I have many ideas on game show revivals and how I'd like to see them done, however due to time constraints, I'm certain my ideas would be quite difficult to implement for a 30 minute program.
I would love to see "Gambit" return. It seems next to nobody remembers that program. I want to do a separate post about that later.
"Gambit" had the really cool looking big cards, the set of the original was cozy to me, the game play was pretty exciting, especially when one couple froze on 20 and the other couple had a 16, and won the next card and it would be a "5" for 21. Very exciting and unpredictable moments from that program. I also loved the "Gambit Board" round, and when "Las Vegas Gambit" was on in 1980, I disliked it. I disliked the "living deck" in the audience, disliked that the updated video monitor Gambit Board had only 18 cards instead of 21 (21 makes more sense after all), and loathed that they changed the end game to High Rollers end game. Irked me big time.
I would have 2 solo players, not married couples compete. It would be for all cash. Each game won pays $250. Any 21 Jackpot would start at $500 for the first match. If nobody won it, it would go to $1,000 for the next match. If someone won it during the match, it would remain at $1,000 until the conclusion of the match, then when a new match began, it would reset at $500. I do not recall if the original version did it this way or not.
I would have an "Opening Gambit" bonus of $250 for the first & second game of every match. Before the first card is shown, all 4 suits would be with the dealer on special separate cards. The champion would select one suit, the challenger another. If the first card shown matched the suit they chose, they win a $250 bonus right on the spot. For game 2, the challenger would select one of the 2 remaining suits, the champ would get the last remaining suit. If the match went to a rubber game, a game 3, no opening gambit bonuses would be made available for that game, as all 4 suits would have been used up during the first 2 games of the match.
Same general rules would apply as before, contestants can freeze on 12 or higher unless their opponent has a higher score; if one chose to not freeze, they would not have that option again until they received another card, etc.
Also 1 joker would be in the deck. Any player who won that card could use it during match play if they received a card which would put them over 21. That's the only time the joker could be used. If the joker goes unplayed throughout the match, win or lose, the player who has the unused joker would win a $500 bonus.
End Game "Beat the House". There would be a Gambit Board, but not one that concealed prizes. This board would be divided into 4 columns and 9 rows. The 4 column headings would have a spade, heart, club and diamond. The 9 rows would have the numbers 12 - 20. Each number & suit would have a different money amount. The champ would play 4 solo hands of blackjack, they could freeze on 12, or continue to take cards. If they go over 21 they win $0 for that hand. The first 4 hands would build up the player's bankroll. The 5th & final hand is the "Beat the House" hand, where regulation blackjack rules apply. The player must bet at least half their bankroll, and are not required to make a wager until they see their 2 cards as well as the hole and up card for the house. Then they bet based on what they have and what they think the dealer might have. Ties are a push, no win or loss. Also during this round, any 21 is worth $5000, but for the 5th and final hand, which is the "Beat the House" hand, if the player wins with 21 and does so with only 2 cards, they get $10,000 added to their winnings instead of $5,000. A potential $50,000 payout each time it is played. Kind of hard to explain using mere text, and I get the sinking feeling that this idea and these rules would be too lengthy and/or confusing, but just an idea I'm throwing out here. 5 time champions would retire, and drive home in a new automobile as well.
Anyway, that's one game I'd love to see revived, and with my rules. A few years back I hosted a net version of the New Joker's Wild which received great reviews and accolades from the various board members of the flashgameshows.com site.
Take care all,
Bill
