Curling with cards

Last week I looked at a sports-related game, Tutatis, a fantasy football offering.

So this week I'll stick with the sports theme and talk about a card game based on a sport Canadians have a deep affection for, perhaps second only to hockey, and that is of course curling.

Hurry Hard! The Curling Card Game is a game by designer Brent Barrie, who yes, is a Canuck.

That is important in this case for a couple of reasons.

To begin with I enjoy reviewing and promoting games by Canadians. I actually have a 'geeklist' created at www.boardgamegeek.com dedicated to games by Canadian designers, and while there are some gems among them, the total list is about 400. The list is admittedly not complete, being based on the BGG database, but ultimately the list is still not overly long. It would make a great little museum if someone were to collect it.

The other important thing about Barrie being a Canadian, he has some tradition behind him in trying to fashion a card game which is reflective of curling.

"Hurry Hard! The Curling Card Game is a fun, fast paced card game suitable for curling fans of all ages. Grab your teammates and take on your fiercest rivals to decide once and for all who really rules the ice. Or go head-to-head against a fellow curler to determine who will be King of the Rings," suggests the game's website atwww.tisgames.com

While that might be a bit of designer hyperbole at work, the website covers the basic aspects of the game succinctly.

"Playable by two, four, six or even eight players, Hurry Hard! recreates all the action on the ice in a fun, easy to learn card game. Players take turns throwing guards, draws, or takeouts. Your teammates can then improve the impact of your throw, including through the play of the powerful Hurry Hard! sweeping card to help get your rock a little closer to the button.

"Watch out though! Your opponents can also affect your throw. The timely play of a Miss the Broom card can ruin an end, unless you have a Plan B card in reserve.

"After the player with 'The Hammer' throws the last rock, the score for the end is calculated the same as in real curling, based on whose rocks are closest to the button."

Yes the game might make sense to curling fans more easily than those totally unfamiliar with the game, but the rule set is clear enough to overcome a lack of knowledge about throwing stones down the ice while your teammates chase after it with brooms,

The question in a game like this is whether it is reflective of the actual sport?

You might think having a card game that 'feels' like you are curling would be a stretch, but Barrie does more than a creditable job of capturing the ice sport in a deck of custom designed cards.

Again the website draws to the button with its explanation.

"For curlers, the game has been well balanced to reward real curling strategy. Deciding when to throw a guard or when to come into the rings can make the difference between scoring a big end or giving up a steal. Just as with real curling, though, no matter how good your strategy, you still need to make your throws."

You don't have to like curling to enjoy Hurry Hard! although of course a passion for 'The Roaring Game' won't hurt either.

Certainly if you have a curling fan in the family, or a friend with a birthday coming up, then this will be an appreciated gift, and you will likely get to play and enjoy too.

If anyone is interested in this game, or other board games feel free to contact [email protected]