Target (1997)

About this game

Target® is a rummy game like nothing you've ever played. One deck of 82 "Playing" cards are numbered 0 though 9 in 4 colorful suits, plus a 5th "wild" suit, and are used for making melds. Another deck contains 28 all-different "Target" cards, each of which describes a meld and a point value, the more difficult melds having a higher point value. Five Target cards are dealt face up for all to see. Players draw and discard as in rummy. When a player lays down the meld shown on one of the Target cards, they win that Target card, and score the points. A new Target card is then dealt to replace it, so the melds change all the time! What's more, players can (and do!) win 2 or more Target cards on a single play by laying down groups of Playing cards which make the melds on 2 or more Target cards. Includes 110 cards and instructions in a colorful metal tin. 2-4 players, ages 8-adult. -- from the publisher

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 4.
• Rules load. At 1.4/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 8 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.