Guts (2 player card game)

Objective: The objective of Guts is to win rounds by having the highest-ranking hand or by bluffing opponents into folding.

Adaptation for 2 Players: In the 2 player version of Guts, the game is adapted to suit only two players. While the traditional game is played with more players, it can still be enjoyed by two players by modifying the rules slightly and using a simplified scoring system.

Setup:

1. Shuffle a standard 52-card deck.
2. Determine the starting dealer. This can be done by any fair method, such as drawing cards with the highest card becoming the dealer.

Scoring:

• The scoring in Guts depends on the agreed-upon stakes before the game begins. Players may decide on a point system where each round won earns a certain number of points, or they may play with chips or other tokens representing value.

Gameplay:

1. Deal:
   • The dealer deals two cards face down to each player.
2. Betting:
   • Players look at their cards and decide whether to stay in the round or fold.
   • Player 1 has the option to bet or fold first. Then, Player 2 decides whether to match the bet, raise it, or fold.
   • If both players fold, the round ends, and the player who bet wins.
3. Showdown:
   • If both players remain in the round after betting, they reveal their hands.
   • The player with the highest-ranking hand wins the round. If hands tie, the pot carries over to the next round.
4. Winning the Pot:
   • The player with the winning hand collects the pot (if there is one).
   • If a player wins by bluffing and the opponent folds, the bluffer wins the pot.
5. New Round:
   • The dealer button rotates to the next player, and a new round begins.

Differentiating Turns:

• Player 1’s Turn: Player 1 has the first option to bet or fold.
• Player 2’s Turn: After Player 1 makes their decision, it is Player 2’s turn to match, raise, or fold.

Summary: Guts is an exciting 2 player card game where players compete to have the highest-ranking hand or bluff opponents into folding. In this adapted version for 2 players, players are dealt two cards each, and they take turns deciding whether to bet or fold. The player with the best hand or the last player standing after betting wins the round. The game continues with rotating dealer buttons until one player reaches the agreed-upon winning conditions.