A game of luck

With just four cards left in the deck, the jackpot in Fort Augustus is an estimated $20,000 for this Friday

“I guess we just wanted to do something different. When we started, there was a lot of other Chase the Ace’s, so we just thought we would go with a different card.” John Aylward

The Fort Augustus Recreation Centre has only four cards left in the deck for its Capture the Queen game.

Organizers estimate this Friday’s jackpot will be around $20,000.

“That’s a lot of money,” said John Aylward, volunteer with the Fort Augustus Recreation Centre. “It’s a big jackpot for a small community.”

The game has been since November.

This is the second time the Fort Augustus Recreation going Centre has organized a Capture the Queen game.

Aylward explains that it’s the same game as Chase the Ace, but the winner is looking for the queen of hearts instead of the ace of spades.

“I guess we just wanted to do something different,” said Aylward. “When we started, there was a lot of other Chase the Ace’s, so we just thought we would go with a different card.”

The first game went from Oct. 2015 to June 2016. The jackpot was $7,639.50 with 20 cards left in the deck.

Aylward said the game starts with 54 cards, since they include the two jokers. The two jokers are worth an extra $100 each.

Aylward said he feels the crowd, the atmosphere and the environment are the reasons it has been such a success.

“It’s a big community event where everybody can come out to see their neighbours and friends,” said Aylward.

“The crowd is just awesome.” The event is open to anyone over the age of 19.

The night consists of the draw and trivia. There are also chicken wings and alcohol for sale.

Tickets can be purchased between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Fridays at the Fort Augustus Recreation Centre. There is no limit to the number of tickets and individual can buy.

The draw takes place at 8:30 p.m.

“We never know from one week to the next whether it’s going to go or not, but it’s very hard to shuffle four cards.”

Aylward adds that individuals also do not have to be present for the draw. If the individual is not there when his or her name is drawn, that person is notified and has 15 minutes to get there, but if that’s not possible, a member from the Fort Augustus Recreation Centre draws the card on the winner’s behalf.

For more information, join the Facebook Page Capture the Queen of Hearts.