Doug: We'll discuss more on that in a bit. But first, let's recap the scores. Alan with 20 points. Brian also has 20. Chico leading with 40. Before we move on, let's visit with our players. Brian, tell us a little about yourself.
Brian: I'm from Cloquet, MN. I currently host 'Net Caesar's Challenge and I also host 'Net Powerball Instant Millionaire.
Doug: 'Tis the reason he was all over that last one. We should note these questions are prepared well in advance. So this Powerball question just happened to come up at a time we've got the Net Powerball host here. Anything else we should know?
Brian: I'm a fan of Power Rangers, game shows, and Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Doug: All righty. Glad to have you with us. And Chico, we're glad to have you aboard. Tell us what you're up to these days.
Chico: Well, Doug, I'm a 24-year-old medical technologist from Monterey, CA, by way of Fayetteville, NC, and in my spare time I like reading, writing, video games, music, and freelance graphic design.
Doug: And he does a great job of graphics design, too, I might add. Welcome aboard. We'll see if you're still in the lead when this round's over. Alan, since this will be your swan song, we'll give you a chance to say anything you'd like or say hello to anyone.
Alan: Today...today today today....I consider you you you you, the luckiest people, on the face of the earth earth earth. (audience laughs and applauds) Stolen from Al Bundy's softball celebration speech.
Doug: Gotcha. Well we'll see if you get to be one of the luckiest people in this game. Of course, knowledge and skill helps as we advance to the next part of the game. And D.J. tells us what you're facing.
D.J.: All right. Alan knows this speech by now. But for Chico, Brian and everyone else, here's what we'll do...
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D.J.: ...we've hidden every Ace, face card, 10 and 9 behind these numbers 1 through 24. Our players each take up to two consecutive turns at the video screen. On the first turn, he'll pick five numbers and we'll reveal the cards behind the selected numbers. If he's happy with that hand, he'll take the points and pass his possession to the next player in line. But, if he wants to take that second turn, he'll exchange as many cards as he likes for new ones -- knowing he's stuck with whatever points are associated with the combination he made.
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D.J.: As you see, it takes at least a pair of Queens to win any points. A pair of Jacks or less means we take 5 away.
Doug: Plus, anytime a player makes a natural royal flush in this game, that contestant wins a mighty spiffy prize. Hazen, what would that be?
Hazen: For your driving enjoyment, IT'S A BRAND NEW CAR! (audience cheers) (hard rock theme plays) The Jaguar XK8 Convertible. It comes with every factory option available plus this extra bonus -- CY$100,000 in the trunk!
Doug: And that hundred-grand does apply to your cyber-cash winnings. It takes at least CY$100,000 to reach that Quarter Million Playoff. Should Alan *not* make a natural royal flush yet still advance to and win Joker Poker, he wins the car and the 100-thou plus the berth in the Playoff. Good luck to everyone. We start with the low man on the totem pole -- but there's a tie for last between Alan and Brian. Player to my left goes first, to borrow a line from some other show. Alan, that's you. Pick five numbers for me please.
Alan: gotta keep with tradition....1,2,3,4,5
Doug: He's started with those numbers every time he's played Video Poker. Let's see what the first five numbers give you here...
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Doug: Well, an Ace, Jack and 10 of Hearts plus the King and 9 of Spades. Three-fifths of a royal flush in Hearts and just 1/5 in Spades. Regardless, a second turn's in order since this combination is worth minus-five.
Alan: ok I'll keep the King and Ace ... replace with 22,23,24
Doug: Hanging on to the Ace and King. Let's see if these selections add anything good to the cause.
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Doug: Oh, pair of Aces.
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Doug: Only gives you 5 more points. You'll have to win the next two rounds to get into the Quarter Million Playoff -- or make a natural royal flush in either round. Brian, you're up to bat as we shuffle the cards.
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Doug: And now the board's set. Please pick five numbers.
Brian: 6, 23, 19, 5, and 17.
Doug: Okie doke. Let's see what you made the first time out...
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Doug: Well. You've got a pair of ladies. But that's only going to be worth 5 points. Of course (holds up keys) you're 3/5 of the way toward a royal flush in Hearts. So, which cards would you like to exchange?
Brian: I'll drop the 10 of Hearts and the 9 of Spades and choose 21 and 22.
Doug: OK. Perhaps going for a full boat. Let's see what happens.
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Doug: Well, still a pair of Queens.
VIDEO POKER CONTINUES
