Talk:Texas: Character Generation

Finesse

Some alternate ideas for the finesses for better balance/more interest. These do almost universally up-power the finesses, but it should bring them somewhat into line in power. In a few cases I've changed up mechanics in an effort make multiple ways of getting similar effects and bring power into line while maintaining flavor.

• Arrogant - You believe you can win under any circumstances, and are truly surprised when this turns out not to be the case. After hands have been dealt (and looked at) but before the flop you can choose to turn any number of your cards face up in front of you. For each card you turn face up every one else in the contest is forced ante an additional chip into the pot. The round then proceeds as normal, but your hand remains in clear view of everyone else.

• Cautious - You bide your time and wait your moment, taking no unnecessary risks. It seems to work. You can make a "cautious fold". You can only do this if you have so far put no chips into the pot apart from your ante. When you make a "cautious fold", you fold your hand and can take your ante from the pot back into your pool.

• Desperate - When the chips are down and everything is on the line, you are at your best. Once per conflict, after opting to go "all in," you can activate this finesse; immediately drawing another card into your hand.

• Domineering - You believe other people should follow your lead, because you're normally right. If you win a hand every other participant who wasn't all-in has to give you an additional chip.

• Exultant - You just love winning, and you feel far more confident when things are going your way. When you win a pot the dealer gives you an extra chip.

• Faith-driven - You believe in a higher power, and when things are bad that gives you the hope and self belief to keep going. Once per conflict immediately after your hand has been dealt to you, you can opt to not look at your cards and instead place them face down in front of you. At the end of the round you receive a chip from the dealer, even if you were all-in. Once you receive a chip after being all-in you cannot use this benefit again for this conflict.

• Fiery - The best defense is a good offense. You are naturally aggressive, pushing to get your way and damn the consequences. At the start of any round and before cards have been dealt, you can activate this finesse to increase the ante by up to 2 (for a total of 3 chips) for everyone (including yourself).

• Obsessed - You're the best at what you do - but that's all there is to you. At the start of any conflict where you are able to use your Shtick, you gain +3 chips.

• Perceptive - You are quiet and watchful, expert on reading other people. Once per conflict after hands have been dealt you can choose to activate this finesse. When you do so pick one other player. That player must immediately show you (and just you) his hand.

• Proud - You know your weaknesses but refuse to admit to them. At the start of a conflict you receive 3 extra chips. However, you must ante an extra chip each round.

• Self-sacrificing - You are a martyr to any cause that will take you. At the start of each round you can choose to give any number of chips or pass one card to another participant in the conflict. If you pass a card you cannot fold until after the flop.

• Stubborn - You get knocked down, and you get back up again: no-ones gonna keep you down. If you have no chips you gain 1 chip. Your hand size is reduced by one until the end of the conflict. You cannot use this finesse if it would reduce your hand size to 0.

• Wild card - You take mad, stupid risks - but somehow come out on top. Once per conflict immediately after your hand has been dealt to you, you can opt to not look at your cards and instead place them face down in front of you. If you do so you are immediately dealt an additional card (also face down). You cannot look at your cards during this round of betting.