Red Dog (2 player card game)

Objective: The objective of the card game “Red Dog” is to accurately predict whether the rank of a third card drawn from the deck will fall between the ranks of two other cards already dealt.

Adaptation for 2 Players: “Red Dog” is typically played with multiple players, but it can be adapted for 2 players. In the adapted version, each player takes turns as the dealer, and the other player acts as the non-dealer, with both players competing against each other to win rounds.

Setup:

1. Use a standard 52-card deck.
2. Shuffle the deck thoroughly and determine who will start as the dealer.
3. The dealer deals two cards face-up in the center of the playing area, leaving space between them for a third card.
4. Each player then receives a hand of three cards from the dealer.

Scoring:

• The scoring in “Red Dog” is straightforward:
  • If the third card dealt falls between the ranks of the two initial cards, the player wins and receives a payout according to the following:
    • 1:1 payout if the gap between the two initial cards is one rank (e.g., 5 and 7 with a 6 drawn).
    • 2:1 payout if the gap between the two initial cards is two ranks (e.g., 4 and 8 with a 6 drawn).
    • 3:1 payout if the gap between the two initial cards is three ranks (e.g., 3 and 9 with a 6 drawn), and so on.
  • If the third card is of the same rank as one of the initial two cards, the round is a tie, and the player neither wins nor loses.
  • If the third card is not between the ranks of the two initial cards, the player loses their bet.

Gameplay:

1. Dealer’s Turn:
   • The dealer begins by dealing two cards face-up in the center of the playing area.
2. Player’s Turn:
   • The non-dealer, or player 1, takes their turn first.
   • The player must decide whether to place a bet on whether the next card drawn (the third card) will fall between the ranks of the two initial cards.
   • If the player chooses to bet, they place their bet on the table.
3. Third Card Draw:
   • After the player places their bet, the dealer deals a third card face-up between the two initial cards.
4. Determining Outcome:
   • If the third card falls between the ranks of the two initial cards, the player wins according to the payout ratios mentioned earlier.
   • If the third card is of the same rank as one of the initial cards, it’s a tie, and the player neither wins nor loses.
   • If the third card does not fall between the ranks of the two initial cards, the player loses their bet.
5. Switching Roles:
   • After the round is resolved, the roles of dealer and player switch, and a new round begins.

Differentiating Turns:

• Dealer’s Turn: The dealer starts the round by dealing the initial two cards and the third card.
• Player’s Turn: The non-dealer (player 1) takes their turn after the dealer has dealt the initial cards, deciding whether to place a bet.

Summary: “Red Dog” has been adapted into an engaging 2 player card game where players take turns as the dealer and the non-dealer, betting on whether the next card drawn will fall between the ranks of two initial cards. With simple rules and straightforward scoring, the game offers an exciting and strategic experience for two participants. Adapted for 2 players, “Red Dog” provides a dynamic and competitive gaming experience, making it an enjoyable choice for a two-player card game night.