Rummy With A Twist
Written: Jan 01 '01 (Updated Jan 06 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to learn, inexpensive, works on strategy skills
Cons: Can take a very long time
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| francesca57's Full Review: Phase 10 Card Game |
Our family loves to play games. As the children grow older and busier, it becomes increasingly harder to find time to play, but whenever we can, we diligently try to fit one in.
Besides being fun, the benefits of game playing are excellent. Not only does it give us the quality, together time we don't seem to get enough of, but it also (and don't tell the children) provides an educational experience. Some increase knowledge, some strategy, and some both; but almost all contribute something to the learning process.
One of our favorites is a simple game called Phase Ten.
Object of The Game
The object of Phase Ten is to be the first player to complete all ten phases of the game. If more than one player completes this task at the same time, the player who has accumulated the fewest points during the game wins.
What The Game Is Played With
A large deck made up of cards numbered one through twelve, and of four different colors; red, blue, green and yellow. There are also skip cards and wild cards.
How The Game Is Played
Each player is dealt ten cards. There are ten phases, or rounds, and each one requires a different configuration of cards to be completed. The phases are based on gin rummy, in that they are made up almost entirely of getting either runs (a set of cards in order such as one, two, three, etc.), or sets (a group of the same number card). Only one phase differs from this pattern, and that is the one which requires a group of cards of the same color.
The phases are:
2 sets of 3
1 set of 3 and 1 run of 4
1 set of 4 and 1 run of 4
1 run of 7
1 run of 8
1 run of 9
2 sets of 4
7 cards of 1 color
1 set of 5 and 1 set of 2
1 set of 5 and 1 set of 3
Once you have completed the entire phase requirement, you may lay your cards down. Any cards remaining in your hand can be played on your hand, or on the hands of your opponents. The first one with no cards left wins the hand. Score is kept based on the value of the cards left in your hands.
Time Requirement
This is the only downside to playing this game. An average game, with our family of five, takes a couple of hours. Often, we chose a shorter number of phases before we play, insuring a smaller commitment of time.
Age
The game package recommends this game for ages 8 and up. I would definitely agree. Our youngest child is 9, and she has mastered the game well, and has more than her fair share of wins.
Price
The game is very reasonably priced. A recent price comparison showed:
Amazon.com $4.99
KBKids.com $5.99
eToys.com $6.99 (and $10.99 for a deluxe version which includes a card holder and score pad.
The Verdict
The game is fun, simple to learn, and gives the children an opportunity to work on strategy skills. It's also easy on the pocketbook. Definitely a good purchase.
Recommended:
Yes
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