Catch 21

Catch 21 is an American game show that aired on the Game Show Network (GSN) with the objective involving a blend of both strategy and luck. The show was hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and featured the vibrant and charismatic card dealer, Mikki Padilla, from its premiere in 2008 through 2020. Mikki's charm and elegance added a lively character to the show, and she was responsible for dealing cards to the contestants during each round of the game.

On Catch 21, three contestants compete against each other in a fast-paced and exciting game which is a unique blend of blackjack and trivia. The aim of the contestants is to 'catch 21,' a nod to the well-known casino game, blackjack. The unique twist here is that contestants are required to answer trivia questions correctly to earn control of the deck, thereby allowing them to manipulate their hands by passing a card to an opponent or freezing their hands to prevent additional cards from being added to their once they're one card away from catching 21 or they believe they have the closest number to 21 without going over.

At the start of the game, each contestant is dealt one card for their hand. The host, Alfonso Ribeiro, would ask multiple-choice questions, and the first player to buzz in and answer correctly earns 100 points and control of the deck, which is handled by Mikki Padilla. If a contestant answers the question wrongly, he/she is locked out of the next question. The player in control is then dealt a card which they can keep or pass to one of their competitors.

The strategic elements of Catch 21 come into play when the contestants must decide whether to risk getting closer to 21 or pass the card to another player to try and 'bust' them (cause them to exceed 21). Players can also choose to ‘freeze’ their hand, preventing them from getting any more cards but also protecting their score. Contestants must use strategy and anticipation in dealing with their cards to either near 21 as much as possible or to alter their opponents' runs, thereby adding a layer of intrigue and suspense to the game.

The game consists of three rounds, with the points earned for correct answers doubling in each subsequent round. The contestant with the lowest score at the end of each round is eliminated, and the last player standing after three rounds wins the game and advances to the bonus round for a chance to win the grand prize.

In the final round, the champion has the chance to play for a grand prize of $25,000 by trying to catch 21 in a single suit. They are dealt three cards to start with and then must choose whether to accept further cards or pass them by. If they can achieve a 21 in the same suit, they win the grand prize. If not, they win a smaller cash prize based on the number of 21s they make in that round.

The allure of Catch 21 is its combination of luck and strategy, interweaved with the aspect of general knowledge. Contestants must be shrewd, strategic, and quick to ensure they come out on top. Mikki Padilla's engaging presence added an extra notch of entertainment value, making every episode enjoyable.

Overall, Catch 21 is a thrilling and fun-filled game show that skillfully brings together the thrill of a game show with the energy of a casino, providing ample entertainment for both contestants and viewers alike. Its combination of quick-fire trivia questions, strategic card play, and the nail-biting risk of getting 'busted' make it an innovative hook in the genre of game shows. Alfonso Ribeiro's appealing hosting style, coupled with Mikki Padilla's vivacious card dealing, bring to the screen a dynamic and engaging show that keeps viewers eagerly awaiting the next move.