Haven't had a chance to think much about it, but I'm wondering if there is a way to implement something like this...

Set a maximum amount of cards a person can have at once (# to be determined).

Instead of cutting them off at that number and rendering them done until the next contest, allow them the option of continuing to play, but for each new card they are awarded, one of their existing cards will be returned to the deck (thus becoming available for distribution to other players - or even themselves for that matter).

This essentially gives anyone who has reached the limit the option of being content with their hand or giving them the chance to try to improve their hand if they so choose.

This would extend the game a bit as cards are going back into the deck, but it also might make this game a bit more competitive for more players.

Certainly needs some fine-tuning, but I'm curious to hear everyone's thoughts on this idea.

I'm thinking we can combine this idea with a few of the other ones that have been mentioned and make ourselves a much more exciting game.