Sabacc is basically the Star Wars version of poker, as the popular, high stakes card game is filled with tension and drama. However, it can be difficult for even the most avid of fans to understand how to play the game when watching the movie. If you would like to learn more about the sci-fi table game, which was expanded from the universe novels, read this helpful guide on how to play Sabacc.
The Introduction of Sabacc
No character is ever shown to play Sabacc in the Original Trilogy, as it’s merely a game that is referred to every now and then. However, it was introduced to audiences in Solo: A Star Wars Story, and many important scenes from the movie take place at the Sabacc table. The flick not only introduced movie fans to the game, but it also caught the attention of card aficionados from across the globe, such as Felix “xFlixx” Schneiders, who was eager to understand the strategy behind the game from the fictional story.
It is, however, important to bear in mind that Lucasfilm failed to trademark the word ‘Sabacc’, which led to Ren Ventures Ltd doing so. As a result, Disney has been battling to secure the rights to the name to release a licensed version. For this reason, Star Wars fans can play Hasbro’s version that’s called Star Wars Han Solo Card Game, as it can’t be called Sabacc.
The Rules of Sabacc
A single game of Sabacc should have between two and eight players. Each deck should also contain 76 cards, which should be divided into four suits:
- Sabers
- Flasks
- Coins
- Staves
Every suit should also have 11 numbered cards and four ranked cards, which are:
- Commander – a value of 12
- Mistress – a value of 13
- Master – a value of 14
- Ace – a value of either 1 or 15
In addition to the 60 cards, there must also be 16 face cards that are comprised of eight pairs with negative values:
- The Star – a value of –17
- The Evil One – a value of –15
- Moderation – a value of –14
- Demise – a value of –13
- Balance – a value of –11
- Endurance – a value of –8
- Queen of Air and Darkness – a value of –2
- Idiot card – a value of 0
The game has often been described as a cross between poker and blackjack, and it requires players to place high stakes bets. The reason there are cards with negative values within a deck is because players have two ways they can win: they can secure a hand that’s equal to either 23 or –23. However, this isn’t the only way to land a winning hand, as you can win with “Idiot’s Array”, which is when a player possesses an idiot, a 2 of any suit, and a 3 of any suit, which reads as 023.
The game is also played with two pots: the Sabacc pot and the main pot. Every hand will require a player to place an ante in both pots, and any subsequent bets made during the game will be placed into the main pot.
The player to the dealer’s left will start the game and they can choose to either place a bet or fold. Once everyone has made their bets, each player will be dealt two cards and they will need to take it in turns to either stand or draw a card. The pot-building phase will then begin and will last over four rounds, and usually, no-one calls anyone out on their cards during this time. It tends to be around the fourth or fifth round when players start to increase their bets and someone calls and reveals their cards. If a player has 23 or –23, they will win the main pot. If, however, they have an Idiot’s Array or pure Sabacc, they can collect the Sabacc pot too.
So, if you are a big Star Wars fan and want to play a sci-fi inspired card game with your friends, you should definitely try your hand at Sabacc, which is a fun twist on traditional card game rules such as poker and blackjack.
