The Famous Monarchs of England Card Game (1991) Board Game

The Famous Monarchs of England Card Game was released in 1991 and designed by Jeremy Shaw. It is a card game that allows players to collect sets of monarch cards from the history of England. The game features artwork from Heritage Games, Inc., Heritage Toy & Game Co. Ltd., and Trioview Ltd.

Game Components of The Famous Monarchs of England Card Game

57 Portrait Cards: Each card features a monarch from Alfred the Great to Charles, Prince of Wales, including their dates of reign.

4 Reference Cards: These cards list the rulers of England and their dates of reign.

3 Rules Cards: Detailed instructions on how to play the game.

Special Cards: Notably, William 3 and Mary 2, which can be used in both date and name sequences, and Oliver Cromwell, who acts as a substitute with no value but adds 10 points if held by another player.

How To Setup The Famous Monarchs of England Card Game

To set up the game, players need to shuffle the deck and distribute the cards. The exact number of cards each player receives is not specified, but the objective is to prepare the deck for play. Players should also agree on a target score or the number of rounds to play before starting.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Number of Players: 2 to 6 players can participate.

Playing Time: Approximately 60 minutes.

Age: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Objective: Players aim to form sets of monarchs either in date order or name and number order. Sets can be two sets of three and four cards, or one set of seven cards.

Scoring: Each card is scored based on the monarch’s name number; monarchs without numbers score one point. The William 3 and Mary 2 cards can be used in both sequences, allowing for strategic scoring. Oliver Cromwell adds 10 points to the winner’s total if held by another player.

Player Experience

The game is designed to be engaging and educational, making it a fun way to learn about the names and dates of English monarchs over a thousand years. The gameplay is similar to ‘Rummy,’ which makes it easy to understand and enjoy. Players need to strategize about which sets to form and how to use the special cards effectively.

Pros

Educational Value: Players learn about English royal history in an engaging way.

Strategic Depth: The use of special cards and different scoring methods adds a layer of strategy.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a good family game.

Portable: Easy to carry and play due to its card game format.

Cons

Limited Complexity: Some players may find the gameplay too simple compared to other card games.

Out of Print: The game is currently out of print, which may make it difficult to find.

Mixed Reviews: User ratings are mixed, with some players finding it less engaging than others.

Personal Thoughts on The Famous Monarchs of England Card Game

This game is ideal for history enthusiasts, families looking for an educational yet fun game, and anyone interested in learning about English monarchs in a unique way. While it may not offer the complexity that some gamers seek, it provides a delightful and informative experience that combines history with strategic card play.

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