GB2464332A

GB2464332A - Card game using bonus triggering cards

Info

Publication number: GB2464332A
Application number: GB0814204A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roderick Grafton
Original assignee: Inspired Gaming UK Ltd
Current assignee: Inspired Gaming UK Ltd
Priority date: 2008-08-04
Filing date: 2008-08-04
Publication date: 2010-04-21
Also published as: GB0814204D0

Abstract

A card game, in which at least one player contests at least one hand with a dealer and wagers an amount on the result, includes one or more bonus triggering cards 52, with a bonus condition becoming available when a bonus triggering card is brought into play. The bonus triggering cards may have rank and suit values, and may replace corresponding ranked and suited cards in a standard 52 card deck. Possession of a bonus triggering card in a player winning hand may result in a modified return being paid, or a bonus game being made available. The bonus game may comprise drawing a card and wagering on whether subsequently drawn cards will be higher or lower in value. The bonus triggering card may alternatively allow a player to increase their wager, or split their hand. The card game is preferably blackjack, and may be played electronically using a gaming machine or computer and a display screen.

Description

Card Game The present invention relates to a method of playing a card game that may be played with physical decks of cards or, more preferably, electronically and in which at least one player contests at least one hand with a dealer. The invention may take the form of a casino table game or a gaming machine operable to provide the game to a player.

Many card games of the casino table game kind are known. For some players familiarity with the games available is an incentive to play. However, for other players such familiarity will lead to a dwindling of interest such that the player familiar with the existing game will wager less frequently on such familiar games and seek other alternatives. In order to maintain interest among such players, casinos and other gaming establishments or other game providers actively seek to introduce new games. Advantageously, such games should allow for a single player to contest a hand with a dealer, as players may become discouraged from wagering if required to wait for one or more additional players before a game may commence. Such games may also readily be implemented as a video card game on gaming machines where no additional players need be present.

It is an advantage of the present invention, that a new game in which at least one player contests a hand with a dealer is provided addressing these issues.

One particular concern for casinos, while seeking new games for players becoming disinterested in existing games, is that other players unfamiliar with a new game will not be interested in the new game or in spending a significant period of time to learn to play the new game. As the game of the present invention comprises elements from known games, the game of the present invention is conceptually easy to understand and so circumvents this difficulty.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method of playing a card game in which at least one player contests at least one hand with a dealer wagering an amount on the result comprises the steps of introducing a predetermined number of bonus triggering cards into a predetermined set of standard decks of 52 cards and playing the card game with the resulting cards, such that a bonus condition may become available following the bringing into play of a bonus triggering card, determining the result of the hand according to the rules of the card game and collecting the wagered amount if the player loses the hand, and providing a returned amount otherwise, the returned amount corresponding to the amount wager in the event of a tie and to the wagered amount together with an additional amount if the player wins.

Preferably, the bonus triggering cards introduced replace a corresponding number of cards in the predetermined set of standard decks of 52 cards.

Preferably, the bonus triggering cards have rank and suit values. More preferably, where the bonus triggering cards introduced replace a corresponding number of cards in the predetermined set of standard decks of 52 cards the bonus triggering cards replace cards of corresponding rank and value.

Preferably, when playing the card game, and the at least one player wins the hand, the returned amount is modified by the presence of a bonus triggering card in the at least one player's hand.

More preferably, the presence of a bonus triggering card in the at least one player's hand makes available a bonus game in which the returned amount is available for staking in the bonus game. Still more preferably, all of the returned amount must be staked in the bonus game. Alternatively, a part only of the returned amount may be staked in the bonus game.

Preferably, the bonus game comprises the steps of presenting a card to the at least one player and inviting the at least one player to wager a sum on whether the next card from the deck will be of higher or lower rank than the card presented. In the event of a successful wager, the wagered sum is returned together with an additional sum. In the event of a successful wager, the player may again be invited to wager a sum on whether the next card presented will be of higher or lower rank than the previous card presented.

In a preferred embodiment, the additional sum returned from the bonus game is modified in dependence upon odds presented for the wager.

Preferably, a limit will be imposed on the total value of the additional sum or sums returned from the bonus game.

Preferably, in the bonus game if a subsequent card is of equal rank to the previous card either the amount of the sum wagered will be returned to the at least one player or another card will be dealt from the deck.

Preferably, during the card game in which at the least one player contests the hand with the dealer, each bonus triggering card having multiple rank values. More preferably, each bonus triggering card having multiple rank values only when present in a player's hand.

Preferably, during the card game in which at the least one player contests the hand with the dealer, where the game rules permit splitting of the player's cards, the presence of a bonus triggering card in a player's hand also permits splitting of the player's cards.

Preferably, during the card game in which at the least one player contests the hand with the dealer, the presence of a bonus triggering card in a player's hand provides an opportunity for the player to increase the wagered amount.

Preferably, during the game in which at the least one player contests the hand with the dealer, where a player receives two initial cards, if both are bonus triggering cards a predetermined returned amount is always provided to the player receiving two bonus triggering cards.

Preferably, the card game is blackjack.

Alternatively, the bonus game comprises the steps of presenting at least two cards, the rank and value of which are hidden, including a bonus triggering card, receiving a staked sum and inviting the player to select one of the cards and returning the staked sum together with an additional sum if the bonus triggering card is selected.

According to a second aspect of the invention, an apparatus for playing a card game comprises: a computer processor, and a display in communication with the computer processor; wherein the computer processor is configured to perform the steps of: a) detecting a wagered amount indicated by a player; b) allocating card values corresponding to a predetermined set of standard decks of 52 cards c) allocating additional card values corresponding to a predetermined number of bonus triggering cards d) using the allocated card values to present the card game on the display in accordance with the rules of the card game, such that a bonus condition may become available following the display of a card value corresponding to a bonus triggering card, e) determining the result of the card game according to the rules of the card game, and f) collecting the wagered amount if the player loses the hand, and allocating a returned amount otherwise, the returned amount corresponding to the amount wager in the event of a tie and to the wagered amount together with an additional amount if the player wins.

Alternatively, instead of steps b) and c) a predetermined subset of the allocated card values are identified as corresponding to bonus triggering cards.

Preferably, when playing the card game with the resulting card values, and the player wins the hand, the bonus triggered by the presence of a bonus triggering card in the hand is the modification of the returned amount allocated by the processor.

More preferably, the presence of a bonus triggering card in the player's hand makes available a bonus game in which the returned amount is available for staking in the bonus game. Still more preferably, all of the returned amount must be staked in the bonus game. Alternatively, a part only of the returned amount may be staked in the bonus game.

Preferably, the bonus game comprises the steps of displaying a card value to the player and inviting the player to wager a sum on whether the next card value displayed will be of higher or lower rank than the card value displayed. In the event of a successful wager, the wagered sum is allocated back to the player together with an additional sum. In the event of a successful wager, the player may again be invited to wager on whether the next card value displayed will be of higher or lower rank than the previous card value displayed.

In a preferred embodiment, the additional sum allocated from the bonus game in the event of a successful wager is modified in dependence upon the odds presented for the wager.

Preferably, a predetermined limit is imposed on the total value of sums allocated back to the player available from the bonus game.

Preferably, in the bonus game if a subsequent card value is of equal rank to the previous card value either the amount of the wager will be allocated back to the player or another card value from the deck will be displayed.

Preferably, during the card game in which at the player contests the hand with the dealer, each bonus triggering card may have multiple rank values. More preferably, each bonus triggering card may have multiple rank values only when present in the player's hand.

Preferably, during the card game in which at the player contests the hand with the dealer, where the card game rules permit splitting of the player's cards, the presence of a bonus triggering card in the player's hand also permits splitting of the player's cards.

Preferably, during the card game in which the player contests the hand with the dealer, the presence of a bonus triggering card in the player's hand provides an opportunity for the player to increase the wagered amount.

Preferably, during the card game in which at the player contests the hand with the dealer, where the player receives two initial cards, if both are bonus triggering cards a predetermined amount is always allocated to the player.

Preferably, the card game is blackjack.

Alternatively, the bonus game comprises the steps of presenting at least two card values, the rank and value of each being hidden, including a bonus triggering card, detecting a staked sum and inviting the player to select one of the cards and allocating back to the player the staked sum together with an additional sum if the bonus triggering card is selected.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a computer readable storage medium is encoded with instructions for enabling the performance of the method of the first aspect of the invention.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 shows a schematic of a gaming machine configured for playing a game in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows an example layout for playing an initial game in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 3 shows a first bonus game that may be made available to a player in an example initial state; Figure 4 shows the first bonus game in a more advanced state; Figure 5 shows a second bonus game that may be made available to a player; Figure 6 shows a first example of the second bonus game in an example initial condition; and Figure 7 shows a second example of the second bonus game in an end condition In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate several aspects of the present invention. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical, and operational changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the embodiments of the present invention is defined only by the claims of the issued patent.

Use of the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", is to imply the inclusion of a particular element or step, or set of elements or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or set of elements, integers or steps.

Some portions of the detailed description which follows are presented in terms of procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits that can be performed on computer memory. Each step may be performed by hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof.

Referring first to Figure 1 is a schematic view of a gaming machine 2 suitable for implementing the method of the invention as a video game for a gaming machine.

Other embodiments contemplated (not shown) include other screen based systems, such as a PDA, mobile telephone, laptop, desktop computer, console gaming system or the like.

A gaming machine 2 comprises a computer processor 10, a display 12 in communication with the computer processor 10, input means 14 and output means 16 in communication with the computer processor 10 to enable a player to place the wagers to be described.

In the case of a gaming machine, the input means 14 may comprise a button. The term "button" is intended to encompass any alternative that allows a player to communicate a player choice to the computer processor 10, such as a mechanical device adjacent the display 12 that must be depressed or a visually distinct display area of a screen that a player need only touch. Alternatively, the display may direct a player to make their selection using a keyboard associated with the computer processor 10. In a further alternative, the player interaction may be provided by a selection from these input means.

In the case of a screen based system, the input means 14 may alternatively comprise a screen element, such as a cursor or pointer, that a player may manipulate by any suitable means to place wagers.

The output means 16 preferably comprises audio output means such as one or more speaker units in communication with the computer processor 10. The computer processor 10 may cause the audio output means to issue suitable auditory output (for example the sound of cards being shuffled, cards being dealt, gaming chips being awarded) at suitable points during the play of the game. The computer processor 10 may cause the audio output means to generate suitable game messages issued in an appropriate language at suitable points during play of the game (for example inviting a player to place a wager). These game messages are suitably in addition to any visual cue presented on the display 12.

While in a casino, the table game according to the method of the present invention will clearly be played for redeemable currency (for example gaming chips), other implementations of the game may be played only for points or play money.

When a wager is received, whether for redeemable currency or otherwise, the computer processor 10 causes a representation of the wager received to appear on the display 12. This may take the form of a numerical representation of the wager received, but may also include a graphical representation of the wager received, such as an image of one or more gambling chips. In the event of a wager being collected, the computer processor 10 may cause the graphical representation of the wager received to move towards the dealer's hand on the display 12. Alternatively, in the event of a wager being returned the computer processor 10 causes the graphical representation of the wager received to move towards the player's hand on the display 12. Finally, in the event of a wager being returned with additional value the computer processor 10 may cause an additional graphical representation to appear, and for the graphical representation of the wager received and the additional graphical representation each to move towards the player's hand on the display 12.

Where the gaming machine 2 is adapted to permit playing of the game for currency, the gaming machine 2 is provided with a credit unit 18 which controls and validates payments from one or more payment peripherals. Such payment peripheral(s) may include a coin acceptor, note acceptor, credit card or debit card reader or other electronic payment interface, for example to charge a player account or to charge a mobile telephone account of a player by connection to a suitable electronic payment system where the game is played for currency on a mobile telephone. The apparatus is preferably also provided with a payment unit 20 which controls and validates payments from payment peripherals to enable payment of any remaining credit. Such payment peripheral(s) may include a coin dispenser, a note dispenser, a ticket dispenser, a card writer or an electronic payment interface, for example credit a player account or to credit a mobile telephone account of a player by connection to a suitable electronic payment system where the game is played for currency on a mobile telephone. In some embodiments a card reader/writer may be used to provide both the functionality of both the credit unit 18 and the payment unit 20.

The amount of the payment made through the credit unit 18 may be stored in a meter of the computer processor 10 and the meter decremented following placing of the various wagers and incremented as appropriate according to the results of the various wagers after the results of each wager placed have been determined. Alternatively separate meters may be used to store the amount of the payment made (credit meter), any part of that payment to be made available for wagering (stake meter) and any winnings accumulated in the play session (winnings meter). In Figures 2 to 7, the contents of these meters are displayed in windows shown on the display 12 as described below. When a player decides to terminate play and credit remains in one or more of the meters, the computer processor 10 communicates with the payment unit 20 to cause a suitable amount of credit to be returned to the player (or the account of the player). The player may be required to confirm that meter values be transferred to a particular meter (for example the credit meter) prior to the credit being returned or the computer processor may simply automatically transfer the values from all meters to a single meter and cause the payment unit 20 to return a suitable amount of credit to the player. Where the payment unit 20 comprises a ticket dispenser, a dispensed ticket may conveniently be redeemed at a suitable electronic pay station or at a cashier desk.

A card value allocation unit is conveniently provided as a random number generator incorporated within the computer processor 10 to generate card values representative of shuffled cards. This either may be as a part of the operating system or as part of the game software. Alternatively the random number generator may be located externally of the machine.

In an alternative embodiment, the computer processor 10 will act as a client and receive game information from a server. The server may be located in venue or geographically remote from the computer processor 10.

Reference will now be made to the method of the present invention as implemented on a gaming machine. In the case of a casino table game, the dealer will distribute the cards and attend to collection and issuing of gaming chips. With this in mind it is anticipated that the reader will readily understand the equivalence of the method of the casino table game to the method as implemented on a gaming machine.

Turning to the remaining Figures aspects of the method of the present invention will now be described.

In a preferred embodiment the card value allocation unit allocated card values corresponding to a set of six standard decks of 52 cards. A predetermined subset of the card values are identified as corresponding to bonus triggering cards. In a preferred embodiment all of the kings are identified as bonus triggering cards.

In another embodiment (not shown) additional card values are allocated as bonus triggering cards such that there are more than 312 cards in play. Alternatively, some of the other card values may be replaced by bonus triggering cards, so while there are 312 cards in play there are more than 24 bonus cards in play. n a further alternative not all cards of a certain rank may be replaced, so while there are 312 cards in play there are less than 24 bonus cards in play. To maintain fairness, the number of bonus cards in play should be indicated to the player in advance. Preferably, to minimise disruption to other aspects of the selected casino card game such additional substitutions should be made with other face cards. More or fewer than six decks of cards may be used, with appropriate adjustments to the numbers given above.

In this description as appropriate reference to a card or cards includes reference to a card value or card values displayed on the display 12 by the computer processor.

In a preferred embodiment, to avoid disruption to other aspects of the selected casino card game, the bonus triggering cards have rank and suit values.

The method of the present invention will be described using blackjack as the casino card game of choice.

Referring first to Figure 2, the card game blackjack is presented. The player is offered a number of player stations or boxes 22,24,26 at which they may place an amount to wager against a dealer position 28. In Figure 2, the player has placed wagers at all three available boxes 22,24,26. Card values have been allocated to each player box 22,24,26 and the dealer position 28. The card values allocated to each player position have been displayed. At the dealer position 28 one of the card values has been displayed, the other is presently hidden.

The display may show information relating to game play to the player, for example "Dealing cards" in an information window 30. Additional windows 32,34,36 may be provided to indicate the amount of a player's winnings, the current amount staked, and the total credit on the machine. Preferably, each window has associated indicia 38 to inform the player of the contents of these windows.

For each player position, the player is provided with the option to "Stand" that is take no additional cards (by pressing button 40) or "hit" that is to receive an additional card (by pressing bufton 42). Where appropriate the player may also be provided with the option to "double down" where in return for increasing the wager made a single card may be received (by pressing button 44) or to "split" where in return for an additional wager the two cards may be split to create additional player positions with an additional card dealt to each position to create a player hand (by pressing button 46).

When a player has indicated a wagered amount by placing a stake, for example by touching the display 12 in the region of one of the player boxes 22,24,26 the computer processor 10 will cause a visual indication 48 of the wagered amount staked to appear on the display. In Figure 2, images of three �10 chips, one for each of the three boxes shown, have been displayed.

In Figure 2, the current decision is for the right most hand illustrated. The value of this first hand 15' is shown in a box 50. The box 50 may be used to indicate to a player that player input is required in relation to this hand. Additional visual alterations to the display 12 in the region of player box or dealt hand may also be provided. In the second central position, the hand value is 20' in accordance with the rules of blackjack. In the third left most hand, the hand value according to the normal rules of blackjack is 18'. It is noted that one of the cards is a bonus triggering card.

In a preferred embodiment, this card may take an additional value, for example 10 or 0. This will enable the player to stand on 18 if she thinks this is the best decision or to receive an additional card otherwise.

Alternatively, the bonus triggering card only retains its normal blackjack value (10'), but if this hand returns any money -that is there is a win or a push -the player obtains entry to a bonus game.

In a further embodiment, the presence of the bonus triggering card may enable the player to double down or split, whether the normal conditions for these actions are satisfied or not. For example a hand partnering a bonus triggering card with a 5' could be split subject to doubling of the wager (the initial wagered amount for one card and an equal additional wagered amount for the other).

In an alternative embodiment, the presence of a bonus triggering card enables the player to double the size of the amount wagered.

In another embodiment, the presence of a bonus triggering card triggers a no lose bonus. For example if the player hand would win, it will still win and an amount returned in accordance with the rules of blackjack, but if the dealer has a better hand, the amount wagered by the player is returned as if the hand were tied.

In a ftirther embodiment, when a bonus triggering card is present in a player's winning hand, the wagered amount is returned to the player together with an additional amount greater than would otherwise be the case, for example the additional amount is equal to twice the wagered amount rather than being equal to it.

In a still further embodiment, if the player's hand contains two bonus triggering cards, the amount of the player's wager is always returned together with an additional amount at a preferred rate, for example 4 to 1. This is the case whether the player would beat the dealer or the dealer would beat the player's hand.

As noted above, the presence of a bonus triggering card in the player's hand may make available a bonus game in which the returned amount from the initial card game is available for staking, either in whole or in part, in the bonus game.

One such bonus game is shown in an initial state in Figure 3. The computer processor causes an array 60 of cards to be displayed, only one of which 62 is displayed with the card value showing. Tn Figure 3 the jack of diamonds is displayed. The computer processor 10 also causes the rules for and other information relating to the bonus game to be displayed to the player within a region 64 of the display 12. For example displayed within this region may be the information "Aces are high cards", "Each card is drawn from a fresh pack of 52 cards", "Any tie is considered a no-lose' outcome", "Any ace or two automatically moves to the next card" and "At the end of each row you may swap your current card".

The information window 30 may now show instructions to the player, for example "Hit Higher or Lower or Collect to Continue". The additional windows 32,34,36 at the top of the display continue to indicate the amount of a player's winnings, the amount staked in the initial card game, and the total credit on the machine remaining.

The display also now provides a window 66 indicating the amount returned from the initial card game as a sum now available to be wagered in the bonus game as well as indicia 68 advising the player of the purpose of the window 66. This figure is maintained in a gamble meter of the computer processor 10. Preferably, the input means 14 should also provide access to a help screen (by button 70) and means to return to view a main menu (such as button 72).

The input means 14 also includes buttons 74,76 to enable the player to wager whether they believe the next card value to be displayed will be higher or lower than the card most recently displayed. The input means 14 also includes buttons 78,80 to enable the player to collect or part collect the sum available to be wagered.

instead of allocating a fixed sum to the player if the wager is successful, the player may be provided with indicia 82 indicating the adjusted odds being offered. These will vary depending upon the true likelihood. For example in Figure 3 a return of "x4.OO" is offered for selecting an option that the next card value will be higher than a jack. If a 4 is shown, the payout on choosing Higher' might be "xl.2" and if a 8 is shown the payout on choosing Higher' might be "x2.O" (as shown in Figure 4).

The computer processor allocates a card value and causes this to be displayed. The second card is displayed in the row adjacent the first card 62.

When the next card is displayed, the computer processor 10 makes a determination of the outcome of the wager and allocates any winnings to the winnings meter or decreases the contents of the gamble meter as appropriate and causes the window 66 to reflect this. If funds remain in the gamble meter, the player may continue to wager on whether the next card displayed will be higher or lower in rank that the most recently displayed card.

The array 60 comprises three rows of four. When a card value is displayed at the end of a row, the computer processor causes a button 84,86 at the end of the row to become active to enable a player to choose to replaced the card displayed for another if desired.

In a preferred embodiment, the player may continue to gamble until 1) the sum available to wager has been exhausted, 2) the player has elected to collect their winnings or 3) a predetermined maximum value of winnings has been reached. The predetermined maximum value of winnings may be set by the machine operator or by legislation.

When played as a table game, the dealer should instead of dealing each card from a new deck, deal the cards from the existing set of shuffled cards. Further, the player may be offered a fixed odds return as to whether the next card dealt will be higher or lower.

An alternative bonus game is illustrated with reference to Figures 5 to 7. This bonus game is based upon the known game of "Find the Lady", in which a player seeks to find a predetermined card amongst a randomised set of cards. Here a bonus triggering card may be used as the card to be located.

On qualifying for this bonus game, the player is offered a choice of three variations 100,102,104 in which the player needs to find the predetermined card from a set of 2, 3 or 5 cards (Figure 5). Tn each case, the odds 101,103,105 offered by the bonus game are shown to the player on the display 12. The games offered may be restricted if the winnings available would exceed a predetermined maximum win value. For example if the player wins �120 on the initial blackjack game and the maximum permitted total win amount is �500, the 5 card game variant would not be presented to the player.

In Figure 6 the 3 card option has been selected. The player is also provided where applicable with a button 110 to change the game at any time prior to committing to a wager by selecting a card. As the win is �20 in Figure 6, button 110 is available to enable the player to change the game to obtain different odds.

At the end of the game all of the card values are displayed to the player, thereby revealing the presence of the bonus triggering card. Figure 7 shows this state for a five card game.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A method of playing a card game in which at least one player contests at least one hand with a dealer wagering an amount on the result comprises the steps of introducing a predetermined number of bonus triggering cards into a predetermined set of standard decks of 52 cards and playing the card game with the resulting cards, such that a bonus condition may become available following the bringing into play of a bonus triggering card, determining the result of the hand according to the rules of the card game and collecting the wagered amount if the player loses the hand, and providing a returned amount otherwise, the returned amount corresponding to the amount wager in the event of a tie and to the wagered amount together with an additional amount if the player wins.
2 A method according to claim 1, in which the bonus triggering cards introduced replace a corresponding number of cards in the predetermined set of standard decks of 52 cards.
3 A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the bonus triggering cards have rank and suit values.
4 A method according to claim 3, in which where the bonus triggering cards introduced replace a corresponding number of cards in the predetermined set of standard decks of 52 cards the bonus triggering cards replace cards of corresponding rank and value.
A method according to claim 1, in which when playing the card game, and the at least one player wins the hand, the returned amount is modified by the presence of a bonus triggering card in the at least one player's hand.
6 A method according to claim 1, in which the presence of a bonus triggering card in the at least one player's hand makes available a bonus game in which the returned amount is available for staking in the bonus game.
7 A method according to claim 6, in which all of the returned amount must be staked in the bonus game.
8 A method according to claim 6, in which a part only of the returned amount may be staked in the bonus game.
9 A method according to claim 6, in which the bonus game comprises the steps of presenting a card to the at least one player and inviting the at least one player to wager a sum on whether the next card from the deck will be of higher or lower rank than the card presented.
A method according to claim 9 in which, in the event of a successful wager, the player may again be invited to wager a sum on whether the next card presented will be of higher or lower rank than the previous card presented.
11 A method according to claim 9, in which the additional sum returned from the bonus game is modified in dependence upon odds presented for the wager.
12 A method according to claim 9, in which in the bonus game if a subsequent card is of equal rank to the previous card either the amount of the sum wagered will be returned to the at least one player or another card will be dealt from the deck.
13 A method according to claim 9, in which a limit will be imposed on the total value of the additional sum or sums returned from the bonus game.
14 A method according to claim 1, in which during the card game in which at the least one player contests the hand with the dealer, each bonus triggering card having multiple rank values.
A method according to claim 14, in which each bonus triggering card having multiple rank values only when present in a player's hand.
16 A method according to claim 1, in which during the card game in which at the least one player contests the hand with the dealer, where the game rules permit splitting of the player's cards, the presence of a bonus triggering card in a player's hand also permits splitting of the player's cards.
17 A method according to claim 1, in which during the card game in which at the least one player contests the hand with the dealer, the presence of a bonus triggering card in a player's hand provides an opportunity for the player to increase the wagered amount.
18 A method according to claim 1, in which during the game in which at the least one player contests the hand with the dealer, where a player receives two initial cards, if both are bonus triggering cards a predetermined returned amount is always provided to the player receiving two bonus triggering cards.
19 A method according to claim 1, in which the card game is blackjack.
A method according to claim 6, in which the bonus game comprises the steps of presenting at least two cards, the rank and value of which are hidden, including a bonus triggering card, receiving a staked sum and inviting the player to select one of the cards and returning the staked sum together with an additional sum if the bonus triggering card is selected.
21 An apparatus for playing a card game comprising: a computer processor, and a display in communication with the computer processor; wherein the computer processor is configured to perform the steps of: a) detecting a wagered amount indicated by a player; b) allocating card values corresponding to a predetermined set of standard decks of 52 cards; c) allocating additional card values corresponding to a predetermined number of bonus triggering cards; d) using the allocated card values to present the card game on the display in accordance with the rules of the card game, such that a bonus condition may become available following the display of a card value corresponding to a bonus triggering card; e) determining the result of the card game according to the rules of the card game; and f) collecting the wagered amount if the player loses the hand, and allocating a returned amount otherwise, the returned amount corresponding to the amount wager in the event of a tie and to the wagered amount together with an additional amount if the player wins.
22 An apparatus according to claim 21, in which instead of steps b) and c) a predetermined subset of the allocated card values are identified as corresponding to bonus triggering cards.
23 An apparatus according to claim 21, in which when playing the card game with the resulting card values, and the player wins the hand, the bonus triggered by the presence of a bonus triggering card in the hand is the modification of the returned amount allocated by the processor.
24 An apparatus according to claim 21, in which the presence of a bonus triggering card in the player's hand makes available a bonus game in which the returned amount is available for staking in the bonus game.
An apparatus according to claim 24, in which all of the returned amount must be staked in the bonus game.
26 An apparatus according to claim 24, in which a part only of the returned amount may be staked in the bonus game.
27 An apparatus according to claim 24, in which the bonus game comprises the steps of displaying a card value to the player and inviting the player to wager a sum on whether the next card value displayed will be of higher or lower rank than the card value displayed.
28 An apparatus according to claim 24, in which in the event of a successful wager, the player may again be invited to wager on whether the next card value displayed will be of higher or lower rank than the previous card value displayed.
29 An apparatus according to claim 24, in which the additional sum allocated from the bonus game in the event of a successful wager is modified in dependence upon the odds presented for the wager.
An apparatus according to claim 24, in which a predetermined limit is imposed on the total value of sums allocated back to the player available from the bonus game.
31 An apparatus according to claim 24, in which in the bonus game if a subsequent card value is of equal rank to the previous card value either the amount of the wager will be allocated back to the player or another card value from the deck will be displayed.
32 An apparatus according to claim 21, in which during the card game in which the player contests the hand with the dealer, each bonus triggering card may have multiple rank values.
33 An apparatus according to claim 32, in which each bonus triggering card may have multiple rank values only when present in the player's hand.
34 An apparatus according to claim 21, in which, during the card game in which at the player contests the hand with the dealer, where the card game rules permit splitting of the player's cards, the presence of a bonus triggering card in the player's hand also permits splitting of the player's cards.
An apparatus according to claim 21, in which during the card game in which at the player contests the hand with the dealer, the presence of a bonus triggering card in the player's hand provides an opportunity for the player to increase the wagered amount.
36 An apparatus according to claim 21, in which during the card game in which at the player contests the hand with the dealer, where the player receives two initial cards, if both are bonus triggering cards a predetermined amount is always allocated to the player.
37 An apparatus according to claim 21, in which the card game is blackjack.
38 An apparatus according to claim 24, in which the bonus game comprises the steps of presenting at least two card values, the rank and value of each being hidden, including a bonus triggering card, detecting a staked sum and inviting the player to select one of the cards and allocating back to the player the staked sum together with an additional sum if the bonus triggering card is selected.
39 A computer readable storage medium is encoded with instructions for enabling the performance of the method of claim 1.