"A professor, eh?" Yutaro mused, giving off that polite sort of impressed tone, conveying all the friendliness he could while maintaining an air of professionalism. "Smart guys like you often make a killing here, but since it's your first time playing, I'd be happy to help you out." He wasn't sure if the professor was actually was new, or if asking for rules was part of his cover, but something about his demeanor screamed "pathetically honest" so he didn't think this man knew how to count. Well, he'd just have to see how he played. "The idea of the game is to get as close to 21 as you can without going over, or 'busting.'" Technically true, but not the best way for the player to think of it; the idea was to get closer to 21 than the dealer. It was a subtle difference, but the mentality could spell the difference between a winner and a loser. "Number cards are worth face value, picture cards are worth ten, and aces can be worth either 1 or 11, whichever is better for you. I'll deal everyone two cards, but you only get to see one of mine. You can then either 'hit,' take another card, or 'stand,' stop with what you've got. If you hit and go over 21, you lose, so make sure you play smart. After all the players go, it's my turn. If your hand is closer to 21 than mine or if I bust, you win. If my hand is closer to 21 than yours, I win. If we have the same number, it's a push and nobody wins. Clear so far?"
He waited to make sure Shou was following him before continuing. "Now, there are a few additional rules, but they're all good for the player. If you are dealt an ace and a picture card in the first two cards, that's called a 'blackjack,' you win automatically, and the house pays out 3:2. Conversely, if I get a blackjack, I win automatically as well. Now, there are two special betting options. If you're feeling lucky, you can double down. After being dealt your first two cards, you can double your bet, but you will only be dealt one additional card. When you're dealt a pair of the same card," he motioned to the pair of aces Shou now had, "you have the option to split. You put down an additional bet, and the two cards are treated as separate hands. I deal one more card for each of them, and the game progresses as normal for each hand. The only difference is that you cannot double down after a split.
"That's pretty much all there is to it. The betting and payouts are a lot simpler than roulette, but unlike roulette, the outcome of the game is greatly influenced by the player's choices. Maybe this will end up being your game." Yutaro wasn't going to go as far as advising him on
how to play just yet, nor was he going to tell him the blackjack mantra "always split aces and eights," but perhaps his guardian angel could help him with that. And speaking of angels...
Along came the drop-dead gorgeous Ryoki, coyly sitting down at the table as if she hadn't just asked for his number only a few hours ago. She had mentioned visiting him at the casino, but he hadn't thought she meant
tonight. She seemed like the type to make men squirm a bit before giving them the sweet release of her presence. But, perhaps she wasn't quite as cruel as she seemed. Then again, with the way she was talking to the professor, perhaps she has something even more sinister in mind. His suspicions were confirmed when she settled in to her chair and revealed a shirt that left
just enough to the imagination to get any man's attention.
Focus, Yutaro; you're at work! However, before he could get out his greeting, something tore the woman's attention away from both of them. No, it wasn't a hotter guy, it was one of the drink ladies dressed in a bunny suit. She was wearing the "new girl" face, a blend of embarrassment and determination that was irresistibly cute. And apparently Ryoki thought so as well. Yutaro could tell that she was mature enough to be called a woman rather than a girl, but her reaction was almost motherly. Seeing this new, nurturing side of her was certainly interesting (and damn did she like strong drinks), but before long she was brandishing her devil horns once again.
He caught on to Ryoki's subtle greeting, though he wasn't sure if she was pretending to be a stranger to torture him, or the poor professor who had no idea what he was in for with either game. Yutaro decided to play along with her for now. "Miss Mochizukki is a regular visitor," he said to Shou, a sarcastic "long time no see" buried in the tone of his voice. "Maybe she can give you a few pointers as well." Once Ryoki put her own bet on the table, he dealt her a king and a two. He'd see just how good she was at the game in due time.
@Delta44@MyCatGinger@KoL