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Homemade Sequence Board Game Using Playing Cards

Sequence is a simple board game based on a card game called "Jack Foolery." The game uses playing cards and poker chips and a simple board arrayed with two decks of cards minus the Jacks. The object of the game is to get one or two five-chip sequences, in your color, depending on the number of players. The game lends itself well to making a homemade playing board.

The Base
- The board game playing are is a 10-inch-by-10-inch square grid of 1 1/2-inch squares. The simplest way to construct a board is by gluing playing cards to a base material. A light wooden panel or a heavy cardboard base works quite well, cut to 15 inches by 15 inches minimum. You may prefer to cut your base to 17 inches by 17 inches. This allows for a 1-inch border all around. Sand or route the sides, so you don't have splinters or ragged edges.
The Squares
- Take a yardstick or straight edge and draw a 10-inch-by-10-inch square grid with 1 1/2-inch squares. Take two decks of cards and divide them into suites. Standard playing cards are too large for the squares, so cut a 1 1/2-inch square out of the top left corner of the cards, leaving the number or letter visible. Jacks are not included on the grid, so discard these. Do, however, cut squares for the jokers. Don't mix the suites. You will have two of each card when you're done. Glue the cards by suite and number in the spaces as shown in the picture below. Brush a thin layer of white glue over the square and press the playing card into place ad allow to dry. To insure the cards lie flat, lay wax paper over the top and press down with books or other flat, heavy objects.
The Array
- The array starts with jokers in all four corners and displays in this sequence:
  
  7 4 2 A
  8 5 3
  9 6 Q
  10 K
  Joker
  
  The next suite array is turned on its side to the right of this array, and the rest are displayed as shown in this photo of an actual board.
Finishing the Board
- For a permanent finish to the board, use a thin coat of clear decoupage, which you can find at your local craft store. Ordinary varnishes can damage the cardstock and may cause the ink to run or bleed.
Playing the Game
- Sequence game rules are available at several online websites. Simply search for "Sequence game" to find a set you can print. For materials, all you need are the board, two decks of cards and 50 poker chips, one color for each player or team in the game.

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