Twenty One: A beginner’s guide

Twenty One is a Roblox title that borrows elements from Blackjack and turns it into a survival horror experience. You and your opponent are strapped to a table with a buzzsaw hanging above your heads. The objective is to play a game of cards and try to get a score that is as close to 21 as possible. As the game progresses, the saw moves towards the losing player, and if they lose too many times, it all ends in a gory manner.

This guide explains every basic mechanic for Twenty One and answers a few common queries along the way.

Getting started with Twenty One

Overview

Official cover art for the game (Image via Roblox)

Twenty One is structured similarly to Blackjack, albeit with a few key differences. For instance, the Roblox experience uses cards marked 1-11 as opposed to the maximum value of 10 in regular Blackjack.

Like the classic card game, both participants must place their bets before the round officially begins. The bet determines the distance covered by the saw towards the losing side, making it imperative to place a wager strategically.

Each player receives a pair of cards, with only one of them revealed to the other player. A player’s score is calculated by the sum of the values on both cards, with the opponent’s total being left hidden until the final phase of the round.

Playing a round of Twenty One (Image via Roblox)

Players can make three decisions: draw a card, stay with the current hand, or use a Trump card. Drawing a card is only possible when the player’s total is less than 21, with the option being disabled for going bust. The round progresses in a turn-based manner, with each player making one of the aforementioned calls before ending the phase.

When both players are satisfied with their hands, the round ends with a Showdown phase. The opponent’s cards and, by extension, their score are revealed and the winner is determined. The match continues until the saw makes contact with one of the participants’ heads, marking the end of the game.

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Controls

Draw a card: Left mouse button (Double Tap)
Keep current hand: Right mouse button (Double Tap)
Use a Trump card: Spacebar

Gameplay mechanics

Gameplay Modes: The game features single-player and multiplayer elements through the Room Creation system. Challenge other players in the standard multiplayer settings or play against a Bot in a Closed Room.
Bets: Bets do not use any real or premium currency. Rather, the bet you place determines how far the saw moves in the opposite direction. You and the opponent receive a specific number of points to use as a wager. If you can’t bet any longer, the game will end with your avatar’s gruesome death.
Betting Strategy: Gauging your cards and placing the bets accordingly is always the best possible course of action. If you don’t feel confident about your chances of scoring 21 or close to it, consider betting conservatively. Conversely, if you have a Trump card that can instantly secure a win for you, feel free to go all in.
Actions Possible During A Round: Two of the three possible moves available to each player consume one available action before the turn is passed to the other player. These are drawing a card and keeping your current hand. The third move, using a Trump card, does not cost a turn and can be used in conjunction with the other actions. Note that your turn will be skipped if you take too long to reach a decision.
Drawing A Card: You can draw a card by double-clicking your Left Mouse Button. The card you draw is random, so ensure that you don’t needlessly get an extra card. This action is one of the most important decisions in the game, as it can instantly win or lose you the game.
Keeping Your Current Hand: If you’re satisfied with the cards in your hand, consider sticking to the hand by double-tapping the Right Mouse Button. Use this option if you’re confident that your score is closer to 21 than the opponent’s.
Trump Cards: Trump cards are randomly distributed to each player at the start of a round. These are unique cards with special effects that can turn the tide of the game in your favor. For instance, one of the most precarious situations in the game is when your score is between 14 and 17, where drawing a hand has an equal chance of winning and losing. A special card that increases your score by four can quickly secure a resounding victory, allowing you to push the buzzsaw in the other direction.

Determining The Winner: Having a score under the opponent or it exceeding 21 will lose you the round. If you lose too many times, the buzzsaw will move and end the game by killing you. This marks the other player as the winner, treating them to a victory screen and in-game cash.
Shop: The in-game shop offers a different pack of cards to use during matches. The pack can be purchased using in-game Cash or Robux and offers no unique effects other than aesthetic changes.

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