A Good Deal for Stockings Card Games Offer Pocket-Sized Fun
Card games are a quick, fun impulse buy that can be used as a last-minute gift, stocking stuffer or a self-treat for having suffered through the holiday shopping. Here are a few examples of pocket-sized games just right for the grabbing:
Golden Gate by BLUE ORANGE GAMES
Cards are played in sequence, progressing up or down. A player sets down cards in number order. A yellow card means to take a chip out of the Golden Gate. But then, there's some skill involved: Can a player place them at the right times to get the best chips? Or will the opportunity pass? Getting stuck with red cards means a loss of chips. "Golden Gate is an exciting card game in which you combine a little bit of luck with the right plays to start piling up your points. It’s a fast, friendly showdown for the gold with the fine craftsmanship and colorful designs you’ve come to expect from Blue Orange Games," Bert Devort, Sales Department, Blue Orange Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 14, 2010. 2/4/2010 (Price: $19.99; Age: 7 and Up)
The World Cup Card Game by GAMES FOR THE WORLD
With this deck of 65 cards, players can play the 2010 World Cup (Soccer) tournament and find out who will win the trophy. There are 32 Team cards, 32 Action cards and a reference card. It plays best with four to eight players but can be played with two or three. The entire tournament takes about 75 minutes to play. It is based on the popular World Cup Board Game. Launch date: January 29, 2010. 2/4/2010 (Price: $8.00; Age: 10 and Up)
S'mores Card Game by EDUCATION OUTDOORS
The S’mores card game is designed for up to six multi-level players and incorporates both strategy and good old-fashioned fun. The object of the game is to build an edible s’more before your opponents. Players get a higher point value based on the quality of s’more ingredients. The first player to collect all four ingredient cards and call out “S’more!” wins. The S’more card game includes 70, 3" x 5” sturdy playing cards. It is printed with soy-based ink on recycled paper. Launch date: March 2010. 2/4/2010 (Price: $5.99; Age: 6 and Up)
Sparring Cards by WHITE BOARD DESIGN GAMES
This combat card game with a martial arts theme contains 54 cards and is for two or more players. Participants can choose to use one or more deck for this fast-paced game of attack and defense that simulates the discipline of martial arts sparring. Opponents may spar cooperatively or competitively. Players can expand play with an add-on deck, and fly, spin, duck and dodge their way to victory. It includes rules for single-round play through a six-belt tournament, and there are special rules for beginner, intermediate and advanced play. Launch date: December 2009. 1/14/2010 (Price: $12.95; Age: 8 and Up)
Seven Card Samurai by MINDTWISTER USA
A family card game set in feudal Japan during the era of the Samurai which depends on skill, strategy and planning. It is a time where bandits roam the countryside stealing the precious rice from villages. Yours is one of those villages. Defend your rice with Samurai and Ronin, use bandits and Ninjas to steal other villages’ rice and eliminate their Samurai, and plead with the local Shogun to conscript help for you. But be warned, for the other villages are doing the exact same thing. Launch date: 2010. 1/11/2010 (Age: 6 and Up) ENTER MINDTWISTER USA TOYSHOW
StoryPlay Cards by THINK-A-LOT TOYS
StoryPlay Cards is a deck of storytelling and playing cards designed to delight, inspire and intrigue kids of all ages. The card deck has 90 illustrated cards along with a carrying pouch and two guidebooks. Children can use these cards to tell stories, play card games like Spoons, Poker, Sets and Concentration, or use them to engage in thoughtful conversation by choosing the card or cards you are attracted to and talking about what they mean to you. Launch date: Feb. 14, 2010. 12/16/2009 (Price: $19.99; Age: 8 and Up)
26! Card Game by YOVICH GAMES
26! gets its name from the 26 letters of the alphabet and consists of 54 playing cards. Each card shows a letter from A to Z, and a number 1 to 26. The object of 26! is to use six dealt cards and a seventh card from a drawing deck to create a 3-, 4-, or 5-letter word and then, with the remaining cards, form an arithmetic equation that equals 26, using any combination of addition, division, multiplication, or subtraction. Up to four players can play from one deck of cards. In addition to its entertainment value, 26! helps international students learn English, povides enrichment for students in science and math, and benefits remedial students studying spelling and arithmetic. Launch date: November 2009. 12/14/2009
What's Wild by GOLIATH GAMES
Collect hands full of herds and caravans over the course of 10 rounds of play and be the player with the least amount of points at the end to win! But be careful…the wild card may change when you least expect it, and you’ll be left to ask, “What’s Wild?!” 11/4/2009 (Price: $9.99; Age: 6 and Up)
A-B-C OY! by DREAM GREEN
A-B-C OY! contains eight surprisingly adaptable word, spelling and alphabet based games for any age or ability level. Players can learn letters backward and forward with ZOOM OY! or speed spell with SLAPSPELL OY!. They can use the blank cards included to make their own foreign alphabet. The deck contains 120 cards, which includes both capital and lower case letters. Instructions are in English, French and Spanish and include comprehensive information for parents and educators. Launch date: 1996. 10/29/2009 (Price: $10.00; Age: 4 and Up)
Triplica by FUN Q GAMES, INC.
Players compete by placing cards to line up three in a row of the shape that matches their secret Goal. The first player to score five Goals wins. But beware ... placing a card can help opponents as easily as it can help you. Triplica includes two multi-player games and an addictive solitaire version. "Triplica is a challenging and competitive game based on the very simple idea of making three in a row," Jeanine Calkin, president of Fun Q Games, told TDmonthly. Launch date: December 2009. 10/29/2009 (Price: $14.99; Age: 7 and Up)
Circle Out! Game by CIRCLE OUT GAMES LLC
The Circle Out! game is a game of abstraction and visual memory. Twelve to 16 cards are laid out and players race to find the most circles of the largest size. The “circle” aspect of the game is all abstract. Each card has two features — a top and bottom triangle of different colors. Circles are formed by connecting cards of the same color together: red to red, blue to blue, etc., until the same color connects the chain of cards together at both ends. Bottom Triangles only link to Top Triangles and vice versa. A circle of three linking cards are worth one point, four linked cards are worth two points, and five linked cards are worth three points. 10/22/2009 (Price: $9.99)
Jukem Football by SPELMAN MEDIA INC.
Jukem is a fast game that can be played in 20 minutes or less. The game lasts two times through the deck. No prior knowledge of footabll is required. 10/20/2009 (Price: $19.99; Age: 8 and Up)
Thoughts and Feelings 2 - Sentence Completion Card Game by BRIGHT SPOTS GAMES
This all-new sentence completion game is the vibrant sequel to the original Thoughts and Feelings, new sentence stems, new illustrations, and new ways to engage children of all ages. This deck compliments and adds to Thoughts and Feelings 1, and is a great way to build a set of therapeutic tools. Thirty five cards are included. 10/20/2009 (Price: $19.95; Age: All Ages)
TastyTalk Conversation Cards for the Entire Family by U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC.
Why do onions make you cry? Where was the first hamburger served? The TastyTalk deck is full of delectable tidbits about food, with intriguing questions that get conversations cooking. Each deck contains 50 illustrated cards, ideal for family time. "The delightful artwork and open-ended questions make this conversation deck appealing and engaging," Lynn Araujo, communications director of U.S. Games Systems, Inc., told TDmonthly. 10/5/2009 (Price: $6.00; Age: 5 to 14) ENTER U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC. TOYSHOW
Bakugan 7 in 1 Maxus Dragonoid by SPIN MASTER TOYS
More than just a card or just a toy, the Maxus Dragonoid is a monstrous combination of six Bakugan Traps and a Dragonoid Bakugan. The package also includes a Gate Card and an Ability Card. The year 2009 saw growth in the line with new mechanics and game play modules, as well as a second season of the cartoon show. Launch date: October 2009. 9/30/2009 (Price: $39.99; Age: 8 and Up)
Legend of the Five Rings Imperial Gift expansion by ALDERAC ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
In Legend of the Five Rings, storyline is more than just a backdrop on which to do battle. Players choose what “clan” they will play as. Outside the game, clan members network with each other, and help each other out. The free release of Imperial Gift is a way to not only thank players for their support over the years, but to deepen the bonds between players. 9/30/2009 (Age: 12 and Up)
Magic: The Gathering “Zendikar” by WIZARDS OF THE COAST
Wizards of the Coast calls Magic the biggest of the collectible card games. With millions of players in tournament and casual play, there is a strong market for all new releases. Zendikar features new Planeswalkers, a relatively new type of card with game-changing powers. One new Planeswalker is Nissa Revane, who came to fame in the Xbox Live Arcade game “Duels of the Planeswalkers.” Fifteen-card booster packs are listing at $3.99. Intro packs, consisting of a 40-card deck, 1 premium card, 1 booster, a learn-to-play insert and a strategy insert, are $12.29. Fat Packs, made up of eight booster packs, a card box, player's guide, learn-to-play insert, land pack, and an excerpt from the upcoming “Path of the Planeswalker” graphic novel, are $34.99. Launch date: October 2, 2009. 9/30/2009 (Price: $3.99; Age: 13 and Up)
Kwizniac™ The Trivia Countdown Game by THE BRAND CAFE / KWIZNIAC
Kwizniac is a trivia countdown game designed to test your knowledge under pressure. The object of the game is for players to accumulate as many points as possible by correctly answering as many trivia questions as possible. Because Kwizniac consists of only cards and the players’ brain power, it can be played everywhere and at any time. Kwizniac can be played with just two people or a whole group. 9/16/2009 ENTER THE BRAND CAFE / KWIZNIAC TOYSHOW
Selection by 5º DIMENSION INTERNATIONAL
Selection is the company's most popular game and can be played with 1 to 7 players. Players have to select hands that match the categories on the playing sheet. The game takes about 25 minutes to play. 9/9/2009 (Age: 7 and Up)
Frog Juice by GAMEWRIGHT
In this game for two to four players, participants aim to gain cards by matching or adding cards from their hand to equal the number on another card, then adding up the ingredients and measuring the powers indicated to earn the most points. Playing time is about 20 minutes.
— Shana Hack, owner of Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., told TDmonthly in early September 2009 that her store sells about 25 Frog Juice games per month.
— Ten of 38 retailers named something by Gamewright when asked about best-selling card games. 9/8/2009 (Price: $10.99; Age: 8 and Up)
Scrabble Slam Card Game by HASBRO INC.
In this fast-paced word game, two to four players race to alter the present four-letter word and be the first to get rid of their cards for the win.
— Scrabble Slam is the best-selling card game at The Toy Store in Highlands, N.C., where it sells 36 units per month, Owner Michelle Bears told TDmonthly in August 2009. “One person has it, and it spreads,” she said. 9/8/2009 (Price: $6.99; Age: 8 and Up)
Pokémon Trading Card Game – Platinum Supreme Victors by POKEMON USA
This collection of trading cards takes players right to battle, with dragon-type Pokémon, including Rayquaza and Charizard, along with new characters and Pokémon SP. The collection, which includes special, photographed clay designs of characters as well as some Shiny cards with unique numbering, features more than 150 cards in various packs.
— Aunt Jean’s Toys & Treats in Montclair, N.J., sells about three dozen Pokemon card packs per month, Owner Jeanette Lauture told TDmonthly in August 2009. 9/8/2009
The BFF Box of Questions by THE BOX GIRLS
With 52 questions, this game is designed to let players know how well they you know their BFF, and how well their best friend knows them. Launch date: September 15, 2009. 8/28/2009 (Price: $20.00; Age: 8 to 14)
State Fab Facts Fast! Card Game by GALLOPADE INTERNATIONAL
Kids can learn state facts fast in this card game that's available for 11 states: California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Six fun ways to play include matching, trivia, and rummy-style games. The card facts and graphics include more than 40 state facts including state map, symbols, trivia, spelling and true-or-false. Launch date: January 2008. 8/19/2009 (Price: $9.99; Age: 7 to 12)
Crazy Bugs by SOUND ADVICE INC.
Bugs and worms are not just fascinating; they also pollinate the rain forest, flowers, and crops, and decompose waste to clean the earth. A cross between “Crazy Eights” and “Trivial Pursuit,” Crazy Bugs is a card game for children that teaches how bugs and worms may appear creepy but bring goodness to the earth. "Crazy Bugs is the only ecology awareness game that teaches children how bugs positively effect a healthy environment," Mindy Myers, CEO of Sound Advice, told TDmonthly. It received a 2009 Creative Child Magazine Game of the Year Award. Launch date: May 2009. 7/7/2009 (Price: $14.95; Age: 8 and Up)
Ingenious Inventions by EVOLVING TOYS LLC
In this techno trading game, players try to diversify their hands with the best inventions from each invention family by 'doing deals' (trades) with other players. Deal Maker cards give an added zing to play. There's an inventor’s die and an inventions pocket guide. It "puts the future in childrens’ hands like no other game before it!" Geoffrey Moran, President, Evolving Toys, told TDmonthly. This product was a Museum Store Association Buyer’s Choice Award Finalist 2009. Launch date: August 15, 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $10.95; Age: 8 and Up)
Thomas & Friends Great Discovery Card Game by BRIARPATCH INC.
No reading is required for this fast-paced, card-swapping game for the young Thomas fans. The Stanley Comes Aboard deck can also be used to play Snap and Memory games. It is made in the USA of recycled materials. Launch date: March 31, 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $7.00; Age: 3 to 7)
Professor Noggin's History of Art by OUTSET MEDIA
Kids can learn to appreciate the highest achievements of civilization in painting, sculpture and architecture. This product is designed to cover the world of art across time and culture, introducing children to basic terminology and famous artists. The Professor Noggin series has won more than 12 awards. Launch date: July 30, 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $9.99; Age: 7 to 12)
Txtpert (Card Game) by GAMES PLAY UK
This addictive puzzle is currently available on all major mobile phone cariers in the USA and on Iphone Worldwide. It is also available daily in the USA TODAY newspaper in a daily puzzle. Txtpert the card game works exactly the same way as all the other brands. Launch date: June 2009. 6/29/2009 (Price: $15; Age: 8 and Up)
2-Player Perpetual Commotion® by GOLDBRICK GAMES
2-Player Perpetual Commotion is the original Perpetual Commotion specially designed for two-player speed and excitement. Play as many cards as you can into a center Arena to earn points. Gain extra points by being the first to empty your Feeders pile—but watch out! A single roll of the eight-sided die can change your score. 6/17/2009 (Price: $8.95; Age: 8 and Up)
WarStone™ by DUNCAN TOYS
WarStone is a collectible card game using marbles to compete against opponents on a board. The starter set is designed for 2, 3, or 4 players. To start a game, divide the card deck by color and match up stones with cards of the same color. Set up the battlefield. Place stones in their starting positions. Stones with icons match the icons on the cards. Except for Hex cards, each stone has a matching card. The object of the game is to fire at an opponent and knock a predetermined number of them off the battlefield. The cards instruct you how to attack. Contents include 24 WarStone Stands, 24 Page Rule Book, 2 Savage Stones, 4 Master Stones, 16 Core Stones, 60 Cards, Ruler and Markers, and Storage Pouch. 4/15/2009 ENTER DUNCAN TOYS TOYSHOW
Baskards by ROLO GAME
Now kids can play basketball in the house without knocking down the lamps. The Baskards card game has penalties and points, just like a real basketball game. 4/14/2009 (Price: $8.95)
Go Knights, Go Dragons! by EARWIG ENTERPRISES
In this card game for two to eight players, players assemble sets of cards to make their army of knights and dragons. A player can include the magical breath weapon with his knight or dragon to destroy the knight or dragon of the same color. "You assemble the cards to make the image of your knight or dragon. The cards are in four languages, so there maybe some accidental learning," Dr. Daniel Sulliban, owner of Earwig Enterprises, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 2009. 4/9/2009 (Price: $20.00; Age: 6 and Up)
Super Circles by OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING
Players race to play all their cards by matching colored rings on the previously played card. Quick minds and fast fingers will triumph. The game "challenges your visual interpretation skills," Leah Osterhaus, VP of marketing for Out of the Box Publishing, told TDmonthly. Launch date: August 15, 2009. 3/31/2009 (Price: $9.99; Age: 8 and Up)
ONEXENO by PENROSE PRESS
ONEXENO is a edge-matching card game with 70 unique cards (per deck) representing the complete set of TriHadamard kernels. The basic game may be played by 2 to 7 players, ages 7 and up. Players make points by arranging rows of edge-matching cards. When a row of five cards is complete, the player takes the points indicated on the face of the card. This simple rule leads to exceptional complexity and engaging strategic play. 2/10/2009 (Price: $19.50; Age: 7 to 70)
Family Talk and Grandparent Talk — Double Deck Tin by AROUND THE TABLE®
Two of Around the Table's award winning games in one tin. Family Talk and Grandparent Talk cards, each with 100 cards per deck, connect generations through fun and diverse conversations. Available March 2009. 2/3/2009 (Price: $19.99) ENTER AROUND THE TABLE® TOYSHOW
Name that Vanity by SLANGUAGE GAMEZ
Name that Vanity is the addictive and contagious license plate guessing game. Players play the game to their favorite song, and once the song ends, so does one round. It's designed for fun on the road or at home. Launch date: February 15, 2009. 1/23/2009 (Price: $24.99; Age: 12 and Up)
SportACTION Card Games by ChalkTalkSPORTS
ChalkTalkSPORTS SportACTION Card Games are fast playing and action packed for popular team sports. Varieties include Baseball, Lacrosse, Football, Soccer and Hockey. These card games provide hours of intense fun as players race to be the first to assemble their winning team. Strategy, skill and fun make them entertaining for the entire family. "Our SportACTION card games play like the real sport. Its a race to pull together your team first as you watch out for penalty calls," President Julie Lynn of ChalkTalkSPORTS told TDmonthly. 1/9/2009 (Price: $6.99; Age: 5 and Up)
Blue Dragon Role Playing Card Game by KONAMI
Offering a new and exciting twist on trading card games, the Blue Dragon Role Playing Card Game combines the excitement of Deck-Building with a variety of interesting cards and an element of role play and is the perfect entry level card game for young players. For ages six and up, the Blue Dragon Role Playing Card Game features characters from the popular Blue Dragon Xbox 360® video game and character designs by the creator of the best-selling Dragon Ball series of manga. The first Blue Dragon Role Playing Card Game release consists of two unique starter decks, Dark Shadow Wielder and Light Shadow Wielder. Every Starter Deckcontains all of the components needed to start a game – 40 cards, including a Shadow foil card, a fold-out game mat and a beginner’s guide. Launch date: 2008. 11/14/2008 (Price: $9.99; Age: 6 and Up)
Dragon Deck by GAMELOT INC.
The Dragon Deck fuses Chinese culture with new educational and chance games. Forty-seven cards were extracted from the Mahjongg tile set and combined with five Feng Shui cards to create the 52 card Dragon Deck™ to parallel the International 52 card pack for a Yin Yang balance. The Dragon Deck, with Asian symbology, conveys deeper meanings to all Chinese, especially when the Feng Shui cards play “wild.” Non-Chinese easily pick up on all games through their similarity to western deck play — 3 Fishing is Go Fish, Modulo is a counting game, Dragon Bridge is Bridge, Dragon Poker is 5 Card Draw, Yangtze Hold'em is Texas Hold'em, and two to four players can play a faster version of Mahjongg. "In bringing the ancient game of Mahjongg into an updated format of the 52 card Dragon Deck, children gain insight to history and strategy while having fun," Tom Campbell, marketing manager for Gamelot, told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 2007. 10/29/2008 (Price: $7.00; Age: 6 and Up)
I Betcha by Îlot 307 inc.
Each player receives a card that lists three secret challenges to be carried out during the play period in front of other players without getting caught. With family or during a party, players then try to expose other players in order to win. The small box takes up little counter space and is easy to take along. Launch date: March 2008. 10/27/2008 (Price: $15; Age: 12 and Up)
WebCardz Ben 10 Alien Force by SNAP TV INC.
This is the battling card game kids can play on the Web. WebCardz™ is a collectible strategy card game played with a deck of hex-shaped battle cards and an Alien Force figurine that moves along the battle matrix kids construct with the cards. Each pack includes an Alien Force figurine, 30 Battle Cards that feature the powers and abilities of the character, and three Power Base Cards that modify the character’s fighting style. Each pack also includes a Secret Keycode that allows one to unlock the character and cards on the Web and face off against opponents in real-time battles. "WebCardz has three fun play patterns in one toy — figurative characters, a strategic card game and an online game. The card game is customizable and builds around the Ben 10 Alien Force brand," Jason Tenenbown, VP of product and brand for Snap TV, Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: October 21, 2008. 10/27/2008 (Price: $14.99; Age: 6 and Up)
Whack-a Boom!!™ Boomwhackers® Card Games by WHACKY MUSIC INC.
Play 20+ games from the double-deck combinations of color and rhythm cards. These card games are designed for families, classrooms, and large or small groups. The color cards use the Chroma-Notes™ colors that match the C Major Diatonic Scale Set of Boomwhackers Tubes. Package contains 48 color cards, 48 rhythm cards, 2 wild cards, 2 music word cards, and instruction booklet. 9/29/2008 (Price: $19.98)
Mille Bornes by WINNING MOVES GAMES
Originally from the 1960s, Mille Bornes involves a car race across France via a card game. Players must avoid traffic hazards and earn points along the way, while keeping a close eye on — and sabotaging — their fellow players. The game contains 106 illustrated cards.
— Amanda Lepley, manager of Finnegan’s Toys and Gifts in Portland, Ore., named Mille Bornes as her best-selling card game in summer 2008.
— “We carry several, but I’d say Mille Bornes [is the top seller],” remarked Richard Stoecklein, owner of The Toy Factory in Jacksonville, Fla.
— Three of 64 retailers named the game as a top-selling card game in August 2008. 9/29/2008 (Price: $12.95; Age: 8 and Up)
Old Maid by eeBoo corp.
A simple card game, Old Maid is played by two to eight players who try to make pairs out of randomly dealt cards. Pairing up is the only way to eliminate cards from a hand, but each round every player has to take a card that he or she has not seen from another player’s hand and hope it makes a pair! The game is over when only the ‘Old Maid’ card is left ― the one card in the deck that has no match ― and the person holding it loses. This set from eeBoo features whimsical illustrations for children.
— “It’s a classic game with adorable illustrations!” Kim Emigh, VP of e-commerce at Growing Tree Toys in State College, Pa., told TDmonthly.
— Five of 64 retailers named Old Maid when asked about best-selling card games in August 2008. This version from eeBoo is one of many on the market. 9/29/2008 ENTER eeBoo corp. TOYSHOW
Zany World Card Game by A ZANY WORLD GAMES
A fun card game that connects people and cultures, revealing truths and untruths in our daily lives. The game shows us a fun way to learn about ourselves and others. 9/23/2008 (Price: $29.99; Age: 9 and Up)
UNO FLASH™ by MATTEL INC.
UNO Flash is the fast and furious new way to play UNO. It features exciting new technology and game-play rules to keep everyone on their toes. Who's next? When your red light flashes, it's your turn. You have to discard quickly before your time runs out. Lights and sounds direct the action. Play is fast and unpredictable; everything can change in a flash. "The new speed element in UNO Flash brings an entirely new level of excitement to UNO, whether you're new to the game or a veteran player," explained Marlene Esqueda, Account Executive, GolinHarris Public Relations for Mattel, Inc. Launch date: June 2008. 9/19/2008 (Price: $29.99; Age: 7 and Up)
Treasures and Traps: The Adventure Card Game by STUDIO 9 INC.
Treasures and Traps™ is a complete card game that puts you in the role of the hero. Your quest is to collect three treasures before anyone else. Sounds simple enough, but throw in a two-headed troll, a maze of dangerous doors, and a few cunning thieves and you won't know what might happen next. With 100 different cards, each game is a unique journey of wild adventure never to be repeated again. Awards: 2007 Origins Award Best Card Game of the Year Silver Award. "Treasures and Traps is a game that the family plays. Kids, youth, and adults all enjoy it. This features makes it unique-we have heard countless stories of parents and kids, young and old, boys and girls, spending time together enjoying this one," C. Aaron Kreader, Designer, Studio 9 Inc. Launch date: 8/1/2006. 9/19/2008 (Price: $12.95; Age: 10 and Up)
iPlay hooray for Horses! by INTERNATIONAL PLAYTHINGS LLC
With five games for play with cards featuring favorite horse breeds, this is a perfect choice for horse lovers of all ages. "There are many horse lovers who would appreciate their own card game with photos of each type of horse on each card," Nicole Tiedemann, Public Relations Account Executive, International Playthings. Launch date: 2/1/2008. 9/19/2008 (Price: $6.99; Age: 6 and Up)
Rage! by FUNDEX GAMES
RAGE™ starts with ten cards. Then hand by hand, the number of cards (and options) reduces until at last, you only have ONE card. Players record the number of tricks they plan to take each round; scoring points for their accurate bidding. Sound easy? The outRAGEous action cards will keep you guessing. Includes 108 cards and instructions. "Rage is a classic card game that originated in the 1980s that Fundex has brought back to market," explained Katie Hemlock, marketing specialist at Fundex Games, Ltd. "Rage is a trick-taking game that is always changing. This game will keep families entertained while enjoying a NEW card game." Launch date: 2/1/2007. 9/19/2008 (Price: $7.49; Age: 8 and Up)
Pass the Grogger! by GONTZA GAMES
This is one grogger you won’t mind the children playing with. Teach your children about Esther’s Megillah as they make pairs of cards; Queen Esther pairs with Queen Esther, Mordecai with Mordecai, etc. The only way to make a pair with Haman is by covering him up with a Grogger! 8/27/2008 (Price: $12.95; Age: 4 to 10)
Old Dinosaur by BIRDCAGE PRESS
Now kids can play their favorite card games with dinosaurs. The set includes 47 cards and a booklet of dinosaur facts in a fun tin box. Families will have fun while learning about dinosaurs. Launch date: 2004. 8/27/2008 (Price: $10.95; Age: 5 to Adult)
Battlez® FMX by ILLEKTRON
Featuring Freestyle Motocross superstar and 10 time X Games medalist Brian Deegan, along with Metal Mulisha team members Todd Potter & Jeremy Lusk. Battlez® FMX is a card & dice game that allows you to battle it out as if in a real Freestyle MX competition, playing as your favorite FMX rider. Scoring or taking away points from your opponent by matching dice combinations on the cards and executing tricks like Back Flip’s, Cliffhangers, Rock Solids, LazyBoyz, and more. You are in control and create your own Freestyle MX show! 7/29/2008
Manifest Your Magnificence for Kids by MAGNIFICENT CREATIONS LIMITEE
Each set contains 64 full-color cards, with gloss lamination to ensure quality and durability .
All cards are packed in a beautiful full-color hi-gloss gift box and shrink-wrapped for protection during shipping. All CD's are packed with beautiful full-color insert and shrink-wrapped for protection during shipping. 7/1/2008 (Price: $25.95)
Xeko Mission: Indonesia by MATTER GROUP LLC
In this third Xeko mission, two players must work to protect the islands of Indonesia. Along the way, via cards featuring animals with endangered, rare and common status, they will meet creatures unique to that region of the earth. The crate packaging, made of sustainably farmed pine wood from New Zealand, holds 41 cards, a playmat/eco-map, giant learn-to-play cards and two limited-edition sketch cards. Launch date: September 2007. 6/19/2008 (Age: 8 and Up)
Reels & Deals: The Movie-Making Card Game by AGMAN GAMES
In this game for two to five players, participants form casts from the 60 cards featuring actors, actresses and directors that parody pop-culture characters. Players must choose from 21 scripts, raise money, and engage in bidding wars for the best talent. Launch date: June 2008. 6/19/2008 (Price: $17.95; Age: 10 and Up)
EmotrionsOnCards™ by TRIANGOL STRATEGY SL
The emotional intelligence card game features cards that represent emotions such as love, sadness, fury, hungry and indecision. Positive emotions win players points, while negative ones detract points. There are various levels, advanced rules, tournament rules and rules for an alternate game. Since “everyone at any age is interested in the emotional battlefield in some way, this is the perfect game to bring the family [together]…sharing at least a genuine theme of common interest,” Triangol Strategy SL Director Rolando S. Buenavilla told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2004. 6/4/2008 (Price: $11.95; Age: 7 and Up)
Xactika by SET ENTERPRISES INC.
The bidding game features four suits on each card, making skill the determining factor. Xactika can be played with two to ten players. It is adaptable to any skill level, with three variations of play. This item is a 2005 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award, 2002 Games 100 Award and 2002 Parent’s Choice Award winner. “Xactika is a truly unique card game with a deck that provides players with a new level of control,” Set Enterprises Vice President Bree Popp told TDmonthly. “No competitor’s version comes close.” Launch date: 2002. 5/21/2008 (Price: $12.00; Age: 12 and Up)
Angles Flash Cards by WORLD CLASS LEARNING MATERIALS INC.
The 105 double-sided, easy to read, triangular-shaped 6-1/4” x 3-3/4” cards feature four levels of difficulty and practice solving for unknown angles. The cards address supplementary, complementary, vertical and right angles. Students will also learn to identify types of triangles based on the triangle’s angle measures – scalene, equilateral, isosceles and right triangles. Launch date: February 2008. 4/17/2008 (Price: $6.99; Age: 7 and Up)
Numbers League: Infinity Level Expansion by BENT CASTLE WORKSHOPS
Infinity Level is a 60-card expansion deck to the original Numbers League: Adventures in Addiplication game. It adds 33 Superhero body parts (11 heads, 11 chests, and 11 legs) , 15 devices, and 24 villains. These expand the math skills used to incorporate addition and multiplication of simple decimals and multiplying by negative numbers. 4/10/2008 (Price: $9.95; Age: 11 and Up)
99™ by FAMILY GAMES INC.
In this fast-paced numbers game, players add number cards to the count pile. The count can quickly raise or lower at the flip of a card. The player who cannot keep the line at, or below 99 loses the round. The game is intended for two to eight players. Launch date: 2008. 3/17/2008 (Price: $60.00; Age: 8 and Up)
Ticket to Ride - The Card Game by DAYS OF WONDER
Based on the Ticket to Ride board game, this card game version includes new game twists. Players collect sets of illustrated Train cards, attempting to complete Destination Tickets while watching out for “train-robbing.” The game is intended for two to four players and includes 96 Train cards, six Big Cities Bonus cards, 46 Destination Tickets and a rules booklet. Launch date: May 2008. 3/12/2008 (Age: 8 and Up)
Bicycle Playing Cards – Take the Train™ by THE UNITED STATES PLAYING CARD CO.
The fast-paced sequencing card game, has players plan and strategize patterns and sequences. The deck includes wild cards such as End of Line, Transfer and Free Ride. The game comes with a deck of cards, 100 train fare tokens and a storage tray. Launch date: January 2008. 3/10/2008 (Price: $6.99; Age: 7 and Up)
Math Maze Mastery Set by MATH MAZE USA
This game allows learners to master positive and negative integers, fractions and whole numbers. The game apparatus includes a six-sided hex rod called a Mathematics Function Bar. One side indicates addition, the second subtraction, the third multiplication, the fourth division, and the fifth and sixth player's choice. The bar is used in conjunction with two sets of cards, Red Factor and Green Player, which are numbered 1 through 10. Players take turns creating and solving math problems using multiple operations, trying to get rid of their cards before their opponents do. Launch date: March 1, 2008. 2/29/2008 (Price: $19.95; Age: 8 and Up)
Readers Digest National Word Power Challenge™ Game by McNEILL DESIGNS FOR BRIGHTER MINDS LLC
The game sharpens vocabularies, boosts test-taking skills and fosters a love of language in a fun ad competitive format. Players use facts from four categories — word origin, fill-in-the-blank, definition and synonyms — and gain an intensive knowledge of each word. The game also includes vibrant visual reminders to heighten vocabulary retention. "The unique game mechanic of asking for specific word clues causes players to scan and remember clues (accompanied by stimulating images) takes vocabulary building to a higher level!" McNeill Designs for Brighter Minds LLC President Martin Uniacke told TDmonthly. This product is a 2008 iParenting Media Award winner. Launch date: November 2007. 2/19/2008 (Price: $19.95)
Scoop by DISCOVERY BAY GAMES
This game for two to four players challenges participants to match the ice cream cone determined by the roll of the dice. It features nice, artful cards and a slew of colorful dice for flavorful dice. 2/17/2008 (Price: $14.95; Age: 7 and Up)
Tastes Like Chicken™ by PATCH PRODUCTS INC.
Players will match mixed up animals to mixed up animals, such a Lobster-Shark to a Snake-Lobster. The first player to get rid of all of his or her cards wins. The card game comes in a handy plastic storage case that clicks shut so kids can pack it up and take it anywhere. Launch date: February 2008. 1/29/2008 (Age: 6 and Up)
Stop 'N Go! by RAINBOW GAMES INC.
The fast-paced, action-packed game is perfect for the whole family. Using quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination, players race to be the first to get rid of their cards by matching colors and watching out for the special cards: Zap, Pass and Stop ‘N Go. The game is intended for two to six players. Launch date: June 2008. 1/18/2008 (Price: $9.95; Age: 4 and Up)
Captain Keyo Safety Card Game by ABOVE AND BEYOND CONCEPTS
A card game that teaches children how to be safe. Can be combined with Captain Keyo Safety Club Badge and Whistle Home/School Activity Book. A portion of the profits obtained from the sales of each card game will go to the Captain Keyo Non Profit Safety Club for Children. 1/11/2008 (Price: $9.95)
K.R. Bourgoine's Adventurer Card Game by SHADOWCIRCLE PRESS
This fast-paced fantasy card game challenges one to four players to search out a dangerous vampire named Count Lodrac. It comes with two, six-sided dice and 80 cards that are colorfully illustrated to represent rooms, monsters, weapons and more. Game play takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes, and expansion packs are available separately (beginning summer 2008). Everything needed to play is in the box; it is not a CCG. “The vibrant art that adorns each card depicts a novel-worthy world full of self-generating adventures, making Adventurer Card Game an easy game that never plays the same way twice — without the aid of computers,” K.R. Bourgoine told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 22, 2008. 1/10/2008 (Price: $19.99; Age: 7 and Up)
Slap-N-Grab by BUFFALO GAMES INC.
Slap-N-Grab is a fast-paced free-for-all where opponents spring into action slapping down and grabbing cards based on colors, counts and incredible creatures. A Slap Card is played face up, perchance reading “Four Cows”. Players then sequentially flip over animal cards until exactly 4 cows appear among them all. At that moment, players race to slap the “Four Cows” Slap Card and win the round. It’s survival of the fastest. 1/8/2008 (Price: $7.99; Age: 8 and Up) ENTER BUFFALO GAMES INC. TOYSHOW
The Werewolves of Miller's Hollow – New Moon: Expansion #1 by ASMODEE EDITIONS
The tiny town of Millers Hollow is stunned by the discovery of Werewolves, who, under the cover of darkness, kidnap and devour townsfolk. To discover who the fiends are, a meeting is called, bringing together all of the townsfolk that, including such characters as a psychic, two lovers, a nosy little girl and more. This diverse group will lead the inquiry and decide the ultimate fate of the town. Launch date: August 2005. 12/19/2007 (Price: $11.99; Age: 10 and Up)
Monkey Poker by THREE MONKEY GAMES
Learn poker along with Berry "The Bluffer" Bananahammock, "Fearless" Freddy Funkymunky, Albert "All In" Alexander and Mr. Bill "Bananas" Dole as they play Texas Hold 'Em. The game is easy to learn, and adds the entertaining randomness of such classic children's games as Monopoly and The Game of Life. The winner of each poker hand takes a card that dictates a certain task, such as “Take $1000 in Chi(m)ps from everyone, except for the person with the hairiest feet!" Launch date: December 2007. 11/21/2007 (Price: $18.00; Age: 8 and Up)
Exact Change by CROSSEN CREATIONS
This family card game encourages kids to practice math and money skills as they try to be the first to discard all seven cards by matching color, currency value, currency picture or Exact Change. Charity Inspirations donates 50 percent of its net profit to children’s charities chosen by customers. Launch date: Fall 1998. 10/31/2007 (Price: $9.99; Age: 7 and Up)
Tempt Destiny Football Card Game by MAVERIC INC.
“Tempt Destiny” introduces a new era in sports and party entertainment, where devout fans, friends and family members can play along with the football game they are watching. Participants are dealt seven cards, each of which identifies a certain event, such as a pass, touchdown, penalty, auto commercial, etc. Each event is assigned a point value and players gain points when their card matches the game’s events. The person with the most points at the end of a quarter wins that hand. Tempt Destiny is an "easy-to-play interactive party game that makes a great stocking stuffer [or gift] for the holidays, College Bowl games, playoffs and the big game," President Manuel Morales of Maveric Inc. told TDmonthly. The minimum wholesale order is one box (72 games). Launch date: August, 2007. 10/2/2007 (Price: $9.95; Age: 8 and Up)
Zombie Fluxx by LOONEY LABS
The dead are returning to life! What are YOU going to do about it? Grab a chainsaw? Barricade the windows? Fluxx is the crazy fun card game of change. Draw a card. Play a card. Change the goal, change the rules, laugh out loud with friends! The zombies might even help you win in this all new version of the hit card game Fluxx.
— Zombie Fluxx is a top seller at Moon Rabbit Toys in Santa Fe, N.M., as reported by Owner Shana Hack in June 2009. 9/27/2007 (Price: $16.00; Age: 8 and Up)
Ruckus by BEST OF BEST
Accumulating sets is the aim of the game. . . It's holding onto them that's the trick! Taking an opponent's set is easy, just place a matching card from your hand on top and slide the captured set in front of you. But beware! With players matching and stealing sets faster than you can say "Ruckus," fortunes change quickly. 9/25/2007 (Price: $9.99; Age: 7 and Up)
EVE: The Second Genesis – Booster Pack by WHITE WOLF GAME STUDIO
This collectable card game is based upon the award-winning MMOG, EVE Online. Players take on the role of CEOs of galaxy-spanning corporations who battle for control of outer space to achieve total commercial and military domination. Launch date: October 2006. 9/18/2007 (Price: $3.20; Age: 12 and Up)
University Games - Dr. Seuss 4–in–1 Card Games (Tin) by Are You Game?
This four-in-one card game assortment is based on four of Dr. Seuss’s most popular books: The Cat in the Hat; How the Grinch Stole Christmas; One Fish, Two fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish!; and Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose. Each card game in this family-fun assortment can be learned in five minutes. Launch date: September 2007. 9/4/2007 (Price: $9.99; Age: 4 and Up)
Sun Salutation by SPIRALING HEARTS
The game’s colorful, photographic cards teach the sequence of yoga poses that together create “Sun Salutation.” The “Sun Salutation” pose encourages relaxation, flexibility, deep breathing and more. This educational card game inspires children to embrace the benefits of yoga while having fun and staying active. The game is recommended for two to six players. Launch date: February 2007. 9/4/2007 (Price: $19.50; Age: 5 and Up)
Covert Action by R&R GAMES INC.
In this spy game, players will learn to shoot first and ask questions never.
Two or three opposing teams of Covert Operatives are trying to steal the plans for a nuclear submarine. Each team must first eliminate the other team in order to steal the plans. Players must determine whom to trust and whom to shoot. This game is intended for four to fourteen players. Launch date: August 27, 2007. 9/4/2007 (Price: $5.95; Age: 10 and Up)
Blink Bible Edition by CACTUS GAME DESIGN INC.
This fast-paced and portable card game is based on the award winning Blink card game by Out of the Box Publishing. In this Bible version of the original game, two players race to match the shapes, count or color of Christian symbols on the cards. This game requires sharp eyes and fast hands. Launch date: September 1, 2007. 9/4/2007 (Price: $6.99; Age: 7 and Up)
Human Skeleton Playing Cards by Les Entreprises SynHeme inc.
Every bone of the human body on 52 cards! Each card illustrates one or two bones using vivid color for easy recognition. Each bone is presented in its context with its name in English, in French and in Spanish. Two cards illustrate the bone structure and the Jokers serves as index. 8/31/2007 (Price: $7.98; Age: 6 and Up)
Cutthroat Caverns by SMIRK & DAGGER GAMES
Players must learn teamwork in order to survive the game, but must also learn betrayal in order to win the game. This genre-bending card game of ‘'kill-stealing,” in a classic RPG dungeon setting, forces players to walk the fine line between cooperative play and backstabbing. All the while, creatures lurk, ready to punish the entire party if players do not work together. 8/24/2007 (Price: $29.95; Age: 12 and Up)
Crayola Card Game by GREAT AMERICAN PUZZLE FACTORY
This pack includes three card games — Rummy, Color Memory and Color Snap — that feature oversized crayon-shaped cards and are easy to learn and play. In Rainbow Rummy, players try to collect the most color pairs, in Color Memory, they flip over and collect matched pairs, and in Color Snap, players race to see who is the fastest at matching the colors. 8/22/2007 (Price: $9.99; Age: 4 and Up)
Deluxe Animal Card Games by MELISSA & DOUG
These playful animal illustrations will keep children and adults smiling, win or lose. The set of three boxed games includes Old Maid, Go Fish, and Animal Rummy. The game measures 10.5" x 5" x .75" in dimension.
— "Classic card games by Mellissa & Doug — a group of three: Go Fish, Animal Rummy, and Old Maid," said Wayne Kneeland, owner of Toy Shop in Bristol, RI, when discussing top-sellers in his store with TDmonthly. 8/7/2007 (Price: $9.99; Age: 3 to 7)
The Best Card Games in the Galaxy by KLUTZ
This Klutz card game package provides definitive rules for the "best card games in the universe", along with the 52 tools of the trade and complete plans for an architecturally sound house of cards. The set includes the booklet with rules and instructions, as well as a net pouch containing the deck of cards. Included in the booklet as "Best Card Games in the Galaxy" are such classics as Concentration, Rummy, Old Maid, Crazy Eights, and much more.
— "I do well with the Klutz. They have the different card games — classic card games in a package with a book," said Donna Sedgwick, owner of Toy Mill in Tiverton, RI. 8/7/2007 (Price: $13.95; Age: 8 and Up)
Quao, The Ultimate Dictatorship Card Game by WIGGITY BANG GAMES
Quao is a dictator who makes rules and hands them down. Players race to discover Quao’s secret rules, overthrow her and replace her as the ultimate dictator. Each deck includes 71 cards in five categories. 7/25/2007 (Price: $9.95; Age: 12 and Up)
UniPoker by UNKL
The four UniPoker characters include a king, queen, jack and joker. Each set includes two of the four urban vinyl UniPo figures packaged randomly in a collectible tin. The tin also includes a full deck of playing cards, with custom face cards. Launch date: October 2007. 7/25/2007 (Price: $25.00)
Van Gogh Irises by PIATNIK OF AMERICA
A double deck set of playing cards with images of the beautiful Van Gogh Irises. 7/20/2007 (Price: $11.95)
WordTeasers: College Prep Edition™ by ELM EDUCATION MARKETING LLC
Teens can challenge their friends and family to “supersize their vocabulary” with challenging WordTeasers — an interactive vocabulary game that is both funny and thought-provoking. It can help high school students get ready for the SAT and other college entrance exams…and learn new words at the same time. This educational game includes 144 WordTeaser Challenge Cards and is designed to get players talking, laughing and thinking as they learn. Launch date: March 2007. 7/16/2007 (Price: $16.95; Age: 14 to 18)
Sixteen by ALPINE GAMES
This two-player, high-quality card game offers head-to-head fun as players take calculated risks to win sets by forcing their opponent to "bust." Yet, players must also play their cards defensively at the right time, or the tables will turn. The player who wins the most sets wins the game. Sixteen is easy to learn, while cribbage-like counting and a distinctive combination of cards yield high strategy and replay value. Playing time is about 15 minutes. Sixteen won the Dr. Toy 2007 Best Products Award, the Major Fun Family Award and the Creative Child Magazine Seal of Excellence Award. MSRP: $6.99 to $9.99. Launch date: July 2007. 7/13/2007 (Age: 8 and Up)
Bella Sara 2nd Series – 12 Card Packs by HIDDEN CITY ENTERTAINMENT
These cards allow girls to collect their favorite Bella Sara horses, play fun card games with their friends, and read each horse’s special message. The series includes “wise warriors,” swimming, flying and fantasy horses. It also features rare, extra-special foil horse cards. Girls can even visit the Bella Sara website to care for and play with their horses online. 7/5/2007
Tripoley™ 75th Diamond Edition by CADACO INC.
The classic game of chance is modernized in this fast-paced game, where players use a single card hand to play a round of Michigan Rummy, Hearts and Poker. The new 75th Diamond Edition collector’s set features a rotating turntable for easier play and updated poker rules to include the popular Texas Hold ‘Em. Tripoley is the perfect addition to any family fun night. 6/28/2007 (Price: $19.99; Age: 8 and Up)
Pile It by FUNSTREET INC.
This card game consists of three rounds, each of which requires players to focus on a particular card element — color, number or picture — as they race to flip and sort all their cards into piles on the table. Each player’s score in each round is determined by the order in which they finish relative to other players. This card game combines speed, concentration and competition, and is fun for the whole family. Intended for one to four players, each game comes with 12 Start cards, 72 Pile It cards and instructions.
― Pile It does well for James Burdette, owner of LB Toys in Media, Penn., he told TDmonthly in summer 2007. 6/22/2007 (Price: $9.99; Age: 6 and Up)
Six Generations™ by SIX GENERATIONS PUBLISHING
Six Generations is a renewed deck of playing cards and historical images, created with a help of a science, called genealogy. Genealogy, combining the knowledge in history and genetic about our families and ancestors, helps us to answer many questions of the present and the past. Get one Six Generations deck, and play many new card games, like Six Generations, The Heirs, Blind Date, or GenPoker. 6/18/2007 (Price: $8.97; Age: 6 and Up)
M Is for Mouse: The Game of Starting Sounds by PLAYROOM ENTERTAINMENT
In this card game, players match objects to the letter that the object’s name begins with. The player who finds the most pairs first wins the game. Typically completed within 15 minutes, the game accommodates two to five players. The card set includes five reference boards, 26 cards, 30 chips and instructions in English, Spanish and French. 5/21/2007 (Price: $8.00; Age: 6 and Up)
Bleach Trading Card Game by SCORE ENTERTAINMENT
Trading Card games are games played with one’s own collection of cards. The goal of the game is to either take away all of the powers of the opponent’s guardian or to empty the opponent’s deck of cards. In the Bleach Trading Card Game, join Ichigo and his friends in their fight to protect the innocent and help tortured souls find peace. It's $11.99 for the Starter Deck and $3.29 for the Booster Pack. Launch date: May 23, 2007. 5/21/2007 (Price: $11.99; Age: 13 and Up)
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