US20120098198A1

US20120098198A1 - Blackjack Game with Associated Wagering Game

Info

Publication number: US20120098198A1
Application number: US13/279,055
Authority: US
Inventors: Harry Morris
Original assignee: Harry Morris
Current assignee: PARADIGM TABLE GAMES Inc
Priority date: 2010-10-22
Filing date: 2011-10-21
Publication date: 2012-04-26

Abstract

Providing and conducting a wagering game associated with a Blackjack game, configured for receiving a wager relating to the associated wagering game; generating player and dealer initial Blackjack hands; determining the value of the initial player hand; comparing the initial player hand value with a qualifying preset criteria unless the initial player hand includes a card having more than one possible value in the Blackjack game, wherein the qualifying preset criteria includes at least one specific value; providing a payout if the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards of the same value which combine to equal the at least one specific value or the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards of different values which combine to equal the at least one specific value and the final Blackjack outcome is a player win.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/406,061 which was filed Oct. 22, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems and methods of providing, conducting and modifying wagering games. In particular, the invention relates to systems and methods for providing and conducting a modified Blackjack game and an associated wagering game using randomly generated Blackjack outcomes.
2. Description of the Related Art
Many card games have been developed over the years and some are particularly adapted for gambling. Typically, such games include a dealer who deals cards and one or more players who place wagers on whether an outcome will be achieved based on the cards that the dealer deals. One example in this regard is Blackjack which is also known as Twenty-One.
The objective of Blackjack is for a wagering player to finish a round of play with a hand of playing cards with a sum of the total value of cards coming as close as possible to the value of twenty-one, without the player hand total exceeding twenty-one. The game is played by one or more players against a dealer with the player making an initial wager on a final outcome under the rules of blackjack, which remain fairly consistent throughout the world, and with only minor variations in different casinos or jurisdictions. Players' hands that are less than or equal to twenty-one, and exceed the value of the dealer's hand wins. All players' hands that have a lower sum than the dealer's hand and all hands that exceed the sum of twenty-one lose. Dealer and Player hands with the same total value (without the player first busting, result in ties (called a “push”). An initial two-card hand totaling twenty-one points is called blackjack, and in the absence of the dealer having a similar hand, automatically wins, without respect to the dealer's hand final; count and is often paid at odds greater than 1:1.
One conventional method of playing Blackjack uses one or more standard decks of playing cards (a fifty-two card deck without jokers). Each numbered card is counted according to its face value. The Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth ten (10), and Aces are worth either one (1) or eleven (11), depending on which is most beneficial to the count of the hand. A “ten” card therefore hereinafter includes any card which has a value of ten in the game of Blackjack, that is, a numbered 10 card, Jacks, Queens and Kings. The game begins by dealing two cards to each position where a player has made a wager. The dealer or house is also dealt two cards, usually with one card face up or otherwise exposed to view.
A player views an initial value of cards in the player's hand, views the dealer's up-card (the exposed card) and then makes decisions on drawing or not drawing further playing cards. This further drawing is done in an attempt to try and win the hand by having a higher count than the dealer's hand without busting, or allowing the dealer to bust the house hand. The player can “stand” on any count of twenty-one or less. Once the player exceeds a count of twenty-one or “busts,” the player wager is lost, whatever the ultimate point count of the dealer's hand. Usually, the dealer must hit when with a point count of less than seventeen. Normally a dealer must stand on a soft count of at least seventeen, a soft count being a hand value where an Ace is counted as a value of eleven. House rules may vary, however. If a player or dealer receives 21 on their initial hand, such as an Ace and a Ten or Ace and a Jack, this is referred to as a “natural” Blackjack. If a player receives a natural Blackjack as their initial hand, then the player will win the game although some versions of the rules provide that the dealer ties the player if the dealer also has a natural Blackjack. If the dealer receives a natural Blackjack, then all players will lose unless the rules allow a player who has a natural Blackjack as well to win or tie.
Although the game of Blackjack is a consistent winning game for the house, players tend to place the minimum wager on a blackjack game unless the player is using some system or feels that the cards are running in a favorable streak. While Blackjack is a very popular game, many new games which are quickly rising in popularity provide numerous wagering opportunities, thus increasing player participation and excitement. Consequently, further variations of existing wagering games are always of interest to players and casinos, and therefore, there is a desire for methods which would increase wagering in the game of Blackjack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a method of conducting a wagering game associated with the underlying game of Blackjack, which includes the steps of: receiving a wager relating to the associated wagering game; generating a random initial hand of playing cards in the underlying game for a player and a dealer; determining the value of the initial player hand of playing cards, wherein the value is based on combining the value of each card in the initial hand according to the rules of the underlying game; comparing the value of the initial player hand with a qualifying preset criteria unless the initial player hand includes a card having more than one possible value according to the rules of the underlying game, wherein the qualifying preset criteria includes at least one specific value which may be achieved by the initial hand according to the rules of the underlying game; determining the final outcome of the underlying game according its rules, wherein the final outcome may be a player win, a player loss or push; providing a payout corresponding with the wager received if (i) the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards of the same value which combine to equal the at least one specific value according to the rules of the underlying game or (ii) the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards of different values which combine to equal the at least one specific value according to the rules of the underlying game and the final outcome is a player win; and collecting the wager if the qualifying preset criteria is not satisfied.
In some embodiments, the at least one specific value of the aforementioned method includes one or more of the values 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16.
In some embodiments, the aforementioned method further includes the step of providing a payout corresponding with the wager received if the qualifying preset criteria is not satisfied and the initial player hand is a natural Blackjack.
In some embodiments, the aforementioned method further includes the step of providing a payout corresponding to the same amount as the wager received if the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards of different values which combine to equal the at least one specific value according to the rules of the underlying game and the final outcome of the underlying game is a push.
In some embodiments, the step of generating a random initial hand of playing cards for a player and a dealer in the underlying game further as described above further includes generating an initial hand of two cards for the player and an initial hand of two cards for the dealer.
In some embodiments, the step of comparing the value of the initial player hand with a qualifying preset criteria unless the initial hand includes a card having more than one possible value according to the rules of the underlying game card further comprises comparing the value of the initial player hand with a qualifying preset criteria unless the initial player hand includes an Ace or other wild card.
In some embodiments, the aforementioned method further includes the step of providing a payout corresponding with the wager received if the qualifying preset criteria are not satisfied and the initial player hand and initial dealer hand are both natural Blackjacks.
In some embodiments, the step of generating a random initial hand of playing cards in the underlying game further comprises using a program with a random number generator configured for simulating Blackjack games or at least one randomly ordered deck of physical playing cards.
In some embodiments, the aforementioned method further includes the step of receiving a wager that is resolvable based on the outcome of the underlying wagering game.
Some embodiments of the invention are directed to a system for conducting a wagering game associated with the underlying game of Blackjack as described in any of the embodiments herein. The system may include a device or apparatus, such as processor or randomly ordered decks of playing cards, for generating a random initial hand of playing cards in the underlying game for a player and a dealer. The system may also include a processor configured for: determining the value of the initial player hand of playing cards, wherein the value is based on combining the value of each card in the initial hand according to the rules of the underlying game; comparing the value of the initial player hand with a qualifying preset criteria unless the initial player hand includes a card having more than one possible value according to the rules of the underlying game, wherein the qualifying preset criteria includes at least one specific value which may be achieved by the initial hand according to the rules of the underlying game; determining the final outcome of the underlying game according its rules, wherein the final outcome may be a player win, a player loss or push. The system may also include a player interface configured for: receiving a wager relating to the associated wagering game; and providing a payout corresponding with the wager received if it is determined that the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied and the initial player hand is composed of individual cards having the same value which combine to equal the at least one specific value according to the rules of the underlying game or the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied and the initial player hand is composed of individual cards having different values which combine to equal the at least one specific value according to the rules of the underlying game and the final outcome is a player win.
The player interface may be a data input and/or data output device or a remote computer terminal, such as a home computer or mobile device with access to local or global network. The system and player interface may be configured for providing the associated wagering game to players via an online system or the Internet. The processor may also be remotely located from the player interface.
In some embodiments, the system further includes a display for presenting the underlying game and the associated game. The player interface, processor and display device may be mounted within a unitary housing, and the aforementioned system may be an electronic gaming machine or electronic platform including multiple data input devices providing player positions.
Some embodiments are directed to a wagering game method associated with an underlying game of Blackjack, which includes the steps of: receiving a wager relating to the associated wagering game; generating a random initial hand of playing cards in the underlying game for a player and a dealer; determining the value of the initial player hand of playing cards, wherein the value is based on combining the value of each card in the initial hand according to the rules of the underlying game; comparing the value of the initial player hand with a qualifying preset criteria unless the initial player hand includes an Ace, wherein the qualifying preset criteria includes an initial hand with a value of 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 as determined according to the rules of the underlying game; determining the final outcome of the underlying game according its rules, wherein the final outcome may be a player win, a player loss or push; providing a payout corresponding with the wager received if (i) the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards having the same value or (ii) the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards having different values and the final outcome is a player win; and collecting the wager if the qualifying preset criteria is not satisfied.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a process flow chart depicting an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is process flow chart depicting another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary table layout configured for use with methods according to some embodiments of the invention, including physical or live table systems and virtual or partially virtual electronic platforms.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of exemplary system components configured for use with methods according to some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments herein relate to wagering games such as Blackjack or variants and modifications thereof in which additional or side wagers other than the standard underlying game wagers are placed by players and received by the house or casino, or a person or entity acting as a banker of the game, to be subsequently resolved in a secondary wagering game which is resolved at least in part by the partial or intermediate randomly generated results of the standard underlying game.
It should be understood that each of the methods and individual steps recited herein may be partially or wholly carried out in a variety of ways and/or systems, which may include, but are not limited to, a live dealer physically dealing playing cards in a casino, an electronic gaming machine (EGM) for one or more players, standalone multiplayer platforms which may include a player interface such as a touchscreen display and a physical or virtual playing cards, through a home computer or portable computing device, such as a tablet computer or mobile phone capable of communicating with a network or over the Internet, global telecommunication network or world wide web. It should further be understood that the methods and systems of the invention are described herein in connection with a conventional Blackjack game for illustrative purposes only, as the methods and systems of the invention may be employed, combined or integrated with modified, variant or otherwise non-conventional Blackjack games, such as Blackjack games having multiple hands.
A method of providing, conducting and resolving a wagering game involving a comparison of preset criteria over a sequence of directed and defined transformative events of randomly generated results which are operatively associated with an underlying game of Blackjack is generally referred to by the reference numeral 10 in FIG. 1.
In step 12, a wager is received by a player interested in playing the associated game. In this embodiment, the wager is optional, and may be placed with a wager in the underlying game. However, in other embodiments, the wager placed in step 12 may be mandatory, along with a wager placed in the underlying game, so that the player must play both the secondary and underlying wagering games at all times.
In step 14, initial hands of randomly generated cards are dealt to form the respective initial player hand or players' hands and the initial dealer hand which defines a first transformative event.
In step 16, the results of the first transformative event are compared with initial or qualifying preset criteria. In this embodiment, the results which are compared with the qualifying preset criteria include the initial hand of a player placing the wager for the companion game and the dealer hand. The qualifying preset criteria of this embodiment relates to the particular elements of the initial hand, such as their relative rank and numerical value. In particular, the qualifying preset criteria of this embodiment relates to the cards of a player's initial hand in the underlying blackjack game corresponding with numerical hand values of 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, that is, a “hard” 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 (i.e., without use of an Ace) in the underlying game.
As shown by steps 18 and 20, if the qualifying preset criteria are not satisfied, then the wager in the associated game is considered a loss and collected, and the underlying Blackjack game will continue to operate according to its rules, which may be conventional or non-conventional Blackjack rules, as shown in step 22 to reach a second transformative event as described below.
As shown by step 18, if the qualifying preset criteria are satisfied then the wager in the associated game will not collected and the underlying Blackjack game will continue to operate according to its rules as shown in step 22 until the respective final player hand or players' hands and the final dealer hand are formed, which defines a second transformative event. It should be understood that for purposes of this embodiment, a final hand is either a player or dealer hand of randomly generated cards which according to the rules of the underlying game is in a condition which allows for the outcome of the wager received in connection with the underlying game to be resolved. Thus, the second event as set forth in this embodiment is a condition in which the underlying game may be finally resolved.
It should be understood that for purposes of this embodiment, the initial hand of the first event may be transformed to the final hand of the second transformative event without the addition of one or more randomly generated cards to the initial hand. For example, an initial player hand consisting of a natural Blackjack (e.g., a King and an Ace) becomes the final player hand after all initial hands are formed including the dealer because according to the conventional rules of Blackjack, the player's Blackjack wager is in condition to be resolved at that stage of the underlying game. Likewise, a dealer that is dealt an initial hand consisting of a natural Blackjack becomes the final dealer hand and all of the initial player hands become the final player hands upon revealing the dealer's hidden card because all the Blackjack wagers are then in condition to be resolved. In another example, a player with an initial hand value of 16, thus satisfying the qualifying preset criteria in step 18, may choose to “stand” on that initial hand in the underlying game. Upon the initial dealer hand being played out according to the rules, that is, the revealing of the hidden card of the initial dealer hand and then hitting or standing, the initial player hand with a value of 16 will become the final player hand because the Blackjack wager is in condition to be resolved after the final dealer hand is determined.
In step 24, the underlying game is resolved according to its rules. As shown by step 26, if the qualifying preset criteria was not satisfied in step 18, then the underlying game of Blackjack and associated game are over and end in step 28.
As shown by step 24, if the qualifying preset criteria was satisfied in step 18, then the results of the second event will be compared with a final preset criteria in step 30. In this embodiment, the final preset criteria relates to the final resolution of the underlying game, that is, whether the player or dealer lost the underlying game. For example, if the final player hand outranked the final dealer hand according to the rules of Blackjack, or the dealer busts, then the preset criteria will be satisfied in step 32. In this embodiment, a player may stand or hit on their initial hand such that the initial player hand which satisfies the qualifying preset criteria of step 18 with a hard 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16, may include additional cards in a final hand while still satisfying the final preset criteria in step 32. In other words, the initial player hand may differ or be the same as the final player hand while still satisfying both the qualifying and final preset criteria of steps 18 and 32, respectively.
If the final preset criteria are not satisfied in step 32, then the wager in the associated game is a loss and collected in step 34, and the game proceeds to end in step 28.
If the final preset criteria are satisfied in step 32, then the wager is resolved as win and a payout is provided in step 36, and the game proceeds to end in step 28.
In some embodiments, the qualifying preset criteria used for comparison in steps 16 and 18 is the first event results of an initial player hand receiving any hard 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or a natural Blackjack, and the final preset criteria used for comparison in steps 30 and 32 is the second event results of a final player hand beating the dealer final hand in the final outcome of the underlying game, wherein the payout in step 36 differs depending on which of the qualifying preset criteria are satisfied.
In some embodiments, the qualifying preset criteria used for comparison in steps 16 and 18 is the first event results of an initial player hand receiving any hard 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and the final preset criteria used for comparison in steps 30 and 32 is the second event results including one of the following: a final player hand beating the dealer final hand in the final outcome of the underlying game or the initial player hand consisting of a pair of sixes, sevens or eights, regardless of the final outcome of the underlying game, wherein the payout in step 36 differs depending on which of the qualifying and final preset criteria are satisfied.
In some embodiments, the qualifying preset criteria used for comparison in steps 16 and 18 is the first event results of an initial player hand receiving any hard 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or a natural Blackjack, and the final preset criteria used for comparison in steps 30 and 32 is the second event results including one of the following: a final player hand beating the dealer final hand in the final outcome of the underlying game; the initial player hand consisting of a pair of sixes, sevens or eights, regardless of the final outcome of the underlying game; or the player and dealer each having a natural Blackjack, wherein the payout in step 36 differs depending on which of the qualifying and final preset criteria are satisfied.
In some embodiments, the qualifying preset criteria used for comparison in steps 16 and 18 is the first event results of an initial player hand receiving any hard 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or a natural Blackjack, and the final preset criteria used for comparison in steps 30 and 32 is the underlying game outcome of a push, wherein the payout in step 36 is 1:1 or also a push. In some embodiments, a player may receive a different payout if the first event results included an initial player hand with a pair of sixes, sevens or eights, which were then split according to the rules of Blackjack forming more than one final player hands in the second event results. In some embodiments, splitting a pair of sixes, sevens or eights will have no effect on the payout.
It should be readily apparent that the qualifying preset criteria and final preset criteria may be modified in a variety of ways in accordance with the invention.
The following table provides exemplary payouts of some embodiments which may be made in step 36 depending on the qualifying and/or final preset criteria satisfied in steps 18 and 32, respectively, as described above. It should be understood that other payout formulas may be used other than an expression based on the unit wager placed in step 12, which may be based on odds, set amounts, and all or portions of an incrementing metered progressive award.


Qualifying and/or Final Criteria Satisfied	Payout to wager

Player and dealer both are dealt initial hands that rank	15 to 1
as a natural Blackjack
Player is dealt an initial hand that rank as a natural	3 to 2
Blackjack
Player receives an initial hand that includes a hard	5 to 1
12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 other than a pair and beats
the dealer in the final Blackjack outcome
Player is dealt initial hand that includes a hard 12,	Push
13, 14, 15 or 16 other than a pair and ties or pushes
with the dealer in the final Blackjack outcome
Player is dealt initial hand that includes a pair of	7 to 1
equaling hand value between 12 and 16, that is,
a pair of sixes, sevens or eights, regardless of
final Blackjack game outcome

For example, if a 10 dollar wager is received in step 12 and the first event results include an initial player hand value of a hard 12, but the player loses the underlying game in the second event results, then the $10 wager would be collected from the player. However, if the initial player hand consisted of two sixes, then the player would be awarded $70. If a player placed a $10 wager and the first event results included a player and dealer's initial hands both being natural Blackjacks, then the second event results would have natural Blackjacks as final hands and the player would be awarded $150.
FIG. 2 provides another embodiment of a method of providing and conducting a wagering game associated with the underlying game of Blackjack generally referred by the reference numeral 110.
In step 112, a wager is received relating to the associated wagering game of this embodiment. In step 114, a random initial hand of playing cards in the underlying game for a player and a dealer is generated. It should be understood that the initial hand may be composed of any amount of randomly generated cards or symbols representing cards.
In step 116, the value of the initial player hand of playing cards is determined. It should be understood that the value of the initial player hand or initial dealer hand is based on combining the value of each card in the initial hand according to the rules of the underlying game.
In step 118, the value of the initial player hand is compared with a qualifying preset criteria, unless the initial player hand includes an Ace, Joker or any other card having more than one possible value according to the rules of the underlying game. In this embodiment, the qualifying preset criteria includes at least one specific value which may be achieved by the initial hand according to the rules of the underlying game, such as any one or more of the values 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16.
In step 120, the final outcome of the underlying game is determined according to its rules, which in Blackjack may consist of a player winning the Blackjack wager, losing all or a portion of the Blackjack wager or a push.
In step 122, a payout is provided which may correspond with the wager received. In this embodiment, a payout is at least partially dependent on the satisfaction of the preset criteria but may also be partially dependent on the final outcome. For example, a payout may be provided in accordance with this embodiment if either (i) the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards of the same value which combine to equal the at least one specific value according to the rules of the underlying game or (ii) the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards of different values which combine to equal the at least one specific value according to the rules of the underlying game and the final outcome is a player win. Alternatively, as in the prior embodiments, a payout may be provided if the qualifying preset criteria is not satisfied but the initial player hand is a natural Blackjack, or the initial player hand and initial dealer hand are both natural Blackjacks. Additionally, a payout corresponding to the same amount as the wager received, that is a push, may be provided if the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards of different values and the final outcome of the underlying game is a push.
As shown by step 124, the wager is collected if the qualifying preset criteria are not satisfied.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system 50 configured for operating in accordance with embodiments of the invention, such as method 10. System 50 includes a layout 52 for use in facilitating the presentment and display of a method 10 and various embodiments thereof as described herein. Layout 52 may be a physical or virtual representation of a felt table display, as it should be understood that the methods of the invention would function as described herein if any one or more of the layout, cards, dealers or wagering chips or apparatus were virtually or physically represented. System 50 further includes multiple player positions or interfaces 54 accessible on layout 52 and a dealer position or interface 56. In this embodiment, “stiff” payouts are based on a “stiff hand,” which is a non-limiting term used in this embodiment to indicate an initial hand value of 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16. Each player position 54 includes a card receiving area 58 and a “stiff” wagering area 60 from which wagers on the associated game may be received. A payout table 62 displays the payouts available in this embodiment.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary system 150 constructed in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. System 150 includes processing device 168 in communication with a database or memory device 170, communication or data input/output device 172 and a display device 174. In some embodiments, display device 174 is a touch-enabled device and includes a data input device component. Memory device 170 may include data relating to the underlying game and embodiments of the invention as described herein, such as the preset criteria. A player position 176 is displayed on display device 174 along with virtual representation of a layout and wagering area 178 for transmitting wagers in accordance with any of the embodiments herein, such as method 10. Game outcomes are displayed and wagers are tracked using display device 174 and processing device 168 compares each event with the appropriate preset criteria, storing information relating to the satisfaction of the qualifying preset criteria in memory 170. Processing device 168 compares the preset criteria with the first and second event results stored in memory 170. Should the final preset criteria be satisfied, a payout will be determined by processing device 168 and indicated on display device 174. If the preset criteria are not satisfied, the same is indicated on display device 174.
Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the methods described herein may be incorporated in a system in accordance with the invention using virtual representations of Blackjack table layouts. The system of the invention may include various computer and network related software and hardware, such as programs, operating systems, memory storage devices, data input/output devices, data processors, servers with links to data communication systems, wireless or otherwise, and data transceiving terminals, and may be a standalone device or incorporated in another platform, such as a mobile device. The system of the invention may be provided on electronic platforms with multiple player positions. In addition, the system of the invention may be provided at least in part on a personal computing device, such as home computer, laptop or mobile computing device through an online communication connection or connection with the Internet. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the precise types of software and hardware used are not vital to the full implementation of the methods of the invention so long as players and operators thereof are provided with useful access thereto or the opportunity to play the game as described herein.
While exemplary systems and methods, and applications of methods of the invention, have been described herein, it should also be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative of a few particular embodiments with exemplary and/or preferred features, as well as principles of the invention, and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the described embodiments should not be considered as limiting of the scope of the invention in any way. Accordingly, the invention embraces alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims and equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A method of conducting a wagering game associated with the underlying game of Blackjack, comprising the steps of:

a) receiving a wager relating to the associated wagering game;

b) generating a random initial hand of playing cards in the underlying game for a player and a dealer;

c) determining the value of the initial player hand of playing cards, wherein the value is based on combining the value of each card in the initial hand according to the rules of the underlying game;

d) comparing the value of the initial player hand with a qualifying preset criteria unless the initial player hand includes a card having more than one possible value according to the rules of the underlying game, wherein the qualifying preset criteria includes at least one specific value which may be achieved by the initial hand according to the rules of the underlying game;

e) determining the final outcome of the underlying game according its rules, wherein the final outcome may be a player win, a player loss or push;

f) providing a payout corresponding with the wager received if (i) the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards of the same value which combine to equal the at least one specific value according to the rules of the underlying game or (ii) the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards of different values which combine to equal the at least one specific value according to the rules of the underlying game and the final outcome is a player win; and

g) collecting the wager if the qualifying preset criteria is not satisfied.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one specific value includes 12, 14 and 16.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one specific value includes 13 and 15.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one specific value includes 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.

5. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of providing a payout corresponding with the wager received if the qualifying preset criteria is not satisfied and the initial player hand is a natural Blackjack.

6. A method according to claim 1, further comprising providing a payout corresponding to the same amount as the wager received if the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards of different values which combine to equal the at least one specific value according to the rules of the underlying game and the final outcome of the underlying game is a push.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating a random initial hand of playing cards for a player and a dealer in the underlying game further includes generating an initial hand of two cards for the player and an initial hand of two cards for the dealer.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of comparing the value of the initial player hand with a qualifying preset criteria unless the initial hand includes a card having more than one possible value according to the rules of the underlying game card further comprises comparing the value of the initial player hand with a qualifying preset criteria unless the initial player hand includes an Ace.

9. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of providing a payout corresponding with the wager received if the qualifying preset criteria are not satisfied and the initial player hand and initial dealer hand are both natural Blackjacks.

10. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating a random initial hand of playing cards in the underlying game further comprises using a program with a random number generator configured for simulating Blackjack games.

11. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of generating a random initial hand of playing cards in the underlying game further comprises using at least one randomly ordered deck of physical playing cards.

12. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of receiving a wager that is resolvable based on the outcome of the underlying wagering game.

13. A system for conducting a wagering game associated with the underlying game of Blackjack, comprising:

a) means for generating a random initial hand of playing cards in the underlying game for a player and a dealer;

b) a processor configured for:

(ii) determining the value of the initial player hand of playing cards, wherein the value is based on combining the value of each card in the initial hand according to the rules of the underlying game;

(iii) comparing the value of the initial player hand with a qualifying preset criteria unless the initial player hand includes a card having more than one possible value according to the rules of the underlying game, wherein the qualifying preset criteria includes at least one specific value which may be achieved by the initial hand according to the rules of the underlying game;

(iv) determining the final outcome of the underlying game according its rules, wherein the final outcome may be a player win, a player loss or push;

c) a player interface configured for:

(i) receiving a wager relating to the associated wagering game; and

(ii) providing a payout corresponding with the wager received if it is determined that the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied and the initial player hand is composed of individual cards having the same value which combine to equal the at least one specific value according to the rules of the underlying game or the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied and the initial player hand is composed of individual cards having different values which combine to equal the at least one specific value according to the rules of the underlying game and the final outcome is a player win.

14. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein means for generating a random initial hand of playing cards in the underlying game for a player and a dealer is a processor.

15. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein means for generating a random initial hand of playing cards in the underlying game for a player and a dealer is at least one deck of randomly ordered playing cards.

16. A system as recited in claim 13, further comprising a display configured for displaying the outcome of the underlying game and results of the associated wagering game.

17. A system as recited in claim 13, wherein the player interface and processor are mounted in a unitary housing.

18. A system according to claim 13, wherein the processor is remotely located from the player interface.

19. A wagering game method associated with an underlying game of Blackjack, comprising the steps of:

a) receiving a wager relating to the associated wagering game;

d) comparing the value of the initial player hand with a qualifying preset criteria unless the initial player hand includes an Ace, wherein the qualifying preset criteria includes an initial hand with a value of 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 as determined according to the rules of the underlying game;

f) providing a payout corresponding with the wager received if (i) the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards having the same value or (ii) the qualifying preset criteria is satisfied by an initial player hand composed of individual cards having different values and the final outcome is a player win; and

g) collecting the wager if the qualifying preset criteria is not satisfied.

20. A method according to claim 1, wherein the individual cards having the same value include two sixes, two sevens and two eights.