July 2014 Notable Toys — Card Games

Everyone’s favorite card game has gone sub-zero! Spot it! Freeze pits players against an electric timer and heats up the match fueled frenzy with three new games. Players race against the clock as they search for matches between temperature charged symbols, all while looking for their chance to freeze their opponents. Depending on the game, the clock can grant an advantage or cause a hair-pulling drawback. Beat the freeze to win! The handy timer opens up to store the playing cards.

Scheming and Skulking, is an exciting card game where every hand can be a winning hand... if you play your cards right! It is a "trick taking" game, which means that each turn, each player, plays one card. The highest numbered card, or the most powerful special Pirate card played will win. This is called "taking a trick." Each hand players look at their cards and then create a Scheme as to how many tricks they will win. With a "Yo Ho Ho," players simultaneously bid how many tricks they will win. Those bids are recorded on the included score pad. Players continue to Scheme to make sure they win exactly how many tricks they bid. If you get your bid you score. If you win more, or less, than you bid, you loose points. You never know which cards are skulking out there that might thwart your scheme because there are always some cards not dealt out. The five powerful PIRATE cards, the adaptable TIGRESS card, and the all powerful SKULL KING card may, or may not be Skulking in another player's hand. There may be many, or few JOLLY ROGER cards dealt, which are the valuable trump cards. Getting your bid is a dynamic challenge that makes every hand of every game dramatic and interesting. If you have and escape card, it allows you to avoid taking a trick. This is especially helpful when you bid to win zero tricks. Yes, in this game you can win by loosing! Every hand, whether you have high or low cards, can be a winner, If you play your cards right! There are many ways to score bonus points that allow you to come back from behind, or to quickly shoot ahead. You are always in the game, no matter what cards you are dealt. Scheming and Skulking will become a new family favorite for you, just as it is the all time favorite of Grandpa Beck and his family. This award winning game will never cease to entertain and challenge. It is the winner of several awards and now licensed for distribution in a Euro version now available in Europe and Russia!