Kabu

Kabu (カブ, Kabu) is a minigame in Suikoden III. This minigame was played by Mike, first in Caleria and later at Budehuc Castle when he joined the Fire Bringer.

Information

Kabu appeared to be similar to blackjack. Using playing cards numbered 1 to 9, the player with a total of 3 cards or less whose combined total was 9 or less and was closer to 9 wins. If the card total is greater than 9, it rolls around and starts again (e.g. a total of 14 is treated as 4, a total of 20 is treated as 0, etc.)

There were also combinations of specific cards that could win the game. If both dealer and player achieve a special hand on the same turn, the game is ruled a tie. The same is true if both dealer and player are equally close to 9. In these circumstances, the hand begins anew.

Mike only wagered in potch, giving out no rare items. However, a player could carry on their winnings to another round, making for high stake games.

Special hands

Name	Type	Payout	Details
Kuppin	A + 9	x2	A two-card hand made of an A and a 9. Suits and order do not matter. This hand is valid only for the dealer (Mike).
Shippin	A + 4	x2	A two-card hand made of an A and a 4. Suits and order do not matter. This hand is valid only for the player.
Junshuntsu	Three consecutive	x3	Three-card hand of ascending consecutive numbers. Suits do not matter. 10 and A are not considered consecutive. Out-of-order numbers such as 8-7-6 do not count.
Shuntsu	Three consecutive	x5	A junshuntsu variant where all three cards have the same suit.
Arashi	Three same value	x3	This hand is formed when three cards have the same number, such as 2-2-2 or 8-8-8. Suits do not matter.
O'arashi	Three same value	x5	An arashi variant where the three cards are all A, 3, 5, or 10. Suits do not matter.

References

Genso Suikoden Kiwami Encyclopedia, page 291