TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Card Games Product Category

Solitaire Frenzy by JAX LTD INC.

The Solitaire game for up to 6 players!

It's Solitaire vs. Solitaire in this exciting, fast-pace card game for the whole family. You play your cards much like Solitaire except you play against your opponents. Play as many cards from your hand as possible before your opponent. Cards in your possession at the end of each round counts as points against you. The more cards you place on the game board, the more points you get. The player with most points wins. It's fast and frantic fun! 6/2/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Total Play Football by J ROUNDTABLE ENTERPRISES

This card game is designed for non-stop action. Players compete to win more sets (one set is equal to one football quarter) than their opponents. It takes 10 or more points to win a set. Placing an Offensive card in play for “points scored” scores points. Points are also scored by the Defensive card play when matching the correct corresponding Defensive card play “number” to “number” and “word” to “word” to a played Offensive card.  Any player can make a play for points or deny points at any time which adds even more fun and excitement to the game. No one will feel excluded from playing Total Play Football because the game terminology does not require football lingo. 5/25/2006

aBRIDGEd by OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING

aBRIDGEd is a refreshing new take on the game of Bridge — the card game that has been enjoyed around the world for decades. aBRIDGEd plays just like the classic game of Bridge, but without the complex bidding. With the newly designed cards and simple instructions, players will be immersed in a game in no time. It only takes 20 minutes to learn and 30 to 40 minutes to play. The game includes two 52-card aBRIDGEd decks, four quick reference cards, four score pads and pencils and full-color rules. “Millions of Bridge players have been looking for a way to introduce family members to the game of Bridge. But current Bridge rules are too complex,” explained Matt Mariani, president of Out of the Box Games. “These Bridge players cannot wait for us to bring out this product. It makes playing Bridge easy … and brings a whole new generation into what many people consider to be “the greatest game” – Bridge.” Launch date: July 2006. 5/25/2006 (Price: $14.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Family Guy: Season Two Trading Cards by INKWORKS

Each pack contains eight cards with 24 packs in each sealed display box. The cards reflect funny scenes from the Family Guy series, season two. The show was so popular that in 2004 Fox ordered the previously canceled show back on air after recognizing the extraordinary fan support for the series. 5/22/2006 (Price: $3.49)

QBee Cards by GAMEWARE PUBLISHERS

There are ten dicey card games in one package for endless entertainment and enjoyment for all ages. With Gameware Publishers games, you get all the classics such as Spades, Hearts, Gin and Poker — with a dicey twist. The prototype debuted at the American International Toy Fair 2006. QBee Cards were launched in mid-July 2006. ( Watch Video) 4/21/2006 (Price: $12.00)

Anachronism by TRIKING GAMES

The first Anachronism set introduces some of the greatest Japanese, Norse, Greek and Roman warriors, and the weapons, armor and other cards to support them. With every pack historically accurate and ready to play right out of the pack, you can clash steel with your friends right away. You can also mix and match cultures. Find the right match to slay your foes and emerge victorious. Anachronism takes learning to new heights. Students develop skills as they interact in this lightning-fast card game using historical figures from the great cultures of the world. ( Watch Video) 4/20/2006

Uglydoll Card Game by GAMEWRIGHT

Join OX, Wedgehead and the rest of the Uglydolls in their first ever fast-action card game. Turn over cards until you spot three matching Uglys. Then race like an Ice-Bat out of Heck to grab a match before they all get snatched. Claim the most cards and you claim the game. Winning isn't always pretty, but it's always fun. “Players love how this game gets your blood pressure going in a very silly environment,” Jason Schneider of Gamewright told TDmonthly. It received the 2007 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. ( Watch Video) 4/12/2006 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Da Vinci's Challenge Card Game by BRIARPATCH INC.

Become the master of Da Vinci's Challenge with this portable card game of secret symbols valued at 1 to 125 points each. Each fast-paced round is played with cards featuring classic imagery such as the Seed
of Life, Flower of Life or Leonardo Da Vinci himself. Players take turns trying to match or beat the last card thrown. Remember to announce "Carta Finale!" (last card) when you have one card left in your hand. Empty your hand of all cards to win. As an extra bonus, these cards can also be played as an add-on to the Da Vinci's Challenge board game. 4/12/2006 (Price: $6.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Xeko Mission: Madagascar by MATTER GROUP LLC

This unique two-player card game teaches kids about endangered species and environments. Game play is set up as though all events take place in a mystical world, yet the world described is that of Earth. Players compete to collect cards with different skills and helpful animals and tools on them. Turf Wars occur wherein they must defend the Xeko-system they've created with the cards they've collected. The set includes 50 cards. “Xeko is more fun than other card games because the heroes of the game are the real animals of earth’s wildest habitats,” Mark Gross of Matter Group told TDmonthly. “Xeko fans know all kinds of cool facts, like which African frogs ooze poison and the name of the world’s smallest primate.”  ( Watch Video) 3/28/2006

Killer Bunnies Violet Booster by PLAYROOM ENTERTAINMENT

Killer Bunnies is a fast-paced, action-filled card game, in which players must try to keep as many Bunnies alive as possible, while eliminating opponents' Bunnies. The problem: Opponents are armed with weapons and will stop at nothing to keep players from winning the game, which can get dreadfully vengeful, horribly nasty, hilariously messy and just plain fun. Killer Bunnies are back again and sporting new Specialty Bunnies, which make taking double turns a snap. The Violet Booster Deck adds another 55 cards to an existing set, plus a clear 20-sided die. ( Watch Video) 3/27/2006 (Price: $12.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Play Nine by BONFIT AMERICA INC.

The objective of Play Nine, just like in real golf, is to shoot the lowest score and win the match. Each hand is a hole and each turn is a shot, and after nine rounds the player with the lowest score wins. Developed on the 19th hole by two avid golfers, Play Nine is an alternative card game that combines elements from traditional card games, such as Gin-Rummy and Go-Fish, with the actual game of golf. Play Nine, which is designed for two to six players, ages eight and up, is an entertaining and challenging game for friends and family alike, and can even be used as a fun new way to teach children addition and subtraction. 3/10/2006 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Rhyme-N-Tyme by EEL, Inc.

How would you describe moose juice? How about pooch smooch? Go ahead and give it a try. You can use words, gestures and even make silly sounds, but think fast. You have just one minute to get your teammates to guess your Rhyme-N-Tyme. The team that guesses the most rhymes wins. So the next time someone asks "What Time Is It?" gather your team and scream "Rhyme-N-Tyme!" 2/22/2006 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Vocab Ace Cards by FUN SMART EDUGAMES

This unique card game pack contains 110 cards that can be played in three fun-filled ways. Detailed instructions are included in the pack. The cards have unique designs on the back, as the company, based in Mumbai, India, is a division of a very old and reputed textiles company. 2/6/2006

Avatar: The Last Airbender Trading Card Game by UPPER DECK ENTERTAINMENT

Nickelodeon’s latest hit animated series, “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” makes its trading card game debut with Upper Deck Entertainment (UDE) new trading card game (TCG) based on the cartoon series. The Avatar Trading Card Game will be the first collectible card game to use UDE’s new QuickStrike game engine, which features lightning-fast one-on-one card combat moves, and will be compatible with future releases on the QuickStrike system.

Combining the amazing world of Waterbenders, Earthbenders, Firebenders, and Airbenders, the Avatar Trading Card Game centers on the adventures of Aang – a reluctant hero who must lead the fight against the evil Fire Nation to restore balance in his war-torn world. Avatar fans can execute all the signature bending moves of Aang and the entire cast with UDE’s new foil Zenemental cards, and slide-open Chamber Cards, which allows players to reveal hidden moves, and simulate all the action seen on the hit television series.

The launch of the Avatar Trading Card Game will include Master of Elements Starter Sets, which features two 30-card decks, two Chamber Cards, one rulebook, and two game mats, packaged in the new UDECK plastic storage case. UDE will also release Master of Elements Booster Packs, which includes nine cards and one Chamber Card per pack. 1/27/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

DC Comics Trading Card Game – Superman Starter Set by UPPER DECK ENTERTAINMENT

Award-winning DC Comics Trading Card Game gets an extra boost this spring with the new Superman-themed starter set. Gaming and comic fans have the opportunity to join Superman and his friends in their never-ending battle against evil. The DC Comics TCG incorporates Upper Deck's game engine that represents epic Super Hero battles in a TCG format. The game is specially designed to be played at every level of competition, from casual games to professional-level tournaments, and can be played in a variety of different formats with any number of players. The game was voted The Best New TCG in 2004 by Inquest Gamer Magazine and received the 2005 Gamers Choice Origins Award. 1/27/2006 (Price: $9.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Duelist Packs by UPPER DECK ENTERTAINMENT

Duelists can now create their own decks based on the top-rated Yu-Gi-Oh! GX animated series and comic book. With Jaden Yuki and Chazz Princeton Duelists Packs, their moves and fighting combos are at every player’s fingertips. The Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG is a game of strategy, in which players create individual decks of cards collected from starter sets and booster packs. Two players engage in a Duel while using cards that represent powerful Monsters, magical Spells and surprising Traps. Duelists with well-constructed Decks, dominating monsters, solid strategy and good fortune are the victors in the Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG. Set years ahead in a land inaccessible to the rest of the world at the premiere dueling high school Duel Academy, the stories follow Jaden and his friends as they Duel their way to become the next “King of Games.”
― “Yu-Gi-Oh!, the collectible card game, is still very popular, and our sanctioned events only help to support sales,” commented Ed Evans, owner of All Things Fun! in West Berlin, N.J., in March 2007. “We still enjoy a strong base for this game, and it broke into our top sellers during 4Q 2005.” 1/27/2006 (Price: $1.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bang! by MAYFAIR GAMES INC.

In this card game, the outlaws hunt the sheriff, the sheriff hunts the outlaws and the renegade plots secretly, ready to take one side or the other. Bullets fly. Who among the gunmen is a deputy, ready to sacrifice himself for the sheriff? And who is a merciless outlaw, willing to kill him? Those who want to find out just draw (their cards). Mayfair recently came out with an expansion pack called Bang! A Fist Full of Cards.
— Tova Rubin, manager at Toytraders in Lakewood, N.J., said “we have sold hundreds of these decks and it’s relatively new. We keep running out of that one. We have a list of 30 people we have to call when we get it in.” She explained that one boy introduced it to his friends at school and now they’re all hooked.
— At Games Less Ordinary in Exeter, R.I., owner Anne Brewer said that although this game is not a huge success, those that are into it are into it big time. “One guy came in over the holidays and bought four copies” to hook family and friends.
— "Bang! & Dodge City have become game favorites rapidly consuming printrun after printrun since the initial release," said Robert T. Carty, Jr., vice president of sales and marketing for Mayfair Games. 1/20/2006 (Price: $10.00) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

FIVE CROWNS® by SET ENTERPRISES INC.

FIVE CROWNS® – The Game Isn’t Over ‘til the Kings Go Wild! ® FIVE CROWNS is a five-suited rummy-style game that is a quick favorite for both avid and casual card players. It starts with 3 cards and 3s are wild, the next hand has 4 cards and 4s are wild and so on ‘til the Kings Go Wild! Make the right combinations, be the first to go out, then watch the others scramble as they get one last chance to cut their losses. Players 1-7. Age 8+
— This take-off on Rummy, only with five suits instead of four, sells well for Andy Detling, owner of Whoops! & Co. in Minocqua, Wis. “I noticed more of a return to family games this year,” said Cheri Sims, store manager of White Rabbit Toys in Ann Arbor, Mich., who said this game was one such game that families were stocking up on.
— In summer 2007, three of 32 retailers cited Five Crowns as the most popular card game. In August 2008, almost 25 percent of retailers named Set Enterprises as their top-selling card game company; 8 percent listed Five Crowns as a best-selling card game. In late summer 2009, three of 38 retailers cited it as their top-selling card game. In Feb. 2010, four of 38 retailers called it a best-selling game, selling between 3 and 25 units monthly. In an August 2010 TDmonthly survey, three of 43 retailers named Five Crowns a card game best seller.
— As of 10.25.10, this product had 5 out of 5 stars from 15 reviews on Walmart.com and was listed as the #3 bestseller in Games & Puzzles.  PROS: easy to learn, fun for the whole family. ( Watch Video) 1/20/2006 (Price: $12.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Apples to Apples Party Box Edition by OUT OF THE BOX PUBLISHING

Each player selects a card from his or her hand that seems best described by a card played by the judge. If the judge picks that card, that player wins the round. Everyone gets a chance to be the judge. The Party Box version comes complete with more than 1,000 cards — the entire collection of cards from the original core game plus Expansion Sets 1 and 2.
— “Teachers love this game. It crossed the border from teacher outlets to retail toy stores. There’s a Junior to Adult version,” said Roberta Edwards, owner of Wishes Toys & Gifts in La Quinta, Calif.
— This has been a consistently solid seller for Tree Top Kids in Fairfax, Va., according to Susie Waterstreet, vice president of marketing.
— “Believe it or not, I had the Junior age 7 and up, Junior 9 and up and Party Box kinds and I only have one 9 and up left,” said Trish Garlock, owner of Treasured Child in La Grange, Ky.
—  As of 1.06.2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 340 reviews on Amazon.com and was No. 10 on the top 100 bestselling toys and games. Pros: Encourages creative thinking; fun for large groups. Cons: requires at least 4 people to play; not for children under 12. 1/20/2006 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Chess Opening Playing Cards by Les Entreprises SynHeme inc.

Whether you are a youngster learning chess, a casual chess lover or an avid chess club player, these cards will help you improve your game. Each card has the Chess Encyclopedia reference, the opening name, the moves for White and Black, a diagram of the key position and the following most commonly played moves. Finally an easy way to learn chess openings! 1/18/2006 (Price: $5.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Music playing cards by Les Entreprises SynHeme inc.

These beautifully design cards help beginners and experts’ guitar players to learn new scales or chords. Each card has two diagrams of a guitar’s neck. Color coded markers clearly identify the roots of the scales and show the player where to put its fingers to play the referred notes. Below the diagrams, a staff with the g clef, the scale and the accidentals is presented. This section can be used by any music player, not just guitarists.

The scales’ names are written in three languages: English, French and Spanish. One deck has 52 C scales, an other has all the twelve Major scales as well as all the Melodic minor scales, the Harmonic minor scales and the Natural minor scales.

The third deck of cards introduces 52 guitar’s chords ranging from the most commons to the wildly exotics. Each card has four diagrams of the key fingering positions. The chord’s name, a staff, notes and degrees complete the cards. The playing cards can be used in a traditional way as well. Hours of fun! Weeks of practice! 1/18/2006 (Price: $5.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Periodic Table Playing Cards by Les Entreprises SynHeme inc.

This double deck of cards has one card per element. Each essential characteristic of the element is present on the card: The atomic number, name (in English, French and Spanish), symbol, mass, melting and boiling points, period, group and more. Ideal as homeschooling aid and a great science related gift. 1/18/2006 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Sentence Says Dice Edition by MARBAN INDUSTRIES INC.

Sentence Says Dice Edition is hilarious fun for the entire family to play at home or on the road. Draw an action card and read the sentence instruction. Now roll the letter dice to see what letters you will get to create your sentence. Hurry, the timer's running out! What will your sentence say? For the letters: F, L, S, I and P, how about "Frogs like singing in ponds?" Opponents judge a winning sentence and can steal it if you're not careful. The game is for 2 to 4 players and includes 4 consonant dice, 2 vowel dice, 1 danger die, 1 steal die, 40 action cards and a dice cup. 1/10/2006

Bratz™ Flashback Fever Boosters Box by UPPER DECK ENTERTAINMENT

Join Cloe™, Dana™, Jade™, Sasha™ and Yasmin™ and go retro! Upper Deck Entertainment presents an all-new Bratz™ booster box that will expand on your Bratz game wardrobe with some groovy fashions from the past! The Flashback Fever card collection is highlighted by totally-cool retro Bratz fashions, all-new secret reveal questions and special Party Power cards, including Ultra Rare versions (inserted 1:20 packs) that feature actual Bratz fashion material swatches! Each boosters box contains 24 packs with six cards inserted per pack. 1/10/2006 (Price: $71.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

DC Comics JLA Deluxe Collector Deck Box Set by UPPER DECK ENTERTAINMENT

Defending Earth from danger and fighting villainy at its most extreme, the Justice League of America is untouchable. Comic book fans and gamers, experience the power of Super-Heroes™ such as Superman, Batman, the Flash, Wonder Woman and more and be sure to get your order in for this unique collector deck box set. Highlighted by spectacular depictions of the JLA by world famous comic book artist Alex Ross, this set presents an ideal way to get started with Vs. System gaming or expand an existing collection. The DC Comics TCG is an easy to learn, fast-paced game that provides exciting strategic gameplay while capturing the flavor of the DC Comics universe. The game accurately represents the super powers and histories of the DC characters, and as a Vs. System game, is fully compatible with other Vs. System products. Each collector tin contains four JLA booster packs (14 cards per pack) and four exclusive variant extended art foil cards. 1/10/2006 (Price: $29.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]