US20190022516A1

US20190022516A1 - Series of playing card games based on the prediction of a player hand exceeding a numerical value of 21

Info

Publication number: US20190022516A1
Application number: US15/984,031
Authority: US
Inventors: Louis Ginns, III
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-07-21
Filing date: 2018-05-18
Publication date: 2019-01-24

Abstract

The Backhand Series is a collection of card counting games derived from the classic game of blackjack, but wholly novel and uniquely based on the concept of allowing a player to predict if/when the next card in the deck when added to their initial player hand comprising of two cards dealt to the player face up from a standard deck of playing cards with the jokers removed, will cause their initial hand value to exceed a total hand value of 21. The Series is comprised of three individual card games with the following names: “Backhand, the card game;” “Buffalo Bayou Backhand” and “Missouri City Backhand.”

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/535,593 filed on Jul. 21, 2017, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/544,837 filed on Aug. 13, 2017 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/544,849 filed on Aug. 13, 2017 and the disclosure of which is in part incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The genesis of this invention was my desire to improve my skills at playing the classic game of blackjack, which has now led me to this moment. We all know very well classic blackjack as well as its almost innumerable variations, and at the outset, my only desire was to learn all of classic blackjack's rules, strategies, etc. But this was not to be. And what has resulted from my attempt to perfect a strategy for the classic game of blackjack is a series of three playing card games wholly unique in objective, rules set, and game mechanics. Collectively, the three playing card games that make up this invention will be referred to in this document as “The Backhand Series,” but each of these games are meant to be played separately and will be referred to individually in this document as: “Backhand, the card game,” “Buffalo Bayou Backhand,” and “Missouri City Backhand.” And although there are a few fundamental similarities between classic blackjack and this invention, they are as far apart in experience and game play as the sun is from the moon.
The story of how I stumbled upon the first game in The Backhand Series begins after I brought home four decks of playing cards from a cruise my wife and I took the first week in October 2016. And as previously stated, I was really trying to spend as much time as I could, improving my black jack skills and thought it was a good idea to fill my spare time at work playing hands at my desk during my down time. After a few days I grew tired of constantly dealing out cards to my imaginary opponent and decided to just deal to myself. This was really intended to help me focus on just guessing if my next card would bust me or not and so I wanted to give it a name. I needed something to call out every time I thought the next card in the deck would bust my hand. After several hands, I coined the term ‘Backhand.’ This term as used in this invention is when the player predicts that the next card in the deck will cause their hand to exceed a numerical value of 21, and therefore requests a ‘backhand’ card from the deck. In its purest form, backhand only requires one player and one standard deck of playing cards with the jokers removed. The player deals two cards face up and must choose to take a hit or not. If the player chooses to take a hit and draws a card to busts his hand, the player loses just as in the game of black jack. But in the game of Backhand, if the player thinks the next card in the deck will cause them to bust, the player can request a backhand card (i.e. “call backhand”). If they're correct and the next card dealt does cause the player's hand to bust, the player wins the hand. But if the player calls backhand and the next card doesn't bust the player's hand the player will lose. I played this game for several hours and started to play with a few of my coworkers. It was at that point, when I realized this game had so much more potential. I quickly began to create a set of rules that has now developed into the first game in The Backhand Series: ‘Backhand, the card game.’
The name ‘Buffalo Bayou backhand’ comes from the famous bayou which runs through my hometown of Houston Tex. This game is what I call the ‘younger brother’ of the original game of backhand and is very unique. Buffalo Bayou Backhand developed into its own unique game as a result of resolving many issues in the first version of backhand. The two games can now stand alone on their own as brothers, as it were. A player can play backhand, the card game for hours, then Buffalo Bayou backhand and the two experiences would be as night and day. This is because backhand, the card game plays much quicker and the player's only opponent is the deck. There is also no dealer hand involved. Therefore, the game play relies heavily on the player's ability to navigate through the hand with a series of decisions based only on the player's initial hand value and a ‘gut feeling.’ The player's choices based on these factors, as well as the unknown order of the remaining cards in the deck will have the ultimate impact on the hand. Buffalo Bayou Backhand introduces a ‘dealer hand’ that is comprised of three cards, facing up. They are dealt in front of the player from right to left before the initial player hand is dealt. Also, with the addition of the “dealer hand,” along with the “dealer total” and “player total,” both the hit and backhand cards now create a possibility where both the player total and dealer totals are equal. Therefore, a critical rule modification was made to allow for a unique situation that develops in the game of Buffalo Bayou backhand with regard to push hands. Another interesting point is that the positioning of the cards in Buffalo Bayou backhand is very important because the player's hand and dealer hand are dealt in a specific spatial orientation. If this ‘spacing’ is not adhered to, game play can be negatively impacted.
Note: Unlike in the classic game of blackjack, the term ‘Push’ as it is applied in The Backhand Series, simply means that the player can choose to push their initial player hand away in exchange for a new hand from the deck. This option is given to the player based on the player's initial hand value. Any and all rules and modifications will be explained in detail throughout the body of this document as required.
Missouri City backhand is by far one of the most exciting card games I have ever played. This is not because I invented it, but because I cannot stop playing it. This game is the third (and final) in The Backhand Series and completes what has become an obsession of sorts for myself and a select few. The concepts of this game combine and build upon its predecessors by introducing the final component in what has developed into a unique, fast-paced, competitive strategy-focused card game which now pits two players against each other, with the dealer fulfilling the role more of a facilitator than a participant. It starts out very similarly to Buffalo Bayou backhand where the dealer hand is dealt from right to left first, but in this game, there are two players instead of one. Therefore, the individual initial player hands are to be dealt next. In Buffalo Bayou backhand, the player's initial player hand was dealt to the left-bottom corner of the dealer hand just on the row below the dealer's show cards. This is still the case. But now in Missouri City Backhand, the second player's initial player hand is positioned at the top-left corner of the dealer hand, opposite of the first player's initial player hand. Just as in Buffalo Bayou backhand, the spatial orientation of all the cards on the playing surface is critical, and any deviation could negatively impact the game.
This game came to me as a lightning bolt and I really can't remember all of the circumstances around where I was when it hit, and it also took a long time to develop the rules because it needed another player so that I could test, develop, modify and perfect the rules of play. During this process, several more eureka moments invaded my body, forcing me to refine different concepts until a finished product was ready. As of when I write this, the Backhand series is composed of three games: “Backhand, the card game,” “Buffalo Bayou backhand” and “Missouri City backhand.”
Another unique feature of Missouri City Backhand is its focus on strategy. In Backhand, there is no dealer and no second player, so the player's only opponents are the deck and themselves. The hands played in backhand go as fast as the player can make their decision. A backhand player only has to get a five card hand, a successful backhand play or a successful push hand to win. Buffalo Bayou backhand introduces the dealer as the first real opponent to the player, so the player now has to have an advantage over the dealer total to win, unless they have a five card hand. In Missouri City backhand, now the player has to strategize the best method to win against the second player's winning hand. Strategy plays a big part as you will see throughout this document.
I named Missouri City Backhand after the neighborhood I spent most of my teenage and young adult years, south of Houston, Tex. and is my way of honoring this wonderful place which helped mold me into the inventor that is authoring this document today.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a series of three playing card games referred to in this document as “The Backhand Series” and is similar in part to the classic game of blackjack, but wholly unique in objective, rules set, and game mechanics to the classic game.
The fundamental game concept is based on the player's ability to predict if/when the next card in the deck will cause their hand to exceed a total hand value of 21. Using this concept as the foundation, in concert with additional rules, The Backhand Series is set apart from the classic game of blackjack and any known variations.
The Backhand Series is comprised of three playing card counting games, referred to individually as: “Backhand the card game,” “Buffalo Bayou Backhand” and “Missouri City Backhand.” But to fully explain the uniqueness of this invention, it is also important to highlight where the games are similar to blackjack. All of the games in this invention are played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards with the jokers removed. Although, in Backhand the card game, multiple players may be dealt to in the same game. In this case, it is recommended to use more than one deck if dealing to more than three players at once. There are also no custom cards or additional game pieces required to play any of the games in this invention. Another similarity is that the terms “hitting” and “busting” are used the same way in all the games in this invention as they are in the classic game of blackjack and suits do not have any impact on the games in any way. Also, face cards are valued at 10 and a player may not be dealt more than five cards in a hand.
**Note: The suits will generally be ignored and not referred to in this section as they do not have any impact on the game, unless used to differentiate between cards in a hand.
One of the first differences someone would notice immediately is that all the cards in this invention are dealt face up, therefore there is no dealer hole card in any of the three games. But where this invention really begins to separate itself from the classic game of blackjack is first that the player (in most cases) will have the option to request a backhand card. If a backhand card is requested, the player is dealt the next card in the deck which is added to the player's hand. If the new total hand value is greater than 21, the player wins the hand. If it is not, the player will lose the hand. Also, this invention includes something called the “Ace Rule.” The Ace Rule states that if a player's initial player hand contains an ace, that ace must be discarded and replaced with the next card in the deck. If the player's initial player hand contains two aces, both of them must be discarded and replaced. The player must keep the next cards given to them, no matter the suit or value. Additionally, the term “push” is used differently. In classic blackjack, the term “push” refers to when the hand value of the player's hand and the dealer's hand are equal. In The Backhand Series, the term “push” is used as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, “Push” is used in the phrase “push hand” which refers to a player's initial player hand of two cards that have a combined numerical value of between 17 and 20. As a verb, the term “push” is when the player is given the option to push their hand away in exchange for a new hand. This option is only available to the player when their initial hand value is between 17 and 20. Also, the phrase “playing the push” is when the player chooses to accept a hit card instead of pushing the hand.
Another critical difference is how the ace is valued. In classic blackjack, the ace is valued at 1 or 11 for both the dealer and the player. But in this invention, the ace is valued depending on what it is being used to calculate. In Backhand, the card game, the ace is valued at only 1 and is either an “initial player ace” or a “player ace.” The initial player ace is an ace that is one of the first two cards dealt to the player referred to as the initial player hand (prior to the Ace Rule being satisfied). If this occurs, the Ace Rule requires that this ace be discarded and replaced with the next card in the deck. If that card is also an ace, then said ace is referred to as a player ace. Both types of aces in Backhand the card game are valued at 1. But in Buffalo Bayou Backhand, there is also a “dealer ace.” This is an ace that is any other ace dealt to the player after the first two cards are dealt and the Ace Rule is satisfied. These aces are valued at only 1 for the player, but 1 or 11 to the advantage of the dealer.
Additional differences between the games in this invention and classic blackjack is that all the cards in this invention are dealt face up on the playing surface. Also in the first two games, there is the “No Loitering” rule, which states that the player does not have the option to “stay” or “hold” or “stand pat.” The player is required to completely resolve the hand. But in Missouri City Backhand, this rule does not apply, so either player can stand pat as long as they have player total advantage over the dealer total, after requesting a hit card. Also unlike in classic blackjack, there is no splitting, doubling or insurance options for the player.
The following sections (I-XXV) provide a guide to interpreting the present application

- I. Backhand or backhand card—The term “Backhand” as it is referred to throughout this document, will be used as a both a noun and a verb. When used as a verb, the term “backhand” refers to the act of requesting a backhand card (i.e. “calling backhand”). When a player calls backhand, the dealer will draw the next card from the deck to be placed next to the player's hand on the playing surface. The numerical value of said card is then added to the player's current hand creating a new total hand value. If the new total hand value exceeds 21, the player wins the hand. If the new total hand value does not exceed 21, the player loses. Players should not call backhand with a total hand value less than 12. When used as a noun, the term “backhand” is referring to either a backhand card (as requested by the player) or the backhand card game itself (e.g. “Backhand is my favorite card game”).
- II. Hit or Hit card—The act of calling for a hit card or ‘Hit’ is when the player requests to be dealt the next card in the deck so as to be added to their current hand. The dealer then deals the next card to the player and a new hand value is determined. As in blackjack, if the new hand value exceeds 21, the player loses the hand. If the new hand value does not exceed 21, the player is presented with the option to take a hit or call backhand. As long as the ace rule is satisfied, the player's hand contains less than five cards, and the player's hand value is less than 21, the player will always be presented the options to take a hit card or call backhand, until after the fifth card is dealt; with the following exceptions: a player shall never be dealt more than five cards in a hand; the first option on low hands is to take a hit card only. Remember that push hands are also an exception to this rule because the player only has to take a hit once, and on push hands, backhand is not an option.
- III. The “Ace Rule”—If a player's first two cards contain an ace of any type, said ace (or aces) are discarded and replaced by the next card/s in the deck immediately after the initial player hand is dealt. Once the ace (or aces) are replaced, a hand type is determined and options are presented to the player based on the new hand type. If an initial player ace is replaced with another ace, the new ace shall not be discarded because it is not an initial player ace. This is called the ‘Ace Rule’ and is a critical component to the mechanics of the game. It is important to remember that when an ace is dealt to the player in their initial player hand (which occurs quite often), the initial hand value can be as low as 2 (in the case of two aces) and surely shifts the odds heavily into the favor of the player. By removing this option with the Ace Rule, initial player aces are discarded and replaced with the next card/s in the deck, resulting in a higher initial hand value, better odds for the house and more challenging play for the player. Furthermore, the Ace Rule creates the possibility of an exciting result if an initial player ace is replaced with another ace! In this case, the player gets to keep the replacement ace, more options and a better chance at a five card hand. An easy way to remember the Ace Rule is the phrase: “initial player ace . . . discard and replace.”
- IV. Initial player hand—The first two cards dealt to the player by the dealer.
- V. Initial hand value—The total numerical value of the first two cards dealt to the player.
- VI. Total hand value—This is the sum total numerical value of all the cards dealt to the player including the initial player hand, the backhand card and any hit cards.
- VII. Initial player ace—Aces that are contained in the initial player hand (the first two cards dealt to the player) prior to the Ace Rule being satisfied
- VIII. Player hand—Cards dealt from the deck to the player during the game.
- IX. Player hand value—Total numerical value of the cards dealt from the deck to the player during the game.
- X. Push—When a player's initial hand value is between 17 and 20, the player has the option to exchange their hand for a new hand from the deck or “Play the Push” by accepting a hit card from the deck. If a player decides to ‘Push’ the hand, the dealer shall remove the player's initial hand from the playing surface; then deal to the player, two new cards drawn from the deck. A new initial hand value and hand type is determined and play will continue. After pushing the hand, if the new hand contains an ace, the Ace Rule must be satisfied. If the resulting hand is another push hand, the player can again elect to push that hand or again “Play the push” by accepting a hit card from the deck.
- XI. Bust or ‘to bust’—When a player's total hand value exceeds twenty-one after requesting a hit card.
- XII. Low hand—An initial player hand with an initial hand value between 2 and 11.
- XIII. Play hand—An initial player hand with an initial hand value between 12 and 16.
- XIV. Push hand—An initial player hand with an initial hand value between 17 and 20.
- XV. ‘Stay’ or ‘stand pat’—As defined in the classic game of blackjack. This option is only available in Missouri City Backhand.
- XVI. Five card hand—This occurs after a player has successfully hit to five cards without busting and is a winning hand. A five card hand shall not include a backhand card. A player shall not be dealt more than five cards (including hit cards and the backhand card) under any circumstances.
- XVII. Dealer hand—The three show cards dealt in the beginning of a hand of Buffalo Bayou Backhand and Missouri City Backhand.
- XVIII. Dealer total—The dealer total is the added numerical values of the last card dealt to the player and the dealer show card directly above it in a game of Buffalo Bayou Backhand and Missouri City Backhand.
- XIX. Dealer total advantage—When the dealer total is larger than the player total
- XX. Dealer ace—This is an ace that is any other ace dealt to the player after the first two cards are dealt and the Ace Rule is satisfied.
- XXI. Player total—The “Player Total” is the combined numerical values of all the cards dealt to the player up to, but not including the last card dealt to the player.)
- XXII. Player total advantage—When the player total is larger than the dealer total)
- XXIII. Player ace—Aces that are a part of the initial player hand after the Ace Rule is satisfied. Player aces are always valued at 1.
- XXIV. Total hand value—This is the sum total numerical value of all the cards dealt to the player including the initial player hand, the backhand card and any hit cards.
- XXV. Seat—During a game of Missouri City Backhand, the term “seat” shall refer to one of the players. Since there are two players, then there are only two “seats” and each seat shall be referred to as the “red seat” and “green seat.” Of course, using colors to distinguish between seats can be modified according to house rules, but for the purposes of this document, “red” and “green” will be used to differentiate between the two players periodically.

SUMMARY OF DRAWINGS Backhand, the Card Game

FIG. 1 Initial player hand: (2,J) Initial hand value=12 Hand type: Play hand Hand options: Hit, backhand. Player chose to: Take a hit card (4) New hand value=16 Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose to: Take a hit card (8) New hand value=24 Hand result: Player loses via busted hand.

FIG. 2 Initial player hand: (8,A) Initial value: N/A Hand type: NA, hand contains initial player ace. Hand options: Initial player ace, discard and replace per Ace Rule New initial player hand: (8,3) New initial player hand value=11 Hand type: Low hand Hand option: Hit or backhand. Player chose to: Take a hit card (K) New hand value=21 Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose to: Backhand (J) New hand value=31 Hand result: Player wins via successful backhand play.

FIG. 3 Initial player hand: (Q, 5) Initial hand value=15 Hand type: Play hand Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Take a hit card (A) New hand value=16 Hand Options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Take a hit card (A) New hand value=17 Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Take a hit card (J) New hand value=27 Hand result: Player loses via busted hand.

FIG. 4 Initial player hand: (5, 9) Initial hand value=14 Hand type: Play hand Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Take a hit card (2) New hand value=16 Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Take a hit card (4) New hand value=20 Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Call backhand (A) New hand value=21 Hand result: Player loses hand via unsuccessful backhand play.

FIG. 5 Initial player hand: (3, 6) Initial hand value=9 Hand type: Low hand Hand option: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Take a hit card (6) New hand value: 15 Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Take a hit card (A) New hand value: 16 Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Take a hit card (4) New hand value: 20 Hand result: Player wins via five card hand.

FIG. 6 Initial player hand: (10, A) Initial hand value: N/A Hand type: NA (contains initial player ace). Hand options: Initial player ace discard and replace per Ace Rule. (New) Initial player hand: (10, 10) (New) initial hand value=20 Hand type: Push hand. Hand options: Hit or push. Player chose: Push (New) Initial player hand: (5,9) (New) Initial hand value=14 Hand type: Play hand. Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Take a hit card (10) New hand value=24. Hand result: Player loses hand via busted hand.

FIG. 7 Initial player hand: (9,9) Initial hand value=18 Hand type: Push Hand options: Hit or push. Player chose: Take a hit card (Q) New hand value=28 Hand result: Player loses via busted hand.

FIG. 8 Initial player hand: (8,7) Initial hand value=17 Hand type: Push Hand options: Hit or push. Player chose: Take a hit card (3) New total hand value=20 Hand result: Player wins via successful push play.

FIG. 9 Initial player hand: (10,9) Initial hand value=19 Hand type: Push Hand options: Hit or push. Player chose: Take a hit card (2) New hand value: 21 Hand result: Player wins via successful push play.

FIG. 10 Initial player hand: (7,9) Initial hand value=16 Hand type: Play hand Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Backhand (2) New total hand value: 18 Hand result: Player loses via unsuccessful backhand.

FIG. 11 Initial player hand: (7,9) Initial hand value: 16 Hand type: Play hand Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Backhand (7) New total hand value=23 Hand result: Player wins via successful backhand play.

FIG. 12 Initial player hand: (8, 5) Initial hand value=13 Hand type: Play hand Hand options: Hit or Backhand. Player chose: Take a hit card (3) New hand value=16 Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Take a hit card (A) New hand value: 17 Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Take a hit card (A) New total hand value: 18 Hand result: Player wins via successful 5-card hand.

FIG. 13 Initial player hand: (A, A) Initial hand value: N/A Hand type: NA Hand options: Initial player ace discard and replace per Ace Rule (New) Initial player hand: (A, A) (New) Initial hand value: 2 Hand type: Low hand Hand options: Hit or backhand Player chose: Take a hit card (10) New hand value=12 Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Hit (K) New hand value=22 Hand result: Player loses via busted hand.

FIG. 14 Initial player hand: (3, 6) Initial hand value=9 Hand type: Low hand Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Take a hit card (6) New total hand value=15. Hand options: Hit or backhand. Player chose: Backhand (5) New total hand value=20 Hand result: Player loses hand via unsuccessful backhand play.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Backhand, the Card Game

In FIG. 1, the player has been dealt (2, J) or ‘two, Jack.’ In this example, the initial hand value would be 12 or (2+10=12), since all face cards have a numerical value of 10, the hand type is a ‘Play hand.’ For play hands, the player can choose to take a hit or call Backhand. As shown, the player has chosen to take a hit card 2 (4 of diamonds). New hand value is now 16 (less than 21), so the player is presented with the option to take another hit or call Backhand. This is a good time to remind the reader that the option to ‘Stay’ or ‘Stand pat’ does not exist in the game of Backhand, the card game; and since our player in this example has a current hand value of 16, they have the options to take a hit or call Backhand. The player chooses to take another hit card 3 (which is 8 of spades) is added to the hand value, creating a new hand value which is now 24. Hand result: player busts, and loses the hand.
The reader may be wondering what similarities this invention shares with the traditional game of blackjack? The invention was created by removing all aspects of the traditional game of blackjack and starting with three concepts: the player guessing if/when the next card will bust their hand; removing the player's option to ‘stand’ or ‘stand pat;’ and ending the game with a loss when the player guesses wrong for ‘hitting’ or calling ‘backhand.’ What you're left with is a game whose object is to determine when the hand will bust 21. It started as just an exercise to improve my game strategy for the traditional blackjack game, and has developed into a completely new game that is just as fun to play; and more to the point much better. Another difference between blackjack and this invention is that in this game, the player has the option to ‘push’ their hand away if their initial hand value is between 17 and 20. There is no such allowance in the traditional game of blackjack.
In FIG. 2 the initial player hand contains an ace 7 which (according to the Ace Rule) must be discarded and replaced immediately after the initial player hand is dealt. FIG. 2 also indicates said ace was replaced with the next card in the deck 11 is a 3 of diamonds leaving the new initial hand value at 11 (8+3=11) and a hand type of Low hand. Low hands have the option of hit or backhand, but should only take a hit card given that the hand value is too low to call Backhand and push is not an option on low hand types. The result is the player taking a hit. The next hit card 13 shown in FIG. 2 is a king of spades (card value 10), which causes the hand value to increase to 21. In this case, the hand value has not exceeded 21, and the object of the game requires the player to guess when the next card will bust their hand or hit to a five card hand. So the player is required to call backhand to complete the win.
Play hands (hands with an initial hand value between 12 and 16) give the player two options: take a hit card or call backhand. One would assume this would be an advantage to the player, but as game testing has shown, in many cases this is not always true. FIG. 3 presents the player with a play hand of (Q,5), and an initial hand value of 15. The options to hit or call backhand are available and the player. In FIG. 3 the player chooses to take a hit card. FIG. 3 shows the hit card 19 to be an ace of diamonds. This ace is not an initial player ace because it is not a part of the initial player hand, therefore it will remain in the hand. The new hand value is 16. The hand value is still less than 21 so the player is given the option to take a hit card or call backhand. Confidence sets in (as one can imagine) and the player decides to take another hit card. FIG. 3 shows that the hit card 23 is another ace and the new hand value 17! FIG. 3 then shows the reality of the game, that even in favorable situations, chance and probability can foil the best of plans. The player chooses to take a hit card 29 (attempting to get a five card hand) and is disappointed with a Jack (card value 10), busting the hand with a disappointing new hand value of 27. Player loses the hand.
Another Play hand is shown in FIG. 4 where the hand presents with an initial hand value of 14 and the option to hit or Backhand. The player quickly calls for a hit card 31 and receives a 2 of clubs. The new hand value is 16 and the option to hit or Backhand is presented again. Remember that as long as the ace rule is satisfied, the player's hand contains less than five cards, and the player's hand value is less than 21, the player will always be presented the options to take a hit card or call backhand, until after the fifth card is dealt; with the following exceptions: a player shall never be dealt more than five cards in a hand; the best option on low hands is to take a hit card; players should not call backhand on a hand value less than 12. Remember that push hands are also an exception to this rule because the player only has to take a hit once, and on push hands, backhand is not an option. Applying this to FIG. 4, the player takes a second hit card 37, and receives a 4 of diamonds. New hand value is 20 and the player is at the doorstep of a sure win. The player must again choose to hit or Backhand. FIG. 4 then shows the player's decision to call Backhand . . . .
***Note: The act of calling backhand is when the player is predicting that the next card drawn from the deck (when added to the value of their hand) will cause the hand value to exceed 21. The player is then dealt the next card in the deck and the numerical value of said card is added to their current hand value. If the new hand value exceeds 21, the player wins the handy. But if the new hand value does not exceed 21, the player loses the hand.
FIG. 4 now shows the player's decision to call backhand with a current hand value of 20. FIG. 4 then shows that the Backhand card 41 is an ace of hearts. The new hand value is 21 which does not bust the hand, and therefore results in the player losing the hand.
Low hands are tricky. A conventional approach would lead to an assumption that most low hands would result in a five card hand, but that would be an incorrect assumption. In many cases, a low hand presents the player with a whole new set of challenging considerations. The player quickly realizes that this game has many faces (no pun intended). Let's look at FIG. 5. FIG. 5 presents with a low hand of (3,6), and an initial hand value is 9. The player's best option is to take a hit card, as with all low hands. Remember, an initial player hand with an initial hand value between 2 and 11 is a low hand. Low hand types only have two of the three options available to the player, which is to take a hit card or call backhand. The hit card 43 (6 of spades) creates a new hand value of 15 (as shown in FIG. 5). Now that the player's third card has been dealt, the option to hit or backhand is presented to the player. The choice to take another hit is made and FIG. 5 also shows that hit card 47 to be an ace of diamonds and a new hand value of 16. In this hand, our player has four cards and a hand value of 16. Sitting pretty, the player chooses to take another hit card. FIG. 5 now shows a hit card 43 (which is a 4 of hearts), a new hand value of 20 and a five card hand! Anyone who has played the traditional game of blackjack can attest to how rare of an occurrence this is.
FIG. 6 presents with (10, A) which contains an initial player ace. The Ace Rule states that if a player's first two cards contain an ace of any type, said ace (or aces) are discarded and replaced by the next card/s in the deck immediately after the initial player hand is dealt. Once the ace (or aces) are replaced, a hand type is determined and options are presented to the player based on the new hand type. If an initial player ace is replaced with another ace, the new ace shall not be discarded because it is not an initial player ace. In this hand, the ace is replaced with the next card in the deck 59 which is a 10 of spades. Remember, that all initial player aces are discarded and replaced with the next card/s in the deck. The replacement card shall be kept in the hand regardless on number, face or suit and a new initial hand value is determined in the regular fashion. FIG. 6 indicates the player chooses to push the hand . . . .
FIG. 6 then shows the new hand to be (5,9), initial hand value of 14 and the hand options are to take a hit card or call backhand. The player choses to take a hit card 61, which is a 10 of hearts. The resulting total hand value is 24 and our player loses the hand.
FIG. 7 presents our player with (9,9), an initial hand value of 18 and a push hand type. As described previously, to ‘push’ a hand simply means that the player can choose to push their initial player hand away in return for a new hand from the deck. The dealer shall remove the player's initial hand from the playing surface; then deal to the player, two new cards drawn from the deck. A new initial hand value and hand type is determined and play will continue. In this hand, the initial hand value is at 18. A player's first instinct may be to push the hand away, but human nature many times will overpower logic and result in what could be considered a ‘risky’ decision. Our player's options are to push this hand away, or take one hit card. Note: Taking a hit card on a push hand type is called “Playing the Push.” If the player chooses to take a hit card instead of pushing and the hit card causes our player's hand to bust, our player loses the hand. If it does not bust, they win. Our player has chosen to take a hit card 67 instead of pushing the hand away. The hit card was Q (card value 10) and a new hand value of 28. Hand result: Player loses.
Our next player fairs a little better with their Push hand. FIG. 8 presents our player with (8,9), an initial hand value of 17 and a push hand type. Our player's options are to push the hand away for a new hand from the deck or take a hit card. Choosing to take a chance on a hit card 71, FIG. 8 shows the next card dealt from the deck was (3 of spades). New hand value of 20 is less than 21 so the player wins the hand.
FIG. 9 presents with (10,9), an initial hand value of 19, and a Push hand type. Push hand types come with the options for our player to take a hit card or push the hand away. In this case, our player chooses to take a hit card 73 which is a (2 of clubs). The new hand value is 21. Player wins the hand. Remember, if a player decides to play a Push hand (choosing to take a hit card instead of pushing the hand), said player shall be dealt another card from the deck whose value shall be added to the current hand value. If the new hand value exceeds 21, the player loses the hand, just like in the game of blackjack. But, If the new hand value is 21 or less, the player wins the hand. In Backhand the card game, if the player decides to play a push hand by taking a hit card rather than pushing the hand away, the player is only required to take one hit card. If said hit card causes the player's hand to bust, the player loses. If it does not cause the player's hand to bust, the player wins the hand. Our player's hit card was (2), which resulted in a new hand value of 21 and a winning hand.
FIG. 10 presents with (7,9), an initial hand value of 16, and a play hand type. The play hand type has two options: take a hit card or call backhand and our player chooses to call backhand. Remember, the act of calling ‘Backhand’ is when the player is guessing that the next card drawn from the deck (when added to the value of their hand) will cause the player's hand value to exceed 21. The player is then dealt the next card in the deck and the numerical value of said card is added to their current hand value. If the new hand value exceeds 21, the player wins the hand. If the new hand value does not exceed 21, the player loses. FIG. 10 shows the hand result. The next card 79 (2 of spades) is drawn from the deck, new hand value is 18. Because the player called ‘backhand’ and the new hand value does not exceed 21, this results in the player losing the hand.
FIG. 11 presents with (7,9), an initial hand value of 16, and a play hand type. The play hand type comes with two options for the player to choose from: take a hit card or call backhand; and our player once again calls backhand 83. FIG. 11 reveals the backhand card as 7 of diamonds. The new hand value is 23 which exceeds 21 and results in a winning hand for our player this time.
This game tends to bring together many familiar concepts from the traditional game of blackjack which the player will use when confronting the many situations they're placed in during a game of backhand. A player takes these familiar concepts and have to apply them in new and different ways. Backhand provides the player with more options and more control while removing the dealer as their opponent. In this invention, the deck is the only opponent to beat, and a formidable one.
In FIG. 12, the player is presented with (8,5), an initial hand value of 13 and a play hand type. The options presented to the player are to take a hit card or call backhand. Our player chooses to take a hit card 89 (3 of diamonds), and the new hand value is now 16 and same the two options are presented to our player: take a hit card or call backhand. Our player chooses to take another hit card 97 which is an ace of spades. Now with four cards in their hand, a new hand value of 17 and an opportunity to win with a successful backhand call or a five card hand, our player chooses to take a hit. You'll never get tired of this situation in backhand where a player hits to four cards with a hand value of around 17, because there is no way to know which option will win the hand for you. This is the very nature of backhand, where players have to make a choice based on incomplete information. It's a risk either way, and the choice is always the same: hit or backhand? FIG. 12 now shows the third hit card 101 to be another ace! Our player now has five cards: (8,5,3,A,A) for a new hand value of 18 and a five card hand.
FIG. 13 is a special hand for a few reasons, in that the first two cards dealt to the player are both aces (A,A) and their replacement cards are two more aces. Note: In the game of Backhand, this scenario is called “Ace Keeper.” This is obviously rare, but the Ace Rule makes it clear that if a player's first two cards contain an ace of any type, said ace (or aces) are discarded and replaced by the next card/s in the deck immediately after the initial player hand is dealt. Once the ace (or aces) are replaced, a hand type is determined and options are presented to the player based on the new hand type. If an initial player ace is replaced with another ace, the new ace shall not be discarded because it is not an initial player ace. Since the replacement cards are both aces, then the new initial hand value of the two aces would be calculated by adding their numerical values (1+1=2), which creates a low hand type and the best hand option available to our player is to take a hit card. FIG. 13 shows the hit card 103 to be a 10 of hearts. The new hand value is 12 and the player is presented with the two options to take a hit card or call backhand. Player takes another hit card, the second hit card 107 was a K of spades (card value of 10), causing the hand to bust. Our unlucky player has lost.
In our last figure (FIG. 14), a low hand is presented with (6,3). The best option available to our player on a low hand is to take a hit card. Our player takes a hit card 109 which is a 6 of spades. The new hand value is 15. The two options are presented to the player of: take a hit card or call backhand. The player chooses to call backhand and FIG. 14 then shows the backhand card 113 to be a 5 of diamonds. When it's numerical value is added to the player's current hand value, a new hand value of 20 is created and our player has lost! Remember, the act of calling ‘Backhand’ is when the player is predicting that the next card drawn from the deck (when added to the value of their hand) will cause the hand value to exceed 21. The player is then dealt the next card in the deck and the numerical value of said card is added to their current hand value. If the new hand value exceeds 21, the player wins the hand. If the new hand value does not exceed 21, the player loses the hand. Our player's hand value prior to calling backhand was 15. The backhand card was (5) and when added to the player hand value of (15) results and a new total hand value of 20. The backhand card did not bust the player's hand, therefore the hand results in a loss.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Backhand, the Card Game

Backhand the card game is the first in a series of three playing card counting games derived from the classic game of blackjack, but is wholly unique in game objective, inventive concept, rules set, mechanics and therefore player experience than the classic game of blackjack. In the beginning of the game, the player is dealt two cards face up. There is no dealer hand and therefore no “hole card.” Unlike blackjack, the object of the game is not based on how close a player can get to 21 without busting or even beating the dealer (as there is no dealer to beat). The fundamental game concept is based on the player's ability to predict if/when the next card in the deck will cause their hand to exceed a total hand value of 21 and therefore creates the opportunity for a completely new game objective and player experience. The option to request a backhand card is made available to the player under certain circumstances that will be clearly defined throughout the body of this document.
The game objective is as follows:
The player is dealt two cards face up and must successfully resolve their hand in one of three ways:

- A successful backhand request (where the backhand card results in a total hand value greater than 21), player wins the hand;
- or successfully “Play the Push” (where the player's initial hand value is between 17 and 20, and the hit card results in a total hand value of 21 or less), player wins the hand;
- or successfully hit to a 5-card hand (where the player consecutively hits to five cards and a total hand value of 21 or less), player wins the hand.
- The hand can also have unsuccessful outcomes as listed below:
- An unsuccessful backhand request (where the backhand card results in a total hand value of 21 or less) then the player loses the hand;
- or an unsuccessful “Play the Push” attempt (where the initial player hand value is between 17 and 20, and the hit card results in a total hand value greater than 21) then the player loses the hand;
- or any hit card causing the player's total hand value to exceed 21, then the player loses the hand.

Let's Review some similarities “Backhand, the card game” has to the game of Blackjack:

- As in classic blackjack, Backhand the card game is played with a single deck of standard playing cards with the jokers removed, although multiple decks can be used when dealing to more than three players at a time.
- No custom cards or additional game pieces are required to play.
- “Hitting” and “busting” are used the same way in backhand as they are in the traditional game of blackjack.
- Use a standard deck of playing cards with the jokers removed, resulting in 52 cards.
- As in the classic game of blackjack, suits do not matter in Backhand, the card game.
- Numbered cards 2 to 9 are valued according to their pip value, tens and face cards count as 10 points.

Now let's review some differences between blackjack and “Backhand, the card game;”

- All the cards are dealt face up There is no “hole card” in this invention.
- There is no “loitering,” which means that there is no option for the player to “stay” or “hold” or “stand pat.” The player must play the hand all the way through until it is completely resolved.
- Also unlike in blackjack, there is no splitting, doubling or insurance options.
- In Backhand the card game, there is no dealer hand for the player to compete against. The player must compete against the deck.
- All aces in Backhand the card game, are valued at 1, therefore there is no “soft 17.”
- “Push” Is defined as when a player decides to push their hand away in exchange for a new hand. This option is available when the player's initial hand value is between 17 and 20.
- The “Ace Rule” If a player's initial player hand contains and ace, that ace must be discarded and replaced with the next card in the deck. If the player's initial player hand contains two aces, both of them must be discarded and replaced. The player must keep the next cards in the deck no matter the value or suit.

Additional Rules—Requesting a Backhand Card or “Calling Backhand”:

- When a player requests a backhand card, they are predicting that the next card in the deck is going to cause their total hand value to exceed 21. Once the player requests a backhand card, the player is dealt the next card in the deck. If said card causes their hand to bust, the player wins the hand. If it doesn't, the player loses the hand.
- The backhand option is not available prior to the Ace Rule being satisfied.
- After the Ace Rule is satisfied, if a hit card causes the player's total hand value to equal 21, but the player's hand contains fewer than 5 cards, the player must still choose to either request a hit card or a backhand card in order to completely resolve the hand.
- After the Ace Rule is satisfied, the backhand option immediately becomes available to the player as long as their initial hand value is less than 17 (although calling backhand should be avoided when the player's total hand value is less than 12). The backhand option shall remain available to the player throughout the remainder of the hand. The backhand option is not available on hands with an initial hand value greater than 16.
- A backhand card can only be requested by the player and can only be requested once per hand.
- The player shall never be dealt more than five cards in a hand (including hit cards and the backhand card) under any circumstances.

Additional Rules—Pushing:

- To “push” a hand simply means that the player can choose to push their initial player hand away in exchange for a new hand from the deck. After the first hand is replaced, a new initial hand value and hand type is determined and play will continue. The option to push is only available to the player when their initial hand value is between 17 and 20. Furthermore, a player cannot request to push with an initial hand value of less than 17 or greater than 20. Nor can a player request to push their hand after being dealt their third card.
- After a player pushes their hand, if the new hand contains an ace, the Ace Rule must be satisfied. After the Ace Rule is satisfied and the resulting hand is another push hand, the player can again elect to push that hand or “Play the Push” by requesting a hit card.
- As long as the player's initial hand value is between 17 and 20, the options to push the hand or “play the push” will always remain available to the player, no matter how many push hands are dealt to them consecutively.
- “Playing the Push”—When a player's initial hand value is between 17 and 20, the player's hand type is called a Push Hand. The player has the option to push the hand away in exchange for a new hand or accept one hit card. If the player chooses to take the hit card, this is called “playing the push.” The player is only required to take one hit card. If that hit card doesn't bust the player's hand, the player wins the push hand. If the hit card does bust the player's hand, they have lost the push hand. After “playing the push” a player cannot then request to push their hand, nor is the backhand option available.

Additional Rules—Hitting:

- Hitting in Backhand is the same as it is in the traditional game of blackjack.
- After the Ace Rule is satisfied, the player can request up to three hit cards in a hand. A hit card cannot be requested after a backhand card has been dealt.
- The 5-card hand—If a player consecutively hits to a 5-card hand without exceeding a total hand value of 21, the player wins the hand. A 5-card hand cannot include a backhand card.

Method and Sequence of Play:

- Deal two cards to the player face up. This is called the “initial player hand;”
- Satisfy the “Ace Rule”—Remove any aces from the initial player hand and replace them with the next card(s) in the deck. Next card(s) must be kept (regardless of number/suit). This will be your new initial player hand. If there is no initial player ace, the player can skip this step.
- Calculate initial hand value and determine hand type: low hand (initial hand value between 2 and 11); play hand (initial hand value between 12 and 16); push hand (initial hand value between 17 and 20).

Player Hand Options—Player Chooses Options Based on Hand Type.
Hand Type and Hand Options:
Low hand—Take a hit card or request a backhand card (backhand option is available, although discouraged);

- Play hand—Take a hit card or request a backhand card;
- Push hand—Take a hit card or push hand away in exchange for a new hand.

Player completely resolves the hand using the rules and options as described above.

SUMMARY OF DRAWINGS

Buffalo Bayou Backhand

FIG. 15 Initial player hand: (6, 2) Initial hand value=8 Dealer Hand: (K,9,2) Hand type: low hand. Hand option: hit or backhand.
FIG. 16 Initial player hand: (6,2) Initial hand value=8 Dealer Hand: (8,9,2) Hand type: low hand. Hand options: hit or backhand.
FIG. 17 Player chose: Take a hit card (K). New total hand value: 18 Player total=8. Dealer total=18; Advantage: Dealer. Hand options: hit or backhand.
FIG. 18 Player chose: Backhand (Q). New total hand value=28 Player total=18. Dealer total=19; advantage: dealer. Hand result: player loses hand (successful backhand+dealer total advantage over player total).
FIG. 19 Initial player hand: (6,2) Initial hand value=8 Dealer Hand: (8,9,2) Hand type: low hand. Hand options: hit or backhand. Player chose: Take a hit card (4). New total hand value=12. Player total=8. Dealer total=12; advantage: dealer. Hand options: hit or backhand.
FIG. 20 Player chose: Take a hit card (8) New total hand value=20 Player total=12. Dealer total=17; advantage: dealer. Hand options: hit or backhand.
FIG. 21 Player chose: Backhand (7) New total hand value=27 Player total=20 Dealer total=9; advantage: player. Hand result: player wins (successful backhand+player total over dealer total).
FIG. 22 Initial player hand: (A,8) Initial hand value: N/A Hand type: NA, hand contains initial player ace. Hand options: discard and replace initial player ace, per “Ace Rule.” Dealer hand: (Q,Q,7).
FIG. 23 (New) Initial player hand: (K,8). (New) Initial hand value=18. Hand type: Push hand. Hand options: Hit or push.
FIG. 24 Player chose: Take a hit (A) New total hand value=19. Player total=18. Dealer total=21; advantage: dealer. Hand result: player loses (dealer total advantage over player total).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Buffalo Bayou Backhand

In FIGS. 15 and 16, the dealer's show cards are (8,9,2) and are dealt from right to left first 127. The initial player hand is then always dealt after the dealer hand 131. There are no dealer aces on the board yet. In FIG. 16 the initial player hand 1 a is positioned on the bottom row, just to the bottom left corner of the dealer hand 1 b. This initial player hand 1 a does not include any initial player aces. The initial player hand contains (6,2) so the initial hand value is 8 and the hand type is a low hand. Just as in backhand, the best hand option available to the player is to take a hit card. Once the hit card is dealt, the total hand value, dealer total and player totals are calculated to determine advantage in the hand or if the player's hand has busted.
In FIG. 17, the hit card 137 is a king of clubs (numerical value=10), total hand value of 18. The hand options are to take a hit card or call backhand.
In FIG. 18, the player chose to call backhand. The backhand card 139 is a queen of spades (numerical value=10) and a new total hand value 1 e of 28. This is a successful backhand play, but in this invention, the winner is determined by who has the advantage in the hand by comparing the dealer total 1 d and player total 1 c, after the backhand card 139 is called. Since the dealer total of 19 is higher than the player total of 18, the dealer has the advantage and the hand results in a loss for the player.
In FIG. 19, the initial hand value 1 g is 8, the dealer hand 1 f contains (8,9,2) and there are no initial player aces. The only reasonable hand option available to the player is to take a hit card. The hit card 149 is a 4 of hearts so the total hand value 1 h is 12, the dealer total 1 k is 12, the player total 1 g is 8 and the hand options available to the player is to take a hit card or call backhand. Right now the player must determine whether their current player total would beat the dealer total if they were to call backhand. A successful backhand in this case would be a backhand card with a numerical value of at least 10. But the resulting dealer total would be 19 which would give the dealer the advantage and result in a loss for our player; therefore, it wouldn't make sense for our player to call backhand at this point.
FIG. 20 shows that our player chose to take another hit card 151. The hit card is 8 of hearts, the new total hand value 1 n is 20, the new dealer total 1 z is 17, the new player total 1 m is 12 and the dealer currently has the advantage. As usual the hand options for our player is to take a hit card or call backhand. And as you can see, the last show card in the dealer hand 1 f is a 2, so if our player decides to call backhand (and the backhand call is successful), the resulting player total would be 20 and a sure win for our player!
FIG. 21 shows a winning hand for our player with the backhand card 157 of 7 of spades. The resulting player total 1 o is 20 and dealer total 1 p is 9. This hand was won via a successful backhand play+player total advantage over the dealer total.
FIG. 22 shows a dealer hand 1 s of (Q,Q,7) and an initial player hand 1 t of (A,8). Per the Ace Rule, the ace of clubs (163) will be discarded and replaced prior to moving forward in the hand. FIG. 23 shows the new initial player hand 1 u to be (K,8) initial hand value 18, and a push hand type. Hand options for the player are to take a hit card or push the hand away in exchange for a new hand.
In FIG. 24, the player chooses to take a hit card 1 v. The hit card is an ace of clubs. This ace is a ‘dealer ace’ so it's value depends on what it is being used to calculate. When calculating the dealer total 1 x, said ace will be valued at 1 or 11 to the advantage of the dealer. When calculating the player's total hand value 1 v, it is valued at 1. Immediately, you see that the advantage has swung in the favor of the dealer. The dealer total 1 x is 21 and the player total 1 w is 18. Remember, in this invention, if a player decides to play a push hand by taking a hit card the player shall take only one hit card. As long as the hit card does not cause the player's total hand value to exceed 21 and the player total is greater than the dealer total, the player will win the hand. But If the resulting dealer total is greater than the player total, the dealer wins the push hand.
So in this hand, our player has a successful backhand, but the player total 1 w is lower than the resulting dealer total 1 x, therefore, our player has lost the hand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Buffalo Bayou Backhand

Buffalo Bayou Backhand is the second in a series of three playing card counting games derived from the classic game of blackjack, but wholly unique in objective, rules set and mechanics to the classic game. In this game, the dealer hand is introduced as three show cards dealt face up on the playing surface prior to the initial player hand (dealt from right to left). The initial player hand is also dealt face up, on the row above the dealer hand, to the top left corner of the dealer's first show card towards the player. When playing alone, the initial player hand is dealt face up, on the row below the dealer hand, to the bottom left corner of the dealer's first show card. You will quickly notice that throughout this entire series (in all of the games), the dealer is either not present or serves as a “silent participant.” This is to say that all of the decisions in this invention are made by the player only and the dealer simply distributes the cards at the player's request. This is completely counter to the classic game of blackjack and any known variant.
Game Objective—As in Backhand the card game, the objective is still for the player to successfully resolve their hand, but to do so with “player total” advantage over the “dealer total.”
In both Buffalo Bayou Backhand and Missouri City Backhand the “Dealer Total” is the added numerical values of the last card dealt to the player and the dealer show card directly above it. The “Player Total” is the combined numerical values of all the cards dealt to the player up to, but not including the last card dealt to the player. The “Dealer Total Advantage” is when the dealer total is greater than the player total. “Player Total Advantage is when the player total is greater than the dealer total. The player's “total hand value” is the sum total numerical value of all the cards dealt to the player including the initial player hand, the backhand card and any hit cards.
After the dealer hand and initial player hand is dealt, successful hand resolutions are as follows:

- Player's successful backhand request (where the backhand card results in a total hand value greater than 21)+player total advantage over the dealer total (player wins the hand).
- Successful 5-card hand (where the player consecutively hits to five cards with a total hand value of 21 or less), player wins the hand.
- Successful “Play the Push” attempt (where the hit card results in a player total hand value of 21 or less)+player total advantage over the dealer total, player wins the hand.

The hand can also have unsuccessful outcomes as listed below:

- Unsuccessful backhand request (where the backhand card results in a player total hand value of 21 or less), player loses the hand.
- Player's successful backhand request (where the backhand card results in a total hand value greater than 21)+dealer total advantage over the player total (dealer wins the hand).
- Unsuccessful hit (where the hit card causes the player's hand to exceed 21), player loses the hand.
- Successful “Play the Push” attempt (where the hit card results in a player total hand value of 21 or less)+dealer total advantage over the player total, dealer wins the hand.
- Unsuccessful “Play the Push” attempt (where the hit card results in a player total hand value greater than 21), player loses the hand.
- Any scenario where the player achieved a successful backhand or push hand and both the player total and dealer total are equal. These scenarios would result in a stalemate (no winner).

Let's Review the similarities “Buffalo Bayou Backhand” has to classic blackjack:

- As in classic blackjack, Buffalo Bayou Backhand is played with a single deck of standard playing cards with the jokers removed.
- No custom cards or additional game pieces are required to play.
- “Hitting” and “busting” are used the same way in backhand as they are in the traditional game of blackjack.
- As in the classic game of blackjack, suits do not matter in Buffalo Bayou Backhand.
- Face cards are valued at 10 and numbered cards valued according to their pip value.

Now let's review some differences between blackjack and Buffalo Bayou Backhand:

- All the cards in Buffalo Bayou Backhand are dealt face up. There is no “hole card” in this invention.
- When playing with multiple players, Buffalo Bayou Backhand is intended to be played in a 1:1:1 ratio (i.e. 1 deck: 1 player hand: 1 dealer hand). When dealing with multiple players, this ratio is to be adhered to in order to avoid running out of cards during the game.
- There is no “loitering” in this game, which means that there is no option for the player to “stay,” “hold” or “stand pat.” The player must completely resolve their hand. Although, there is a possibility where the dealer total and player totals are equal, which would result in a stalemate (no winner). A stalemate in blackjack is called a “push,” but this term has a different meaning in The Backhand Series.
- Also unlike in blackjack, there is no splitting, doubling or insurance options.
- The dealer hand is dealt face up and contains three show cards dealt from right to left prior to the initial player hand being dealt.
- The term “push”—is defined as when the player decides to push their initial player hand away in exchange for a new hand. This option is available to the player when their initial hand value is between 17 and 20.
- Aces contained in the initial player hand are valued at 1.
- Aces contained in the dealer hand (the three dealer show cards dealt prior to the initial player hand) are valued at 1 or 11 to the advantage of the dealer. Said aces are called “Dealer Aces.”
- Aces dealt to the player after the Ace Rule has been satisfied and are not a part of the initial player hand are valued at 1 when calculating the player's total hand value. Said aces are also “Dealer Aces.” When calculating the dealer total, said aces are valued at 1 or 11, to the advantage of the dealer.

Rules:

- All existing rules for Backhand, the card game will be observed in Buffalo Bayou Backhand, except where rule modifications are expressly noted in the body of this document.
- The dealer is dealt three show cards face up, from right to left first. These show cards make up the dealer hand and are never replaced, moved, picked up or substituted under any circumstances during the hand. The dealer hand is dealt in the beginning of the hand and remain in place until the hand is over. When playing alone, the player hand is then dealt on the row below the dealer hand, from right to left, face up and positioned adjacent to the bottom left hand corner of the first dealer hand show card (starting from the left, as shown in Diagram 1). Prior to the player receiving their third card, the Ace Rule must be satisfied, the initial hand value is calculated, then the hand type and hand options are determined.
- Player Total—This is the added numerical values of all the cards dealt to the player, except for the last card dealt to the player. Discarded initial player aces are not counted. The backhand card is never included in the player total.
- Dealer Total—The dealer total is the added numerical values of the last card dealt to the player, and the dealer show card directly above it. The dealer total is compared to the player total throughout the hand to determine who has the advantage in the hand.
- In Buffalo Bayou Backhand, aces are valued according to what they are being used to calculate. Initial player aces are aces that are contained in the initial player hand (the first two cards dealt to the player) prior to the Ace Rule being satisfied. These are valued at 1. Player aces are aces that are a part of the initial player hand after the Ace Rule is satisfied. These are also valued at 1. Dealer aces are aces that are a part of the dealer hand (one of the three dealer show cards dealt in the beginning of the game) or dealt to the player after the Ace Rule is satisfied, and not a part of the initial player hand.
- Dealer aces (including backhand cards and hit cards) are valued at 1 when calculating the player total hand value, and at 1 or 11 (to the dealer's advantage) when calculating the dealer total.
- Once the backhand card is dealt, if the player's backhand request is successful, then the player total and dealer totals are counted. The player wins if the player total is greater than the dealer total. The player will lose if the player total is less than the dealer total. If both the player and dealer totals are of equal value after the backhand card is played, the hand will result in a stalemate (no winner) and the hand is over. Remember that once the Ace Rule is satisfied, the option to call backhand is available throughout the hand (as long as the player's initial hand value was less than 17), the player's hand contains less than 5 cards and the player's total hand value is 21 or less. Also, backhand can only be requested by the player once.
- In Buffalo Bayou Backhand, every time a card is dealt to the player (either a hit card or a backhand card) the player total and dealer totals are compared to determine the advantage in the hand. Backhand rules still apply to hit cards, if the hit card causes the player hand to exceed 21, the player loses the hand. If it doesn't, the player is again presented the options to either take another hit card or call backhand. In the case of a five card hand, the player would win according to existing backhand rules.
- In the case of a push hand, the hand is played in the usual manner. If the player decides to “Play the Push” and has done so successfully, the hit card is used to calculate both the player total and the dealer total. The player will win if the player total is greater than the dealer total. The player loses if the player total is less than the dealer total. If the both the player total and dealer totals are equal, the game results to a stalemate. If the player decides to instead “push the hand away,” existing backhand rules apply and the player is dealt a new hand.

Method and Sequence of Play:

- Deal three show cards face up, from right to left first. When playing alone, the player hand is then dealt on the row below the dealer hand, from right to left, face up and positioned adjacent to the bottom left hand corner of the first dealer hand show card (starting from the left, as shown in FIG. 15).
- Resolve the “Ace Rule”,
- Calculate the initial hand value, then DETERMINE hand type and hand options.
- Payer completely resolves the hand (using the rules and options as described above) and where the winner is determined by comparing the player total and dealer total. A player will win any hand which results in player total advantage over the dealer total.

SUMMARY OF DRAWINGS

Missouri City Backhand

FIG. 25 Red Seat Initial player hand: (9,10) Initial hand value=19. Dealer Hand: (10,6,6). Hand type: Push hand. Hand options: Hit or push. Green Seat Initial player hand: (9,A). Initial hand value: N/A Hand type: NA, hand contains initial player ace. Hand options: discard and replace initial player ace, per Ace Rule. Dealer Hand: (10,6,6).
FIG. 26 Red Seat Player chose: Push. (New) Initial hand value=17. Hand type: Push hand. Hand options: Hit or push. (New) Initial player hand: (9,9). (New) initial hand value=18. Hand type: Push hand. Hand options: Hit or push.
FIG. 27 Red Seat Player chose: Push. (New) Initial player hand: (6,8). (New) Initial hand value=14. Hand type: Play hand. Hand options: hit or backhand. Green Seat Player chose: Push. (New) Initial player hand: (6,8). (New) Initial hand value=14. Hand type: play hand. Hand options: hit or backhand.
FIG. 28 Green Seat Player chose: Hit (3). New total hand value=17 Player total=14. Dealer total=13. Advantage: player. Hand options: Hit, backhand or stand pat.
FIG. 29 Red Seat Player chose: Backhand (10). New total hand value=24. Red Seat Player total=14. Dealer total: 20. Advantage: dealer. Hand result: red seat player loses hand (Unsuccessful backhand).
FIG. 30 Green Seat Player chose: Backhand (10). New total hand value=27 Player total=17. Dealer total=16. Advantage: player. Hand result: GREEN SEAT player wins the hand (successful backhand+player total over dealer total). Game result: Green seat wins.
FIG. 31 Red Seat Initial player hand: (7,2). Initial hand value=9. Hand type: Low hand. Hand options: hit or backhand. Green Seat Initial player hand: (K,10). Initial hand value=20. Hand type: Push. Hand options: push or hit.
FIG. 32 Red Seat Player chose: take a hit card (3). New total hand value=12. Player total: 9. Dealer total: 13. Advantage: dealer. Hand options: hit or backhand.
FIG. 33 Green Seat Player chose: Push. (New) Initial player hand: (4,2). (New) Initial hand value=6. Hand type: Low. Hand options: Hit or backhand.
FIG. 34 Red Seat Player chose: Take a hit card (8). New total hand value=20. Player total=12. Dealer total=15. Advantage: dealer. Hand options: Hit or backhand.
FIG. 35 Green Seat Player chose: Hit (Q). New total hand value=16. Player total=6. Dealer total=20. Advantage: dealer. Hand options: Hit or backhand.
FIG. 36 Red Seat Player chose: Backhand (J). New total hand value=30. Player total=20. Dealer total=20. Advantage: None. Hand result: Stalemate
FIG. 37 Green Seat Player chose: Backhand (3). New total hand value=19. Hand result: Player loses hand (unsuccessful backhand). Game result: Stalemate (no winner).
FIG. 38 Green Seat Initial player hand: (6,K). Initial hand value=16 Hand type: Play hand. Hand options: hit or backhand. Red Seat Initial player hand: (5,10). Initial hand value=15. Hand type: play hand. Hand options: hit or backhand.
FIG. 39 Red Seat Player chose: Backhand (J). New total hand value=26 Player total=16. Dealer total=12. Advantage: player. Hand result: player wins the hand (successful backhand+player total advantage over dealer total).
FIG. 40 Green Seat Player chose: Backhand (8). New total hand value=23 Player total=15. Dealer total=10. Advantage: player. Hand result: player wins the hand (successful backhand+player total advantage over dealer total). Game result: red seat player total less than green seat player total, red seat player wins.
FIG. 41 Red Seat Initial player hand: (7,5). Initial hand value=12. Hand type: Play hand. Hand options: hit or backhand. Green Seat Initial player hand: (10,2). Initial hand value=12. Hand type: Play hand. Hand options: hit or backhand.
FIG. 42 Red Seat player chose: Hit (4). New total hand value=16 Player total=12. Dealer total=9. Advantage: player. Hand options: hit, backhand or stand pat.
FIG. 43 Green Seat player chose: Take a hit card (4). New total hand value=16. Player total=12. Dealer total=9. Advantage: player. Hand options: hit, backhand or stand pat.
FIG. 44 Red Seat player chose: Backhand (8). New total hand value=24. Player total=16. Dealer total=14. Advantage: player. Hand result: Red Seat player wins the hand (successful backhand+player total advantage over dealer total).
FIG. 45 Green Seat player chose: Backhand (9). New total hand value=25. Player total=16. Dealer total=15. Advantage: Player. Hand result: green seat player wins the hand (successful backhand+player total advantage over dealer total). Game result: green seat and red seat player totals are equal, therefore lowest total hand value wins. Red Seat total hand value less than red seat total hand value, red seat player wins.
FIG. 46 Red Seat Initial player hand: (8,8). Initial hand value: 16. Hand type: play hand. Hand options: hit or backhand. Green Seat Initial player hand: (9, 5). Initial hand value=14. Hand type: play hand. Hand options: hit or backhand.
FIG. 47 Red Seat player chose: Backhand (7). New total hand value=23. Player total=16. Dealer total=9. Advantage: player. Hand result: red seat player wins the hand (successful backhand+player total advantage over dealer total).
FIG. 48 Green Seat player chose: Take a hit card (A). New total hand value=15. Player total=14. Dealer total=13. Advantage: player. Hand options: hit, backhand or stand pat. Green Seat player chose: stand pat. Game result: green seat player wins the game with lower total hand value amount (when compared to Red Seat player total).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Missouri City Backhand

In FIG. 25, the dealer hand 2 a is (10,6,6). As stated, the dealer hand remains in place and is not added to or moved in any way. It is dealt from right-to-left with the last card dealt 174 being the first dealer show card. The dealer does not take a hit, stand pat, bust or make any decisions in this invention. The red seat initial player hand 2 c is dealt from right-to-left and adjacent to the bottom left corner of the dealers first show card 174. The red seat initial player and is (9,10) and a push hand. The green seat initial player hand 2 b is dealt from left-to-right and adjacent to the top left corner of the dealers first show card 174. The green seat initial player hand contains an initial player ace 173 and therefore the Ace Rule must be satisfied before the game can begin. If both players' initial player hands contain an initial player ace, the Ace Rule shall be satisfied in the order that the hands are dealt.
In FIG. 26, the green seat's initial player ace was replaced with a 9 of clubs 179 and now the game can begin. The green seat initial player hand is now (9,9), with an initial hand value of 18 and a push hand type, so now both seats have push hands. In FIG. 27, you see that both players have decided to push their hands away in return for a new hand. Both seats now have new initial player hands 2 s, 2 q of (6,8) with an initial hand value of 14 and a play hand type. Hand options for both players are to take a hit card or call backhand. In FIG. 28, the green seat takes a hit card 181 (3 of diamonds) which creates a dealer total 2 h of 13, a player total 2 m of 14, a total hand value 2 k of 17 and player total advantage over the dealer total. This hand is not resolved and the green seat player has the option to hit, backhand or stand pat. The stand pat option is available because the green seat has a successful hit card play with player total advantage. In FIG. 29, we see that the red seat player called backhand. The backhand card 183 is (10) which creates a dealer total 2 p of 20, a player total 2 n of 14, a total hand value of 24 and dealer total advantage over the player total. The red seat has lost their hand. In FIG. 30, the green seat now has to resolve their hand with one of two options: hit or backhand. They chose to call backhand. The backhand card 191 is (10) which creates a dealer total 2 t of 16, a player total 2 s of 17, a total hand value 2 r of 27 and player total advantage over the dealer total. The green seat wins their hand and the game!
In FIG. 31, the dealer hand 3 b is (K,7,10) which is actually a difficult hand to play against. The red seat initial player hand 3 c is (7,2) and a low hand. Hand options are hit or backhand (although calling backhand is discouraged because there is no successful backhand card on a low hand). The green seat initial player hand 3 a is (K,10) and a push hand. On a push hand, the hand options are push or take a hit card. In FIG. 32, the red seat goes first and takes a hit card 193 (3 of clubs) which creates a dealer total 3 f of 13, a player total 3 d of 9, a total hand value 3 e of 12 and dealer total advantage. The next play goes to the green seat. In FIG. 33, the green seat pushes the hand in exchange for (4,2). The new initial hand value 3 g is 6, a low hand type and hand options of hit or backhand. In FIG. 34, the red seat chooses to take another hit 197 card (8 of hearts) which creates a dealer total 3 m of 15, a player total 3 h of 12, a total hand value 3 k of 20 and dealer total advantage. In FIG. 35, the green seat takes a hit card 199 (Q, numerical value=10) which creates a dealer total 3 n of 20, a player total 3 p of 6, a total hand value 3 o of 16 and dealer total advantage. At this point, neither players have the option to stand pat because neither of them have player total advantage over the dealer total after taking their hit cards. Both players' options are to hit or call backhand. In FIG. 36, the red seat calls backhand 211 (J, numerical value=10) which creates a dealer total 3 r of 20, a player total 3 s of 20, a total hand value 3 t of 30 and a stalemate for the red seat. In FIG. 37, the green seat calls backhand 223 (3 of hearts) which creates a dealer total 3 v of 10, a player total 3 w of 16 but a total hand value 3 u of 19, which results in an unsuccessful backhand play. This game ends in no winner.
In FIG. 38, the dealer hand is 4 a (2,6,10), the red seat initial player hand 4 c is (5,10) and the green seat initial player hand 4 b is (6,K). The red seat initial hand value is 15 and a play hand type so the hand options are hit or backhand. The green seat initial hand value is 16 which is a play hand type also and the same hand options. In FIG. 39, the green seat calls backhand 227 and receives a (J, numerical value=10) which creates a dealer total 4 f of 12, a player total 4 d of 16, a total hand value 4 e of 26 and player total advantage over the dealer total. The green seat wins their hand with a successful backhand play with player total advantage over the dealer total. In FIG. 40, the red seat requests a backhand card 229 (8 of spades) which creates a dealer total 4 g of 10, a player total 4 k of 15, a total hand value 4 h of 23 and player total advantage over the dealer total. Now both players have won their respective hands, the winner is determined by using the lowest player total. Since the red seat player total is lower than the green seat's, the red seat has won the hand.
In FIG. 41, the dealer hand 5 a is (5,6,10), red seat initial player hand 5 c of (7,5) and a green seat initial player hand 5 b of (10,2). Neither players had and initial player ace, therefore the Ace Rule is satisfied and the game can start. In FIG. 42, the red seat has a play hand of 12 and chose to take a hit card 233 which was a (4 of spades). This created a dealer total 5 e of 9, a player total 5 d of 12, a total hand value 5 f of 16 and player total advantage over the dealer total. Hand options are hit, backhand or stand pat. In FIG. 43, the green seat player's initial player hand value 5 h is 12 and a play hand as well. They chose to take a hit card 239 which was a four also. With the same dealer and player total as the red seat (5 g and 5 e), the next play belongs to the red seat. In FIG. 44, our red seat player chose to take a backhand card 241 which turns out to be an (8 of spades). This creates dealer total 5 m of 14, a player total 5 o of 16 a total hand value 5 n of 24 and a successful backhand play with player total advantage over the dealer total. In FIG. 45, the green seat decides to call backhand as well. The backhand card 251 is a 9 of hearts, creating a dealer total 5 p of 15, a player total 5 s of 16 and a total hand value 5 r for the green seat of 25. This is a successful backhand play with player total advantage over the dealer total. So both seats have won their hands and in the same manner. Game winner is usually the player with the lowest player total, but since both player totals are equal, the next option is to use the lowest total hand value. Since the red seat's total hand value 24 is lower than the green seat's total hand value of 25, the red seat has won this game.
In FIG. 46 the dealer hand 6 a is (2,K,6). The green seat initial player hand 6 b is (9,5) and the red seat initial player hand 6 c is (8,8). The green seat has an initial hand value of 14 and a play hand so their hands options are to take a hit card or call backhand. The red seat has an initial hand value of 16 and a play hand so it has the same options as their opponent. In this hand, the green seat was dealt their initial player hand first, therefore they will concede the first play to the red seat. FIG. 47 shows that the red seat call backhand. The backhand card 257 is a 7 of hearts which creates a total hand value 6 d of 23, a player total 6 e of 16, a dealer total 6 f of 9 and player total advantage over the dealer total. So the red seat has won their hand. FIG. 48 shows that the green seat has chosen to take a hit card 263 (ace of diamonds) which creates a total hand value 6 g of 15, a player total 6 h of 14, a dealer total 6 k of 13 (11+2=13) and player total advantage over the dealer total. The green seat now has the option to take a hit card, call backhand or stand pat. Remember, that this is now an option given that the player has taken a hit card (without) busting, has player total advantage over the dealer total and their opponent has not lost their hand. Seeing the advantage, the green seat chooses to stand pat. To determine the winner, we compare the green seat's total hand value to the red seat's player total, the smaller of which wins the game. With the green seat's total hand value of 15 being smaller than the red seat's total hand value of 16, the green seat has won the match.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Missouri City Backhand

Missouri City Backhand is the third in a series of three playing card counting games derived from the classic game of blackjack, but wholly unique in objective, rules set and mechanics to the classic game. Missouri City Backhand has been a defining moment for me personally, has challenged me intellectually while at the same time continuing to reveal herself to me even now as I finally put the finishing touches on this document. Earlier I described her as the “crown jewel” of The Backhand Series, but to many I'm sure she will be beyond the reach of your casual card player due to the complexity of her rules. But for those who wish to take on the challenge of learning this beautiful game, you will not be disappointed.
In Missouri City Backhand, we now introduce the second player to the game as the opponent to the first player. Both players will use the same dealer hand and deck to play each of their hands. Also, the first dealer show card will still be used to align both initial player hands at the top and bottom left hand corners of the dealer's first show card. Additional rules have been added to determine the sequence of play in the case of initial player aces and push hands.
In the first two games of The Backhand Series, the “No Loitering” rule removed from the player the option to stand pat, effectively forcing them to completely resolve their hand. This stand pat option is now reintroduced in Missouri City Backhand and can be taken advantage of by either player as long as they have player total advantage over the dealer total after requesting a hit card. By removing the “No Loitering” rule, you add an additional strategy tool for both players and another level of complexity to the game.
Additionally, there are a few new terms that are used when discussing Missouri City Backhand due to the fact that there are now two players. First, the term “seat” will be addressed. When used in this invention, the term “seat” shall refer to one of the players. Since there are two players, then there are two seats, referred to as the “red seat” and “green seat.” Of course, using colors to distinguish between seats can be modified at the discretion of the house, but for the purposes of this document, “red” and “green” will be used to differentiate between the two players periodically.
Game Objective—As in Buffalo Bayou Backhand, the player must still successfully resolve their hand with “player total” advantage over the “dealer total.” Once this is achieved, the players will now compare the method in which they arrived at their individual outcomes to determine who wins the game by using the lowest player total or total hand value.
In both Buffalo Bayou Backhand and Missouri City Backhand the “Dealer Total” is still the combined numerical values of the last card dealt to the player and the dealer show card directly above it. The “Player Total” is the combined numerical values of all the cards dealt to the player up to, but not including the last card dealt to the player. The “Dealer Total Advantage” is when the dealer total is greater than the player total. “Player Total Advantage is when the player total is greater than the dealer total. The player's “total hand value” is the combined numerical values of all the cards dealt to the player including the initial player hand, the backhand card and any hit cards.
After the dealer hand and initial player hand is dealt, successful hand resolutions are as follows:

- Player's successful backhand request (where the backhand card results in a total hand value greater than 21)+player total advantage over the dealer total (player wins their hand).
- Successful 5-card hand (where the player consecutively hits to five cards with a total hand value of 21 or less), player wins their hand.
- Successful “Play the Push” attempt (where the hit card results in a player total hand value of 21 or less)+player total advantage over the dealer total, player wins their hand.
- Player “stands pat”+player total advantage over the dealer total, player wins their hand.

The hand can also have unsuccessful outcomes as listed below:

What happens next is what is so very special about Missouri City Backhand. You see, once each seat has resolved their hands, you will have two individual results for each player; but how do you determine a game winner? Each of these individual hand outcomes can occur for either of our two players during a game of Missouri City Backhand and are therefore used to determine which player wins the game.
Now let's briefly review some similarities “Missouri City Backhand” has to classic blackjack:

- As in classic blackjack, Missouri City Backhand is played with a single deck of standard playing cards with the jokers removed.
- No custom cards or additional game pieces are required to play.
- “Hitting” and “busting” are used the same way in backhand as they are in the traditional game of blackjack.

As in the classic game of blackjack, suits do not matter in Missouri City Backhand.
Face cards are valued at 10 and numbered cards valued according to their pip value.
Now let's review some differences between blackjack and “Missouri City Backhand”:

- All the cards in this invention are dealt face up, so there is no “hole card” in this invention.
- When playing with multiple players, Missouri City Backhand is intended to be played in a 1:2:1 ratio (i.e. 1 deck: 2 player hands: 1 dealer hand).
- Also unlike in blackjack, there is no splitting, doubling or insurance options.
- The dealer hand is dealt face up and contains three show cards dealt from right to left prior to the initial player hands being dealt.
- The term “push” is defined as when either seat decides to push their initial player hand away in exchange for a new hand. This option is available to the player when their initial hand value is between 17 and 20.
- Aces contained in an initial player hand are valued at 1.
- Aces contained in the dealer hand (the three dealer show cards dealt prior to the initial player hands) are valued at 1 or 11 to the advantage of the dealer. Said aces are called “Dealer Aces.”
- Aces dealt to the player after the Ace Rule has been satisfied and are not a part of the initial player hands are valued at 1 when calculating the player's total hand value. Said aces are also “Dealer Aces.” When calculating the dealer total, said aces are valued at 1 or 11, to the advantage of the dealer.

Rules—Determining Game Winner (with Neither Player Standing Pat):

- If both players have unsuccessful hands, the game results in a stalemate (no winner).
- If one player has a successful hand+player total advantage over the dealer total (and the other has an unsuccessful hand or a stalemate) the player with the successful hand will win the game.
- If both players win their respective hands+player total advantage over the dealer total (and the method in which they won are not the same), then the player with the lowest total hand value will win the game. If both player total hand values are equal, then the game will result in a stalemate.
- If both players have successful backhand plays+player total advantage over the dealer total, the player with the lowest player total wins the game. If both player totals are equal, then the winner shall be decided using the lowest total hand value. If both player total hand values are equal, then the game will result in a stalemate.
- If both players have successful push hands+player total advantage over the dealer total, the player with the lowest player total wins the game. If both player totals are equal, then the winner shall be decided using the lowest total hand value. If both player total hand values are equal, then the game will result in a stalemate.
- If both players have successful five card hands, the player with the lowest total hand value wins the game. If both player total hand values are equal, then the game will result in a stalemate.
- If one player has a successful five card hand and the other player has a successful hand (of any other type)+player total advantage over the dealer total, the player with the successful five card hand shall win the game.

Rules—Determining Game Winner (while Standing Pat):

- If one player stands pat+player total advantage over the dealer total (and the other player has an unsuccessful hand or a stalemate); then the player ‘standing pat’ will win the game.
- If one player stands pat+player total advantage over the dealer total (and the other player wins their hand with a successful backhand+player total over the dealer total); then the player standing pat will compare their total hand value to the other player's player total. The player with the lower value wins the game.
- If one player stands pat+player total advantage over the dealer total (and the other player wins their hand with a successful push play+player total over the dealer total); then the player standing pat will compare their total hand value to the other player's player total. The player with the lower value wins the game.
- If one player stands pat+player total advantage over the dealer total (and the other player wins their hand with a successful 5-card hand); then the player with the 5-card hand wins the game.
- If both players stand pat+player total advantage over the dealer total, the player with the lowest player total wins the game. If both player totals are equal, then the winner shall be decided using the lowest total hand value. If both player total hand values are equal, then the game will result in a stalemate.

Rules—Standing Pat

- The option to stand pat is available only after the player has requested a hit card and has achieved player total advantage over the dealer total.
- A player cannot stand pat with an initial hand value of between 17 and 20.
- A player cannot stand pat once they request a backhand card, nor can a player request a backhand card after standing pat.
- If a player decides not to stand pat, they cannot stand pat on a previous card after making a different play.
- A player can stand pat only once in a hand.
- A player must choose to stand pat prior to their opponent losing their hand. If one player has lost their hand and their opponent has not yet chosen to stand pat, said opponent must resolve their hand another way without standing pat.
- Once a player stands pat, their hand is effectively resolved and they must wait until the other player has resolved their hand.

***Note: Player hands which result in a stalemate (between the player and the dealer), said hand shall be considered “unsuccessful,” and therefore treated in the manner set forth in the above rules.

Claims

What is being claimed is:

1. A new method of resolving an initial player hand consisting of two playing cards dealt face up to a player from a standard deck of playing cards with the jokers removed, positioned face up on the playing surface in front of the player; where said player (believes that the next card in the deck would in fact cause their hand to exceed a numerical value of 21) is allowed to request a “backhand card” which shall be defined as: (a) the next card dealt to the player from the deck; (b) and who's numerical value is added to the player's current total hand value, resulting in a new total hand value and therefore two possible outcomes where the new total hand value is less than 21 or greater than 21, the former resulting in a loss for the player, the latter a win for the player.

2. This new method has resulted in a series of three playing card counting games derived from the classic game of blackjack, but are wholly unique in game objective, inventive concept, rules set, mechanics and therefore player experience and shall be referred to collectively as “The Backhand Series,” are meant to be played separately and will be referred to individually in this document as: “Backhand, the card game,” “Buffalo Bayou Backhand,” and “Missouri City Backhand” where all of the cards dealt to the players shall be dealt facing up and based on the concept of a player being allowed to predict if/when the next card in the deck will cause their hand to exceed a total numerical value of 21.

3. The method of claim one where the player was dealt two cards face up from a standard deck of playing cards, the “Ace Rule” shall dictate the treatment of initial player aces (which are aces that are one of the first two cards dealt to the player prior to the Ace Rule being satisfied): (a) that if a player's initial player hand contains an initial player ace, that ace must be discarded and replaced with the next card in the deck; (b) that if the player's initial player hand contains two initial player aces, both of them must be discarded and replaced with the next cards from the deck; (c) that once the ace or aces are replaced, the player must keep the next cards dealt to them no matter the value or suit; (d) and that the Ace Rule is deemed already satisfied if the initial player hand does not contain an ace.

4. The method of claim one, where the player was dealt two cards face up from a standard deck of playing cards, the ace is valued at only 1 and is either an “initial player ace” or a “player ace” (where an initial player ace is an ace that is one of the first two cards dealt to the player prior to the Ace Rule being satisfied and a player ace is an ace that is one of the first two cards dealt to the player after the Ace Rule has been satisfied); but in both “Buffalo Bayou Backhand,” as well as “Missouri City Backhand” there are also “dealer aces” which are; (a) any other aces dealt to the player after the first two cards are dealt; (b) dealt to the player after the Ace Rule is satisfied, are valued at only 1 for the player, but at 1 or 11 to the advantage of the dealer.

5. The method of claim one, after the initial player hand is dealt and the Ace Rule is satisfied, the initial hand value shall then be determined (by adding together the numerical values of the two cards in the initial player hand) and used to determine a “hand type” defined as either: a “low hand” (with an initial hand value between 2 and 11), a “play hand” (with an initial hand value between 12 and 16) or a “push hand” (with an initial hand value between 17 and 20), the player is then presented with one or more of three different hand options based on the hand type, where: (a) if the hand type is a low hand, the hand options are to take a hit card or call backhand (although requesting a backhand card in this scenario is discouraged); or (b) if the initial player hand is a play hand, the hand options are to take a hit card or request a backhand card; or (c) if the initial player hand is a push hand, the hand options are to take a hit card or push the hand away in return for a new hand.

6. The method of claim five where the initial hand value and hand type are determined and hand options are presented to the player, the following shall apply: (a) if said player at any point in the game requests a backhand card, the backhand option shall not be available prior to the Ace Rule being satisfied (b) that after the Ace Rule is satisfied, if a hit card causes the player's total hand value to equal 21, but the player's hand contains fewer than 5 cards, the player must still choose to either request a hit card or a backhand card in order to completely resolve the hand; (b) that after the Ace Rule is satisfied, the backhand option immediately becomes available to the player as long as their initial hand value is less than 17 (although calling backhand should be avoided when the player's total hand value is less than 12); (c) that the backhand option shall remain available to the player throughout the remainder of the hand; (d) that the backhand option is not available on hands with an initial hand value greater than 16; (e) that a backhand card can only be requested by the player and can only be requested once per hand; (f) and that the player shall never be dealt more than five cards in a hand (including hit cards and the backhand card) under any circumstances.

7. The method of claim five where a hand type is determined and hand options are presented to the player, with regard to push hands: (a) that the option to push is only available to the player when their initial hand value is between 17 and 20; (b) that player cannot request to push with an initial hand value of less than 17 or greater than 20; (c) that after a player pushes their hand away in exchange for a new hand, a new initial hand value and hand type must be determined, and that if the new hand contains an ace, the Ace Rule must be satisfied; (d) that after the Ace Rule is satisfied and the resulting hand is another push hand, the player can again elect to push that hand or “Play the Push” by requesting a hit card; (e) that as long as the player's initial hand value is between 17 and 20, the options to push the hand or “play the push” will always remain available to the player, no matter how many push hands are dealt to them consecutively; (f) that “Playing the Push” occurs if the player chooses to take the hit card on a push hand (instead of pushing the hand away) then the player is only required to take one hit card and that if that hit card doesn't bust the player's hand, the player wins the push hand but if the hit card does bust the player's hand, they have lost the push hand; (g) and that after “playing the push” a player cannot then request to push their hand, nor is the backhand option available; (h) nor can a player request to push their hand after being dealt their third card.

8. In the method of claim five where a hand type and hand options are presented to the player, if said player at any point in the game requests a hit card (which is treated in the same manner as it is in the traditional game of blackjack) and after the Ace Rule is satisfied, the following shall apply: (a) that the player can request up to three hit cards in a hand; (b) that if a hit card causes the player's total hand value to exceed 21, the player loses with a “busted hand”; (c) that a hit card cannot be requested after a backhand card has been dealt; (d) that if a player consecutively hits to a 5-card hand without exceeding a total hand value of 21, the player wins the hand; (d) and that a 5-card hand cannot include a backhand card.

9. The method of claim two, where a new and novel method of resolving an initial player hand by predicting if/when the next card in the deck will cause the player's hand to exceed a total hand value of 21, facilitates the creation of three card games, the game objective of the first game called “Backhand, the card game” shall be to completely resolve the player's hand by: (a) achieving a successful backhand request (where the backhand card results in a total hand value greater than 21), player wins the hand; or (b) successfully “Play the Push” (where the player's initial hand value is between 17 and 20, and the hit card results in a total hand value of 21 or less), player wins the hand; or (c) successfully hit to a 5-card hand (where the player consecutively hits to five cards and a total hand value of 21 or less), player wins the hand.

10. The method of claim two, where a new and novel method of resolving an initial player hand by predicting if/when the next card in the deck will cause the player's hand to exceed a total hand value of 21, and facilitating the creation of three card games, the objective of the second game called “Buffalo Bayou Backhand” shall be to completely resolve the player's hand (in the same manner as Backhand, the card game) but also with player total advantage over the dealer total.

11. The method of claim two, where a new and novel method of resolving an initial player hand by predicting if/when the next card in the deck will cause the player's hand to exceed a total hand value of 21, and facilitating the creation of three card games, the objective of the third game called “Missouri City Backhand” shall be to completely resolve the player's hand with player total advantage over the dealer total, but now the players must compare the method in which they arrived at their individual outcomes to determine who wins the game by using the lowest player total or total hand value.

12. The method of claim ten where the objective of the second game in The Backhand Series called “Buffalo Bayou Backhand” is to completely resolve the player's hand with “player total” advantage over the “dealer total,” the following definitions shall apply: (a)“player total” shall be defined as the combined numerical values of all the cards dealt to the player up to, but not including the last card dealt to the player; (b) the “dealer total” is the added numerical values of the last card dealt to the player and the dealer show card directly above it; (c) the “dealer total advantage” is when the dealer total is greater than the player total; (d) the “player total advantage” is when the player total is greater than the dealer total; and (e) the player's “total hand value” is the sum total numerical value of all the cards dealt to the player including the initial player hand, the backhand card and any hit cards.

13. The method of claim ten where the objective of the second game in The Backhand Series called “Buffalo Bayou Backhand” is to completely resolve the player's hand with “player total” advantage over the “dealer total,” the following rules shall apply: (a) player's successful backhand request (where the backhand card results in a total hand value greater than 21)+player total advantage over the dealer total (player wins the hand); (b) successful 5-card hand (where the player consecutively hits to five cards with a total hand value of 21 or less), player wins the hand; (c) successful “Play the Push” attempt (where the hit card results in a player total hand value of 21 or less)+player total advantage over the dealer total, player wins the hand; (d) an unsuccessful backhand request (where the backhand card results in a player total hand value of 21 or less), player loses the hand; (e) a player's successful backhand request (where the backhand card results in a total hand value greater than 21)+dealer total advantage over the player total (dealer wins the hand); (f) an unsuccessful hit (where the hit card causes the player's hand to exceed 21), player loses the hand; (g) a successful “Play the Push” attempt (where the hit card results in a player total hand value of 21 or less)+dealer total advantage over the player total, dealer wins the hand; (h) an unsuccessful “Play the Push” attempt (where the hit card results in a player total hand value greater than 21), player loses the hand; (i) or any scenario where the player achieved a successful backhand or push hand and both the player total and dealer total are equal, these scenarios would result in a stalemate (no winner).

14. The method of claim eleven where the objective of the third game in The Backhand Series called “Missouri City Backhand” is to completely resolve the player's hand with player total advantage over the dealer total, where the method in which they arrived at their individual outcomes to determine who wins the game by using the lowest player total or total hand value; the following rules shall apply: (a) If both players have unsuccessful hands, the game results in a stalemate (no winner); (b) if one player has a successful hand+player total advantage over the dealer total (and the other has an unsuccessful hand or a stalemate) the player with the successful hand will win the game; (c) that if both players win their respective hands+player total advantage over the dealer total (and the method in which they won are not the same), then the player with the lowest total hand value will win the game, but if both player total hand values are equal, then the game will result in a stalemate; (d) that if both players have successful backhand plays+player total advantage over the dealer total, the player with the lowest player total wins the game, but if both player totals are equal, then the winner shall be decided using the lowest total hand value or if both player total hand values are equal, then the game will result in a stalemate; (e) that if both players have successful push hands+player total advantage over the dealer total, the player with the lowest player total wins the game, but if both player totals are equal, then the winner shall be decided using the lowest total hand value, but if both player total hand values are equal, then the game will result in a stalemate; (f) that if both players have successful five card hands, the player with the lowest total hand value wins the game, but if both player total hand values are equal, then the game will result in a stalemate; (g) that if one player has a successful five card hand and the other player has a successful hand (of any other type)+player total advantage over the dealer total, the player with the successful five card hand shall win the game.

15. The method of claim eleven where the objective of the third game in The Backhand Series called “Missouri City Backhand” is to completely resolve the player's hand with player total advantage over the dealer total, where the method in which they arrived at their individual outcomes are used to determine who wins the game; the following rules shall also apply: (a) If one player stands pat+player total advantage over the dealer total (and the other player has an unsuccessful hand or a stalemate) then the player ‘standing pat’ will win the game; (b) if one player stands pat+player total advantage over the dealer total (and the other player wins their hand with a successful backhand+player total over the dealer total); then the player standing pat will compare their total hand value to the other player's player total, the player with the lower value wins the game; (c) if one player stands pat+player total advantage over the dealer total (and the other player wins their hand with a successful push play+player total over the dealer total), then the player standing pat will compare their total hand value to the other player's player total, and the player with the lower value wins the game; (d) if one player stands pat+player total advantage over the dealer total (and the other player wins their hand with a successful 5-card hand), then the player with the 5-card hand wins the game; (e) and that if both players stand pat+player total advantage over the dealer total, the player with the lowest player total wins the game but if both player totals are equal, then the winner shall be decided using the lowest total hand value, or if both player total hand values are equal, then the game will result in a stalemate.

16. The method of claim fifteen where a player stands pat in the third game of The Backhand Series “Missouri City Backhand,” the following rules shall apply: (a) the option to stand pat shall only be available to players of Missouri City Backhand; (b) the option to stand pat is available to said players only after a seat has requested a hit card and has achieved player total advantage over the dealer total; (c) said players cannot stand pat with an initial hand value of between 17 and 20; (d) said players cannot stand pat once they request a backhand card, nor can said players request a backhand card after standing pat; (e) if said players decide not to stand pat, they cannot stand pat on a previous card after making a different play; (f) said players can stand pat only once in a hand; (g) once said players stand pat, their hand is effectively resolved and they must wait until the other player has resolved their hand; (h) that said players must choose to stand pat prior to their opponent losing their hand; (i) and that if one player has lost their hand and their opponent has not yet chosen to stand pat, said opponent must now resolve their hand another way without standing pat.