Though a standard card deck includes suits of numbered cards, winning combinations usually come in the form of patterns and sequences. While most seasoned card players learn to identify the patterns, what if a game like Gin Rummy could get reimagined with the same fast-paced gameplay of creating melds and runs but with a card deck design attuned to our visual sense?
Rule of Three, designed in collaboration with Art of Play’s director of puzzles and games Adam Rubin and agency Landscape, is both modern and a visual-forward take on the quick and intricate strategy of Gin-type games. The cards use elements such as shapes, colors, and stripes to make a hand instantly readable at-a-glance, helpful in a fast game where quickly making and adjusting sets is critical. The visual design makes the game approachable to younger players and seasoned card sharks alike. The deck comes housed in a sleek, black box with each of the game’s shapes and colors represented.
“A card game presents a particular set of design challenges to solve. For example, colors need to contrast well enough so that players can see the shapes clearly under dimly lit gaming light. In addition, when fanning out the cards in your hand, you need to be equipped to take stock of the character of all your cards. The symbols need to be both simple and distinct enough from one another to be discerned quickly. You also need to ask yourself, ‘Are the symbols universal? Can the game transcend language?’” said Adam Weiss, Founder & Creative Director at Landscape via press release.
The game is available now for about $16 a deck.
