US20070052175A1

US20070052175A1 - Side wager and related method of playing blackjack

Info

Publication number: US20070052175A1
Application number: US11/511,513
Authority: US
Inventors: Shawn McGurk; Kelvin Morin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-09-07
Filing date: 2006-08-29
Publication date: 2007-03-08

Abstract

A side wager is placed on a game of Blackjack or Twenty-One that either one of the following two conditions are met: 1) a two-card poker hand value of an initial two cards dealt to the player will equal one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values and an index value of each of the initial two cards dealt to the player is lower in magnitude than a prescribed index value; or 2) a suit and an index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches a suit and an index value of an initial face-up card dealt to the dealer. A winning amount is paid to the player if one of the conditions is met and the winning amount is increased if both of the conditions are met.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an optional side wager, referred to herein by the name “Under the Gun”, that can be made along with a primary wager on the game of Blackjack or Twenty-one. The device allows a player to place a side wager (henceforth referred to as “Betting Unit” or “Unit”) that will get paid in multiples (henceforth referred to as “Odds”) of the Betting Unit.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 6,896,266, by Fernando Terminel, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes various aspects of the game of Blackjack or Twenty-One. One example of a side wager is described in detail, however, as further described therein, the average life time for a variant side bet game is short enough that there remains a continuing need for candidate games.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, the player wins if the first two cards dealt to him at the beginning of a blackjack round (henceforth referred to as the “Jackpot Hand”) both have index values under six (6). Further to this, the Odds paid to a Jackpot Hand are modified if the Dealer's Up-Card matches both the Index Value and Suit of at least one card in the Jackpot Hand.
In a second embodiment, the player wins if the first two cards dealt to him at the beginning of a blackjack round both have index values under nine (9) and the two cards equal one of a plurality of designated paying two card poker hands, or if the value and suit of the dealer's up-card matches the value and suit of at least one of the player's first two cards.
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method for enhancing a conventional game of Twenty-one, the method comprising:
providing a player an opportunity to place a Twenty-one wager to participate in the conventional game of Twenty-one;
providing the player an opportunity to place a side wager that an index value of each of an initial two cards dealt to the player is lower in magnitude than a prescribed index value;
dealing the initial two cards to the player;
verifying that the player placed the side wager and paying the player a winning amount on the side wager if the index value of each of the initial two cards dealt to the player are lower in magnitude than the prescribed index value.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for enhancing a conventional game of Twenty-one, the method comprising:
providing a player an opportunity to place a Twenty-one wager to participate in the conventional game of Twenty-one;
providing the player an opportunity to place a side wager that a two-card poker hand value of an initial two cards dealt to the player will equal one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values and that an index value of each of the initial two cards dealt to the player is lower in magnitude than a prescribed index value;
dealing the initial two cards to the player;
verifying that the player placed the side wager and paying the player a winning amount on the side wager if the two-card poker hand value of the initial two cards dealt to the player equals one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values and that an index value of each of the initial two cards dealt to the player is lower in magnitude than the prescribed index value.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for enhancing a conventional game of Twenty-one, the method comprising:
providing a player an opportunity to place a Twenty-one wager to participate in the conventional game of Twenty-one;
providing the player an opportunity to place a side wager that a two-card poker hand value of an initial two cards dealt to the player will equal one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values;
dealing the initial two cards to the player;
verifying that the player placed the side wager and paying the player a winning amount on the side wager if the two-card poker hand value of the initial two cards dealt to the player equals one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values; and
increasing the winning amount by a factor if a suit and an index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches a suit and an index value an initial face-up card dealt to a dealer of the conventional game of Twenty-one
According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for enhancing a conventional game of Twenty-one, the method comprising:
providing a player an opportunity to place a Twenty-one wager to participate in the conventional game of Twenty-one;
providing the player an opportunity to place a side wager that either:

- 1) a two-card poker hand value of an initial two cards dealt to the player will equal one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values; or
- 2) a suit and an index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches a suit and an index value of an initial face-up card dealt to a dealer of the conventional game of Twenty-one;

dealing the initial two cards to the player; and
verifying that the player placed the side wager and paying the player a winning amount on the side wager if:

- 1) the two-card poker hand value of the initial two cards dealt to the player equals one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values; or
- 2) the suit and the index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches the suit and the index value of the initial face-up card dealt to the dealer.

In this instance, the method preferably further includes increasing the winning amount if both: 1) the two-card poker hand value of the initial two cards dealt to the player equals one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values; and 2) the suit and the index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches the suit and the index value of the initial face-up card dealt to the dealer.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for enhancing a conventional game of Twenty-one, the method comprising:
providing a player an opportunity to place a Twenty-one wager to participate in the conventional game of Twenty-one;
providing the player an opportunity to place a side wager that a two-card poker hand value of an initial two cards dealt to the player will equal one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values and an index value of each of the initial two cards dealt to the player is lower in magnitude than a prescribed index value;
dealing the initial two cards to the player;
verifying that the player placed the side wager and paying the player a winning amount on the side wager if the two-card poker hand value of the initial two cards dealt to the player equals one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values and the index value of each of the initial two cards dealt to the player is lower in magnitude than the prescribed index value; and
increasing the winning amount by a factor if a suit and the index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches a suit and an index value an initial face-up card dealt to a dealer of the conventional game of Twenty-one.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for enhancing a conventional game of Twenty-one, the method comprising:
providing a player an opportunity to place a Twenty-one wager to participate in the conventional game of Twenty-one;
providing the player an opportunity to place a side wager that either:

- 1) a two-card poker hand value of an initial two cards dealt to the player will equal one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values and an index value of each of the initial two cards dealt to the player is lower in magnitude than a prescribed index value; or
- 2) a suit and an index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches a suit and an index value of an initial face-up card dealt to a dealer of the conventional game of Twenty-one;

- 1) the two-card poker hand value of the initial two cards dealt to the player equals one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values and the index value of each of the initial two cards dealt to the player is lower in magnitude than the prescribed index value; or
- 2) the suit and the index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches the suit and the index value of the initial face-up card dealt to the dealer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a Blackjack table for use with the various methods described herein;
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the pay table of the game described herein in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the pay table of the game described herein in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 4 is a chart representing the plurality of paying two cards poker hands of the second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now more particularly to FIG. 2, the first embodiment will now be described in greater detail.
The method of play typically involves the following:

1. At the beginning of each round of blackjack, the player is given the option of placing a Unit along with, but separate from, the player's regular blackjack wager. After the Jackpot Hand is dealt to the player and the Dealer has established an Up-Card, the Dealer will determine the Odds that each Player is entitled to.
2. The player gets paid at Odds of a positive amount if the Jackpot Hand, where the player has placed a Unit, consists of both cards having index values of less than six (6). These Odds will vary depending on the composition of the Jackpot Hand, which will be identified as subcategories in Method 6.
3. The player gets paid at Odds of a negative amount if any of the first two cards in the Jackpot Hand, where the player has placed a Unit, has an index value of more than five (5).
4. Index values of the court cards (Jack, Queen, and King) and the Aces are valued higher than five (5).
5. For Methods 2 & 3 the word “paid” refers to the Dealer either giving the player an amount based on the product of the Odds and Unit, or, in the case of Odds of a negative amount, taking from the player an amount based on the product of the Odds and Unit.
6. The Jackpot Hands described in Method 2 consist of six subcategories and are described as follows:
- For Methods 6.1 to 6.6, “value” refers to the index values of the cards comprising the Jackpot Hand and “sequence” refers to the index values being in sequence (e.g. 2-3, 3-4, & 4-5).
- 6.1. Original two cards have the same value and suit.
  - 2-2 (Suited), 3-3 (Suited), 4-4 (Suited) & 5-5 (Suited).
- 6.2. Original two cards are in sequence and the same suit.
  - 2-3 (Suited), 3-4 (Suited) & 4-5 (Suited).
- 6.3. Original two cards are not in sequence, not the same value, but the same suit.
  - 2-4 (Suited), 2-5 (Suited) & 3-5 (Suited).
- 6.4. Original two cards have the same value, but not the same suit.
  - 2-2 (Non-suited), 3-3 (Non-suited), 4-4 (Non-suited) & 5-5 (Non-suited).
- 6.5. Original two cards are in sequence, but not the same suit.
  - 2-3 (Non-suited), 3-4 (Non-suited) & 4-5 (Non-suited).
- 6.6. Original two cards are not in sequence, not the same value, and not the same suit.
  - 2-4 (Non-suited), 2-5 (Non-suited) & 3-5 (Non-suited).
7. The Jackpot Hands described in Method 3 consist of all Jackpot hands exclusive of those identified in Methods 2 and 6.
8. All Odds are modified by multiplying them by a designated number (henceforth referred to as a “Factor”) if the Dealer's Up-card matches both the index value and suit of at least one of the cards in the Player's Jackpot Hand.
- e.g. Player's Initial two cards: King ♦-Four
  - Dealer's Up-Card: King ♦=Qualifies
  - Player's Initial two cards: Jack ♥-Three
  - Dealer's Up-Card: Jack ♥=Does not qualify
  - Player's Initial two cards: Two
    -Five ♥
  - Dealer's Up-Card: Five ♥=Qualifies
9. Method 8 modifies the Odds described in Method 2 by multiplying them by factors that are positive numbers.
10. Method 8 modifies the Odds described in Method 3 by multiplying them by negative numbers that will be determined by the amount of the Betting Unit.
11. Jackpot Hands with Odds modified by Methods 8 through 10 are referred to as “Bull's-eye Bonus” hands.
12. The “Dealer's Up-card” refers to the first card that is drawn to the Dealer that is exposed, according to regular blackjack rules, to the player prior to the players playing their hand.
13. All Under the Gun Betting Units are resolved prior to any regular blackjack game decisions are made.

Under the Gun is a blackjack side wager that can be offered on any blackjack game utilizing 4 or more standard decks of cards.

The following is an example of possible Odds for the Jackpot Hands and possible Factors that can be offered to modify the Odds for a Bulls-eye Bonus Hand:



	Bull's-eye Bonus Hands

			“Modified”
“Jackpot			Odds = “Odds” ×
Hand”	“Odds”	“Factor”	“Factor”

Method 6.1	20	50	1000
Method 6.2	10	10	100
Method 6.3	6	10	60
Method 6.4	4	10	40
Method 6.5	3	10	30
Method 6.6	2	10	20
Method 7*	−1	−1	1
Method 7**	−1	−3	3
Method 7***	−1	−5	5

*Player wagers 1 to 4 Units
**Player wagers 5 to 24 Units
***Player wagers 25 Unit or above

The current device (Under the Gun) will be offered as a leased method of gambling to gaming establishments as a supplement to their existing blackjack games. These blackjack games may be conducted by a live dealer or by an electronic method. The device will provide an additional betting option for a player while playing the game of blackjack. The device will benefit the casino by providing additional revenue through additional play and a higher profit return on each wager.
Features:

1. “Under the Gun” is an optional side wager on the game of blackjack.
2. The number of standard 52 card decks used on a blackjack game with the Under the Gun side wager is recommended to be six (6), but must be no less than four (4).
3. The side wager wins if:
- 3.1. Both of the player's first two cards (“original two cards”) each have a face value of five (5) or less.
  - 3.1.1. For the purpose of the Under the Gun side wager, Ace cards are not valued as low and are considered higher than five (5).
- 3.2. The Dealer's Up-card matches both the suit and value of the first card and/or the suit and value of the second card.
4. The outcome of the original blackjack game wager has no bearing on the side wager and the outcome of the side wager has no bearing on the original blackjack wager.
5. Players must have a valid blackjack wager accompanying each side wager.
6. Only one side wager per betting square is allowed.
Qualifying Under the Gun Hand
1. Should both of the player's first two cards (“original two cards”) have face values of 5 or less, then the player is:
- 1.1. Entitled to a payoff in accordance with the Under the Gun Pay Schedule if the player is not entitled to a “Bull's-eye Bonus”.
- 1.2. Not entitled to a payoff in accordance with the Under the Gun Pay Schedule if the player is entitled to a “Bull's-eye Bonus”.
  Under the Gun Pay Schedule (Six Decks)
1. Suited Pair
- 1.1. Payoff odds are 20 to 1
- 1.2. Original two cards have the same value and suit.
  - 1.2.1. 2-2 (Suited), 3-3 (Suited), 4-4 (Suited) & 5-5 (Suited).
2. Straight-Flush
- 2.1. Payoff odds are 10 to 1
- 2.2. Original two cards are in sequence and the same suit.
  - 2.2.1. 2-3 (Suited), 3-4 (Suited) & 4-5 (Suited).
3. Flush
- 3.1. Payoff odds are 6 to 1
- 3.2. Original two cards are not in sequence, not the same value, but the same suit.
  - 3.2.1. 2-4 (Suited), 2-5 (Suited) & 3-5 (Suited).
4. Non-suited Pair
- 4.1. Payoff odds are 4 to 1 (Note: 5 to 1 with 4 decks)
- 4.2. Original two cards have the same value, but not the same suit.
  - 4.2.1. 2-2 (Non-suited), 3-3 (Non-suited), 4-4 (Non-suited) & 5-5 (Non-suited).
5. Straight
- 5.1. Payoff odds are 3 to 1 (Note: 4 to 1 with 4 decks)
- 5.2. Original two cards are in sequence, but not the same suit.
  - 5.2.1. 2-3 (Non-suited), 3-4 (Non-suited) & 4-5 (Non-suited).
6. Varied Hand
- 6.1. Payoff odds are 2 to 1
- 6.2. Original two cards are not in sequence, not the same value, and not the same suit.
  - 6.2.1. 2-4 (Non-suited), 2-5 (Non-suited) & 3-5 (Non-suited).
    Qualifying Bull's-Eye Bonus
1. All side wagers are eligible to qualify for the Bull's-eye Bonus.
2. The side wager qualifies for a Bull's-eye Bonus if:
- 2.1. The Dealer's up-card matches the suit and value of the first card and/or the suit and value of the second card.
3. All side wagers that qualify for a Bull's-eye Bonus are paid according to the Bull's-eye Bonus Pay Schedule.
4. The side wager does not qualify for a Bull's-eye Bonus if the Dealer's up-card does not match the suit and value of the first card and the suit and value of the second card.
Bull's-Eye Bonus Pay Schedule (Six Decks)
1. A side wager that has qualified for a Under the Gun hand (as described in the section “Qualifying Under the Gun Hand”) and has qualified for a Bull's-eye Bonus (as described in the section “Qualifying Bull's-eye Bonus”) will have the pay schedule (as described in the section “Under the Gun Pay Schedule”) adjusted to the following:
- 1.1. Suited Pair (as described in the section Under the Gun Pay Schedule) will pay:
  - 1.1.1. 1,000 to 1 instead of 20 to 1.
- 1.2. Straight-Flush (as described in the section Under the Gun Pay Schedule) will pay:
  - 1.2.1. 100 to 1 instead of 10 to 1.
- 1.3. Flush (as described in the section Under the Gun Pay Schedule) will pay:
  - 1.3.1. 60 to 1 instead of 6 to 1.
- 1.4. Non-Suited Pair (as described in the section Under the Gun Pay Schedule) will pay:
  - 1.4.1. 40 to 1 instead of 4 to 1. (Note: 50 to 1 with 4 decks)
- 1.5. Straight (as described in the section Under the Gun Pay Schedule) will pay:
  - 1.5.1. 30 to 1 instead of 3 to 1. (Note: 40 to 1 with 4 decks)
- 1.6.Varied Hand (as described in the section Under the Gun Pay Schedule) will pay:
  - 1.6.1. 20 to 1 instead of 2 to 1.
2. A side wager that has not qualified for a Under the Gun hand (as described in the section “Qualifying Under the Gun Hand”), but has qualified for a Bull's-eye Bonus (as described in the section “Qualifying Bull's-eye Bonus”) will get paid:
- 2.1. at odds of 1 to 1 for a wager that is less than $5.
- 2.2. at odds of 3 to 1 for a wager that is not less than $5 and not more than $24.
- 2.3. at odds of 5 to 1 for a wager that is more than $24.
  Losing Hands
1. A side wager that has not qualified for a Under the Gun hand (as described in the section “Qualifying Under the Gun Hand”) and has not qualified for a Bull's-eye Bonus (as described in the section “Qualifying Bull's-eye Bonus”) is deemed to be a losing wager and is collected by the dealer.
Eligible Cards
1. The “original two cards” refers to:
- 1.1.The first and second cards dealt to the pertinent betting spot after a valid blackjack wager and a valid Under the Gun side wager are made.
- 1.2.And any two cards that make a two card hand prior to the player exercising any play options.
- 1.3.And card(s) that is deemed by a casino representative, with the authority to make such a decision, to replace the card(s) described in 1.1 & 1.2.
2. The “original two cards” does not refer to:
- 2.1.Any card(s) deemed ineligible for the original blackjack game by a casino representative with the authority to make such a decision.
- 2.2.Any card(s) replaced by another card as a result of a decision made by a casino representative with the authority to make such a decision.
3. The “Dealer's Up-card” refers to:
- 3.1.The first card that is drawn to the Dealer that is exposed, according to regular blackjack rules, to the player prior to the players playing their hand.
- 3.2.Any card that is drawn to any hand which, as a result of a discrepancy, is deemed to be the Dealer's Up-card described in 3.1 by a casino representative with the authority to make such a decision.
4. The “Dealer's Up-card” does not refer to:
- 4.1. Any card that is drawn to the Dealer's hand but deemed not in play for the original game (“burned” or otherwise) by a casino representative with the authority to make such a decision.
- 4.2.Any card that is drawn to any hand which, as a result of a discrepancy, is offered to another betting spot by a casino representative with the authority to make such a decision.
  - 4.2.1. The casino representative should inform the players that this card is not an eligible Bonus card prior to offering it to any hand.
    Wagers and Payoffs
1. When taking a losing side wagers the dealer must:
- 1.1.Take each losing side wager immediately after the initial cards are dealt to each player and the Dealer's Up-card is established.
  - 1.1.1. Place all losing side wagers immediately into the chip tray
2. When paying a qualifying side wagers the dealer must:
- 2.1. Pay all winning side wagers in accordance with the odds described in the “Under the Gun Pay Schedule” or the odds described in the “Bull's-eye Bonus Pay Schedule”.
- 2.2. Pay each winning side wager immediately after the initial cards are dealt to each player and the Dealer's Up-card is established and all losing side-wager bets are taken.
- 2.3. Pay winning side wagers with chips directly from the chip tray.
- 2.4. Clearly announce the amount that is being paid to the winning side wager.
- 2.5. Place all winning amounts at the top left (Dealer's) area past the blackjack betting spot.
- 2.6. Pay the winning side wager no more than one time, unless there is a discrepancy and the dealer is directed otherwise by a casino representative with the authority to make such a decision.
- 2.7. Contact the <insert position>before paying a side wager an amount equaling or exceeding <insert amount>.
3. Players are not permitted to remove their original side wager until all side-wagers are resolved.
4. Jackpot payoffs of <insert amount> or more must be conducted in accordance with <insert jackpot procedure>.
5. Under the Gun side wagers cannot be made until all wagers from the previous round are paid or taken and the cards are removed from the table layout.
Start of the Game
1. Prior to the start of each round of blackjack play, the players are given the opportunity to place an optional wager on a designated side wager betting spot that is situated on the table layout. At the same time the player will place their primary wager for the original blackjack game.
- 1.1. These wagers must be placed prior to any cards being dealt out for the round.
2. The Under the Gun side wager will have betting limits that will be:
- 2.1.A Maximum of $<insert min.>
- 2.2.A Minimum of $<insert min.>
3. After all Under the Gun wagers and blackjack wagers are placed, the dealer will begin to deal the cards out.
- 3.1.Once the dealer begins to deal the cards out, the players may not place a wager or alter the amount of their existing wager.
  Sequence of Play
1. Once all cards are distributed to each hand, the dealer will commence by taking all losing wagers in accordance with “Wagers and Payoffs Section 1” starting from the first active spot on the dealer's right and then proceeding left until all losing wagers are removed.
2. The Dealer will commence paying any qualifying hands in accordance with “Wagers and Payoffs Section 2” beginning from the first qualifying hand on the Dealer's right.
- 2.1. For each winning side wager the Dealer will announce the type of qualifying hand.
  - E.g. 5 (Diamonds) & 4 (Diamonds) should be announced as “Straight-flush”.
  - E.g. 3 (Hearts) & 5 (Hearts) should be announced as “Flush”.
  - E.g. 2 (Diamonds) & 4 (Clubs) should be announced as “Varied”.
- 2.2. Followed by announcing the amount being paid.
3. Once all Under the Gun wagers are resolved, the hands will continue to be played per regular blackjack procedures.

The rules of the above described game for enhancing the game of Blackjack or Twenty-one are summarized as follows:
Under the Gun is an optional side wager offered in the game of Shoe Blackjack which is open to all Players who have made a Blackjack wager(s). The Player will win if the first two cards they receive have values under 6 (Aces count as high) or if the value and suit of the Dealer's up-card matches the value and suit of at least one of the Player's first two cards.
Under the Gun Play

1. Prior to the start of each round of Blackjack, Players are afforded the opportunity to place an Under the Gun wager. This wager must be placed on the designated betting spot at the same time the primary Blackjack wager is made. All wagers must be in $1 multiples.
2. Once the Dealer has dealt the first two cards to each Player and has established an up-card, the Dealer must determine if any of the Players, who have wagered on the Under the Gun wager, have hands that qualify for an Under the Gun payout.
3. Players who's first two cards dealt to them both have values under 6, will be paid their winnings according to the Under the Gun Jackpot Pay Table displayed below, unless the Dealer's up-card matches both suit and value of at least one of the Player's cards.
4. When the Dealer's up-card matches both suit and value of at least one of the Player's cards, the Player will be paid according to the Under the Gun Bull's-eye Bonus Pay Table.
5. Each Under the Gun wager is only entitled to one payout from the Under the Gun pay table as shown in FIG. 2.
6. Players who qualify for an Under the Gun payout will be paid according to the Under the Gun Pay Tables below.
Jackpot Hands
1. Suited Pair
- 1.1. Original two cards have the same value and suit.
  - 1.1.1. 2-2 (Suited), 3-3 (Suited), 4-4 (Suited) & 5-5 (Suited).
2. Straight-Flush
- 2.1. Original two cards are in sequence and the same suit.
  - 2.1.1. 2-3 (Suited), 3-4 (Suited) & 4-5 (Suited).
3. Flush
- 3.1. Original two cards are not in sequence, not the same value, but the same suit
  - 3.1.1. 2-4 (Suited), 2-5 (Suited) & 3-5 (Suited).
4. Pair
- 4.1. Original two cards have the same value, but not the same suit.
  - 4.1.1. 2-2 (Non-suited), 3-3 (Non-suited), 4-4 (Non-suited) & 5-5 (Non-suited).
5. Straight
- 5.1. Original two cards are in sequence, but not the same suit.
  - 5.1.1. 2-3 (Non-suited), 3-4 (Non-suited) & 4-5 (Non-suited).
6. Varied
- 6.1. Original two cards are not in sequence, not the same value, and not the same suit.
  - 6.1.1. 2-4 (Non-suited), 2-5 (Non-suited) & 3-5 (Non-suited).
    Bull's-Eye Bonus
1. As shown in the pay table of FIG. 2, when the player wins a Bull's-eye Bonus by matching one of the first two cards with the Dealer's up-card, the payoff on a winning Jackpot Hand will increase 10 times, with the exception of a Suited-Pair which increases by 50 times.
2. As shown in the pay table below, if the Player does not have a winning Jackpot Hand, but wins the Bull's-eye bonus by matching one of the first two cards with the Dealer's up-card, the bet will get paid at odds according to the amount wagered.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the second embodiment will now be described in greater detail.
Under the Gun is an optional side wager offered with the game of Shoe Blackjack, which is open to all Players who have made a Blackjack wager(s).
The Player wins if the first two cards they receive both have values under 9 and:

1. The hand is a black pair.
2. The hand is a red two-card flush.
3. The hand is any two-card straight.
OR
4. If the value and suit of the Dealer's up-card matches the value and suit of at least one of the Player's first two cards
Under the Gun Play
1. Prior to the start of each round of Blackjack, Players are afforded the opportunity to place a $1 minimum/$100 maximum Under the Gun wager. This wager must be placed on the designated betting spot at the same time the primary Blackjack wager is made and cannot exceed the Blackjack wager. All wagers must be in $1 multiples.
2. Once the Dealer has dealt the first two cards to each Player and has established an up-card, the Dealer must determine if any of the Players, who have wagered on the Under the Gun wager, have hands that qualify for an Under the Gun payout.
3. Players who's first two cards dealt to them both have values under 9 and is a two-card black pair, red flush or straight will be paid their winnings according to the Under the Gun Jackpot Pay Table displayed below, unless the Dealer's up-card matches both suit and value of at least one of the Player's cards.
4. When the Dealer's up-card matches both suit and value of at least one of the Player's cards, the Player will be paid according to the Under the Gun Bull's-eye Bonus Pay Table.
5. Each Under the Gun wager is only entitled to one payout from the Under the Gun pay tables.
6. Players who qualify for an Under the Gun payout will be paid according to the Under the Gun Pay Tables below.
Jackpot Hands

To qualify for a Jackpot Hand, both cards must have index values under 9. Aces are valued as higher than 9.

1. Black Suited Pair
- 1.1. Original two cards that are both Black Suits and have the same value and suit.
  - 1.1.1. 2-2 (Suited), 3-3 (Suited), 4-4 (Suited), 5-5 (Suited), 6-6 (Suited), 7-7 (Suited), and 8-8 (Suited).
2. Black Pair
- 2.1.Original two cards that are Black Suits have the same value and are not Suited Pairs.
  - 2.1.1. 2-2 (Non-suited), 3-3 (Non-suited), 4-4 (Non-suited) & 5-5 (Non-suited) 6-6 (Non-Suited), 7-7 (Non-Suited), and 8-8 (Non-Suited).
3. Red Straight-Flush
- 3.1.Original two cards that are Red Suits and are in sequence and the same suit.
  - 3.1.1. 2-3 (Suited), 3-4 (Suited) & 4-5 (Suited), 5-6 (Suited), 6-7 (Suited) & 7-8 (Suited).
4. Red Flush
- 4.1.Original two cards that are Red Suits, are the same suit and are not Red Straight-Flushes.
5. Any Straight
- 5.1. Original two cards that are in sequence and are not Red Straight-Flushes.

FIG. 4 shows a table of eligible Jackpot Hands, which are numbered according to the descriptions above. This table will supersede all interpretations of eligible Jackpot Hands.
Bull's-Eye Bonus

1. As shown in the pay table below, when the player wins a Bull's-eye Bonus by matching one of the first two cards with the Dealer's up-card, the payoff on a winning Jackpot Hand will increase 5 times, with the exception of a Black Suited-Pair which increases by 50 times.
2. As shown in the pay table below, if the Player does not have a winning Jackpot Hand, but wins the Bull's-eye bonus by matching one of the first two cards with the Dealer's up-card, the bet will get paid at odds according to the amount wagered.

Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A method for enhancing a conventional game of Twenty-one, the method comprising:

providing a player an opportunity to place a Twenty-one wager to participate in the conventional game of Twenty-one;

providing the player an opportunity to place a side wager that an index value of each of an initial two cards dealt to the player is lower in magnitude than a prescribed index value;

dealing the initial two cards to the player;

verifying that the player placed the side wager and paying the player a winning amount on the side wager if the index value of each of the initial two cards dealt to the player are lower in magnitude than the prescribed index value.

2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the winning amount is a multiple of the side wager and wherein the multiple is of a lower magnitude if the index values of the initial two cards are non-matching and non-sequential and suits of the initial two cards are non-matching and wherein the multiple is of a higher magnitude if the initial two cards correspond to one of a plurality of paying two card poker hands.

3. The method according to claim 2 wherein the plurality of paying two card poker hands includes: a suited pair in which the index values and the suits of the initial two cards match; a straight flush in which the suits of the initial two cards match and the index values of the initial two cards are sequential; a flush in which the suits of the initial two cards match and the index values of the initial two cards are non-matching and non-sequential; a non-suited pair in which the index values of the initial two cards match and the suits of the initial two cards differ; and a straight in which the index values of the initial two cards are sequential and the suits of the initial two cards differ.

4. The method according to claim 1 including increasing the winning amount by a factor if the suit and the index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches an initial face-up card dealt to a dealer of the conventional game of Twenty-one.

5. The method according to claim 4 wherein the factor is greatest when the initial two cards comprise a suited pair in which the index values and the suits of the initial two cards match.

6. The method according to claim 1 including paying the player an auxiliary winning amount if the suit and the index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches an initial face-up card dealt to a dealer of the conventional game of Twenty-one, but at least one index value of the initial two cards is equal to or greater than the prescribed index value.

7. A method for enhancing a conventional game of Twenty-one, the method comprising:

providing the player an opportunity to place a side wager that a two-card poker hand value of an initial two cards dealt to the player will equal one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values and that an index value of each of the initial two cards dealt to the player is lower in magnitude than a prescribed index value;

dealing the initial two cards to the player;

verifying that the player placed the side wager and paying the player a winning amount on the side wager if the two-card poker hand value of the initial two cards dealt to the player equals one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values and that an index value of each of the initial two cards dealt to the player is lower in magnitude than the prescribed index value.

8. The method according to claim 7 wherein the plurality of paying two card poker hands includes a suited pair in which the index values and the suits of the initial two cards match and in which the suits are a designated colour.

9. The method according to claim 7 wherein the plurality of paying two card poker hands includes a straight flush in which the suits of the initial two cards match and are a designated colour and the index values of the initial two cards are sequential.

10. The method according to claim 7 wherein the plurality of paying two card poker hands includes a flush in which the suits of the initial two cards match and are a designated colour and the index values of the initial two cards are non-sequential.

11. The method according to claim 7 wherein the plurality of paying two card poker hands includes a non-suited pair in which the index values of the initial two cards match and the suits of the initial two cards differ, but are of a common designated colour.

12. The method according to claim 7 wherein the plurality of paying two card poker hands includes a straight in which the index values of the initial two cards are sequential and the suits of the initial two cards differ.

13. The method according to claim 7 wherein the prescribed index value is 9.

14. The method according to claim 7 including increasing the winning amount by a factor if the suit and the index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches an initial face-up card dealt to a dealer of the conventional game of Twenty-one.

15. The method according to claim 7 wherein the factor is greatest when the initial two cards comprise a suited pair in which the index values and the suits of the initial two cards match.

16. The method according to claim 7 including paying the player an auxiliary winning amount if the suit and the index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches an initial face-up card dealt to a dealer of the conventional game of Twenty-one and that a two-card poker hand value of the initial two cards dealt to the player does not equal one of the a plurality of paying two card poker hand values.

17. The method according to claim 7 including increasing the winning amount if both: 1) the two-card poker hand value of the initial two cards dealt to the player equals one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values and the index value of each of the initial two cards dealt to the player is lower in magnitude than the prescribed index value; and 2) the suit and the index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches the suit and the index value of the initial face-up card dealt to the dealer.

18. A method for enhancing a conventional game of Twenty-one, the method comprising:

providing the player an opportunity to place a side wager that a two-card poker hand value of an initial two cards dealt to the player will equal one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values;

dealing the initial two cards to the player;

verifying that the player placed the side wager and paying the player a winning amount on the side wager if the two-card poker hand value of the initial two cards dealt to the player equals one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values; and

increasing the winning amount by a factor if a suit and an index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches a suit and an index value an initial face-up card dealt to a dealer of the conventional game of Twenty-one.

19. The method according to claim 18 including paying the player an auxiliary winning amount if the suit and the index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches an initial face-up card dealt to a dealer of the conventional game of Twenty-one and that a two-card poker hand value of the initial two cards dealt to the player does not equal one of the a plurality of paying two card poker hand values.

20. The method according to claim 18 including increasing the winning amount if both: 1) the two-card poker hand value of the initial two cards dealt to the player equals one of the plurality of paying two card poker hand values; and 2) the suit and the index value of at least one of the initial two cards dealt to the player matches the suit and the index value of the initial face-up card dealt to the dealer.