Collector is a casual game for 2-4 players using a standard deck of 52 playing cards. The goal is to score as many points as possible by collecting high-value cards.
SETUP
To begin each game, follow these steps in order:
- Shuffle the deck and place it face down on the table. Cards will be drawn from the top of the deck.
- Take the top 4 cards of the deck and place them separately face up in the center of table to become the Target Numbers.
- Each player draws 10 cards to form their hand. You can look at cards in your own hand but keep them concealed from the other players.
- Randomly determine a player to take the first turn.
GAMEPLAY
Players take turns clockwise around the table. As you play, you will build a collection of cards. Keep your collection in front of you in 2 piles. One pile will be face up and the other face down. Cards you play remain on the table and become new Target Numbers.
On your turn, choose a Target Number on the table and play 1 card from your hand onto the table next to it. Based on the number played, cause an effect. Ace is treated as your choice of 1 or 14, Jack as 11, Queen as 12, and King as 13. The effect is determined by comparing the card you play to the Target Number you chose as follows:
Your card is a lower number
You may play a second card if it makes the total number of your cards played equal the Target Number. If you do, take the Target Number and add it to your collection face up.
If you do not play a second card, if your card is exactly half the number of the Target Number, choose 1 face down card in your collection and turn it face up. Either way, then add the Target Number to your collection face down.
Your card is exactly 1 number higher
If your card is the same suit, add the Target Number to your collection face up. Otherwise, add it to your collection face down.
Your card is more than double the number
Add the Target Number to your collection face up.
Your card is the same the number
Add the Target Number and your card to your collection face up. If there are less than 4 Target Numbers remaining, place new Target Numbers from the top of the deck until there are or there are no cards in the deck.
Your card does not match any other condition
Draw 1 card from the deck and add it to your hand unless the deck is empty.
WINNING
Continue until any player plays the last card in their hand and does not have to draw another card. The player with the highest score wins. Score points based on these conditions:
- For each face up card you collected, gain points equal to the card's number.
- For each face down card you collected, gain 3 points.
- Lose points equal to the number of each card in your hand. Ace counts as 14.
