US20050218598A1

US20050218598A1 - Combined baccarat and blackjack game

Info

Publication number: US20050218598A1
Application number: US10/818,291
Authority: US
Inventors: Christine Parsadaian; Serge Parsadaian
Original assignee: PARSADAIAN SERGE - 85%
Current assignee: PARSADAIAN SERGE - 85%
Priority date: 2004-04-05
Filing date: 2004-04-05
Publication date: 2005-10-06

Abstract

A combination baccarat and blackjack game. Preferably, each wagering player plays a baccarat-type game and a blackjack-type game against a dealer who also plays baccarat and blackjack hands. In one embodiment, a determination card is utilized in the event of a tie, to determine whether or to what extent a player loses his/her initial wager. A bonus feature may also be provided, to permit players to achieve a bonus payout for achieving particular blackjack and/or baccarat hands. In another embodiment, only one player blackjack hand and one player baccarat hand is provided, with players wagering on dealer or player blackjack hands and/or baccarat hands.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to card games and, more particularly, to a card game that is a combination of a baccarat-type of game and a blackjack type of game.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The rules of the game of baccarat, also known as punto banco, are well-known. Two hands are dealt—a “dealer” hand and a “player” hand. Each hand initially receives two cards, and the goal is to achieve the highest point total when adding the value of the cards making up the hand. A series of rules govern whether the player hand or the dealer hand is dealt a third card.
Special rules apply to the determining of card values for adding purposes. 10's and face cards have no value, Aces have a value of one, and the remaining cards have their face value. If the added value of the cards is greater than 10 (e.g., two sevens have an added value of 14), the first digit is ignored and only the second one is considered in determining value (e.g., the baccarat value of two sevens is “4” and not “14”). As a result of these adding rules, the highest baccarat hand achievable is nine.
The gambling on the play of baccarat consists of players wagering on either the dealer hand or the player hand to win. Because there is only one “player” hand, the remaining wagerers, other than the player with the “player” hand, are not actually playing a baccarat hand.
Another popular card game is blackjack, also known as “21.” In blackjack, players play against a dealer hand, with the goal being to achieve a higher point total than the dealer hand, without exceeding 21.
A need exists for a game that combines a baccarat-type game and a blackjack-type game into a single game, so that a player can simultaneously play both such games in a simultaneous fashion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a combination blackjack and baccarat-type card game is disclosed. The game comprises, in combination, the steps of: accepting an initial wager from at least one player; dealing the at least one player an initial two player cards; dealing a dealer an initial two dealer cards; permitting the at least one player to assign one card of the initial two player cards to a player blackjack hand and a remaining card of the initial two player cards to a player baccarat hand; the dealer assigning one card of the initial two dealer cards to a dealer blackjack hand and a remaining card of the initial two dealer cards to a dealer baccarat hand; dealing at least one additional card to each the at least one player blackjack hand to complete the player blackjack hand; dealing at least one additional card to each the at least one player baccarat hand to complete the at least one player baccarat hand; dealing at least one additional card to the dealer blackjack hand to complete the dealer blackjack hand; dealing at least one additional card to the dealer baccarat hand to complete the dealer baccarat hand; determining a blackjack hand value for each the player blackjack hand; determining a blackjack hand value for the dealer blackjack hand; comparing the blackjack hand value of each the player blackjack hand with the blackjack hand value of the dealer blackjack hand; determining a baccarat hand value for each the player baccarat hand; determining a baccarat hand value for the dealer baccarat hand; and comparing the baccarat hand value of each the player baccarat hand with the baccarat hand value of the dealer baccarat hand.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a combination blackjack and baccarat-type card game is disclosed. The game comprises, in combination, the steps of: establishing at least one bonus jackpot; accepting an initial wager from at least one player; dealing the at least one player an initial two player cards; dealing a dealer an initial two dealer cards; permitting the at least one player to assign one card of the initial two player cards to a player blackjack hand and a remaining card of the initial two player cards to a player baccarat hand; the dealer assigning one card of the initial two dealer cards to a dealer blackjack hand and a remaining card of the initial two dealer cards to a dealer baccarat hand; dealing at least one additional card to each the at least one player blackjack hand to complete the player blackjack hand; dealing at least one additional card to each the at least one player baccarat hand to complete the at least one player baccarat hand; dealing at least one additional card to the dealer blackjack hand to complete the dealer blackjack hand; dealing at least one additional card to the dealer baccarat hand to complete the dealer baccarat hand; determining a blackjack hand value for each the player blackjack hand; determining a blackjack hand value for the dealer blackjack hand; comparing the blackjack hand value of each the player blackjack hand with the blackjack hand value of the dealer blackjack hand; determining a baccarat hand value for each the player baccarat hand; determining a baccarat hand value for the dealer baccarat hand; comparing the baccarat hand value of each the player baccarat hand with the baccarat hand value of the dealer baccarat hand; determining based on cards comprising at least one the player blackjack hand and one the player baccarat hand whether the at least one bonus jackpot has been achieved.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a combination blackjack and baccarat-type card game is disclosed. The game comprises, in combination, the steps of: accepting a blackjack wager from one or more players; wherein the blackjack wager is for one of a dealer blackjack hand and a single player blackjack hand to win; accepting a baccarat wager from one or more players; wherein the baccarat wager is for one of a dealer baccarat hand and a single player baccarat hand to win; dealing to a single player an initial two player cards; dealing a dealer an initial two dealer cards; assigning one card of the initial two player cards to the single player blackjack hand and a remaining card of the initial two player cards to the single player baccarat hand; assigning one card of the initial two dealer cards to the dealer blackjack hand and a remaining card of the initial two dealer cards to the dealer baccarat hand; dealing at least one additional card to the single player blackjack hand to complete the single player blackjack hand; dealing at least one additional card to the single player baccarat hand to complete the single player baccarat hand; dealing at least one additional card to the dealer blackjack hand to complete the dealer blackjack hand; dealing at least one additional card to the dealer baccarat hand to complete the dealer baccarat hand; determining a blackjack hand value for the single player blackjack hand; determining a blackjack hand value for the dealer blackjack hand; comparing the blackjack hand value of the single player blackjack hand with the blackjack hand value of the dealer blackjack hand; determining a baccarat hand value for the single player baccarat hand; determining a baccarat hand value for the dealer baccarat hand; and comparing the baccarat hand value of the single player baccarat hand with the baccarat hand value of the dealer baccarat hand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a game table, suitable for the play of a combination baccarat and blackjack game consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating steps in the play of a combination baccarat and blackjack game consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating additional steps that may be utilized in the event of a tie between player and dealer hands.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating steps in the play of a combination baccarat and blackjack game consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a game table, suitable for the player of a combination baccarat and blackjack game consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIG. 2, the basic steps in the play of an embodiment of a combination baccarat and blackjack game consistent with an embodiment of the present invention are shown. FIG. 1 illustrates a table on which a combination baccarat and blackjack game as herein described may be played. (Of course, table size and shape can be varied as desired, including based on the number of players to be accommodated.)
First, it should be noted that each player is, preferably, dealt cards, so that there will be as many “player” hands as there are players. Thus, as shown in FIG. 1, illustration is made of a table 10 adapted to accommodate as many as seven players, with each player having his or her own play area 12 for his or her cards.
Initially, each player places one initial wager or “ante” for blackjack in area 26, and one for baccarat in area 28. (In one embodiment, players are required to play both baccarat and blackjack hands simultaneously. In another, players are permitted to play only one game, in which case such player will only be dealt cards for the game in which the player is participating.)
Play then preferably begins with the dealer standing or sitting at dealer station 14 dealing two cards to each player, and two cards for the dealer hand. It is preferred that the two player cards are each dealt face up, while the two dealer cards are dealt face down. It is preferred that the dealer utilize a multi-deck stack of cards, and preferably one containing a minimum of eight decks.
One player card is assigned to a blackjack hand located in portion 16 of the player area 12, and one player card is assigned to a baccarat hand located in portion 18 of the player area 12. Players, in this embodiment, are permitted to decide which card is applied to which hand. In this embodiment, the dealer also gets to determine which of his or her initial two cards becomes part of a blackjack hand, located in portion 20 of dealer area 22, and which becomes part of a baccarat hand, located in portion 24 of dealer area 22.
After all player and dealer elections have been made, the dealer may deal two additional cards to each player and to the dealer hand. It is preferred that assignment of the two additional player cards to the blackjack or baccarat hand be made automatic. For example, and preferably, the first additional card that a player receives would be assigned to the blackjack hand (and thus would be placed in portion 16 of the player area 12) and the second would be assigned to the baccarat hand (and thus would be placed in portion 18 of the player area 12).
The dealer should also deal to the dealer hand two additional cards, with the assignment of the two additional cards to the blackjack or baccarat hands being automatic. Again, it is preferred that the first additional card be assigned to the blackjack hand, and the second to the baccarat hand. Preferably, the two additional cards for the player and dealer hands are all dealt face up.
After the dealer and each player have received four cards, each player is permitted to complete each of his or her blackjack and baccarat hands. With respect to the blackjack hand, a player can stand on his or her initial two cards, or can draw one or more additional cards until exceeding 21 or standing. Other procedures commonly utilized in blackjack, such as splitting and doubling down, may be utilized in this combination game as well.
With respect to the baccarat hand, rules should be established to determine when a player may select a third card. These rules can be classic baccarat rules (i.e., player automatically draws a third card with a hand that is less than or equal to five, player does not draw with a hand that totals 8 or 9, and player may draw at 6 or 7). Preferably, however, baccarat rules are modified slightly, so that the player must draw with a total of 5 or less, must stand with a total of 7, 8 or 9, and may draw with a total of 6.
Once each player baccarat and blackjack hand is completed, the dealer completes his or her blackjack and baccarat hands. With respect to the blackjack hand, typically house rules provide that the dealer must take an additional card with a hand of 16 or less, and must stand with a hand of 17 or greater. With respect to the baccarat hand, classic baccarat rules can be utilized to determine whether the dealer draws a third card. Preferably, however, the classic rules are modified so as to simplify them. In a preferred embodiment, the dealer must take an additional card with a hand of 5 or less, and must stand with a hand of 6 or more.
Once the dealer hands are completed, the dealer compares his or her hands to each player hand, and winners are determined on a hand by hand basis. For example, with respect to Player 1, the dealer will compare his/her blackjack hand to Player 1's player hand. If Player 1 has a better hand, Player 1 will be awarded an amount equal to the amount wagered for the blackjack game. If the dealer has a better blackjack hand, Player 1 loses the amount wagered for blackjack. If the hands tie, typically, Player 1 receives back his/her initial blackjack wager.
With respect to the baccarat hand, if Player 1 has a better hand, Player 1 will be awarded an amount equal to the amount wagered for the baccarat game. If the dealer has a better baccarat hand, Player 1 loses the amount wagered for baccarat. If the hands tie, several possibilities are created. For example, as with prior art blackjack games, it can be provided that in the event of a tie, the original wager is returned. Referring now to FIG. 3, preferably, in the event of a baccarat tie, an additional card is dealt to the tying player. That card, known as a “determination” or “D” card, determines the disposition of the baccarat wager. By way of example only, it can be provided that if the D card has a value of 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9, there is a “push,” and the player receives the return of the initial wager. If the D card has a value of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, J, Q, or K, the following mechanism can apply—the player will forfeit a percentage of the initial baccarat wager depending on the card value. For example, if the D card is 2, the amount lost will be 20% of the original wager, if the D card is 4, the amount lost will be 40% of the original wager, if the D card is 6, the amount lost will be 60% of the original wager, if the D card is 8, the amount lost will be 80% of the original wager, if the D card is 10 or higher, the amount lost will be the full amount (100%) of the original wager. In one embodiment, a D card is also utilized in the event of a blackjack tie.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a basic combination baccarat and blackjack game as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be played with an additional bonus feature. In this version, participation in which preferably requires an additional wager (to be placed in area 30), a player can achieve a bonus payout depending on the value of one or both of his/her baccarat and/or blackjack hands. Thus, following play of the basic combination game, determination is made as to whether or not the player who is participating in the bonus game has obtained a hand or hands entitling him or her to the award of a bonus payout.

The following is an illustration of a pay table, with examples of bonus-generating combinations:



Blackjack Hand	Baccarat Hand

21	9
21 (based on two cards)	9 (based on two cards)
21 (two cards of same suit)	9 (two cards of same suit as
	blackjack cards)
21 (ace and king of the same suit)	9 (with ten and nine of same suit as
	blackjack cards)
21 (based on three sevens)	9 (based on three threes)
21 (based on three sevens of same suit)	9
21 (based on six, seven and eight)	9 (based on two, three, and four)
21 (based on six, seven and eight of same suit)	9 (based on two, three, and four of same
	suit as blackjack cards)
21 (based on five, seven and nine)	9 (based on two, three, and four)
21 (based on five, seven and nine of same suit)	9 (based on two, three, and four of
	same suit as blackjack cards)
Both player hands combine to make a royal flush
(A, K, Q, J, 10 of same suit)
21 (four fives and an ace)	Any hand
21 (with four fours and a five)	Any hand
21 (with five fours and an ace)	Any hand
21 (with five threes and a six)	Any hand
21 (with three fours and three threes)	Any hand
21 (with three fives and three twos)	Any hand
21 (with three sixes and three aces)	Any hand
21 (with cards having the following values: one,	Any hand
two, three, four, five and six)
21 (with cards having the following values: one,	Any hand
two, three, four, five and six and all of the same
suit)
21 (with seven threes)	Any hand
21 (with two twos, three threes, and two fours)	Any hand
21 (with six twos and one nine)	Any hand
21 (with seven twos and one seven)	Any hand

For example, as shown in the pay table, a bonus payment can be made where a player achieves both a 21 in blackjack and a 9 in baccarat, however achieved. Or a bonus can be awarded if a 21 is achieved in blackjack in a particular way (e.g., an Ace and a King) and 9 is achieved in baccarat in a designated way (e.g., a 10 and a 9). Or the bonus can be awarded if a particular blackjack hand is achieved (e.g., a 21 consisting of seven 3's), without regard to the baccarat hand achieved. It should be recognized that the particular bonus-generating combinations can be varied as desired.
Preferably, the actual payout amount associated with a particular bonus combination is determined based on the relative degree of difficulty of achieving a possible bonus combination, with the amount being higher the greater the degree of difficulty. It may be desired to make one or more of the bonus payout amounts progressive.
Referring now to FIG. 5, it should be noted that while it is preferable that each player play a baccarat hand and a blackjack hand, it would be possible to have only a single dealer hand (consisting of baccarat and blackjack hands) and a single player hand (consisting of baccarat and blackjack hands), with non-player players wagering on whether the dealer or the player hand will win both respect to the blackjack and baccarat games.
Still referring to FIG. 5, the dealer is positioned at dealer station 114. Players place their initial wager or “ante” for blackjack and for baccarat. If they wish to wager on the player hand for blackjack, the wager is placed in area 126. If they wish to wager on the dealer blackjack hand, the wager is placed in area 127. If they wish to wager on the player hand for baccarat, the wager is placed in area 128. If they wish to wager on the dealer baccarat hand, the wager is placed in area 129. Players may wager on the dealer or player baccarat hand, and on the dealer or player blackjack hand. Players may be required to wager on both games, or may be permitted to only wager on one. (Preferably, bonus wagering is not included in this embodiment.)
One player card is assigned to a single player blackjack hand located in area 116, and one player card is assigned to a single player baccarat hand located in area 118. The player playing the player hand preferably is permitted to decide which card is applied to which hand, though it may be desired to allow the dealer to make this decision or to make the decision automatic. In this embodiment, the dealer also gets to determine which of his or her initial two cards becomes part of a blackjack hand, located in area 120, and which becomes part of a baccarat hand, located in area 124.
After the player and dealer elections have been made, the dealer may deal two additional cards to the player and to the dealer hand. It is preferred that assignment of the two additional player cards to the blackjack or baccarat hand be made automatic. For example, and preferably, the first additional card that a player receives would be assigned to the blackjack hand (and thus would be placed in area 116) and the second would be assigned to the baccarat hand (and thus would be placed in area 118).
In this embodiment, it is preferable that the player hand and the dealer hand each follow the same rules with respect to the drawing of additional cards for the baccarat and blackjack hands. With respect to baccarat, preferably, third cards must be drawn on a total of five or less, and standing is required for a total of six or greater. With respect to blackjack, preferably, additional cards must be drawn on a total of 16 or less, and standing is required for a total of 17 or greater.
In this embodiment, it is further preferred that there be no splitting, doubling down or insurance. It is preferred that all cards, both dealer and player, be dealt facing up. The payout for a two card blackjack (whether achieved by the player hand or dealer hand) can be three to two, as in prior art blackjack games, can be one to one, or otherwise as desired.
In this embodiment, where there is a single player hand, rather than multiple hands, and where a D card is utilized in the event of a tie (for baccarat and/or blackjack), it is preferred that a D card be dealt for every player who has made a wager, for example to D card space 130, so that the fate of each wager may be determined on an individual basis. Alternatively, a single D card can be drawn to determine the collective fate of all player wagers.
It should be noted that the games as herein described can be played as live games on a table such as that illustrated in FIG. 1 or on one such as that illustrated in FIG. 5. Optionally, they may also be embodied in an electronic version, video terminal version, on a disk to be played on a personal computer or the like, in a version playable over the Internet or other network to be played on a personal computer.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A combination blackjack and baccarat-type card game comprising, in combination, the steps of:

accepting an initial wager from at least one player;

dealing said at least one player an initial two player cards;

dealing a dealer an initial two dealer cards;

permitting said at least one player to assign one card of said initial two player cards to a player blackjack hand and a remaining card of said initial two player cards to a player baccarat hand;

said dealer assigning one card of said initial two dealer cards to a dealer blackjack hand and a remaining card of said initial two dealer cards to a dealer baccarat hand;

dealing at least one additional card to each said at least one player blackjack hand to complete said player blackjack hand;

dealing at least one additional card to each said at least one player baccarat hand to complete said at least one player baccarat hand;

dealing at least one additional card to said dealer blackjack hand to complete said dealer blackjack hand;

dealing at least one additional card to said dealer baccarat hand to complete said dealer baccarat hand;

determining a blackjack hand value for each said player blackjack hand;

determining a blackjack hand value for said dealer blackjack hand;

comparing said blackjack hand value of each said player blackjack hand with said blackjack hand value of said dealer blackjack hand;

determining a baccarat hand value for each said player baccarat hand;

determining a baccarat hand value for said dealer baccarat hand; and

comparing said baccarat hand value of each said player baccarat hand with said baccarat hand value of said dealer baccarat hand.

2. The game of claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting as a winning blackjack hand between said dealer blackjack hand and said at least one player blackjack hand whichever of said dealer blackjack hand and said at least one player blackjack hand having a higher blackjack value.

3. The game of claim 1 further comprising the step of selecting as a winning baccarat hand between said dealer baccarat hand and said at least one player baccarat hand whichever of said dealer baccarat hand and said at least one player baccarat hand having a higher baccarat value.

4. The game of claim 2 further comprising the step of selecting as a winning baccarat hand between said dealer baccarat hand and said at least one player baccarat hand whichever of said dealer baccarat hand and said at least one player baccarat hand having a higher baccarat value.

5. The game of claim 1 further comprising the step of determining that said baccarat hand value of said at least one player baccarat hand and said baccarat hand value of said dealer baccarat hand are equal.

6. The game of claim 5 further comprising the step of providing a determination card to said player having said at least one player baccarat hand having an equal value to said dealer baccarat hand.

7. The game of claim 6 wherein a value of said determination card determines what will happen to said initial wager.

8. The game of claim 7 further comprising the step of accepting a forfeiture of at least a portion of said initial wager when said determination card has a first value.

9. The game of claim 7 further comprising the step of returning said initial wager when said determination card has a second value.

10. A combination blackjack and baccarat-type card game comprising, in combination, the steps of:

establishing at least one bonus jackpot;

accepting an initial wager from at least one player;

dealing said at least one player an initial two player cards;

dealing a dealer an initial two dealer cards;

determining a blackjack hand value for each said player blackjack hand;

determining a blackjack hand value for said dealer blackjack hand;

determining a baccarat hand value for each said player baccarat hand;

determining a baccarat hand value for said dealer baccarat hand;

comparing said baccarat hand value of each said player baccarat hand with said baccarat hand value of said dealer baccarat hand;

determining based on cards comprising at least one said player blackjack hand and one said player baccarat hand whether said at least one bonus jackpot has been achieved.

11. The game of claim 10 wherein said bonus jackpot is awarded based on each of said player blackjack hand and said player baccarat hand.

12. The game of claim 10 wherein said bonus jackpot is awarded based only on said player blackjack hand.

13. The game of claim 12 wherein said bonus jackpot is awarded based on the numerical value of cards comprising said player blackjack hand.

14. The game of claim 12 wherein said bonus jackpot is awarded based on the suit of cards comprising at least one of said player blackjack hand and said player baccarat hand.

15. The game of claim 14 wherein said bonus jackpot is awarded based on the suit of cards comprising each of said player blackjack hand and said player baccarat hand.

16. The game of claim 11 wherein said bonus jackpot is awarded based on the numerical value of cards comprising at least one of said player blackjack hand and said player baccarat hand.

17. The game of claim 16 wherein said bonus jackpot is awarded based on the numerical value of cards comprising each of said player blackjack hand and said player baccarat hand.

18. The game of claim 10 further comprising the step of selecting as a winning blackjack hand between said dealer blackjack hand and said at least one player blackjack hand whichever of said dealer blackjack hand and said at least one player blackjack hand having a higher blackjack value.

19. The game of claim 10 further comprising the step of selecting as a winning baccarat hand between said dealer baccarat hand and said at least one player baccarat hand whichever of said dealer baccarat hand and said at least one player baccarat hand having a higher baccarat value.

20. The game of claim 18 further comprising the step of selecting as a winning baccarat hand between said dealer baccarat hand and said at least one player baccarat hand whichever of said dealer baccarat hand and said at least one player baccarat hand having a higher baccarat value.

21. The game of claim 10 further comprising the step of determining that said baccarat hand value of said at least one player baccarat hand and said baccarat hand value of said dealer baccarat hand are equal.

22. The game of claim 21 further comprising the step of providing a determination card to said player having said at least one player baccarat hand having an equal value to said dealer baccarat hand.

23. The game of claim 22 wherein a value of said determination card determines what will happen to said initial wager.

24. The game of claim 23 further comprising the step of accepting a forfeiture of at least a portion of said initial wager when said determination card has a first value.

25. The game of claim 23 further comprising the step of returning said initial wager when said determination card has a second value.

26. A combination blackjack and baccarat-type card game comprising, in combination, the steps of:

accepting a blackjack wager from one or more players;

wherein said blackjack wager is for one of a dealer blackjack hand and a single player blackjack hand to win;

accepting a baccarat wager from one or more players;

wherein said baccarat wager is for one of a dealer baccarat hand and a single player baccarat hand to win;

dealing to a single player an initial two player cards;

dealing a dealer an initial two dealer cards;

assigning one card of said initial two player cards to said single player blackjack hand and a remaining card of said initial two player cards to said single player baccarat hand;

assigning one card of said initial two dealer cards to said dealer blackjack hand and a remaining card of said initial two dealer cards to said dealer baccarat hand;

dealing at least one additional card to said single player blackjack hand to complete said single player blackjack hand;

dealing at least one additional card to said single player baccarat hand to complete said single player baccarat hand;

determining a blackjack hand value for said single player blackjack hand;

determining a blackjack hand value for said dealer blackjack hand;

comparing said blackjack hand value of said single player blackjack hand with said blackjack hand value of said dealer blackjack hand;

determining a baccarat hand value for said single player baccarat hand;

determining a baccarat hand value for said dealer baccarat hand; and

comparing said baccarat hand value of said single player baccarat hand with said baccarat hand value of said dealer baccarat hand.

27. The game of claim 26 further comprising the step of selecting as a winning blackjack hand between said dealer blackjack hand and said single player blackjack hand whichever of said dealer blackjack hand and said single player blackjack hand having a higher blackjack value.

28. The game of claim 26 further comprising the step of selecting as a winning baccarat hand between said dealer baccarat hand and said single player baccarat hand whichever of said dealer baccarat hand and said single player baccarat hand having a higher baccarat value.

29. The game of claim 26 further comprising the step of determining that said baccarat hand value of said single player baccarat hand and said baccarat hand value of said dealer baccarat hand are equal.

30. The game of claim 29 further comprising the step of providing a determination card to each player having placed an initial said wager on one of said player baccarat hand and said dealer baccarat hand to win.

31. The game of claim 30 wherein a value of said determination card determines what will happen to said initial wager.

32. The game of claim 31 further comprising the step of accepting a forfeiture of at least a portion of said initial wager when said determination card has a first value.

33. The game of claim 31 further comprising the step of returning said initial wager when said determination card has a second value.

34. The game of claim 26 further comprising the step of determining that said blackjack hand value of said single player blackjack hand and said blackjack hand value of said dealer blackjack hand are equal.

35. The game of claim 34 further comprising the step of providing a determination card to each player having placed an initial said wager on one of said player blackjack hand and said dealer blackjack hand to win.

36. The game of claim 35 wherein a value of said determination card determines what will happen to said initial wager.

37. The game of claim 36 further comprising the step of accepting a forfeiture of at least a portion of said initial wager when said determination card has a first value.

38. The game of claim 36 further comprising the step of returning said initial wager when said determination card has a second value.

39. The game of claim 26 wherein said single player baccarat hand must draw a third card when having a value of five or less, and must stand when having a value of six or more.

40. The game of claim 26 wherein said dealer baccarat hand must draw a third card when having a value of five or less, and must stand when having a value of six or more.

41. The game of claim 26 wherein said single player blackjack hand must draw an additional card when having a value of sixteen or less, and must stand when having a value of seventeen or more.

42. The game of claim 26 wherein said dealer blackjack hand must draw an additional card when having a value of sixteen or less, and must stand when having a value of seventeen or more.

43. The game of claim 26 wherein all said cards are dealt facing up.