It's Time To Duel

How a Duel Unfolds

1. The Stake: Each duel begins with both players contributing an equal amount of $DUELS tokens to a smart contract. This forms the pot for the victor.
2. The Deal: Once the pot is set, the game initiates. Each player is dealt two initial cards from a standard 52-card deck. One card is face-up, revealing a hint of your opponent's hand, while the other is face-down, a secret.
3. The Objective: The goal is simple: get your hand's total value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. Face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are worth 10, Aces are worth 1 or 11 (player's choice), and number cards are worth their face value.
4. Betting Rounds (Poker Influence): This is where the Poker element comes alive. After the initial deal, and after each subsequent card is drawn, players enter a betting round.
   • Players can Check (pass the action), Bet (add more $DUELS to the pot), or Fold (concede the round and forfeit their stake).
   • Strategic betting allows you to bluff, intimidate, or gain an advantage based on your hand strength and your read on your opponent.
5. Hitting or Standing (Blackjack Strategy): After each betting round, players decide whether to "Hit" (draw another card) to improve their hand, or "Stand" (keep their current hand). This decision is crucial and influences subsequent betting.
6. Showdown: Once both players have either chosen to Stand or have gone Bust (exceeded 21), the hands are revealed.
7. The Victor:
   • The player with the hand closest to 21 without going over wins the entire pot.
   • If both players go Bust, the pot is returned to the players, and no one wins.
   • If a player Folds, the opponent automatically wins the current pot.
   • Ties (same hand value closest to 21) result in the pot being returned.

Why This Game is Revolutionary

• Pure Skill, Minimal RNG: While cards are random, the betting and hit/stand decisions are purely skill-based. There are no "pay-to-win" elements or complex card abilities to memorize. Your poker face and strategic mind are your greatest assets.
• Direct Player vs. Player: Unlike traditional Blackjack against a dealer, Duels pits you directly against another human opponent. This adds layers of psychology, bluffing, and mind games to every round.
• Instant Rewards on Solana: Winnings are distributed instantly via smart contracts on the Solana blockchain. No waiting for payouts, no intermediaries. Just pure, decentralized dueling.
• Dynamic Pot Sizes: The Poker-style betting rounds mean the pot isn't fixed. Skilled players can inflate the pot and win even bigger, adding an extra layer of excitement and risk-reward.
• Accessibility: Easy to learn for anyone familiar with Blackjack or Poker, yet deep enough for competitive play.
• Future Expansions: While the core game is simple, we envision future expansions introducing new game modes, cosmetic NFTs, and social features, all built around this engaging core mechanic.

Are you ready to test your wits, read your opponent, and claim your place as a master Duelist? The cards await.