The Game of Authors
- Designer Anne W. Abbott
- Publisher Adolf Sala , AMIGO , ASS Altenburger Spielkarten , Bevink Edities
- Illustration Harry Baerg , Peter Bauer , Karl Konrad Friedrich Bauer , Manfred Bofinger , Wilhelm Busch , Hans de Beer
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players collect sets of matching cards by asking others for cards they need to complete books of four. Turn by turn, you ask a player for a card rank; if they have it, you continue, otherwise the turn passes. The goal is to collect the most books for points before all cards are formed into sets.
Who Is This Game For?
Suitable as a family game for children aged 7 and up, The Game of Authors offers a quick 15-minute playtime. It is easy to learn and ideal for casual players and families seeking a simple card game. No prior experience is needed, and it promotes memory and hand management skills.
How It Works
All cards are dealt evenly to players. On your turn, you ask another player for a card rank to complete a set of four. If they have the card, you keep asking; if not, the next player takes a turn. Completed sets are laid down for points. The game ends when all sets are collected, and the player with the most points wins.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Anne W. Abbott and published in 1861, The Game of Authors is one of the earliest Go Fish variants without a stock pile. It combines hand management, memory, and set collection mechanics. It belongs to the traditional card game family including Go Fish and Quartett, illustrating early educational card games.
Pro
- Early Go Fish variant with historical significance
- Promotes memory and hand management
- Short playtime around 15 minutes
- Suitable for children aged 7 and up
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Limited strategic depth
- Simple family game
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game originated in 19th-century USA as an educational card game featuring themes from literature and animals to encourage set collection.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on remembering which cards other players have and ask strategically to collect sets.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, The Game of Authors is designed for 2 to 6 players and has no solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
The game lasts about 15 minutes, making it a quick card game.
What prior experience do I need?
It is an easy family game with simple rules, so no prior experience is required.
How does this compare to similar games?
The Game of Authors is one of the earliest Go Fish variants without a draw pile, focusing on memory and set collection.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is suitable for children aged 7 and up and easy to understand, ideal for families.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of hand management, memory, and set collection shapes the gameplay.
Fazit
The Game of Authors suits families and players looking for simple, quick memory-based card games. Those seeking more complex or longer games may find it lacking depth.
