Cards Anyone?

The other day I gave you a few board game recommendations that are great family games and will be good Christmas gifts. Today, I want to give you a few card game ideas. Now I am not talking about poker, bridge, whist, or those type of games. I am talking about a growing number of games that happen to played with cards. But not just your typical playing cards. Specialty decks. Instead of Hoyle, think UNO! First up is Quiddler. Think of it as Scrabble with cards. You get a certain number of cards and you have to make words with those cards. Each of the cards has a letter and a point value and just like Scrabble, the harder the letter to use, the greater the value. So the "Q'" is worth 15 points and the "J" 12, but the "E' is 2 and the "N" is worth 5 points. It is pretty easy to learn and is a great game to teach the little ones to think. Next is Five Crowns. Think of this as Gin Rummy with a twist. Like an extra suit. That's right, along with all suits you know, add Stars. And wild cards. And jokers. You make runs in suit and groups of three of a kind. I have played this game with children who have never played cards in their lives and they were able to pick it up so I know it is kid friendly. A few notes on both of these games. They are inexpensive, easy to learn, and great games for fellowship because your play is not really dependent on the other players. This means you don't have to spend all night trying to concentrate on what everyone is doing and can talk, visit, and just have a good time with your friends or family. Both of these games are available from The Set Game Company. Finally, there is Wizard. This is a variation on a classic bid and take books type of card game. It is kind of like Whist and a lot of fun. For a group of four, you play 20 hands, or about an hour. This is not a kids game, however there is a junior edition. In Wizard, you do not need to be a card counter to be good, but a general knowledge of how to bid, take books, and manage a hand will make your life easier. You can get Wizard and more information from House of Cards. So there you have it. Each of these games will easily fit into those little stockings that'll soon be hanging on the mantle, bookcase, or some other strategic place in your home. If you are looking for some good family fun ideas while we all become owners of AIG, Citicorp, and General Motors, all of the games I have provided in my last two postings are great options. And they are a lot cheaper than 700 billion dollars. Enjoy!