Twenty-One
This game is based on the Blackjack card game. Any number of players may take part.
Equipment
One die, and a supply of chips or counters for each player.
Objective
Players try to score 21 without going bust (i.e., throwing more than
21).
Play
Each player puts one chip into the pool, or kitty. Then each player
in turn rolls the dice as many times as he likes, in an attempt to make a total
of 21 or a number near it. If, for example, a player's first four throws are
4, 6, 2, 6 (totalling 18), it would probably be safer to stick on this
number, than risk a fifth throw that might take his total over 21.
If his total does exceed 21, he goes bust, and is eliminated from that round. Players often agree on a minimum number, e.g., 16, at which sticking is permissible.
When all the players have thrown, the player with 21, or the number nearest to it, takes the pool, and a new round commences.
If two or more players have the same score, the pool may either be shared or decided by a play-off.
Start of play rotates one to the left with each round.
From 'The Official World Encyclopedia of Sports and Games'
© Diagram Visual Information Ltd 1979