bet odds offered by the House (e.g., a casino.)
The ratio of how much money can be wagered by the game participant on additional bet
TIES can be determined by the casino. For example, the ratio can include 1-1, 1-2,
2-1, etc.
NUMBER OF HANDS DEALT
[0075] As described above, in traditional Baccarat only two hands are dealt at the table,
one for the Player position and one for the Bank position. All participants bet on
the same two hands, and each participant is not able to obtain his own hands.
[0076] The techniques and systems described in this specification provide each game participant
with the opportunity to obtain his/her own Player and Bank hands. For example, a participant
who places a bet on Bank or Bank and Tie is dealt his or her own Bank hand. A participant
who places a bet on Player or Player and Tie is dealt his or her own Player hand.
A participant who places a bet on Bank and Player and/or Tie is dealt his or her own
Bank hand and his or her own Player hand.
TABLE LAYOUT
[0077] FIG. 4 shows an example table layout 400 for providing each game participant to receive
his own Player and Bank hands. The table layout 400 represents a mini-baccarat table
depicting enough surface space for four game participants 410, 420, 430 and 440 in
addition to space for the house 450. However, depending upon table size, more or less
than four game participants could be accommodated.
[0078] The table layout 400 is designed to provide each game participant with more space
on a surface of the table than in a traditional baccarat game. The table layout 400
includes enough surface space for each participant to place bets and to receive and
view up to two hands (e.g., participant's own player and bank hands). In addition,
the space 410, 420, 430, 440 provided to each participant in the table layout 400
includes each enough surface space for a dealer to deal up to two hands to each participant
without intermingling the cards dealt to a participant's first hand with the cards
dealt to that game participant's second hand. Further, the space 410, 420, 430, 440
provided to each participant includes enough space for the dealer to deal up to two
hands for each participant without intermingling the cards dealt to one participant
with cards dealt to another participant.
[0079] The table layout 400 includes a betting space 411, 421, 431, 441 for each participant's
Player hand versus the House's Bank hand. The table layout 400 also includes a betting
space 413, 423, 433, 443 for each participant's Bank Hand versus the House's Player
hand. In addition, the table layout 400 includes a separate betting space for a TIE
bet on either hand. The betting spaces 412, 422, 432 and 442 represent a TIE bet betting
space for each participant's Player hand (versus the House's Bank hand). The betting
spaces 414, 424, 434 and 444 represent a TIE bet betting space for each participant's
Bank hand (versus the House's Player Hand).
[0080] FIG. 5 shows an example table layout 500 for increasing the number of hands dealt
and allowing additional bet opportunities. In addition to the features described with
respect to FIG. 4 above, the table layout 500 includes betting spaces for additional
bets for each participant. For illustrative purposes, the table layout 500 shows enough
space on a surface of a table for three participants 510, 520 and 530 in addition
to the House 540. However, the table layout 500 can be modified to accommodate more
than three participants.
[0081] For example, space 510 provided for participant 1 includes an initial betting space
512 for participant 1's Player hand versus the House's Bank hand. The space 510 provided
for participant 1 also includes an initial betting space 516 for participant 1's Bank
hand versus the House's Player hand. Also, betting spaces 511 and 515 for additional
bets are provided for betting on participant 1's Player and Bank hands respectively.
Two more additional betting spaces 519 and 521 for placing cross bets on House's Bank
and Player hands respectively are also shown. During game play, a participant may
start with bets placed on his own Player hand. Then, as part of the additional bets
allowed, based on casino rules, the participant place a cross-bet on the House's Bank
hand. This maybe desirable when the participant realizes during game play that the
House's Bank hand is more likely to win. A similar cross bet on the House's Player
hand can be placed.
[0082] The space 510 for participant 1 also includes betting spaces for TIE bets including
initial TIE bets and additional bet TIE bets. The initial TIE bet spaces include an
initial TIE bet space 513 for participant 1's Player hand vs. House's Bank hand and
an initial TIE bet space 517 for participant 1's Bank hand vs. House's Player hand.
In addition, the space 510 includes additional bet TIE bet spaces including an additional
bet TIE bet space 514 for participant 1's Player hand vs. House's Bank hand and an
additional bet TIE bet space 518 for participant 1's Bank hand vs. House's Player
hand.
[0083] Similar betting spaces are provided for other participants. Thus, the spaces 520
and 530 provided for participants 2 and 3 respectively also include the initial and
additional bet spaces for each participant's Player hand vs. House's Bank hand, each
participant's Bank hand vs. House's Player hand, and Tie bets for both Player and
Bank hands of each participant as described above.
DETERMINATION OF WINNING HAND
[0084] Independent of the number of hands dealt to each participant, the winning hand is
determined using the standard rules of Baccarat as follows:
- A. Each game participant's Player hand versus House's Bank hand.
- B. Each game participant's Bank hand versus House's Player hand.
- C. Two options on TIE bet:
- (1) TIE on each game participants Player hand versus House's Bank hand.
- (2) TIE on each game participant's Bank hand versus House's Player hand.
DEAL BEGINS
[0085] FIGS. 6a and 6b show an example process 600 for providing each game participant with
an option to obtain his/her own Player and Bank hands. A system (e.g., system 100,
200, 300 as described above) receives an initial bet from each game participant (610).
Each game participant can place a bet on his/her own Player, Bank and/or Tie positions
(e.g., positions 411, 413, 412, 414.) In response to the received bets, the system
determines a number of hands (e.g., a player hand and/or a bank hand) to deal to each
participant based on the received initial bet. The system can send a signal to the
deal to indicate the determined number of hands (and types of hands, such as player
or bank) to deal to each participant. This signal can sent to the visual indicators
352 and 354 (see Fig. 3b) located at each participant's space to provide a visual
cue as to whether each participant should receive his/her own Player hand and/or Bank
hand, for example. The signal can be send to a display unit provided to the dealer
to indicate the number of hands to be dealt to each participant and the types of hands
(player hand and/or bank hand. Based on the received signal, the dealer deals the
first two cards (620) to each of the game participants hand or hands and the House's
hands. The order of the deal can proceed in a counter clockwise fashion around the
table. Based on the received bet for each game participant, an initial card is dealt
to each participant beginning with the first game participant to the left of the dealer,
for example (622). For example, if the first game participant places a bet on just
Player and/or Tie, then that game participant receives one Player hand, and the first
card dealt is the first card of that game participant's Player hand. If the first
game participant to the left of the dealer places a bet on just Bank and/or Tie, then
that game participant receives one Bank hand, and the first card dealt is the first
card of that game participant's Bank hand. If the first game participant to the left
of the dealer places a bet on both the Player and Bank positions, then that game participant
receives one Bank hand and one Player hand. Thus, two initial cards are dealt to the
first game participant. The first initial card dealt to that game participant is the
first card of that game participant's Player hand and the second initial card dealt
to that game participant is the first card of that participant's Bank hand.
[0086] The above described initial card example applies to each game participant in the
order of the deal (e.g., counter clockwise order) and to the House hands as applicable.
The House receives both a Player hand and a Bank hand anytime game participants collectively
place bets on both Player and Bank.
[0087] Next, a second card is dealt (624) to each game participant and the House. The procedure
described above for dealing the first card is followed for the second card. For example,
those game participants that place a bet on both of his/her Player and Bank positions
receive two second cards, one for each hand.
ALTERNATE PROCESS OF DEALING THE FIRST TWO CARDS OF EACH HAND (to be determined by
House rules)
[0088] In some implementations, each of the game participants and the House is dealt both
of the initial card and the second card for each hand before other participants or
the House receives their cards (626). For example, if the first game participant to
the left of the dealer is to receive both a Player and a Bank hand, the first two
cards received by the game participant is dealt to the first game participant's Player
hand and the second two cards are dealt to the first game participant's Bank hand.
After the first game participant has received all of his/her cards for all of his/her
hands, each of the other participants receives his/her cards using the same system
process of distribution.
[0089] At the option of the House, one or more of an electronic dealing machine, an optical
card reader and a shuffle machine can be used to assist distribution of the initial
two cards for each game participant as described with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3a, 3b
and 3c above.
TWO-CARD SCORE RESULTS ON HOUSE'S BANK HAND VS. GAME PARTICIPANT'S PLAYER HAND OR
HOUSE'S PLAYER HAND VS. GAME PARTICIPANT'S BANK ARE KNOWN AFTER SECOND CARD
[0090] After the two cards have been dealt to a Player hand and a Bank hand for each game
participant and the House, a determination is made on whether a final result is known
(i.e., which hand won) (630). Such determination can be made manually by the dealer
or automatically by the system that analyzes the odds and scores (e.g., systems 100,
200 and 300 shown above with respect to FIGS. 1, 2, 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d.) For example,
a two-card score is calculated for the Player hand and the Bank hand of each participant
and the House's Player hand and Bank hand. The calculated two-card scores for the
participants' Player hands and Bank hands can be compared with the two-card score
for the House's Bank hand and Player hand to determine the winning hand.
[0091] The final results can be known after the first two cards are dealt for at least the
following example cases:
- (1) House's Player hand and/or game participant's Bank hand starting total is 8 or
9.
- (2) House's Bank hand and/or game participant's Player hand starting total is 8 or
9.
- (3) House's two-card Player hand total is either 6 or 7 and the game participant's
two card Bank hand total is 6 or 7.
- (4) House's two card Bank hand total is either 6 or 7 and game participant's two-card
Player hand total is 6 or 7.
If the game participant wins, he or she is paid on the spot at the approved and published
payoff for the particular bet. If the game participant loses, his bet is collected
at that time by the House, and the game participant's losing hand is removed from
the table. In either case, win or lose participants hands are removed from the table.
[0092] The determination of the final result is made on a game participant by game participant
basis. In other words, in a game in which there are five participants, and the final
results are known after the first two cards were dealt for three of the five game
participants, only those three game participants will have their cards removed. In
addition, only those three game participants' bets are settled at that time.
[0093] For example, if the House's Bank hand's two card total is 6 and three of the game
participants have a two card total of 7, 8 and 9 respectively, the hands of the three
game participants are over and are removed. If two other game participants had a two
card total of 0-5, play continues for those game participants under the standard rules
of Baccarat.
[0094] In addition, side bets may be allowed depending on House rules. Any side bets allowed
by the House rules can also be received along with the initial bet at 610 above. Results
of the side bets that can be determined after two cards have been dealt may be settled
at that time. However, settlement of the side bets does not automatically result in
the cards being removed from the table because the final results of the non-side bets
may still be pending.
DEAL CONTINUES
[0095] When the final result is NOT known after the first two cards are dealt, the system
(or the dealer) determines whether to deal a third card to game participants' Player
hands (634). Each participant's Player hand that is eligible to receive a third card
is dealt the third card (636). All others do not receive a third card and their Player
hands are settled as above (632). All game participants with a Player hand face off
against the Bank hand dealt to the House and will draw a third card or stand based
on the traditional rules of Baccarat. The first game participant to the left of the
House placing a bet on his/her Player hand acts first (e.g., whether to receive a
third card), followed in order by each of the other game participants placing a bet
on his/her Player hand.
FINAL RESULTS ON HOUSE'S BANK HAND VS. GAME PARTICIPANT'S PLAYER HAND ARE KNOWN AFTER
THIRD CARD DEALT TO GAME PARTICIPANTS' PLAYER HAND
[0096] The system (or dealer) determines whether the final result can be obtained after
dealing a third card to those participants' Player hands eligible to receive the third
card (640). For example, the system can calculate a three-card score for those participants'
Player hands that receive a third card. Based on the calculated three-card score,
the system can determine the final result. When the final result is known only after
a third card has been dealt to a game participant's Player hand, the game participant's
hand is removed from the table and settled at that time as described above (632).
If the game participant wins, he or she is paid on the spot at the approved and published
payoff for the particular bet. If the game participant loses, his/her bet is collected
at that time by the House and the game participant's losing hand is removed from the
table. The same procedure also applies to approved side bets.
[0097] A third card can be dealt to participants' player hands but not the House's Bank
hand for the following cases:
- (1) Game participant receives a third card on a two card total of 0-5 and the House's
Bank hand is not entitled to receive a third card (two card total of 7).
- (2) House's Bank hand's starting total is 3-6, and the game participant draws a third
card to his or her Player hand that DOES NOT entitle House's Bank hand to draw a third
card.
[0098] Any additional bets or other side bets allowed by House rules that have been determined
after the third card has been dealt the game participant's Player hand are also settled
prior to the cards being removed from the table. Additional bets, if allowed by the
House rules, may only be placed before the 3rd card is dealt to Player hand and/or
before a 3rd card is dealt to Bank hand. The system allows each participant to place
additional bets on his own hands and/or other participant's hands.
RESULTS ON HOUSE'S BANK HAND VS. GAME PARTICIPANT'S PLAYER HAND ARE NOT KNOWN UNTIL
HOUSE'S BANK HAND RECEIVES A THIRD CARD.
[0099] When the final result cannot be determined until after the House's Bank hand receives
a 3rd card, the game participant's Player hand is not removed from the table and the
bet is not settled until after a third card is dealt to the House's Bank hand (644).
The system determines whether to deal a third card to the House's Bank hand (646).
The third card can be dealt to House's Bank hand in the scenarios described below.
[0100] Examples of scenarios where the House receives a third card include the following:
- (1) Game participant's Player hand stands on two card total of 6 or 7 and House's
Bank hand's starting total is 0-5.
- (2) Game participant draws to a starting Player total of 0-5, and House's Bank hand
totals 0-2 and is entitled to draw a third card.
- (3) House's Bank hand's starting total is 3-6, and the game participant draws a third
card to his or her Player hand that ENTITLES the House's Bank hand to draw a third
card.
[0101] Based on above scenarios, a third card is dealt to the House's Bank hand (648). Then
the final results are determined and the Participants' Player hands are settled as
described above (632). For example, the system can calculate a three-card score for
the House's bank hand. The three-card score for the House's bank hand can be compared
with the three-card scores of participants' Player hands to determine the final result.
PLAY NOW MOVES TO HOUSE'S PLAYER HAND VERSUS GAME PARTICIPANT'S BANK HANDS
[0102] The process 600 moves on to process participants' Bank hand vs. House's Player hand
(650).
RESULTS ON HOUSE'S PLAYER HAND VS. GAME PARTICIPANT'S BANK HAND ARE KNOWN AFTER SECOND
CARD
[0103] As described above, the system (e.g., 100, 200 and 300) or the dealer (e.g., 160)
determines whether the final result can be determined after the first two cards are
dealt, but this time with respect to processing participants' Bank hands instead of
Player hands (630). For multi-participant, multi-hand games, the dealer can deal two
cards at a time to each Bank hand to speed up the process. However, the two cards
can be dealt in an alternate fashion, one to each participant, as desired. For example,
as described above, the system can calculate a two-card score for the House's player
hand, and the calculated two-card score can be processed to determine whether the
final result can be determined. When the final result is known after the first two
cards are dealt as described above, the game participant's Bank hand is removed from
the table and settled at that time (632). If the game participant wins, he or she
is paid on the spot at the traditional payoff. If the game participant loses his bet
on Bank and/or Tie, his losing bet is collected on the spot by the House. Examples
of the above described results (House's Player hand vs. a game participant's Bank
hand) being known after the second card include the following:
- (1) Either game participant's Bank and/or House's Player starting total is 8 or 9.
- (2) The House's Player hand's two card total is either 6 or 7 and the game participant's
Bank hand's two card total is 6 or 7.
[0104] As described above, the determination of these results is made on a game participant
by game participant basis. For example, when there are five participants in a game,
and the final results are known after the first two cards are dealt for three of the
five game participants, only those three game participants would have their cards
removed. In addition, only those 3 game participants' bets are settled at that time.
However, the other two game participants continue to play as follows.
DEAL CONTINUES
[0105] Final result may not be known after the first two cards are dealt for all the game
participants.
RESULTS ON HOUSE'S PLAYER HAND VS. GAME PARTICIPANT(S) BANK HAND ARE KNOWN AFTER THIRD
CARD DEALT TO HOUSE'S PLAYER HAND
[0106] The system or dealer determines whether to deal a third card to House's Player hand
(656). The third card is dealt to House's Player hand based on standard rules of Baccarat
(658). For those participants not eligible or not decided to receive a third card,
their Bank hands are settled as described above (632). The system also determines
whether the final results are known after dealing the third card to House's Player
hand only (660). For example, the system can calculate a three-card score for the
House's Player hand. The calculated three-card score for the House's Player hand can
be compared with the two-card score for the participants' Bank hands to determine
whether the final result can be determined. When the final results are known after
a third card has been dealt to the House's Player hand, the game participant's Bank
hand is removed from the table and settled at that time as describe above (632). If
the game participant wins, he or she is paid on the spot at the approved and published
payoff for the particular bet. If the game participant loses, his bet is collected
at that time by the House, and the game participant's losing Bank hand is removed
from the table. The same procedure also applies to any pending additional bets and
approved side bets, if any, when results are known.
[0107] Examples of the above where the final results are known after a third card has been
dealt to the House's Player hand include the following:
- A. House's Player hand receives a third card on a two card total of 0-5, and the game
participant is not entitled to receive a third card (two card total of 7); OR
- B. House's Player hand receives a third card on a two card total of 0-5 and game participant's
Bank hand's starting total is 3-6, and the House draws a third card to its Player
hand that does NOT entitle game participant's Bank hand to receive a third card.
RESULTS ON HOUSE'S PLAYER HAND VS. GAME PARTICIPANT'S BANK HAND IS NOT KNOWN UNTIL
GAME PARTICIPANT'S BANK HAND RECEIVES A THIRD CARD.
[0108] When the final results cannot not be determined after the first two cards are dealt
or has not been determined after the House Player's hand is dealt a third card, the
game participant's Bank hand is not removed from the table and the bet is not settled
until after the game participant's Bank hand receives a third card (664). The system
or the dealer determines whether the participant's Bank hand should receive a third
card (665). Then the third card is dealt to game participant's Bank hand based on
standard rule of baccarat (666). Examples of these situations include the following:
- A. House's Player hand stands on two card total of 6 or 7, and the game participant's
Bank hand's starting total is 0-5.
- B. House draws to a starting Player total of 0-5, and the game participant's Bank
hand totals 0-2 and is entitled to draw a third card.
- C. House's Player hand receives a third card on a two card total of 0-5 and the game
participant's Bank hand's starting total is 3-6, and the House draws a third card
to its Player hand that does entitle game participant's Bank hand to receive a third
card.
[0109] After the third card is dealt to the game participant' Bank hand, the final results
are determined and the participant's Bank hand is settled as describe above (632).
For example, the system can calculate a three-card score for the participants' Bank
hands. The calculated three-card score for the participants' Bank hands can be compared
with the score for the House's Player hand. This process is performed for each game
participant's Bank hand. The process 600 ends.
ADDITIONAL BETS
[0110] As described above additional bets can be implemented in a game of Baccarat where
each game participant can obtain his/her own hands. In addition, additional bets can
be implemented in a traditionally dealt game of Baccarat where only a single Player
hand and a single Bank hand are dealt.
[0111] FIG. 7 is a process flow diagram showing an example process 700 for implementing
additional bets in a traditional game of Baccarat and the non-traditional version
of Baccarat described in this specification. For example, a traditional game of Baccarat
starts with one or more participants placing a traditional bet (e.g., bet on Player
position, bet on Bank position or bet on TIE prior to the start of the hand.) This
first bet is received from one or more of the participants at 710. A dealer deals
two cards to a Player position and another two cards to a Bank position at 720. A
score is determined, according to the rules of Baccarat as described above, for the
Player position and the Bank position at 730. At 740, a determination is made whether
a third card should be dealt to the Player position and/or the Bank position by considering
the following:
∘ Player and Bank positions both stand, or
∘ Player position stands, Bank position draws third card, or
∘ Bank position stands, Player position draws third card, or
∘ Player and Bank positions both draw a third card or
∘ Player position draws third card, Bank position sometimes draws third card.
[0112] The determination at 740 above is made using the following standard Baccarat drawing
rules:
- 1. If either the Player position or the Bank position has a total of an 8 or 9, each
position stands and the hand is over. This rule overrides all other rules.
- 2. If both the Player position and the Bank position have a total of 6 or 7, each position stands and the hand is over. This rule overrides the rules below.
- 3. The Player position always stands on a 6 or 7 and draws on 0-5.
- 4. The Bank position always stands on a total of 7, draws on 0-5 if the Player position stands, but if the Player position is not going to stand, is guaranteed a draw on 0-2 only.
- 5. In cases in which the Player position is not going to stand and the Bank position has a total of 3 to 6, the determination on whether the Bank position
does or does not receive a third card is based on the value of the third card received by the Player position.
In these cases the Bank position draws a third card
if the Bank position's starting total is
- (a) 3 and the Player position's third card is an A - 7, 9 or 0 value card (any card but an 8)
- (b) 4 and the Player position's third card is a 2 - 7
- (c) 5 and the Player position's third card is a 4 - 7
- (d) 6 and the Player position's third card is a 6 - 7
[0113] When the determination at 740 is that a third card should be dealt to the Player
position, another determination is made at 745 to decide whether to accept additional
bets (e.g., based on established policy of the casino or the online gaming site).
When the determination at 745 is to accept additional bets, all participants, may
be allowed to place an additional bet at 750 prior to the receipt of the Player's
third card at 760. When required, based on the standard Baccarat drawing rules described
above, the third card is dealt to the Player position at 760. After the third card
is dealt to the Player position, if the determination was not made at 740 to definitely
or definitely not deal a card to the Bank position, then a determination may be required
at 770 to decide whether to deal a third card to the Bank Position. In this case,
the determination on whether or not a third card will be dealt to the Bank position
is dependent upon the value of the third card drawn by the Player position (see, standard
Baccarat drawing rules above). When the determination at either 740 or 770 is that
a third card should be dealt to the Bank position, then another determination is made
at 775 to decide whether additional bets are accepted (e.g., based on established
policy of the casino or online gaming site). When determined that additional bets
are accepted at 775, all participants may be allowed to place an additional bet at
780 prior to dealing a third card to the Bank position at 790. The third card is dealt
to the Bank position at 790 when required (e.g., based on standard Baccarat drawing
rules).
[0114] When the determination at 740 is that a third card should not be dealt to the Player
position, then a determination is made at 740 to decide whether a third card should
be dealt to Banker position. When the determination at 740 is to deal the third card
to Bank position, the process 700 moves to 775 to determine if additional bets should
be accepted from any participants, based on the established policy of the casino or
the online gaming site, before dealing the third card to the Bank position at 790.
When the determination at 775 is that additional bets are not accepted (e.g., based
on established policy of the casino or the online gaming site), the process 700 moves
to deal the third card to the Bank position at 790 without accepting any additional
bets. Then, the final score is determined and the game ends at 795. When the determination
at 770 is that a third card is not to be dealt to the Bank position (which may be
independent of whether a third card was dealt to the Player position), the process
700 moves to determine the final score and the game ends at 795 without dealing third
card to the Bank position or accepting additional bets. When the determination at
745 is that additional bets are not accepted (e.g., based on established policy of
the casino or the online gaming site), the process 700 also moves to deal a third
card to the Player position without accepting any additional bets.
[0115] In cases in which both the Bank and Player positions receive a third card (e.g.,
by the process 700 performing 740, 745, 750, 760, 770, 775, 780, 790 and 795), a total
of two additional bets may be accepted from each participant - one at 745 and another
at 775. Since accepting the additional bets at 745 and 775 may depend on the established
policy of the casino or the online gaming site, the game can end at 795 with one,
two or zero rounds of additional bets being accepted. As previously noted, no additional
bets based on changing odds are allowed in traditional Baccarat.
[0116] Assume, for example, that after the first two cards are dealt to each position, the
Player position trails the Bank position by a score of 7 to 2. In this particular
case, the rules of Baccarat entitle the Player position to receive a third card. Here,
each casino would have the option of accepting an additional bet from any participant
at 750 (before the third card is dealt to the Player position at 760). The odds offered
to participants by the casino on this additional bet would be determined by the casino
based on the then current odds of a Tie hand occurring, or a win by the Bank and Player
positions. In this particular case, the Bank position would be favored to win by approximately
5 to 1 (without taking into consideration the effect of the specific cards previously
removed from the shoe). In this example, a casino would have pre-established and published
a written policy in regard to offering additional bets on TIE, the Bank position or
Player position at odds that will ensure the casino will maintain an edge, or the
casino may have pre-established and published a written policy not to accept an additional
bet on this particular play (or any other play).
[0117] In the example above, if the casino had established a written policy to accept additional
bets on this particular play (Player 2, Bank 7), all game participants would be entitled
to place an additional bet at the odds determined by the casino, which, in the case
of a table game, would be based on combination of the current score and the particular
cards that had already been removed from the shoe. However, in an electronic or table
game in which the cards are reshuffled prior to each hand, it's likely that the odds
would be determined solely by the score. For example, a table game participant who
originally bet $1,000 on Player position who believes that he is going to lose the
original wager on a bet on the Player position, might decide to place a $5,000 additional
bet on the Bank position. In this case, if the Bank Position holds on to win and assuming
the additional bet odds offered by the casino on the Bank position were 1-5, the game
participant wins $950 ($1,000 less $50 commission) on the additional bet, which will
cover most of the loss related to the initial bet on Player Position. However, if
Player Position were to draw (on the third card dealt) a 6 or 7, the game participant
who made the original bet on the Player position and the additional bet on the Bank
position, would end up $4,000 worse off by winning the original $1,000 bet on the
Player position but losing the additional bet of $5,000 on the Bank position.
[0118] In the additional bet example above, a game participant who originally bet $1,000
on the Bank position might decide to hedge that initial bet by making an additional
bet of $500 on the Player position. In this case, if the Bank position holds on for
a win, the game participant's net win will be $450 (a $1,000 win on the initial bet
on the Bank position less $50 (5% commission) less the $500 loss on the additional
bet made on the Player position. However, if the Player position should pull out the
win by drawing a 6 or 7, the game participant still wins a net of $1,500 ($2,500 win
[assuming the odds offered by the casino were 5-1] on the additional bet on the Player
position less the $1,000 loss on the initial bet on the Bank position). Without the
hedge bet this game participant would have lost the entire initial bet of $1,000.
[0119] In the same additional bet example discussed above, a game participant might decide
to make an additional bet on TIE. In this case, prior to when the third card is dealt
to the Player position, the approximate odds against a tie (without taking into consideration
the effect of the specific cards previously removed from the shoe) would be 12-1 as
opposed to only 8-1 if the TIE bet had been placed prior to the beginning of the hand
(i.e., initial bet). In this case the casino might choose to offer odds of 12 for
1 (11 to 1). These odds are provided for illustrative purposes only.
[0120] The additional bet example discussed above in which the Player position trails the
Bank position by a score of 7-2 after the first two cards have been dealt is just
one of many possible. The standard baccarat drawing rules (e.g., Nos. 3-5), all of
which could, depending upon the policies established by the casino, provide similar
opportunities for game participants to place a new bet on either the Player position
or the Bank position, increase their original bet, hedge their original bet by changing
sides or make a new or additional bet on Tie. As described, each of the additional
bet examples in a table game would offer odds based on a combination of the current
score and the cards that have already played during the shoe. But as discussed above,
in an electronic game in which the cards are reshuffled prior to each hand, it's likely
that the odds would be determined solely by the score. In either case, table or electronic,
these additional bet opportunities would be a first for the game of Baccarat.
[0121] The process 700 for introducing additional bet into a game of Baccarat can be implemented
using the systems 100, 200 and 300 described above.
[0122] Various implementations of the subject matter described herein may be realized in
digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (application
specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations
thereof. These various implementations may include implementation in one or more computer
programs that are executable and/or interpretable on a programmable system including
at least one programmable processor, which may be special or general purpose, coupled
to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a
storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.
[0123] These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications
or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and may be implemented
in a high-level procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or in
assembly/machine language. As used herein, the term "information carrier" comprises
a "machine-readable medium" that includes any computer program product, apparatus
and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices
(PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor,
including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable
signal, as well as a propagated machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable
signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a
programmable processor.
[0124] To provide for interaction with a user, the subject matter described herein may be
implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube)
or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user and
a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user
may provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may be used to provide for
interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user may be
any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile
feedback); and input from the user may be received in any form, including acoustic,
speech, or tactile input.
[0125] The subject matter described herein may be implemented in a computing system that
includes a back-end component (e.g., as a data server), or that includes a middleware
component (e.g., an application server), or that includes a front-end component (e.g.,
a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which
a user may interact with an implementation of the subject matter described herein),
or any combination of such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components
of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication
(e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include a local
area network ("LAN"), a wide area network ("WAN"), and the Internet.
[0126] The computing system may include clients and servers. A client and server are generally
remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The
relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on
the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.
[0127] While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as
limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as
descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular
inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context
of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment.
Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment
can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.
Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations
and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination
can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may
be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
[0128] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this
should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular
order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed,
to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel
processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components
in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation
in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components
and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged
into multiple software products.
[0129] Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications
are possible. For example, the logic flow depicted in the accompanying figures and
described herein does not require the particular order shown, or sequential order,
to achieve desirable results.
[0130] Also, the systems 400 and 5000 described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5 can be used
to implement different versions of baccarat. For example, the systems 400 and 500
can implement a traditional game of baccarat, a traditional game of baccarat with
additional bets, a baccarat game where each participant receives his/her own hands,
and a baccarat game where each participant receives his/her own hands and is able
to place additional bets.
[0131] In particular, the Baccarat game table layouts could be slightly altered to accommodate
additional bet opportunities or additional bets could be accommodated on existing
table layouts by the casino's designation of a spot on the table for those bets. For
example, the spaces for placing various bets as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be modified
to facilitate the game play. In addition, the examples of Baccarat game table layout
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be represented as a BIG BACCARAT table or a MINI BACCARAT
table.
[0132] The systems described in this specification can be implemented as a stand alone gaming
machine, such as a video poker-like machine prevalent in a casino. In such implementations,
a user interface, such as a touch screen, buttons, mouse, joystick, etc. can be provided
to receive input from a user. Instead of the table, the user can designate bets, deals,
etc. using the interface.
[0133] In some implementations, the gaming machine can be implemented as a multiplayer gaming
machine. The systems described in this specification can be duplicated as a multi-player
gaming machine with multiple display units, one for each participant. Each display
unit can include one or more user interfaces described above for receiving user input
that indicate the type of bets, amount of bets, and when to deal the cards.
[0134] In some implementations, the multiplayer gaming machine can be implemented to replicate
all components as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7a above. However, the dealer can be replaced
by the analysis system, which can deal the necessary virtual cards electronically.
The deal virtual cards can be displayed on the individual display units 712, 722 and
724. In such implementations, the participants can duplicate a table game by sitting
at a baccarat table. The only different will be the virtual cards. To mimic the experience
of receiving actual playing cards, the multi-player gaming device can implement additional
display units shaped like individual cards. For example, the visual indicators 752
and 754 can be used to display the image of each virtual card dealt.
[0135] The visual indicators 752 and 754 can be implemented as playing card sized display
units mounted to the table so as to enable the participants to view the images of
the virtual cards dealt. Alternatively, the visual indicators 752, 754 can be implemented
as playing card sized portable display units that the participants can grab and hold
in his hands. In this way, the participants can fully duplicate the table game.
[0136] In some implementations, these display units can be implemented as other display
units in addition to the visual indicators 752, 754.
[0137] Also, while it would be theoretically possible for a casino to allow additional bets
prior to each draw during the hand, live table games require the casino to consider
the practicality of being able to offer bets that are convenient to place, track and
pay off at the table. Accordingly, additional bets prior to every possible draw would
likely, but not necessarily, be limited to electronic or on-line versions of Baccarat.
[0138] At live table games in a casino, the implementations described may be limited to
additional bets on the final draw of the hand. In such implementations, casinos may
choose to develop rules and procedures that will allow them to offer certain additional
bets without the utilizing technology to determine the changing odds in real-time.
[0139] In the examples of additional bets described above, the actual odds offered to the
game participant by the casino could be adjusted based on the casino's preferences,
but the examples chosen illustrate the attractiveness and simplicity of the additional
bet concept from both the casino's and the game participant's point of view.
1. A system (100, 200, 300) comprising:
a card-game table (150) comprising visually defined regions (372, 374, 376) on a surface
of the card-game table (150) to accommodate one or more card hands of each of one
or more participants in addition to one or more separate card hands of a house entity;
an analysis system (130) associated with the card-game table (150), coupled to a spectator
system (210) via a network (220);
a respective input sensor (310, 320, 330) associated with each one of the visually
defined regions (372, 374, 376) on the surface of the card-game table (150) to detect
respective participant input that represents one or more types of bets and a value
of the one or more types of bets, wherein each input sensor is in communication with
said analysis system (130) to send bet data indicative of the respective participant
input to the analysis system (130);
wherein the analysis system (130) is configured to perform the following:
receive said bet data from at least one of the input sensors (310, 320, 330);
determine a number of card hands to deal to each participant based on the received
bet data;
receive card data comprising a value associated with each card from a group of cards
dealt on the card-game table to each card hand of each participant and the house entity;
receive a spectator bet from a spectator using the spectator system (210), the spectator
bet related to the one or more card hands of a participant present at the card-game
table;
determine a final result of a first participant card hand; and
provide the final result to the spectator system (210) via the network (220).
2. The system (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, further comprising a display device (142)
in communication with the analysis system (130), wherein the analysis system (130)
is configured to perform operations comprising:
process the received card data to calculate scores and odds for the determined number
of card hands of each participant and the house entity;
generate an output signal indicative of the calculated scores and odds; and
provide the output signal to the spectator system (210) via the network (220).
3. The system (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, further comprising one or more visual indicators
(352, 354) coupled to the analysis system (130) and associated with respective said
visually defined regions (372, 374, 376) on the surface of the card-game table to
provide one or more visual indications of
whether the respective participant should receive the determined number of hands,
the one or more visual indicators controlled by a control signal generated by the
analysis system (130) based on the determined number of card hands to be dealt to
the respective participant based on the received bet data.
4. The system (100, 200, 300) of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of individual
display units (312), one for each of the one or more participants, each of the plurality
of individual display units (312) coupled to the analysis system (130);
wherein the analysis system (130) is configured to perform operations comprising:
provide respective ones of the scores and odds to corresponding ones of the plurality
of display units, each respective one of the scores and odds associated with a respective
one of the one or more participants.
5. The system (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, further comprising;
a plurality of first display units (322), each coupled to the analysis system (130),
for providing information with respect to a respective first card hand of a respective
one of the one or more participants; and
a plurality of second display units (324), each coupled to the analysis system (130),
for providing information with respect to a respective second card hand of a respective
one of the one or more participants;
wherein the analysis system (130) is configured to perform operations comprising:
for each of the one or more participants, separate the information for display on
each of the first and second plurality of display units (322, 324).
6. The system (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, further comprising a card reader (120) in
communication with the analysis system (130), wherein the card reader is configured
to perform operations comprising:
identify the value associated with each card dealt; and
send the data representing the identified value to the analysis system (130).
7. The system (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, wherein the analysis system (130) is configured
to perform operations comprising:
process the received card data after two of the cards are dealt to each hand of each
participant and the house, wherein the determined number of hands of each participant
includes a baccarat player hand for each participant and the one or more hands of
the house entity include a baccarat bank hand;
calculate the scores that include a two-card score for each participant's player hand
and a two-card score for the house entity's bank hand based on the processed card
data; and
determine whether the calculated two-card score represents a final result for the
player hand of each participant.
8. The system (100, 200, 300) of claim 7, wherein the analysis system (130) is configured
to perform operations comprising:
when the analysis system (130) determines that the calculated two-card score does
not represent a final result, the analysis system determines whether a third card
should be dealt to the player hand of each participant; and
when a third card is dealt to the player hand of each participant, the analysis system
calculates a three-card score for the player hand of each participant and determines
whether the calculated three-card score represents a final result.
9. The system (100, 200, 300) of claim 8, wherein the analysis system is configured
to perform operations comprising:
when the analysis system determines that the calculated three-card score for the player
hand of each participant does not represent a final result, the analysis system performs
the following:
determine whether the house's bank hand should receive a third card; and
when a third card is dealt to the house's bank hand, calculate a three-card score
for the house's bank hand and compare the calculated three-card score for the player
hand for each participant against the three-card score for the house's bank hand to
determine a final result.
10. The system (100, 200, 300) of claim 9, wherein the analysis system is configured
to perform operations comprising:
when the analysis system (130) determines that the calculated two-card score does
not represent a final result, determine whether a third card should be dealt to the
house's player hand; and
when a third card is dealt to the house's player hand, calculate a three-card score
for the house's player hand and determine whether the calculated three-card score
represents a final result for the bank hand of each participant.
11. The system (100, 200, 300) of claim 7, wherein the analysis system (130) is configured
to perform operations comprising:
when the analysis system (130) determines that the calculated three-card score for
the player hand of the house entity does not represent a final result, the analysis
system performs the following:
determine whether the bank hand of each participant should receive a third card; and
when a third card is dealt to the bank hand of each participant, calculate a three-card
score for the bank hand of each participant and compare the calculated three-card
score for the house's player hand against the three-card score for the bank hand of
each participant to determine a final result.
12. The system (100, 200, 300) of claim 8, wherein the analysis system (130) is further
configured to:
calculate a respective real time probability of the third card having a value from
any one of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 and a final result of any bet being a winning
bet or a losing bet; and
determine whether to accept one or more additional bets for each hand of each participant
based on the real time probability associated with each respective third card.
13. The system (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises:
an image capture device (170) in communication with the analysis system (130) to capture
live video data of a card game at the card-table; and
one or more slot machines remote from the card-table to receive the captured live
video data, the one or more slot machines capable of receiving bets from slot machine
users.
14. The system (100, 200, 300) of claim 13, wherein the live video data comprises video
of the cards as they are dealt, including the value associated with each card; and
the analysis system (130) receives the card video from the image capture device (170).
15. A system supporting game play of a card game, wherein a first party and one or more
participants take part in the card game and one or more cards are dealt to the first
party and to the one or more participants in at least one round, the at least one
participant places a bet on an outcome of at least part of the card game, the system
comprising: a card reader which identifies a value associated with a card being dealt;
an analysis system in communication with the card reader, the analysis system receives
data representing the value associated with a card being dealt, wherein after at least
a first round of cards are dealt the analysis system calculates odds for each bet
placed by one of the participants based on a predefined set of rules and the data
received from the card reader; and a display system in communication with the analysis
system, wherein the display system displays the odds calculated by the analysis system.
16. System according to claim 15, wherein the predefined set of rules includes rules
of baccarat providing additional bet opportunities.
17. System according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the analysis system outputs a modified
signal to the display system if the odds for a certain bet are 0% or 100%, i.e. the
participant has lost or won the bet.
18. System according to any of the claims 15 to 17, wherein the display system comprises
a separate display unit for each participant and wherein optionally the display unit
provides the participant with his or her scores and other participant's scores calculated
by the analysis system and/ or data related to participant's history of betting.
19. System according to any of the claims 15 to 18, wherein the system further comprises:
an input sensor system comprising one or more input sensors attributed to each participants,
wherein the input sensors detect whether the participant has placed one or more bets
and determines which kind of predefined bets have been placed, and wherein the input
sensor system communicates the result of the detection to the analysis system.
20. System according to claim 19, wherein the system further comprises one or more visual
indicators associated with each participant, wherein the analysis system determines,
based on the data received from the card reader, the data received from the input
sensor system and the predefined set of rules, whether one or more cards have to be
dealt and controls the visual indicators to provide a visual indication for those
positions to which the one or more cards have to be dealt.
21. System according to any of the claims 15 to 20, wherein after at least a first round
of cards are dealt the analysis system further determines whether or not to offer
additional betting options to the participant based on the bets previously placed,
the predefined set of rules and the data received from the card reader.
22. System according to claim 21, wherein terms for additional betting options are determined
by the analysis system based on the calculated odds, the predefined set of rules and
predefined margin parameters.
23. System according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the analysis system provides data related
to the offer of additional betting options to the display system.
24. System according to claim 23 when being directly or indirectly dependent on claim
38, wherein the data related to the offer of additional betting options is displayed
on the display unit for the participant to which the additional betting option is
offered.
25. System according to any of the claims 21 to 24, wherein the system further comprises
a spectator system being in communication with the analysis system to receive and/or
transmit data from the analysis system, wherein the spectator system enables a spectator
to place a bet related to the one or more cards of a participant.
26. System according to claim 25, wherein the spectator system includes one or more handheld
devices assigned to each spectator.
27. System according to any of the claims 15 to 26, wherein the analysis system determines
whether a participant or the spectator has won or lost based on the predefined set
of rules and provides final result data to the display system optionally including
wins and or losses.
27. System according to claim 25, wherein the card reader comprises an image capture
device to capture live video data of the card game including the value associated
with the card being dealt.
28. System according to claim 27, wherein the spectator system comprises at least one
slot machine to perform operations comprising: receive the captured live video data;
determine whether the spectator has won or lost based on the predefined set of rules
and received live video data; and provide final result data to the spectator optionally
including wins and or losses.