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 4 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 or pass your turn to draw 1 card. Based on the number played, cause an effect. Ace is treated as 1, 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 higher number of the same suit
Obtain the Target Number face up.
Your card is a higher number of a different suit
Obtain the Target Number face down.
Your card is the same number
Flip one of your face down cards face up.
Your card is a lower number
You may play a second card of the same color that equals the Target Number when added to the first card you played. If you do, obtain the Target Number face up. Othewrwise, draw 1 card.
WINNING
Continue until any player plays the last card in their hand and there are no cards left in the deck. 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.
