Gameplay Testing: Bigger Pots = More Fun

In the current format, each player starts with 40 Zi (poker chips) plus 10 Zi for every other opponent. So, in this specific playtest session, five players started with 80 Zi each. And based on some rule tweaks, we ended up with a monster pot over multiple hands, which added to the excitement. How does that happen?

Well, in Jingozi there are ways to end a hand while freezing the pot. If a player knows they are going to lose, but the pot is big enough, there are cards that will give them another chance to win big. In this case, multiple cards of this nature were played because the pot became too big and too enticing to let go without a fight. As you can see, this pot ballooned to 81 Zi, which is more than the total starting Zi stack for one player.

This mechanic differs from poker where the winner of the hand always takes the pot. Not in Jingozi. There are even ways to create and betray alliances because your ending chip count determines final standings and ultimate winner. However, just like in Texas Hold’em, winning a monster pot does not guarantee victory. You have opportunities to chip away or make big bets on certain card combinations. In fact, players can work together to steal victory from the one with the biggest Zi lead.

Stay tuned for more tales from playtesting and get ready to purchase Jingozi once it comes out of beta.