The opening played the theme music with various casino scenes.
From the Wampa Cantina in the luxurious Jawa Arms Resort on Tatooine, it's the most exciting game in town: Galactic Gambit! And here's your host, Nod Demaltrain.
Nod ran up the main aisle and onto the stage.
"Thanks, and welcome to Galactic Gambit and our tournament," he told everyone. "Today is our last day of group play. Whomever wins today will be the four person to advance to the semifinals being held next time—along with the tournament championship. Let's find out who will be playing in today's first match."
To start us off, we have Darth Vader and Din Djarin.
"Vader, welcome to Galactic Gambit. It does seem weird to have Anakin Skywalker on a previous episode and you now. Let's see if you do better."
"Anakin Skywalker was weak and deserved to lose," Vader stated coldly.
"Right. Din, welcome to Galactic Gambit and good luck in our tournament."
"Thanks. I hope this isn't nearly as stressful. I could use some time to relax," Din replied.
"It all depends on what you think of competition. As you know Galactic Gambit plays Pazaak with a twist. The object is to score 20 or as close to it while outscoring your opponent. We use a common deck of cards and a common deck of side cards. Each of you can play one side card at any time in the match. As you each cut one of the decks, I'll inform you that any exact score of 20 in this match is now a 2000-credit bonus. Vader, as the top seed, you can decide whether you want to keep or pass the top card—a nine."
"I want that card, and I'll take the next one," Vader said.
"Vader is hoping for another big card to have a decent score. Let's see what we can get you. It's a six for 15. You can play your side card, take the next card, pass it, or stay."
"Fifteen seems to be a good enough score to stay on."
"Alright. Din, you need to beat 15 without busting. In our rules, ties are not allowed. Your first card is going to be a seven. A nine or a ten will give you the win."
"Let's hope for one of those," Din replied.
"To your seven, we add... a two for a new score of nine."
"Let's take the next one, then."
"Din, the next card is a four to give you 13. You need thee through seven to win. Anything higher busts you."
"Let's hope for a good card."
"Din, we have a 10; that's too much! Do you want to try for a negative side card?"
"No, I think I'll hold on to mine for now."
"In that case, Vader wins game one and 100 credits."
The audience briefly applauded.
"Din, you came so close, but that 10 came about one card too late. However, we'll start game two now and you control the first card. It's a three."
"Pass it, it's too low."
"Vader, you start off with a three and control the main deck. Do you wan the next card?"
"I'll return the favor and pass this card," Vader answered.
"Din, Vader doesn't want you feeling left out again. He's passed you a one. What will you do next?"
"Pass this back to Vader."
"Neither one of you like the low cards, it seems. Vader, we're going to show you the next card. It's a three for a score of six."
"I want the next card, Nod. Let's try for 16," Vader stated.
"The next card is a four. That's not a ten, but your score is ten. A ten here would give you the match and our 2000-credit Any 20 Jackpot."
"Let's go for it."
"To your ten, we add another three. You have 13 now and plenty of options: stay, take the next card, pass it, or play a side card."
"I'll take one more card."
"Vader, we'' turn over the next card and reveal a six. That gives you 19."
"I'll definitely stay!"
"Din, the only way for you to win and stay alive is to get 20. Let's get you started with another one to double your score to two."
"I have to take another card. These are too low to do anything else," Din admitted.
"OK. Let's reveal the next card. It's a six to give you eight."
"Let's take another."
"Din, the next card is... a five to give you 13. All you need it seven for the win."
"Hmm, let me play a side card now.
"You may as well since you can't keep it. We turn over the first side card of our deck and it's plus or minus four. Plus four gives you 17.
"Yes, let's do that and take one more card."
"You need three or less. Let's hope there's still a three available. We have for you a nine—that's too much! Vader wins the game, another 100 credits, and the match."
The audience applauded and cheered, somewhat surprised they were supporting Darth Vader after his win.
"Vader, you advance to our group final to be played shortly. Din, you tried everything you could, but the cards weren't too kind at the end of each game. We do have a parting gift or two to thank you for being here on Galactic Gambit. We'll be back for the second semifinal match of the day right after this.
⁂
And now, back to Galactic Gambit.
"Thanks and welcome back for our second match," Nod told everyone. "Let's meet the next set of semifinalists."
We have Cara Dune and Leia Organa.
"Cara, welcome to Galactic Gambit."
"Thanks, Nod," she replied. "Being a mercenary, I don't have much time to relax or play cards, so this should be interesting."
"Indeed. Leia, welcome to the show and our tournament as well."
"Thanks. Between Cara and I, this should be one heck of a match-up," Leia mused.
"Let's see if that holds true. Ladies, you saw the game before us, so you know how we play. As you each cut one of the decks we'll use in this match, I'll remind you that you each get one side card to lay during this match. Also, nobody won our Any 20 Jackpot last time. So, we're adding 500 credits to it for a total of 2500. Get 20 exactly in this match, and you get a bonus of 2500 credits. Leia, you're the top seed this match. We'll reveal the top card off the main deck for you. It's a three. Doy uo want to keep it and control, or pass to Cara?"
"I'll pass. Low cards aren't too good today for some reason," Leia said.
"OK, Cara, you start with the three and you decide what happens next."
"I'll take another card. Surely, I'll get a good one here," she stated.
"Cara, the next card is a seven. Look at that. You have ten now."
"I definitely want the next card in case it's a ten."
"If it is, you get 20 and the win. Instead, its a four. You have 14. You can stay if you like, or you can play a side card,take the next card, or pass to Leia."
Cara pondered her decision as the audience offered its suggestions. Finally, she said, "I'll stay."
"Cara stays at 14. Leia, you have to get 15 or more without busting to win game number one. To start you off we have a seven."
"I'm halfway there," Leia said.
"Indeed. Remember, ties don't help you in our version of Pazaak. Do you want to play your side card or take the next main card?"
"I'll take the next card."
"An eight or better would give you the win. Leia, the next card is a five for 12. You need three through eight for a win. Anything higher busts you."
"I have to go again. Man, Han won't know how to act if I win here."
"Maybe we'll find out. Leia, the next card... is a four. You have 16 and that's enough for you to win game one."
The audience briefly applauded.
"Cara, she just managed to squeak by and earn 100 credits. However, we'll start game two right now and you have control. The top card is a ten."
"I definitely want that!" Cara exclaimed.
"I can't picture anyone passing a ten on the opening move. You have control and I know you'd love another ten here."
"You bet! Let's take the next card."
"Another ten evens up the match and gives you not just 100 credits, but our 2500-credit Jackpot. We have a four. Just like last game, you have 14."
"You know, I need a win bad enough, I'll play my side card now."
"Alright. We draw the first card off of our common side deck. It's a three/six swap card. Since you have neither, that card doesn't help."
"Oh boy. I'm in a jam. I think I need one more card, but I'm scared about the next one. You know what, I'll pass."
"Cara wants to stay in the game, but she'll pass to Leia. Leia, your first main card is going to be a ten. Cara was smart to pass. You have ten and Cara has 14. You can take another card or pass to Cara and hope maybe she busts."
"I'll take one more, Nod," Leia told him.
"Leia, the next card off the main deck is a six. It's a carbon copy of last game. You have sixteen. Cara has 14."
"I'll stay again."
"Leia has chosen to stay with sixteen. Cara, you need three through six to win. Anything higher means Leia wins the game and the match."
"Let's see what I get," Cara said nervously.
"Cara, the next card you get is a two. You're tied at 16. but since we don't allow ties, you have to take another card."
"The suspense is going to kill me."
"We have a medical droid close by,s o let's hope it doesn't come to that. The next card is an eight. Cara, that's too much! Leia wins the game, another 100 credits, and the match."
The audience applauded and cheered
"Cara, you did everything you could, but Leia had the better cards today."
"Yeah," Cara replied while she shook Leia's hand. "She got lucky, but she was a worthwhile opponent."
"We have parting gifts to thank you for being on Galactic Gambit. Leia, you'll stay here to compete against Vader in our Group Final and for the last spot in our tournament semifinals."
"Lucky me," Leia deadpanned. "Being kissed by a Hutt might be better."
"You can ponder that while we take this break."
⁂
Today's contestants not advancing will receive a three month trial membership in the Alderaanian Ale of the Month Club. With a different blend each month, it's sure to please your palate. And now back to Nod Demaltrain and Galactic Gambit.
"Thanks," Nod said. "We wrap up today with our last group final between Darth Vader and Leia Organa. This has the potential to be quite the rivalry match. You both know how to play our game, so you can each cut one of the decks we'll use in this game. I'll also remind you of our Any 20 Jackpot. Because nobody won it last match, we're adding 500 credits to it for a total of 3000 credits. Any exact score of 20 earns a bonus of 3000 credits. In this match, you have up to two chances to play a card from the side deck. Leia, you're the top seed again, so you get to decide what to do with our first main card – a two."
"I'll pass," Leia said.
"Vader, that two is yours, along with control of the board. What do you want do next."
"I will take the next card, Nod," Vader replied.
"Vader, we're going take your two and add a one to it for a total of three. You remain in control, so tell us what you want to do next."
"I think I'll pass the next card."
"Alright. Leia, Vader seems to not like his low hand, so you have a chance to get in the game. We turn over the next card to reveal a six. You have the slight edge now, six to three."
"That's good, I hope," Leia said. "Let's take the next card."
"Leia, your next card is going to be a seven. You have 13 which is tricky. You could stay and take your chances, take another card, play a side card, or pass."
"Let's play a side card."
"Leia is going to play her first side card. We'll take the top one off the side deck and reveal a three/six swap. Since you have a six, it becomes a minus six and knocks you back down to a score one."
"Hmm, I wasn't expecting that."
"This game is full of surprises. What will you do now."
"I'll take the next card."
"Leia, the next main card is another seven to bring you back up to eight."
"That's better. Let's take another card."
"The next card on the main deck is three. You have 11. You could stay if you want, now."
"No, thanks. Give me one more card to see what happens."
"Leia needs anything other than a ten. We have a one to give you 12."
"I think I'll take one last card."
"Eight or less helps you here. Let's hope you get one of those cards. It's another one to give you 13. Before you decide, let me point out that we do use the old rule that anyone who plays nine cards and scores less than 20 automatically wins. We'd even give you a flat 900-credit bonus. You've played seven cards. What do you want to do."
"Thirteen seems too low to stay on," Leia said. "I need one more card."
"Leia's eighth card is a nine. Unless you want to play your other side card, that's too much!"
"That's alright, I'll save it."
"Vader, you only had a score of three, but it's good enough for the win and 100 more credits."
"I enjoy easy victories," he stated coldly.
"If you can win again, you win the match and become our last semifinalist. Leia, because you lost game one, you start with control of the deck in game two. Let's get started and show you the top card of a nine."
"I'll gladly take that and the next card," she told Nod.
"First things first, we give Leia the nine. Next, we take the next main card—which is an eight. Just like that you have 17."
"I'll stay!"
"Leia stays at 17. Who wouldn't, especially when they need to win? Vader, all the cards are at your disposal now. Let's start you off with a card from the main deck. It's a four. You can play a side card if you want, otherwise you get the next card."
"I'll hold onto my side cards for now, Nod," Vader replied.
"Very well. The next card we have for you is a five. That gives you nine. A nine or a ten would give you the win and the match."
"Let's get that and get this match over with."
"Vader wants a high card to advance. We turn over the next card, and it's a nine! Vader, you win the game, another 100 credits, and the match!"
As the audience cheered and applauded, Leia nervously shook her father's hand.
"Vader, you're our last semifinalist. You'll be going up against Director Krennic for a spot in the finals."
"I can't wait to defeat the director," Vader replied.
"Leia, you played well today, but your luck apparently ran out in our group final. You leave us with 100 credits and a nice parting gift to thank you for being on Galactic Gambit."
"Thanks, Nod," Leia said. "It wasn't too bad, all things considered."
"Next time is our semifinal and championship matches. In addition to Vader, let's meet the other semifinalists."
The previous three group winners came out onto the main stage.
"We have Poe Dameron—our upset specialist. He will be facing off against t he top seed in our semifinals, Emperor Palpatine."
After allowing the audience to applaud, Nod added, "In addition to Vader who won today, we have his opponent Director Krennic. Give them all a hand as we wish them luck in what will be the conclusion of our exciting tournament."
The audience obliged Nod with applause and cheers.
"For those of you watching us on HoloVision or the HoloNet, we hope you join us for the next exciting episode of Galactic Gambit to see how our tournament wraps up. Whomever wins will have a chance to play our bonus round and have the chance pick up some additional prizes. You won't want to miss all the action. Take care for now, and we'll see you then. From all of us here at Galactic Gambit, take care. Bye!"
Nod shook Vader's and Leia's hands as the final credits rolled, and then he interacted with the audience.
Galactic Gambit is a Mallet Media Production.