Sabacc is a game that has been famed because of its inclusion in the Star Wars epics. It has become just as famous as the franchise for its movie lovers, with even the casual observer knowing about it and having even played it.
The game was first seen in Solo: A Star Wars Story, with the 2018 release of the Western-themed movie being based on the character of Han Solo. It was used as the method in which anticipation, suspense, and anxiety were built on screen, as we saw Solo have to play and win (which he did) to win ownership of the Millennium Falcon. In doing so, he took it off the hands of Lando Calrissian, which was the beginning of the end that we witnessed in the Empire Strikes Back.
However, while Star Wars may have been “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away….”, the game of Sabacc can be enjoyed today.
What is Sabacc?
Sabacc is a type of gambling game that requires players to collect as many cards as possible to build a hand that is as close to or equal to 23. If you go over, you lose. It may sound familiar, and that is because it is. It closely resembles the rules of classic blackjack. However, this version is based on 23 and not 21.
Blackjack is not the only casino game that it strongly resembles, as Sabacc also features elements of poker and rummy. Players must make a blind bet before playing, and once they are dealt cards, they will need to go through a series of rounds in which they can either raise, call, or fold.
The rummy aspect of the game is in regard to the possibility of trading cards. Players can decide to draw a card from the deck during a round and trade it for one of those that were dealt at the beginning. They do not have to keep this card, nor do they have to trade if they do not want to.
Given that it is a lot like the live dealer online casino games that can often be found, it is surprising that Sabacc has not quite made it available. However, with casinos always looking to use technology to create alternative gaming experiences, perhaps it is something we could see in the future.
How is Sabacc played?
If you are interested in playing this game and being able to use the force, then it would be wise to learn the rules of this fast-paced strategic game. There are four different parts to the game:
- Paying the blind
- Betting Round
- Trading Round
- Dice Round
Having already mentioned the first three aspects, the final part is the Dice Round.
Here, the dealer will roll the dice and if two identical numbers or symbols are rolled, a Sabacc Shift (a randomizer will change the value of the cards) will take place. All cards will be returned and reshuffled into the deck, and new hands will be dealt. Another betting round will then need to be completed.
If the dice rolled do not match, the game will continue, and another betting round will take place. The three aforementioned rounds will then continue until someone decides to say they have a value of 23 or are close to it.
Players who believe they stand a chance of victory must shout “Alderaan” during the trading round. If tied (a “sudden demise”), then the dealer will flip over one card per player involved and add or subtract from the total as necessary based on that value’s addition or subtraction from the total amount owed by all involved. The winner takes all pot proceeds while those who “bomb out” pay a 10% penalty which goes toward Sabaac Pot Fund for use during subsequent games (if both parties “bomb out”, then both will pay penalties amounting to become eligible winners).
Sabacc Cards and their power
A total of 76 cards are used in Sabaac, with 60 divided into four suits. These cards are numbered 1-15, and each of them can add to your hand value.
The remaining 16 are split into two sets of eight. These are known as special cards, as they can take away from the value, or do nothing. They can be extremely useful, especially for those who go over 23. These can range in value, from 0 all the way to -15.
Final Thoughts
If you want to enjoy a little more Star Wars in your life, then it is worth learning and playing Sabacc. The game features a number of different classic casino game elements and can provide some rather interesting gameplay experiences that can enhance your passion for the intergalactic franchise further.