High Spirits with Calvin and the Colonel
High Spirits with Calvin and the Colonel at your next game night?
Add High Spirits with Calvin and the Colonel to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Sid Sackson
- Publisher Milton Bradley
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
In High Spirits with Calvin and the Colonel, you pick cards from visible overlapping stacks, planning your moves carefully. Card values change each round, so timing is crucial. Based on a short-lived children's cartoon, it combines simple drafting with strategic timing decisions.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for 2 to 4 players aged 10 and up, this is a light family card game with quick playtime. It's ideal for players looking for a fast, tactical game without complex rules or long setup.
How It Works
Players take turns selecting cards from multiple open stacks (Open Drafting). Since card values vary by round, you must plan when to take each card to maximize points. Monitoring the stacks and timing your picks are key to success.
What Makes It Special
This was Sid Sackson's first professionally published game in 1962, notable for its unique blend of Open Drafting and variable card values. It serves as an early example of timing-based tactics in card games and ties into a short-lived children's TV show.
Pro
- Early Sid Sackson design with historical significance
- Simple, quick card game with tactical timing
- Open Drafting mechanic provides clear choices
- Short playtime of about 30 minutes
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Limited to 2-4 players
- No notable awards or expansions
Setting & atmosphere
The game is based on a short-lived children's cartoon derived from the Amos & Andy radio and TV shows, with suits representing characters from the series.
Tips for beginners
Pay close attention to the order of card stacks and plan when to take cards to maximize your points.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No, High Spirits with Calvin and the Colonel is designed for 2 to 4 players and has no solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 30 minutes, making it a quick card game.
What prior experience do I need?
This is a light family game that requires no special prior experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
It combines Open Drafting with changing card values, adding a unique timing element compared to other card games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, suitable for ages 10 and up with simple mechanics ideal for family play.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Open Drafting mechanic combined with variable card values per round makes it unique.
Fazit
Recommended for fans of quick, tactical card games with simple rules and an emphasis on timing. More complex strategy gamers may find it a light introduction.
High Spirits with Calvin and the Colonel at your next game night?
Add High Spirits with Calvin and the Colonel to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add High Spirits with Calvin and the Colonel to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
