The Goal
The goal is to be the player whose estimate is closest to the actual answer without going over.
The Setup
* Players: 3 or more players
* Deck: A standard deck of playing cards (Ace = 1, Jack = 11, Queen = 12, King = 13)
* Cards Per Player: Deal out 7 cards to each player (more or less, depending on player count).
Gameplay
1. Choose a "Question Card": One player (or the dealer) draws a card from the deck. This card becomes the "Question Card".
2. Estimate the Value: Players secretly write down their estimate of the total value of all the cards in their hands that match the rank of the "Question Card". For example, if the "Question Card" is a 7, players would estimate the total value of all their 7s.
3. Reveal Estimates: Players simultaneously reveal their written estimates.
4. Determine the Closest Estimate: The player with the closest estimate to the actual total value of their matching cards wins the round. Ties are possible and can be handled in various ways (e.g., all tied players win the round or the tied players with the lowest estimates win).
5. Scoring (Optional): You can keep score for each round. Here's one way:
* The winner of the round gets a point.
* If the closest estimate was exactly correct, the winner gets two points.
6. Continue Playing: Repeat steps 1-5 for a predetermined number of rounds or until someone reaches a certain score.
Variations
* Using Multiple Question Cards: You can draw multiple "Question Cards" at the beginning of a round, and players have to estimate for each card.
* Penalty Points: Instead of scoring points, you could give penalty points to those whose estimates are furthest away from the actual value.
* Playing with Different Decks: You can use other decks of cards (e.g., a deck with faces removed or a deck of unique cards) to vary the game.
Strategies
* Observe your own hand: Pay attention to the values of the cards you hold that match the "Question Card".
* Listen to the other players: If you hear a player make a very high or very low estimate, it might help you adjust your own.
* Play it safe: It's often better to err on the side of caution and underestimate slightly rather than overestimate and go over.
Let me know if you have any more questions about the game!