GAMBLE LIFE

GAMBLE LIFE is a four-player Five-Card Draw poker game built around debt repayment. Each run takes place over a limited number of days with limited funds, and the aim is to clear your debt before the deadline passes. The character you choose sets your debt, repayment deadline, starting money and the circumstances you face. On each day you pick one of three tables, weighing up their stakes and the number of rounds before sitting down to play.

The strength of your hand is not the only factor in play. You start each run with a single ability and acquire more as the days go by, combining up to three at a time to shape your approach. Abilities can strengthen your hand, reveal information about opponents, interfere with card exchanges and betting, or take advantage of specific conditions or card positions. Upgrades are limited, so deciding which abilities to combine and which to invest in is part of each run.

The game includes around 100 abilities, available to both the player and their opponents. These can manipulate hands, prevent card exchanges, stop opponents from folding, expose cards, alter the ranking of poker hands and in some cases change the rules of poker itself. Runs are intended to vary through different ability combinations.