Chain
Players: 2 | Age 8+ | Game Time: 15 mins | Learning Curve: Medium
Chain is a strategy game with plenty of conflict as players simultaneously try to create continuous chains of cards across the table to destroy their opponent.
Note: This game takes a bit more getting your head around, so we recommend that you watch the video above as well as reading the written rules below.
Aim
To flip over all four of your opponent’s face down cards.
Setup
Five cards are placed face down in front of each player with a five card gap between each player.
Flip the far left card face up.
Each player is dealt seven cards.
The remaining cards are placed face down as a draw pile.
Game Play
- At the start of your turn, draw a card.
- On your turn you may play one or two cards, or you can pass.
- At the end of your turn you must discard a card if you have more than 7 cards.
Each card you play on your turn must be one number higher, one number lower, or the same number as the card prior to it in the chain (suits do not matter). This is referred to as a ‘linked card’. Multiple linked cards form a ‘chain’.
A linked card can either be placed in front of, diagonal to, or on top of a face up card. If a card is played on top of another face up card, the bottom card is added to the discard pile.
Remember, the card you place must always remain part of a continuous chain of linked cards that starts on your side and progresses forward.
If you form a chain all the way to your opponent’s side, you can play a linked card on top of one of their face down cards. The card you played is added to the discard pile, and your opponent’s face down card is flipped over. This brings you closer to victory.
You can play over top of any face up card to disrupt your opponent’s chain, provided you still have a continual chain of linked cards linking from your side. Remember to discard the card that ends up underneath.
When the draw pile runs out, shuffle the discard pile and place the cards face down.
You can at any point opt to turn over one of your face down cards in order to give you more options, but this will bring your opponent closer to victory.
Valid Moves
Note: This game takes a bit more getting your head around, so we recommend that you watch the video above as well as reading the written rules below.
Aim
To flip over all four of your opponent’s face down cards.
Setup
Five cards are placed face down in front of each player with a five card gap between each player.
Flip the far left card face up.
Each player is dealt seven cards.
The remaining cards are placed face down as a draw pile.
Game Play
- At the start of your turn, draw a card.
- On your turn you may play one or two cards, or you can pass.
- At the end of your turn you must discard a card if you have more than 7 cards.
Each card you play on your turn must be one number higher, one number lower, or the same number as the card prior to it in the chain (suits do not matter). This is referred to as a ‘linked card’. Multiple linked cards form a ‘chain’.
A linked card can either be placed in front of, diagonal to, or on top of a face up card. If a card is played on top of another face up card, the bottom card is added to the discard pile.
Remember, the card you place must always remain part of a continuous chain of linked cards that starts on your side and progresses forward.
If you form a chain all the way to your opponent’s side, you can play a linked card on top of one of their face down cards. The card you played is added to the discard pile, and your opponent’s face down card is flipped over. This brings you closer to victory.
You can play over top of any face up card to disrupt your opponent’s chain, provided you still have a continual chain of linked cards linking from your side. Remember to discard the card that ends up underneath.
When the draw pile runs out, shuffle the discard pile and place the cards face down.
You can at any point opt to turn over one of your face down cards in order to give you more options, but this will bring your opponent closer to victory.
Valid Moves
Invalid Moves
Winner
The winner is the first player to flip over all four of their opponent’s face down cards.
Variation
You can only play one card per turn instead of two, so you will always end your turn with seven cards. This makes for a longer game and changes the tactics.
Let Mr Cosmo know what you think of this game in the comments below, and make sure to tell us if you come up with any fun new variations!