Okay, so I have a Cypher System thread for this, but I am putting here to, as I would love to use this across all games. It is by far my favourite way to do initiative. Game/rules wise and physically dealing with it. (Go around the table, changing order etc).
It might make tracking harder for DM in D&D, but still, maybe you don't need to write as much down. It will also mean things like 'til your next turn' could have durations that vary from useless to very beneficial. I am happy with the balancing out.
For high DEX mods you 'could' give extra cards, but I think that will mean FAR too many being given out every round, esp when high DEX creatures are in too. Instead, I would just say you throw back cards below your DEX mod. You get extra cards through things like feats. The Improved Initiative for eg would increase your cards to a choice of 3.
Thoughts?
“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” – Harry S. Truman