Going over the games don't get their proper credit
5. Hearts
- Available to every Windows user or anyone with a deck of cards and 3 friends (a rarity, but who's counting?). The game is simple: maintain the lowest score, first to 100 points loses, hearts are 1 point, Queen of Spades, 13, all other cards are 0. All the cards are dealt, the 2 of clubs is led, then each player puts out one card and the next player must follow suit unless they don't have the same suit and then can play whatever they'd like. The highest card collects the pile (and possible points). The official rules.
- The big twist- Shooting the Moon- if you collect all hearts and the Queen of Spades, you get 0 points, everyone else gets 26. The minor twist- you have to pass 3 cards to an opponent at the start of each round except for the fourth.
- THE CLINCHER: in the Windows version, you can name your opponents resulting in hours of fun, passing cards to Sex Fiend, Boron, or Jewbot.
4. Rummikub
- A classic game for the Jewish family, Rummikub is big with all rummy lovers, yet it doesn't get as much press at it deserves.
- Before I speak to soon, there is a World Rummikub Championship, held in locations such as a caves and glaciers. That is dedication to the sport.
- Patience, a good eye and some luck are all key components to this social game.
- For the rules, check out the official website or the Wikipedia entry.
3. Gabriel Knight: Sins of the Fathers
- The original classic of the 90's by Jane Jensen that follows a young detective in New Orleans tracking voodoo related murders.
- It features the voice of Tim Curry, Mark Hamill, and Leah Remini and the MIDI soundtrack sets the atmosphere perfectly.
- While the graphics are completely out of date, the story and writing are strong enough to hold the game to its conclusion. Click for more info or purchase availability.
2. Connect Four
- Why is the recommended age of this game limited to 12 years? This is an elementary school classic that should be hosted with a worldwide professional tournament.
- A game that requires no language skills, just an eye for lines and diagonals is perfect for international relations. The game board even sets up the players face to face, ready for battle.
- Here's a nice online version with multiple difficulties, and the rules for those who missed out on a proper childhood. For those advanced (read: crazy) enough, here's Victor Allis's thesis (in .pdf form) of the game broken down to ensure a win each time.
I'm leaving number 1 out until next time (I know, I know, I hate me too). Any guesses? Suggestions for the list? Let me know because there has to be hundreds of games I missed.
