CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application serial No. 10/929,670 filed on August 30, 2004 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Application 10/929,670 is a Continuation in Part Application of U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 10/862,211 filed on June 7, 2004 and U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 10/884,098 filed on July 2, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention The invention relates generally to the field of casino gaming. More particularly, the invention relates to card games wherein players may wager based on point values, colors and/or suits associated with individual and groups of playing cards. The invention further relates to card games which can be played in combination with conventional blackjack or twenty-one.

2. The Prior Art Blackjack or twenty-one is a well-known casino card game which is typically played with one or more standard decks of 52 playing cards. The playing cards comprise two colors, black and red, and four suits, spades, clubs, hearts and diamonds. The suits of spades and clubs are typically black in color and the suits of hearts and diamonds are typically red in color. Each numbered card (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) is assigned a point value equal to its number. Face cards (kings, queens, and jacks) are assigned a point value of ten. Aces are assigned a point value of either one or eleven at the discretion of a player holding a hand which includes an ace. A standard deck of 52 playing cards may be supplemented by one or more joker cards. A joker may be assigned the same values as an ace.

The object of blackjack is for a player to accumulate a hand of cards which has a point total exceeding that of the blackjack dealer, without exceeding twenty-one. The conventional game of blackjack has been supplemented with a number of alternative betting procedures, including insurance, doubling down, and splitting pairs.

Splitting pairs refers to a procedure by which a player receiving a pair (two cards of the same value) as the player's first two cards may, at the player's option, divide the pair and play two separate hands. Each card of the pair is then used as the first card in a separate hand. For example if a player receives an ace for a first card and an ace for a second card, the player may split the pair of aces and play two separate hands, each with an ace as the first card.

Additionally, various methods or procedures relating to variations on or modifications of a conventional blackjack game are disclosed in the following references, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. Patent Nos. 4,861,041 to Jones et al.; 5,836,586 to Marks et al.; 5,863,042 to Lo; 5,934,675 to Handelman et al.; 6,113,102 to Marks et al.; 6,394,456 to Long; 6,450,500 to Miller; 6,485,020 to Broadnax; 6,536,767 to Keller; 6,692,003 to Potter et al. ; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003/0222400 to Collins et al . ; 2003/0218303 to Walker et al.; and 2003/0057648 to Webb.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to card games wherein players may wager based on point values, colors and /or suits associated with individual and groups of playing cards. The invention further relates to card games which can be played in combination with conventional blackjack or twenty-one.

In a method according to an embodiment of the invention, a modified blackjack game is played between a dealer and at least one player using at least on standard deck of playing cards. At least one player places a first wager to participate in the blackjack game. An outcome of the first wager is determined by conventional rules of blackjack play.

A first additional wager zone indicating a first color, for example black, is provided in a vicinity of each player and a second additional wager zone indicating a second color, for example red, is provided in a vicinity of each player. Players may place an additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in either or both of the additional wager zones corresponding to a predicted color of an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player.

A first card is dealt to each player and to the dealer and a second card is dealt to each player. If a player has placed an additional wager and the first card and second card dealt to the player are not of the same color or are of the same color but not a predicted color, an amount of the additional wager is collected. If a player has placed an additional wager and the first card and second card dealt to the player are of a same color and the color is the predicted color, the player is paid a predetermined multiple of the amount of the additional wager. A second card may be dealt to the dealer and the game may be completed according to conventional rules of blackjack play.

In a method according to a further embodiment of the invention, a greater predetermined multiple of the an amount of an additional wager may be paid to a player if the player has placed an additional wager and the first card and second card dealt to the player are of a same color and a same suit, and the color is the predicted color.

In a method according to a further embodiment of the invention, a third additional wager zone indicating an ace is provided in a vicinity of each player. A player may place a third additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in the third additional wager zone corresponding to a predicted ace as at least one card of an initial hand of two card dealt to a player placing a third additional wager.

If a player has placed a third additional wager and neither the first card nor the second card dealt to the player is an ace, an amount of the third additional wager is collected. If a player has placed a third additional wager and either the first card or the second card or both cards dealt to the player is/are an ace, the player is paid a predetermined multiple of the amount of the third additional wager.

In a method according to a further embodiment of the invention, a modified blackjack game is played between a dealer and at least one player using at least on standard deck of playing cards. At least one player places a first wager to participate in the blackjack game. An outcome of the first wager is determined by conventional rules of blackjack play.

A first additional wager zone indicating an ace, a second additional wager zone indicating an ace split blackjack and a third additional wager zone indicating an ace split blackjack are provided in a vicinity of each player. A player may place a first additional wager corresponding to a predicted ace as at least one card of an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player by placing one or more wagering devices in the first additional wager. A player may place a second or third additional wager corresponding to a ace split blackjack hand by placing one or more wagering devices in either or both of the second and third wagering zones.

If a player has placed a first additional wager and neither the first card nor the second card dealt to the player is an ace, an amount of the first additional wager is collected. If a player has placed a first additional wager and either the first card or the second card or both cards dealt to the player is/are an ace, the player is paid a predetermined multiple of the amount of the first additional wager. If a player has placed a second or third additional wager and the player does not achieve a split blackjack hand on a split hand corresponding to the appropriate second or third wager zone, an amount of the second or third wager is collected. If a player has placed a second or third additional wager and the player does achieve a split blackjack hand on a split hand corresponding to the appropriate second or third wager zone, the player is paid a predetermined multiple of the amount of the second or third wager.

A player placing a first additional wager may be paid a greater predetermined multiple of an amount of the fir"st wager if one of the first two cards dealt to the payer is an ace and the other card dealt to the player is of the same suit as the ace. A player placing a first additional wager may also be paid a greater predetermined multiple of an amount of the first wager if both cards dealt to the player are aces. A player placing a first additional wager may be paid a greater predetermined multiple of an amount of the first wager if both cards dealt to the player are aces and both aces are of the same suit. A player placing a second or third additional wager may be paid a greater predetermined multiple of an amount of the second or third wager if an ace split blackjack hand on a split hand corresponding to the appropriate second or third wager comprises two cards of the same suit.

In a method according to a further embodiment of the invention, a fourth and a fifth additional wager zone, each indicating a first color, for example black, are provided and a sixth and a seventh additional wager zone, each indicating a second color, for example red, are provided. The fourth and sixth additional wager zones may correspond to a first split hand and the fifth and seventh additional wager zones may correspond to a second split hand.

A player may place an additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh additional wagering zones corresponding to a predicted color of an initial two cards of a split hand dealt to the player. , If a player places the additional wager and the initial two cards of a corresponding spit hand are not of the same color or are of the same color but not the predicted color, an amount of the additional wager is collected. If a player places the additional wager and the initial two cards of a corresponding spit hand are of the same color and of the predicted color, the player is paid a predetermined multiple of an amount of the additional wager.

In a method according to a further embodiment of the invention, a modified blackjack game is played between a dealer and at least one player using at least on standard deck of playing cards. At least one player places a first wager to participate in the blackjack game. An outcome of the first wager is determined by conventional rules of blackjack play.

A first additional wager zone which indicates a total point value range of 2 to 8 is provided, a second additional wager zone which indicates a total point value range of 9 to 11 is provided, a third additional wager zone which indicates a total point value range of 12 to 16 is provided, a fourth additional wager zone which indicates a total point value range of 17 to 20 is provided, a fifth additional wager zone which indicates a total point value of 21 is provided , a sixth additional wager zone which indicates a first color, for example black, is provided, and a seventh additional wager zone which indicates a second color, for example red, is provided. A player may place an additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh additional wager zones wherein an additional wager placed in the first, second, third, fourth or fifth additional wager zones corresponds to a predicted total point value or predicted total point value range of an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing the additional wager and a wager placed in the sixth or seventh additional wager zones corresponds to a predicted color of an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing the additional wager.

A first card is dealt to each player and to the dealer and a second card is dealt to each player. An actual total point value and color of an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing an additional wager is determined and compared to a predicted total point value or predicted total point value range and/or predicted color. If a player places a first, second, third, fourth and/or fifth additional wager and an actual total point value is not equal to or in a range of the predicted total point value or predicted total point value range an amount of the additional wager is collected. If a player places a sixth and/or seventh additional wager and a first card and second card are not of a same color or if a first card and said second card are of a same color but not the predicted color, an amount of the additional wager is collected. If a player places a first, second, third, fourth and/or fifth additional wager and an actual total point value of a initial hand of two cards dealt to the player is equal to or in a range of the predicted total point value or total point value range, the player placing the additional wager is paid a predetermined multiple of the additional wager. If a player places a sixth and/or seventh additional wager and a first card and second card dealt to the player placing the additional wager are of a same color and the color is the predicted color, the player placing the additional wager is paid a predetermined multiple of the additional wager.

A second card may be dealt to the dealer and the game may be completed according to conventional rules of blackjack play.

A greater predetermined multiple of an amount of an additional wager may be paid if the first card and the second card dealt to the player placing the additional wager are of the same suit.

In a method according to a further embodiment of the invention, a predetermined multiple of an amount of an additional wager is paid only if an actual total point value of an initial two card hand dealt to a player placing the additional wager is equal to or in a range of a predicted total point value or predicted total point value range and the first card and second card are the same color which is the same as a predicted color.

In a method according to a further embodiment of the invention, an eighth additional wager zone indicating an ace is provided. A player may place an eight additional wager which corresponds to a predicted ace as at least one card of an initial two card hand dealt to the player by placing one or more wagering devices in the eighth wager zone. If a player places an eighth additional wager and neither a first or second card dealt to the payer is an ace, an amount of the eighth additional wager is collected. If a player places an eight additional wager and one or both of the first and second cards dealt to the player is/are an ace, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the eight additional wager is paid to the player.

In a method according to a further embodiment of the invention, a modified blackjack game is played between a dealer and at least one player using at least one standard deck of playing cards. At least one player places a first wager to participate in the blackjack game. An outcome of the first wager is determined by conventional rules of blackjack play. A first additional wager zone comprising a plurality of additional wager regions each indicating a possible point value of a first card dealt to a player is provided in a vicinity of each player. A second additional wager zone comprising a plurality of additional wager regions each indicating a possible point value of a second card dealt to a player is provided in a vicinity of each player. At least one player may place a first additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of the plurality of additional wager regions of the first additional wager zone corresponding to a predicted point value of a first card dealt to the player. One or more players may place a second additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of the plurality of additional wager regions of the second additional wager zone k corresponding to a predicted point value of a second card dealt to the player.

A first card is dealt to each player and to the dealer. If a player has placed a first additional wager and an actual point value of a first card dealt to the player is not equal to a predicted point value for the fist card, an amount of the first additional wager may be collected. If a player has placed a first additional wager and an actual point value of a first card dealt to the player is equal to a predicted point value for the first card, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the first additional wager may be paid to the player.

If a player has placed a second additional wager and an actual point value of a second card dealt to the player is not equal to a predicted point value for the second card, an amount of the second additional wager may be collected. If a player has placed a second additional wager and an actual point value of a second card dealt to the player is equal to a predicted point value for the second card, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the second additional wager may be paid to the player.

A second card may be dealt to the dealer and the game may be completed according to conventional rules of blackjack play.

In a method according to a further embodiment of the invention, a modified blackjack game is played between a dealer and at least one player using at least one standard deck of playing cards. At least one player places a first wager to participate in the blackjack game. An outcome of the first wager is determined by conventional rules of blackjack play.

A first additional wager zone comprising a plurality of additional wager regions each indicating a possible point value of a second card dealt to a player is provided. A second additional wager zone indicating a first color, for example black, and a third additional wager zone indicating a second color, for example red, are provided in a vicinity of each player.

A player may make a first additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of the plurality of additional wager regions of the first additional wager zone corresponding to a predicted point value of a second card dealt to the player placing the first additional wager. A player may make a second additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in the second or third additional wagering zones corresponding to a predicted color of an initial two card hand dealt to the player placing the second additional wager.

If a player places a first additional wager and an actual point value of a second card dealt to the player is not equal to a predicted point value, an amount of the first additional wager may be collected. If a player places a first additional wager and an actual point value of a second card dealt to the player is equal to a predicted point value, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the first additional wager may be paid to the player. If a player places a second additional wager and a first card and a second card dealt to the player are of a different color or if the first card and second card are of the same color but not a predicted color, an amount of the second additional wager may be collected. If a player places a second additional wager and a first card and a second card dealt to the player are of a same color and the color is a predicted color, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the second additional wager may be paid to the player.

A second card may be dealt to the dealer and the game may be completed according to conventional rules of blackjack play.

In a method according to a further embodiment of the invention, a modified blackjack game is played between a dealer and at least one player using at least one standard deck of playing cards including one or more joker cards. At least one player places a first wager to participate in the blackjack game. An outcome of the first wager is determined by conventional rules of blackjack play.

An additional wager zone corresponding to a blackjack hand comprising a joker and a ten point card is provided in a vicinity of each player. A player may make an additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in the additional wager zone.

A first card is dealt to each player and to the dealer and a second card is dealt to each player.

If a player places an additional wager and the player does not draw a blackjack hand comprising a joker and a ten point card, an amount of the additional wager is collected. If a player places an additional wager and the player draws a blackjack hand comprising a joker and a ten point card, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the additional wager is paid to the player.

A second card may be dealt to the dealer and the game may be completed according to conventional rules of blackjack play.

In a method according to a further embodiment of the invention, a card game is played between at least one player and a dealer using at least one standard deck of playing cards. A wager zone comprising a plurality of wager regions arranged in a matrix of rows and columns is provided in a vicinity of each player. Each individual wager region indicates a possible total point value of a two card hand dealt to a player. At least one player may place a wager by placing one or more wagering devices on one or more of the plurality of wager regions corresponding to a predicted total point value of a two card hand dealt to the player.

Two cards are dealt to a player placing a wager. If an actual total point value of the two cards dealt to the player is not equal to the predicted total point value, an amount of the wager is collected. If an actual total point value of the two cards dealt to the player is equal to a predicted total point value, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the wager may be paid to the player. A player may place a wager by placing one or more wagering devices adjacent to at least one of the rows or columns indicating a predicted total point value for a two card hand corresponding to all total point values in the row or column to which a wagering device is placed adjacent to.

In a method according to a further embodiment of the invention, a card game is played between at least one player and a dealer using at least one standard deck of playing cards. A first wager zone comprising a plurality of wager regions each corresponding to a possible point value of a card dealt to a player is provided. A second wager zone indicating a first color, for example black, and a third wager zone indicating a second color, for example red, are provided. A fourth wager zone indicating an ace is provided. A fifth wager zone comprising a plurality of wager regions each indicating a possible suit of a card dealt to a player is provided.

A player may place a wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth wager zones. A first wager placed in the first wager zone corresponds to a predicted point value of the card dealt to the player. A second or third wager placed in the second or third wager zone corresponds to a predicted color of the card dealt to the player. A fourth wager placed in the fourth wager zone corresponds to a predicted ace as the card dealt to the player and a fifth wager placed in the fifth wager location corresponds to a predicted suit of the card dealt to the player.

A card is dealt to a player placing a wager. If a player has placed a first wager and an actual point value of the card dealt to the player is not equal to a predicted point value, an amount of the first wager is collected. If a player has placed a first wager and an actual point value of the card dealt to the player is equal to a predicted point value, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the first wager may be paid to the player.

If a player has placed a second or third wager and a color of the card dealt to the player is not the predicted color, an amount of the second or third wager is collected. If a player has placed a second or third wager and a color of the card dealt to the player is the predicted color, a predetermined amount of the second or third additional wager may be paid to the player.

If a player has placed a fourth wager and the card dealt to the player is not an ace, an amount of the fourth wager is collected. If a player has placed a fourth wager and the card dealt to the player is an ace, a predetermined amount of the fourth wager may be paid to the player.

If a player has placed a fifth wager and an actual suit of the card dealt to the fifth player is not a predicted suit, an amount of the fifth wager is collected. If a player has placed a fifth wager and' an actual suit of the card dealt to the fifth player is a predicted suit, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the fifth wager may be paid to the player.

An advantage of a modified blackjack game according to an embodiment of the invention is that a player is given an option to place additional wagers corresponding to predicted individual and total card point values, colors, suits and outcomes. These optional wagers increase player interest and casino revenue. Game according to embodiments of the invention may be based on any blackjack or twenty-one game. An advantage of card games according to embodiments of the invention is that wagers may be placed based on card point values, colors, suits and outcomes. Games according to embodiments of the invention are simple to learn and play.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other benefits and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements:

FIG. 1 shows a top view of a representative playing surface including six player locations which can be used to play a blackjack game;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 3 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a card game according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a card game according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 shows a top view of a playing surface including six player locations which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to a further embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 12 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a card game according to a further embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now in detail to the drawing, FIG. 1 shows a top view of a typical playing surface which can be used to play a blackjack game between a dealer and one or more players. A dealer distributes the playing cards and may be positioned standing adjacent to dealer area 1. Players typically are positioned around a perimeter of a playing surface, at player locations 2. FIG. 1 shows six player locations arranged around on a plying surface, however games according to embodiments of the invention are not limited to any particular number of players.

FIG. 2-8 and 12 show top views of individual player locations which may be used to play modified blackjack games according to embodiments of the invention. Each of the individual player locations shown in FIG. 2-8 and 12 may be positioned around a playing .surface as are player locations 2 in FIG. 1. Additionally, various individual player locations may be combined on a single playing surface as shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to an embodiment of the invention. A modified blackjack game is played between a dealer and at least one player using at least on standard deck of playing cards. A player may indicate a first wager by placing one or more chips, markers, or other wagering devices in a wager location 2 associated with that player. Each chip or marker may have a predetermined value. The amount of a first wager which a player may make for a particular game or table may be regulated between certain maximum and minimum values by a casino or other authority. An outcome of each player's first wager is determined at the conclusion of a particular game in accordance with conventional rules of blackjack play by comparing a player' s final hand total point value to a dealer's final hand total point value.

A first additional wager zone 21 indicating a first color, for example black, is provided in a vicinity of each player and a second additional wager zone 22 indicating a second color, for example red, is provided in a vicinity of each player. Players may place an additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices, such as chips or markers, in either or both of additional wager zones 21, 22 corresponding to a predicted color of an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player.

A first card is dealt to each player and to the dealer and a second card is dealt to each player. If a player has placed an additional wager and the first card and second card dealt to the player are not of the same color or are of the same color but not a predicted color, an amount of the additional wager is collected. For example, if a player indicates an additional wager on black by placing a wagering device representing an amount in additional wager zone 21 indicating black, and that player draws a red card and a black card or two red cards as an initial hand of two cards, the player loses the additional wager and forfeits an amount of the additional wager.

If a player has placed an additional wager and the first card and second card dealt to the player are of a same color and the color is the predicted color, the player is paid a predetermined multiple of the amount of the additional wager. For example, if a player indicates an additional wager on black by placing a wagering device representing an amount in additional wager zone 21 indicating black, and that player draws an initial hand of two black cards, the player wins the additional wager and is paid a predetermined multiple of an amount of the additional wager.

An amount of an additional wager which a player may place for a particular game or table and a value of a predetermined multiple of an amount which may be paid to a player may be set and regulated by a casino or other authority.

After all additional wagers are settled, a second card may be dealt to the dealer and the game may be completed according to conventional rules of blackjack play.

A greater predetermined multiple of the amount of an additional wager may be paid to a player if the player has placed an additional wager and the first card and second card dealt to the player are of a same color and a same suit, and the color is the predicted color. For example, if a player places an additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices representing an amount in additional wager zone 21 indicating black and that player draws an initial hand of two cards wherein both cards are spades, the player may win a predetermined multiple of an amount of the additional wager which is greater than a predetermined multiple which the player would have won had the two black cards been of different suits, for example a spade and a club.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to a further embodiment of the invention. A modified blackjack game according to this embodiment may be played as described above, however, as shown in FIG. 3, a third additional wager zone 33 indicating an ace is provided in a vicinity of each player. A player may place a third additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in the third additional wager zone 33 corresponding to a predicted ace as at least one card of an initial hand of two card dealt to a player placing a third additional wager.

If a player has placed a third additional wager and neither the first card nor the second card dealt to the player is an ace, an amount of the third additional wager is collected. If a player has placed a third additional wager and either the first card or the second card or both cards dealt to the player is/are an ace, the player may be paid a predetermined multiple of the amount of the third additional wager. If a player places a third additional wager and both of the first two cards dealt to the player are aces, the player may be paid a predetermined multiple of an amount of the third additional wager which is greater than a predetermined multiple which would have been paid to the player had only one of the two cards dealt to the player been an ace.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to another embodiment of the invention

AS shown in FIG. 4, a first additional wager zone 41 indicating an ace, a second additional wager zone 42 indicating an ace split blackjack and a third additional wager zone 43 indicating an ace split blackjack are provided in a vicinity of each player. A player may place a first additional wager corresponding to a predicted ace as at least one card of an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player by placing one or more wagering devices in the first additional wager zone 41.

A player may receive two aces as an initial two card hand and elect to split the aces into two individual hands, using each ace as a first card in each split hand. A player achieves an ace split blackjack hand when the player splits an initial hand of two aces and draws a ten point card (for example a ten or face card) as a second card in one or both of the split hands.

In an embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a player may place a second or third additional wager corresponding to a ace split blackjack hand by placing one or more wagering devices in either or both of the second and third wagering zones 42, 43. Second additional wager zone 42 may correspond to a player' s left split hand and third additional wager zone 43 may correspond to a player's right split hand.

If a player has placed a first additional wager and neither the first card nor the second card dealt to the player is an ace, an amount of the first additional wager is collected. If a player has placed a first additional wager and either the first card or the second card or both cards dealt to the player is/are an ace, the player is paid a predetermined multiple of the amount of the first additional wager.

If a player has placed a second or third additional wager and the player does not achieve a split blackjack hand on a split hand corresponding to the appropriate second or third wager zone, an amount of the second or third wager is collected. If a player has placed a second or third additional wager and the player does achieve a split blackjack hand on a split hand corresponding to the appropriate second or third wager zone, the player is paid a predetermined multiple of the amount of the second or third wager.

A player placing a first additional wager may be paid a greater predetermined multiple of an amount of the first wager if one of the first two cards dealt to the payer is an ace and the other card dealt to the player is of the same suit as the ace. For example if a player places a first additional wager and draws an ace of hearts and a two of hearts, the player may be paid a higher multiple then would be paid if the player had drawn an ace of hearts and a two of spades.

A player placing a first additional wager may also be paid a greater predetermined multiple if both cards dealt to the player are aces as compared to the multiple which would be paid if only one of the first two cards drawn by the player was an ace. Furthermore, a player placing a first additional wager may be paid a greater predetermined multiple of an amount of the first wager if both cards dealt to the player are aces and both aces are of the same suit. Such a result is possible if multiple decks are being used in a game according to an embodiment of the invention.

Additionally, a player placing a second or third additional wager may be paid a greater predetermined multiple of an amount of the second or third wager if an ace split blackjack hand on a split hand corresponding to the appropriate second or third wager comprises two cards of the same suit, for example an ace of diamonds and a jack of diamonds.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to a further embodiment of the invention. A modified blackjack game according to this embodiment may be played as described above with reference to FIG. 4, however, as shown in FIG. 5, a fourth 54 and a fifth 55 additional wager zone indicating a first color, for example black, are provided and a sixth 56 and a seventh 57 additional wager zone indicating a second color, for example red, are provided. The fourth 54 and sixth 56 additional wager zones may correspond to a first or left split hand and the fifth 55 and seventh 57 additional wager zones may correspond to a second or right split hand.

A player may place an additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh additional wagering zones 54, 55, 56, 57 corresponding to a predicted color of an initial two cards of a corresponding split hand dealt to the player. Additional wager zones 54, 55, 56 and 57 may relate to any split hands resulting from a player receiving any pair of Gards as an initial two card hand and electing to split the pair into two separate hands pursuant to conventional blackjack rules.

If a player places an additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of additional wager zones 54, 55, 56 and/or 57 and an initial two cards of a corresponding spit hand are not of the same color or are of the same color but not a predicted color, an amount of the additional wager is collected. If a player places the additional wager and the initial two cards of a corresponding spit hand are of the same color and of the predicted color, the player is paid a predetermined multiple of an amount of the additional wager.

FIG. 6 shows top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to another embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a first additional wager zone 61 which indicates a total point value range of 2 to 8 is provided, a second additional wager zone 62 which indicates a total point value range of 9 to 11 is provided, a third additional wager zone 63 which indicates a total point value range of 12 to 16 is provided, a fourth additional wager zone 64 which indicates a total point value range of 17 to 20 is provided, a fifth additional wager zone 65 which indicates a total point value of 21 is provided, a sixth additional wager zone 66 which indicates a first color, for example black, is provided, and a seventh additional wager zone 67 which indicates a second color, for example red, is provided.

A player may place an additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh additional wager zones 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, wherein an additional wager placed in the first, second, third, fourth or fifth additional wager zones 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 corresponds to a predicted total point value or predicted total point value range of an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing the additional wager as indicated by the respective zone. A wager placed in the sixth or seventh additional wager zones 66, 67 corresponds to a predicted color of an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing the additional wager.

A first card is dealt to each player and to the dealer and a second card is dealt to each player. An actual total point value and color of an initial hand of two cards dealt to the player placing an additional wager is determined and compared to a predicted total point value or predicted total point value range and/or predicted color.

If a player places an additional wager in one or more of additional wager zones 61, 62, 63, 64 and/or 65 and an actual total point value of an initial two card hand drawn by the player is not equal to or in a range of a predicted total point value or predicted total point value range, an amount of the additional wager is collected. If a player places an additional wager in one or more of additional wager zones 66 and/or 67 and a first card and second card are not of a same color or if a first card and second card are of a same color but not the predicted color, an amount of the additional wager is collected.

If a player places a additional wager in one or more of additional wager zones 61, 62, 63, 64 and/or 65 and an actual total point value of a initial hand of two cards dealt to the player is equal to or in a range of the predicted total point value or total point value range, the player placing the additional wager is paid a predetermined multiple of the additional wager. If a player places in additional wager in one or more of additional wager zones 66 and/or 67 and a first card and second card dealt to the player placing an additional wager are of a same color and the color is the predicted color, the player placing the additional wager is paid a predetermined multiple of the additional wager.

A second card may be dealt to the dealer and the game may be completed according to conventional rules of blackjack play.

As described with respect to the foregoing embodiments, a greater predetermined multiple of an amount of an additional wager may be paid if a first card and a second card dealt to the player placing the additional wager are of the same suit.

In a method according to a further embodiment of the invention, a predetermined multiple of an amount of an additional wager is paid only if an actual total point value of an initial two card hand dealt to a player placing the additional wager is equal to or in a range of a predicted total point value or predicted total point value range and the first card and second card are the same color which is the same as a predicted color. For example, a player placing an additional wager in additional wager zone 62 , corresponding to a predicted total point value of 9-11 and in additional wager zone 66, corresponding to a hand of two black cards, who draws a four of hearts (red) and a five of spades (black) would lose both additional bets, even though actual total point value of nine is within the predicted range of 9-11.

In a method according to a further embodiment of the invention, an eighth additional wager zone indicating an ace may be provided in addition to the additional wager zones shown in FIG. 6. A player may place an eighth additional wager which corresponds to a predicted ace as at least one card of an initial two card hand dealt to the player by placing one or more wagering devices in the eighth wager zone. If a player places an eighth additional wager and neither a first or second card dealt to the payer is an ace, an amount of the eighth additional wager is collected. If a player places an eight additional wager and one or both of the first and second cards dealt to the player is/are an ace, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the eight additional wager is paid to the player. Fig. 7 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to another embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a first additional wager zone 71 comprising a plurality of additional wager regions, each indicating a possible point value of a first card dealt to a player, is provided in a vicinity of each player. A second additional wager zone 72, comprising a plurality of additional wager regions, each indicating a possible point value of a second card dealt to a player, is also provided in a vicinity of each player.

At least one player may place a first additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of the plurality of additional wager regions of the first additional wager zone 71 corresponding to a predicted point value of a first card dealt to the player. One or more players may place a second additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of the plurality of additional wager regions of the second additional wager zone 72 corresponding to a predicted point value of a second card dealt to the player.

A first card is dealt to each player and to the dealer. If a player has placed a first additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of additional wager regions of first additional wager zone 71 and an actual point value of a first card dealt to the player is not equal to a predicted point value for the fist card, an amount of the first additional wager may be collected. If a player has placed a first additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of additional wager regions of first additional wager zone 71 and an actual point value of a first card dealt to the player is equal to a predicted point value for the first card, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the first additional wager may be paid to the player.

If a player has placed a second additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of additional wager regions of second additional wager zone 72 and an actual point value of a second card dealt to the player is not equal to a predicted point value for the second card, an amount of the second additional wager may be collected. If a player has placed a second additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of additional wager regions of second additional wager zone 72 and an actual point value of a second card dealt to the player is equal to a predicted point value for the second card, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the second additional wager may be paid to the player. A second card may be dealt to the dealer and the game may be completed according to conventional rules of blackjack play.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to another embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a first additional wager zone 81 comprising a plurality of additional wager regions each indicating a possible point value of a second card dealt to a player is provided. A second additional wager zone 82 indicating a first color, for example black, and a third additional wager zone 83 indicating a second color, for example red, are provided in a vicinity of each player.

A player may make a first additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of the plurality of additional wager regions of the first additional wager zone 81 corresponding to a predicted point value of a second card dealt to the player placing the first additional wager. A player may make a second additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in the second or third additional wagering zones 82, 83 corresponding to a predicted color of an initial two card hand dealt to the player placing the second additional wager. If a player places a first additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of additional wager regions of first additional wager zone 81 and an actual point value of a second card dealt to the player is not equal to a predicted point value, an amount of the first additional wager may be collected. If a player places a first additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of additional wager regions of first additional wager zone 81 and an actual point value of a second card dealt to the player is equal to a predicted point value, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the first additional wager may be paid to the player.

If a player places a second additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of second and third additional wager regions 82, 83 and a first card and a second card dealt to the player are of a different color or if the first card and second card are of the same color but not a predicted color, an amount of the second additional wager may be collected. If a player places a second additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of second and third additional wager regions 82, 83 and a first card and a second card dealt to the player are of a same color and the color is a predicted color, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the second additional wager may be paid to the player .

A second card may be dealt to the dealer and the game may be completed according to conventional rules of blackjack play.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to another embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 12, a modified blackjack game is played between a dealer and at least one player using at least on standard deck of playing cards including one or more joker cards.

An additional wager zone 121 corresponding to a blackjack hand comprising a joker and a ten point card is provided in a vicinity of each player. A player may make an additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in additional wager zone 121.

A first card is dealt to each player and to the dealer and a second card is dealt to each player.

If a player places an additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in additional wager zone 121 and the player does not draw a blackjack hand comprising a joker and a ten point card, an amount of the additional wager is collected. If a player places an additional wager by placing one or more wagering devices in additional wager zone 121 and the player draws a blackjack hand comprising a joker and a ten point card, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the additional wager is paid to the player.

A second card may be dealt to the dealer and the game may be completed according to conventional rules of blackjack play.

FIG 9. shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a card game between at least one player and a dealer using at least standard deck of playing cards according to another embodiment of the invention. A wager zone comprising a plurality of wager regions arranged in a matrix of rows and columns is provided in a vicinity of each player. Each individual wager region indicates a possible total point value of a two card hand dealt to a player.

For example as shown in FIG. 9, a wager zone may comprise five rows and four columns wherein row 1 indicates total point values of 2, 3, 4 and 5; row 2 indicates total point values of 6, 7, 8 and 9; row 3 indicates total point values of 10, 11, 12 and 13; row 4 indicates total point values of 14, 15, 16 and 17; row 5 indicates total point values of 18, 19, 20 and 21; column 1 indicates total point values of 2, 6, 10, 14 and 18; column 2 indicates total point values of 3, 7, 11, 15 and 19; column 3 indicates total point values of 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20; and column 4 indicates total point values of 5, 9, 13, 17 and 21.

A player may place a wager by placing one or more wagering devices on one or more of the plurality of wager regions corresponding to a predicted total point value of a two card hand dealt to the player. Two cards are dealt to a player placing a wager. If an actual total point value of the two cards dealt to the player is not equal to the predicted total point value, an amount of the wager is collected. If an actual total point value of the two cards dealt to the player is equal to a predicted total point value, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the wager may be paid to the player.

Additionally, a player may place a wager by placing one or more wagering devices adjacent to at least one of the rows or columns indicating a predicted total point value for a two card hand corresponding to all total point values in the row or column to which a wagering device is placed adjacent to. For example, a player may place one or more wagering devices in an upper left hand corner of the matrix shown in FIG. 9, to the left of the region indicating "2". Such a wager would correspond to a prediction that a total point value of a two card hand dealt to the player would be 2, 3, 4, or 5.

FIG 10. shows a top view of a player location which can be used to play a card game between at least one player and a dealer using at least standard deck of playing cards according to another embodiment of the invention.

A first wager zone 101 comprising a plurality of wager regions, each corresponding to a possible point value of a card dealt to a player is provided. A second wager zone 102 indicating a first color, for example black, and a third wager zone 103 indicating a second color, for example red, are provided. A fourth wager zone 104 indicating an ace is provided. A fifth wager zone 105 comprising a plurality of wager regions, each indicating a possible suit of a card dealt to a player is provided.

A player may place a wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth wager zones 101, 102, 103, 104, 105. A first wager placed in the first wager zone 101 corresponds to a predicted point value of the card dealt to the player. A second or third wager placed in the second or third wager zone 102, 103 corresponds to a predicted color of the card dealt to the player. A fourth wager placed in the fourth wager zone 104 corresponds to a predicted ace as the card dealt to the player and a fifth wager placed in the fifth wager zone 105 corresponds to a predicted suit of the card dealt to the player.

A card is dealt to a player placing a wager. If a player has placed a first wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more wager regions of first wager zone 101 and an actual point value of the card dealt to the player is not equal to a predicted point value, an amount of the first wager is collected. If a player has placed a first wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more wager regions of first wager zone 101 and an actual point value of the card dealt to the player is equal to a predicted point value, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the first wager may be paid to the player.

If a player has placed a second or third wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of second and third wagering zones 102, 103 and a color of the card dealt to the player is not the predicted color, an amount of the second or third wager is collected. If a player has placed a second or third wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more of second and third wagering zones 102, 103 and a color of the card dealt to the player is the predicted color, a predetermined amount of the second or third additional wager may be paid to the player.

If a player has placed a fourth wager by placing one or more wagering devices in fourth wager zone 104 and the card dealt to the player is not an ace, an amount of the fourth wager is collected. If a player has placed a fourth wager by placing one or more wagering devices in fourth wager zone 104 and the card dealt to the player is an ace, a predetermined amount of the fourth wager may be paid to the player.

If a player has placed a fifth wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more regions of fifth wager zone 105 and an actual suit of the card dealt to the fifth player is not a predicted suit, an amount of the fifth wager is collected. If a player has placed a fifth wager by placing one or more wagering devices in one or more regions of fifth wager zone 105- and an actual suit of the card dealt to the fifth player is a predicted suit, a predetermined multiple of an amount of the fifth wager may be paid to the player.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of a playing surface including six player locations which can be used to play a modified blackjack game according to a further embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 10, various modified blackjack games according to embodiments of the invention may be combined on a single playing surface or table so than individual players may chose a particular game which they desire to play.

Accordingly, while several embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it is obvious that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.