WO2002081040A1

WO2002081040A1 - Enhancements to the game of baccarat

Info

Publication number: WO2002081040A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/000421
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen Dark
Original assignee: Stephen Dark
Priority date: 2001-04-04
Filing date: 2002-04-02
Publication date: 2002-10-17

Abstract

A modified baccarat game providing betting zones for placing wagers on cards dealt to participants in the game to provide increased player appeal and enhanced productivity in terms of table revenue.

Description

ENHANCEMENTS TO THE GAME OF BACCARAT

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the game of Baccarat. BACKGROUND ART

King Louis IV introduced the game of Baccarat to the British from Italy in the fifteenth Century. It's popularity spread throughout Europe and Baccarat was widely played in Britain by the 1930's.

Throughout history Baccarat was regarded as a game of Kings, with the very wealthy and powerful playing the game against each other for high stakes. Baccarat play was generally limited to the exclusive and elaborate sections of casinos with usually only one high stake table per casino.

In the U.S.A. in 1950 the game was modified to make it accessible to all. In its present form the game Baccarat is one of the four most popular casino games.

Baccarat is generally played with 6 or 8 decks Of cards, with backs of the same design and colour.

Baccarat is a relatively simple game.

Two hands are dealt in each round of play they are known as the "Player's hand" and the "Banker's hand" respectively.

The hand that wins is the one with a card count or value of nine, or if neither has a nine count, the hand closest to nine.

Player's may bet either on the Player's hand, or the Banker's hand, or on a tie. Winning wagers on the Player's hand are paid even money, and winning wagers on the Banker's hand are paid at odds of 19-20 (i.e. even money less 5%).

Winning tie bets are paid at odds of 8-1.

Big Baccarat (Layouts can differ according to the manufacturer) is played on a ten to fourteen-seat table, requiring a maximum of three dealers and a minimum of two. The seated Dealer retains the shoe.

Midi Baccarat (Layouts can differ according to the manufacturer) is played on a nine-seat table, with the Dealer seated. The Dealer retains the shoe. Mini Baccarat (Layouts can differ according to the manufacturer) is played on a seven-seat table, with the Dealer seated. The Dealer retains the shoe.

The following is a glossary of terms, definitions and equipment relating to the game of Baccarat

Table of play (Tableau): The mandatory drawing, and standing rules of the game.

Baccarat: A term used for a zero count. Boxed Card: A card in the deck which is face up. Cards: Normally eight decks of 52 cards used. CCaasshh//CChhiippss//PPllaaqquueess:: Tokens used instead of money (Transferable between tables).

Commission: The 5% the house retains when paying out winning Banker bets at 19/20.

Discard Holder: Perspex box in which cards are placed after a hand is completed.

Face Card: Picture card, e.g. king, queen or jack. Hand: The card dealt according to the table of play. Initial Deal: The first four cards of the deal. Cutting card: A plastic coloured card used for cutting cards and to signify the last hand of the shoe.

Natural: When the Player or Banker's hand totals 8 or 9 on the first two cards.

Riffle: The actual mixing together of two stacks of cards. Shoe: A device from which the cards are dealt. TTiiee:: When both a Player's and the Banker's hands are equal. The count value of the cards in Baccarat is different to other games. Every ten, jack, queen and king is counted as zero. An ace counts as one. All other cards (2-9) have their face value. There are two hands dealt and each hand initially has two cards.

The value of the hand is equal to the point total of the cards. Nine is the highest total a hand can have, and the object of the game is to come closest to nine. A point of zero is termed Baccarat. Two hands dealt:

The Players hand and the Banker's hand of four cards shall be dealt from the shoe. The first and third cards represent the first and second card of the Player's hand, and the second and fourth cards dealt shall represent the first and second cards of the Banker's hand, i.e.

First card- Player

Second card- Banker Third card- Player

Fourth card- Banker After giving the Player(s) adequate time to place bets the Dealer announces "Any more bets?" then "No more bets thank you" and proceeds to deal the cards according to the table of play. The Tableau (The table of play) dictates how the cards are drawn.

If the point count of the Players hand or the Bankers hand after the initial four cards dealt, is 8 or 9, this is called a "Natural" and no more cards shall be dealt to either hand.

If the point of the Bankers hand is 0-7 inclusive, the Players hand shall draw (i.e. take a third card) or stand (i.e. not take a third card) in accordance with the following requirements.

A Player having a total of:

0-1-2-3-4-5 Draws a card 6-7 Stands 8-9 Has a Natural and cannot draw

Where the Banker's hand totals 0-1-2, the Banker draws a card unless the Player has a Natural.

8-9 Has a Natural and cannot Draw

If Player has 6 or 7 and is required to stand, The Banker must stand on 6 and draw on 5 or less.

After the initial four cards have been dealt, the Dealer will announce the point count of the Player's hand, then the point count of the Banker's hand. Following the announcement of the point counts of each hand, additional cards will be dealt if required, in accordance with the table of play (Tableau) and again the Dealer shall announce the new point total.

If a third card is required it will be placed horizontally to the outside of the initial 2 cards. In no event will more than one additional card be dealt to either hand.

When the hand is completed, the cards shall be in front of the Dealer and placed in the correct formation to ensure (in the event of a query) it can be shown the table of play was used correctly.

The cards are picked up in the following order. 1. Initial two Player cards

2. Initial two Banker cards

3. Third card for the Player

4. Third card for the Banker

"Order of merit" hands are:

1. a point of nine

2. a point of eight

3. a point of seven

4. and so on down to a point of Baccarat which is 0

Besides Player and Banker wagers, there is a third type of bet that may be accepted at a Baccarat table. This bet is known as a tie (a bet that both Player and Banker hands will be equal).

Tie bets are paid at odds of 8 to 1, they are winners only when a tie hand is dealt, and are losers on all other outcomes.

Tie bets may be placed on any round of play and generally need to be accompanied by a bet on Banker/Player (individual 'house of rules' will generally determine if a tie bet needs to be accompanied by a bet on Player or Banker).

Winning wagers on the Player's hand will be paid at odds of 1 to 1. Winning wagers on the Banker's hand will be paid at odds of 19 to 20, (even money less 5%). The following wagers are permissible by a Player at the game of Baccarat.

A wager on the Banker's hand will:

1. Win if the Banker's hand has a point count higher than that of the Player's hand.

2. Lose if the Banker's hand has a point count lower than that of the Player's hand.

3. Stand off (tie) if the point count of the Banker's hand and the Player's hand are equal.

A wager on the Player's hand will:

1. Win if the Player's hand has a point count higher than that of the Banker's hand.

2. Lose if the Player's hand has a point count lower than that of the Banker's hand.

3. Stand off (tie) if the point count of the Banker's hand and the Player's hand are equal. A wager on the tie bet will:

1. Win if the Player's hand and the Banker's hand have an equal point count.

2. Lose on all other outcomes.

There are a number of variations and enhancements to the standard game of baccarat all of which are designed to enhance interest and participation in the game.

There are several types of Baccarat and layouts can differ accordingly.

One type is Big Baccarat which is generally played on a ten to fourteen- seat table, requiring a minimum of two Dealers and a maximum of three. A second type of Baccarat is Midi Baccarat which is generally played on a nine-seat table, with one Dealer seated or standing.

A third type is Mini Baccarat which is generally played on a seven-seat table, with one Dealer seated or standing. One invention in this field is disclosed in US Patent 5,395,119 and discloses information on wagering methods for Baccarat. The document describes various options for the placement of wagers in relation to the game of

Baccarat. Of specific interest is a reference to wagers on a Natural 8 or a Natural 9.

This invention allows an opportunity for players to bet upon the occurrence of a natural hand in a player hand subsequent to dealing of playing cards, and prior to turning any of playing cards face up. The invention provides a nine to one payoff for this particular bet resulting in a favourable edge for the house.

This describes a bet which is a wager on either a Natural 8 or a Natural 9, and the odds on these bets are 9.584 to 1 and 9.529 to 1 , on a six-deck shoe respectively (therefore odds of nine to 1 would provide an acceptable 5.52% house edge on a natural 8, and a 5.02% house edge on a natural 9, using a six- deck shoe).

The disclosure refers only to the Player hand and also specifically refers to cards being dealt 'face down'. This can limit the excitement and the interest generated in the game as only people close enough can see the players hand when dealt face down. Another method of playing a card game is disclosed in Australian Patent

711529. This patent refers specifically to a pair, and in particular relates this method to the game of Blackjack or Twenty-one. The method is described with particular reference to Blackjack, and uses this game as an example. However, the patent alludes to a method or game that is transportable and perhaps standalone but discloses no details on how it may be adapted to other games besides Blackjack, in particular the game of Baccarat.

Significantly, no disclosure of Baccarat wagering and/or rules is made, and more significantly, how this method could be adapted to the game of

Baccarat. Also of significance is the undoubted fact that Baccarat bears no resemblance to the games mentioned (Blackjack, Twenty-one or Pontoon) whether in rules, wagering or method of play.

It is also worthwhile noting that there are many types of Baccarat, such as Mini Baccarat, Midi Baccarat, Big Baccarat, Modified or Non-commission Baccarat, Face up Baccarat, Face Down or Squeeze Baccarat, Chemin de Fer, Nevada-style Baccarat, Scarney Baccarat and Baccarat Banque. They all possess somewhat different game boards / layouts and rules accordingly.

It is an object of the present invention to provide enhancements to the game of Baccarat which at least partially overcome or ameliorate the above disadvantages or offer the consumer a useful or economic choice.

It is another object of the present invention to achieve increased player appeal for the game of baccarat, leading to enhanced productivity and table revenue. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention relates in particular to additional betting options in relation to the casino game of Baccarat. The betting options outlined in this document are adaptable to Mini Baccarat, Midi Baccarat, Big Baccarat, Face down Baccarat games, Face up Baccarat games, Commission or Non- commission or Modified Baccarat, variations of these games, and computer, Internet, TV and other electronic video and / or board games, either collectively, or individually, but not limited to such games.

The present invention provides a modified baccarat game comprising at least one betting zone for denoting wagers placed on the first two cards dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game, said cards to be dealt face up or face down.

The at least one betting zone may preferably comprise a betting zone which denotes a wager on a total of the points value of the first two cards dealt cards dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game.

The at least one betting zone may preferably comprise a betting zone which denotes a wager on a total of the points value of the first two cards dealt to at least two participants, said wager won if the total points value of the first two cards dealt to a first participant is equal to the total points value of the first two cards dealt to a second participant.

The at least one betting zone may preferably comprise a betting zone which denotes a wager on a total of the points value of the first two cards dealt to at least two participants, said wager placed on a first participant in the game, and said wager won if the total points value of the first two cards dealt to a first participant in the game is greater than the total points value of the first two cards dealt to a second participant in the game.

The at least one betting zone may preferably comprise a betting zone which denotes a wager on the points total of the first two cards being dealt to any single participant or combination of participants being either 8 or 9, said wager won if the points total of the first two cards dealt to the participant upon which a wager is placed, is either 8 or 9.

The at least one betting zone may preferably comprise betting zone denoting a wager on the first two cards dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game being of the same face value, said wager won if the first two cards dealt to the participant upon which a wager is placed are of the same face value.

The at least one betting zone may preferably comprise a betting zone for placing wagers on the basis of a third card dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game, said wager won if the three cards are dealt to the participant upon which a wager is placed and are of the same face value.

A further betting zone may preferably be added to the game for placing wagers on a predetermined order of cards being dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game, said wager won if the first two cards are dealt in the predetermined order, to the participant upon which a wager is placed.

A wager can preferably be placed on the first three cards dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game being dealt in a predetermined order, said wager won if the first three cards are dealt in the predetermined order to the participant upon which a wager is placed.

The at least one betting zone may preferably comprise a first betting zone which denotes a wager on the points total of the first two cards dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game being either 8 or 9, said wager won if the points total of the first two cards dealt to the participant upon which the wager is placed is either 8 or 9, and a second betting zone denoting a wager on the first two cards dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game being of the same face value, said wager won if the first two cards dealt to the participant upon which a wager is placed are of the same face value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which;

Figure 1 shows a standard Mini Baccarat table layout according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a standard Jackpot System configuration.

BEST MODE Where the game in play is "Baccarat Deluxe" the approved rules of Midi / Mini Baccarat shall apply, except where the rules are inconsistent with the rules of "Baccarat Deluxe", in which case the rules of "Baccarat Deluxe" shall prevail. The Table Game Board / Layout shall be marked in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 1.

From a player's perspective, each player betting area / box comprises a zone designated as 'Player' above which is a zone designated as 'Banker'. Above these two betting zones there is another zone designated as 'Any Natural'. Directly opposite the zone designated as 'Any Natural' is the 'Pairs' betting zone, (The 'Pairs' betting zone may also be described as 'Any Pair'). Directly above these two zones is the Tie' betting zone. Above or below the betting box / zone is a facility / apparatus to make a wager on a Jackpot, the objective of which is to provide an opportunity for the player to win a Jackpot payout. This feature is a mechanical / electronic device and / or devices attached to the gaming table, and may be described as a progressive Jackpot, which simply means that its value continually increases by a percentage of the amount that is wagered on it. A player will win the Jackpot, or a percentage of the Jackpot, if he / she has placed a coin / token / credit in or on the appropriate betting facility, or in some instances has activated the appropriate button and / or key and / or buttons and / or keys, prior to the commencement of a round of play, and a specific series of cards are subsequently dealt. All player's that have made the appropriate Jackpot wager, prior to the commencement of a hand, may be eligible to share in the Jackpot, should the required sequence of cards be drawn by the Dealer.

WAGERS

Prior to the first card being dealt for each round of play, the player shall be given the opportunity to play, by making a wager on the appropriate area of the game board / layout, on the table provided. A player may only make a wager on the Jackpot, Any Natural, Pairs and / or Two or Three of a Kind betting areas, if he / she has already placed a wager on either Banker and / or Player i.e. Jackpot, Any Natural, Pairs and Two or Three of a Kind wagers, must be supported by a regular wager on either Banker or Player. A player may place a wager on any or all, betting areas within those betting areas under his / her 'control' e.g. a player may place a wager on Banker Pairs, and on Player Pairs, as long as he / she has a supporting bet on either Banker or Player. 'Back- betting' is accepted from up to two additional players, however the 'controller' of the betting box, that is the player seated in front of a betting box, has first option to place a wager. If the 'controller' of the betting box decides not to place a wager on the Jackpot, players that are back betting may do so in accordance with the game rules contained in this document. Note, that all bets are treated separately i.e. a player may place a wager on 'Any Natural' on the Banker side, and also place a wager on 'Any Natural' on the Player side, and win with both bets. The same applies to 'Pairs' and "Two or Three of a Kind".

Players may wager on the traditional Baccarat bets of: 'Banker'

'Player' Tie'

Players may wager on the additional side bets of: Banker 'Any Natural'

Banker 'Pairs' Player 'Any Natural' Player 'Pairs'

Note that the term used to describe the wager as 'Pairs' may also be represented as 'Any Pair' and possess the same elements as the wager described as 'Pairs'. Players may also wager on the additional side bets of:

Banker Two or Three of a Kind' Player Two or Three of a Kind'

Note that the term used to describe the wager as Two or Three of a Kind' may also be represented as Two and Three of a Kind' and possess the same elements as the wager described as Two or Three of a Kind'

Players may also wager on the 'Jackpot' which may be progressive or otherwise.

The above additional wagers may also be represented as:

'Any Natural' or 'Naturals' 'Pairs' or 'Any Pair' Two or Three of a Kind' or Two and Three of a Kind'

In this instance no distinction may be made between the Banker and Player hands, but may represent a wager on the combination of both hands, but is not limited to this interpretation and / or description. The game board / layout shall be adjusted to accommodate such a change.

JACKPOT

May vary in accordance with the pay-table and / or format and / or rules adopted. Before any cards are dealt for the round of play, a player has the opportunity to make a wager on the Jackpot.

A wager on the Jackpot will:

Win: If the initial one, two or more cards dealt are nines. Lose: If the initial one or two cards dealt are not nines.

Note that in some instances nines may be substituted with eight's or Aces, in reference to the Jackpot, but is not limited to such a substation.

ANY NATURAL (May also be represented as Naturals)

Before any cards are dealt for the round of play, a player has the opportunity to place a wager on Any Natural. A player may wager on Any Natural, which represents the 'combination' of a natural 8 and a natural 9, coming up on either the Banker hand or the Player hand, or both.

A wager on Any Natural (Banker's Hand) will: Win: If the first two cards of the Banker hand constitute a Natural 8 or a

Natural 9. Lose: If the first two cards of the Banker hand do not constitute a Natural 8 or a Natural 9. A wager on Any Natural (Player's Hand) will: Win: If the first two cards of the Player hand constitute a Natural 8 or a

Natural 9. Lose: If the first two cards of the Player hand do not constitute a Natural 8 or a Natural 9.

PAIRS (May also be represented as Any Pair)

Before any cards are dealt for the round of play, a player has the opportunity to place a wager on Pairs.

A player may wager on a pair coming up on either Banker or Player, or both. A pair is based on the first two cards of the Banker hand, and / or the first two cards of the Player hand (initial deal). If a third card is required on either the Banker hand, or Player hand, this card will have no effect on the initial two cards of the Banker hand, or Player hand, with regards to a 'pair" (i.e. a pair shall stand regardless of the third card of each hand).

A wager on Pairs (Banker's Hand) will:

Win: If the first two cards of the Banker hand constitute a pair. Lose: If the first two cards of the Banker hand do not constitute a pair.

A wager on Pairs (Player's Hand) will: Win: If the first two cards of the Player hand constitute a pair.

Lose: If the first two cards of the Player hand do not constitute a pair.

ANY PAIR (May be used in place of the pairs bet)

Before any cards are dealt for the round of play, a player has the opportunity to place a wager on Any Pair. A player may wager on a pair coming up on either Banker or Player, or both. A pair is based on the first two cards of the Bankers hand, and/or the first two cards of the Player hand (initial deal). If a third card is required on either the Banker hand, or Player hand, this card will have no effect on the initial two cards of the Banker hand or Player hand with regard to a 'pair" (that is, a pair shall stand regardless of the third card of each hand). In the case of Any Pair, no distinction is made in reference to suits, and all pairs (cards of the same face value regardless of suit) are paid at the same odds.

A wager on Any Pair (Banker's Hand) will:

A wager on Any Pair (Player's Hand) will:

Win: If the first two cards of the Player hand constitute a pair. Lose: If the first two cards of the Player hand do not constitute a pair.

TWO OR THREE OF A KIND (May also be represented as Two and Three of a Kind)

Before any cards are dealt for the round of play, a player has the opportunity to place a wager on Two or Three of a Kind'. A player may wager on Two or Three of a Kind' coming up on either the Banker's hand or the Player's hand, or both. Two or Three of a Kind' is based on the first two cards and the first three cards of the Banker hand, and / or the first two cards and the first three cards of the Player hand. The objective is to achieve the same face value within either the first two cards and / or first three cards of the Banker or Player hands, or both.

A wager on Two or Three of a Kind (Banker's Hand) will:

Win: If the first two or more cards of the Banker hand constitute the same face value. Lose: If the first two or more cards of the Banker hand do not constitute the same face value. A wager on Two or Three of a Kind (Player's Hand) will:

Win: If the first two or more cards of the Player hand constitute the same face value. Lose: If the first two or more cards of the Player hand do not constitute the same face value.

DEALING WITH WAGERS

Losing bets are collected from right to left. First Player; followed by Banker; followed by Player Any Natural and Player Pairs; followed by Banker Any

Natural and Pairs; followed by Tie bets.

All bets are collected and paid at the conclusion of the round of play i.e. once a result is achieved by completing the Player and Banker hands according to the Baccarat Table of Play' known as the Tableau'. Each betting box is then paid individually from the outside in (towards the

Dealer) and from right to left. Jackpot wagers are either collected, or an apparatus to record a wager has been initiated by a player prior to the commencement of the round of play of play. Winning Jackpot wagers are paid last.

SETTLEMENT

All bets shall be settled after the completion of the Banker and Player hands.

All bets on the layout are settled first. Jackpot winners are settled last.

RECOMMENDED BETTING LIMITS (AUD)

Progressive Jackpot: $1.00

Any Natural: $1.00 to $25.00

Pairs: $1.00 to $25.00 Any Pair: $1.00 to $25.00

RECOMMENDED ODDS

Banker: Even money less 5%

Player: 1 - 1 Tie: 8 - 1 Any Natural: 4 - 1

Mixed Pairs: 5 - 1

Pairs of the same Colour (Different Suits): 10 - 1

Pairs of the same Suit: 30 - 1 Any Pair: 11 - 1

ALTERNATIVE ODDS FOR PAIRS

Mixed Pairs: 6 - 1

Pairs of the same Colour (Different Suits): 12 - 1 Pairs of the same Suit: 25 - 1

'Recommended Betting Limits' and 'Recommended Odds' as displayed in the above lists shall be displayed on a sign at the gaming table, but are not limited or restricted to the odds and betting limits displayed herein, or any perceived limitations in relation to the said table.

It should be noted that 'Pairs' may also use the alternative odds of: Mixed Pairs - 6 to 1 , Pairs of the same colour but different suits - 12 to 1 , and Pairs of the same suit - 25 to 1. The Pairs bet may be substituted with the 'Any Pair' bet, and the same basic game rules apply. However, if this bet is paid at the odds of 11 to 1 , it represents a 10.36% house edge (eight-deck shoe), which is significantly higher than the Pairs bet (See Mathematical analysis). This format provides for a slightly higher 'house edge' (see Mathematical Analysis).

Odds of Two or Three of a Kind' are purposely omitted, however this does not in any way limit the application of such a bet, or the implementation of specific suits in relation to formulating an odds schedule for a wager and / or wagers based on Two or Three of a Kind' as described in this document. It should be noted that the wagering enhancement described in this document as Two or Three of a Kind' may be substituted for 'Pairs' and / or 'Any Pair', but is not limited and / or restricted to such a substitution. JACKPOT - PROGRESSIVE OR OTHERWISE

Rules may vary according to the Jackpot format / pay-table / schedule adopted. The Jackpot pay-table / payout schedule may be displayed on a sign at the table. The "Baccarat Deluxe" Jackpot is a 'Community Jackpot' (but is not limited to such a Jackpot) and may be promoted as such on a sign at the table. The word 'Community' in relation to the Jackpot described in this document meaning, if either of the top two Jackpots is achieved; all players that have placed a Jackpot wager may win an equal share of the total Jackpot, but is not limited in any way to this meaning and / or definition. All other payouts in relation to the Jackpot schedule, are paid 'per player' in accordance with the pay-table, but are not limited to such a pay-table, or the rules in relation to the term described as 'per player'. It should also be noted that the term used in this document to describe a Jackpot as "Jackpot - Progressive or Otherwise" and reference is made to the use of the word Otherwise" in association with the Jackpot as described refers to any and all types of Jackpot systems that may consist of a device and / or apparatus and / or betting Zone, whether electrical or manual or virtual ('virtual' meaning any computer generated image) that may be activated by a player at the relevant gaming table and / or computer terminal, remotely from another location by means of a communicative device and / or cable and / or radio wave and / or infrared signal, but is not restricted to such a communicative device and / or apparatus and / or betting zone and / or technology, and may or may not be attached to the said table, which may consist of a physical table and / or an electronic gaming machine and / or a program accessed via the Internet and / or a video screen and / or a computer generated image, but is not limited to such an apparatus and / or device.

It should also be noted that in order for a player to win a Jackpot payout, a sequence of cards must be dealt by the Dealer (as displayed below in 'Jackpot Schedule' but is not limited to such a schedule) and the player must make a Jackpot wager on the betting zone provided (whether manually or electronically) before the start of a round of play, but is not limited to such rules. It should also be noted that the term 'Jackpot' is used to describe, either a mechanical and / or electronic apparatus and / or device, and in relation to a sum of money and / or prize / and / or gift, but is not limited to such definitions. Where a 'Baccarat Deluxe' Jackpot and / or Jackpot based on any of the wagering enhancements contained in this document, but not limited to such wagering enhancements, has been achieved, the Jackpot recording system shall be activated to verify such an event, either manually by the Dealer or automatically initiated by the Dealer and / or by an electronic apparatus and / or device, that will subsequently initiate the relevant process to record such an event, that may or may not be attached to the table.

JACKPOT SCHEDULE 4 Red or Black Nines of the same Suit

4 Red or Black Nines Any 4 Nines 3 Suited Nines 3 Unsuited Nines 2 Suited Nines 2 Unsuited Nines

1 Nine (Second Card of the initial deal) 1 Nine (First Card of the initial deal)

It should be noted that the format and / or structure of the above schedule is subject to change and nines may be substituted with eight's or Aces, but is not limited to these substitutions and / or changes.

'TWO OR THREE OF A KIND' It should be noted that the wagering enhancement described herein as

Two or Three of a Kind' may also be applied to the casino game of Blackjack,

Twenty-one and / or Pontoon, but is not limited to such a game. In the case of

Blackjack in relation to the wagering enhancement described herein as Two or

Three of a Kind' the following shall apply:

BLACKJACK

A wager on Two or Three of a Kind will:

Win: If the first two or three cards of the player's hand constitute the same face value. Lose: If the first two or three cards of the player's hand do not constitute the same face value. MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS

Introduction

This section is concerned with the overall result to be expected from 'Baccarat Deluxe', where pairs bets and bets on naturals are available in addition to the standard Baccarat bets. It is not possible to forecast a single figure, since experience under actual playing conditions is needed to find the rate of acceptance of the side bets, but some plausible scenarios are analysed below.

Profit from different bet types

The profitability for the house (approximately) of each of the bet types appears in the table below.

The house makes a higher percentage on the side bets than it does on the main Baccarat bets. Hence players who bet big on the side bets are more profitable for the casino.

We will consider four styles of play:

Style A If a player ignores all side bets and simply uses the traditional bets on banker and player, the additional bets have no effect, and the house makes the usual 1.1-1.2% on bets made.

Style B

An example of this style would be to place a $25 bet on banker, and a $5 bet on a player natural (as a form of insurance). The house now takes 1.9% overall. Style C

One pattern would be to place $25 on player, $5 on banker natural (as a form of insurance), and $5 on each of the pairs bets.

This weighting on the side bets would give rise to a house percentage of 2.9% (6 decks) or 2.3% (8 decks).

Style D Some players, attracted by the odds paid on the side bets, become more interested in the side bets than in the main bets. An extreme case would be to place equal bets on each of player, banker natural, player natural, banker pair, and player pair.

Because of the big weighting on side bets the house percentage in this case would be 4.7% (6 decks) or 3.7% (8 decks).

Estimated Average outcome The analysis is continued by considering two scenarios, corresponding to ξ an enthusiastic acceptance of the additional bets ξ a moderate acceptance of the new bets

Enthusiastic acceptance An estimate of the overall result can be obtained by considering a table of seven players as follows: ξ 3 players bet $25 in style A and ignore the new bets ξ 3 players bet in style C ($25) ξ 1 player bets $10 on player and uses the extreme side bet style D

If this pattern is compared with a table where 7 players play standard Baccarat with $25 bets, there are two advantages from the house viewpoint. ξ More bets are placed on the table ($245 instead of $175) ξ The house percentage is much greater (average 2.7% for 6 decks or 2.2% for 8 decks instead of 1.2%)

As a result, the average house profit from the seven players (in total) rises from $2.10 to about $6.70 (6 decks) or $5.50 (8 decks). This is a surprisingly large increase in profit per hand played.

Moderate acceptance In this case we assume seven players all betting $25 in their main bet as follows: ξ 3 players bet in style A and ignore the new bets ξ 3 players bet in style B ξ 1 player bets in style C

If this pattern is compared with the standard game: ξ The bets on the table increases from $175 to $205 ξ The house percentage is noticeably greater (average 1.8% for 6 decks or 1.7% for 8 decks instead of 1.2%)

As a result, the average house profit from all seven players rises from $2.10 to about $3.74 or $3.50. This equates to approximately 78% increase in profit on a 6-deck shoe, and approximately 67% increase in profit on an 8-deck shoe.

Notes

1. The above analysis has been performed assuming that suited pairs are paid at 30-1, pairs at 10-1 and mixed pairs at 5-1. If the alternate pattern is used (25, 12 & 6) the profit margin is higher, especially in the 8 deck case.

2. Bets on ties and the progressive Jackpot have been ignored in the above analysis since I have no data on their frequency of play.

CARD COUNTERS The following was determined in relation to the above bets and their susceptibility to card-counters. ξ By only allowing players to place a bet on Any Natural, if they have placed a supporting bet on Banker and/or Player, the advantage a card-counter may achieve is significantly reduced. ξ By further restricting the maximum bet on Any Natural to $25.00, the card- counter's profitability is further reduced to a point where a professional would not be interested.

The physical layout of the game table shown in Figure 1 represents all the features of a standard Mini Baccarat layout, with the inclusion of the following betting zones. Note that in the case where 'Any Pair' is used in place of 'Pairs' a simple substitution is made on the game board/layout. The traditional betting area representing 'Player' A' The traditional betting area representing 'Banker' B.

Above zones 'A' and 'B' is the betting area to place a wager on 'Any Natural' on the Player's hand, 'C.

Directly above zone 'C is the betting area to place a wager on 'Any Natural' on the Banker's hand, 'D'.

Directly above the Banker 'Any Natural' betting zone, and the Banker 'Pairs' ('Any Pair') betting zone is the traditional betting area to place a Tie' wager, Ε'.

Directly opposite the Player 'Any Natural' betting zone is the betting area to place a wager on 'Pairs' ('Any Pair') on the Player's hand, 'F'.

Directly opposite the Banker 'Any Natural' betting zone is the betting area to place a wager on 'Pairs' ('Any Pair') on the Banker's hand, 'G'.

The order of cards drawn in accordance with the Tableau' Η' from 1 to 6

(In the specific sequence 5 1 3 2 4 6). This is to confirm that any Jackpot payout is clear with respect to nines drawn, and most importantly in what order. It also clearly establishes the card placement of the two individual hands of Banker and

Player relative to the order the cards were dealt in.

Above or below the betting box, is an 'apparatus' and / or 'device' for the purpose of making a wager on a 'Jackpot' marked 'I'. A 'Baccarat Deluxe' Game Board / Layout may consist of any number of player positions and is not limited to the number of player positions displayed in Figure 1.

The game board / layout configuration of betting boxes may also vary, and is not limited to the configuration displayed in Figure 1. The game board / layout may be displayed as a computer generated image, electronic board game, a printed layout on a physical gaming table, an electronic gaming machine, a live telecast image either on a hand-held gaming and / or video device, or computer- based video monitor / screen, via the Internet, and / or a computer generated hologram, but is not limited to such apparatus and / or devices and / or technology.

Therefore, according to the invention there are four additional options for placing bets.

The first additional betting option represents the opportunity for a player to place a wager on the 'combination' of a natural 8 and a natural 9, on the Player and / or Banker hands, and is described as 'Any Natural'.

The second additional betting option represents the opportunity for a player to place a wager on the first two cards of the Player's hand achieving the same face value, and / or the first two cards of the Banker's hand achieving the same face value, and is described as 'Pairs' or 'Any Pair'.

A third additional betting option may also be included and represents the opportunity for a player to place a wager on the first two and first three cards of the Player and / or Banker hands, being of the same face value, and is described as "Two or Three of a Kind".

A fourth additional betting option is the provision to make a wager that provides the opportunity for a player to win a Jackpot payout.

The Jackpot facility, progressive or otherwise, means a mechanical and / or electronic-type device attached to the gaming table that provides the opportunity for a player to make a wager on a Jackpot, either a progressive Jackpot or otherwise.

A Jackpot means a percentage of the collective total of all bets wagered via an apparatus and / or mechanical and / or electronic device and / or devices attached to the table displaying the game layout / board, for this specific purpose. It should be noted that particular reference is made to 'Non-commission

Baccarat' which refers to a standard game of Baccarat, whether Mini Baccarat, Midi Baccarat or Big Baccarat, whereby all winning wagers on the Banker and Player hands are paid even money, with the exception of, when the Banker hand wins with a point value of six, in this case winning wagers on the Banker hand are paid at the odds of 1 to 2 i.e. only 50% of the total wager.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A modified baccarat game comprising at least one betting zone for denoting wagers placed on the first two cards dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game, said cards to be dealt face up or face down.

2. The modified baccarat game of claim 1 wherein the at least one betting zone comprises a betting zone which denotes a wager on a total of the points value of the first two cards dealt cards dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game.

3. The modified baccarat game of claim 1 wherein the at least one betting zone comprises a betting zone which denotes a wager on a total of the points value of the first two cards dealt to at least two participants, said wager won if the total points value of the first two cards dealt to a first participant is equal to the total points value of the first two cards dealt to a second participant.

4. The modified baccarat game of claim 1 wherein the at least one betting zone comprises a betting zone which denotes a wager on a total of the points value of the first two cards dealt to at least two participants, said wager placed on a first participant in the game, and said wager won if the total points value of the first two cards dealt to a first participant in the game is greater than the total points value of the first two cards dealt to a second participant in the game.

5. The modified baccarat game of claim 2 wherein the at least one betting zone comprises a betting zone which denotes a wager on the points total of the first two cards being dealt to any single participant or combination of participants being either 8 or 9, said wager won if the points total of the first two cards dealt to the participant upon which a wager is placed, is either 8 or 9.

6. The modified baccarat game of claim 2 wherein the at least one betting zone comprises betting zone denoting a wager on the first two cards dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game being of the same face value, said wager won if the first two cards dealt to the participant upon which a wager is placed are of the same face value.

7. The modified baccarat game of claim 6 wherein the at least one betting zone comprises a betting zone for placing wagers on the basis of a third card dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game, said wager won if the three cards are dealt to the participant upon which a wager is placed and are of the same face value.

8. The modified baccarat game of claim 1 wherein a further betting zone may be added to the game for placing wagers on a predetermined order of cards being dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game, said wager won if the first two cards are dealt in the predetermined order, to the participant upon which a wager is placed.

9. The modified baccarat game of claim 8 wherein a wager is placed on the first three cards dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game being dealt in a predetermined order, said wager won if the first three cards are dealt in the predetermined order to the participant upon which a wager is placed.

10. The modified baccarat game of claim 2 wherein the at least one betting zone comprises a first betting zone which denotes a wager on the points total of the first two cards dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game being either 8 or 9, said wager won if the points total of the first two cards dealt to the participant upon which the wager is placed is either 8 or 9, and a second betting zone denoting a wager on the first two cards dealt to any single participant or combination of participants in the game being of the same face value, said wager won if the first two cards dealt to the participant upon which a wager is placed are of the same face value.