Thrift Treasure: Phase 10 Twist
One of the first card games my parents taught to me was Rummy. Played with a regular deck of cards, your goal is to make matching sets or runs by taking turns, drawing from the pile and even playing on each others’ sets. I think at one time or another all of us has played this traditional game.
There are quite a number of rummy-like games on the market, all implementing their own twists to the rules. Our latest Thrift Treasure is no exception – it adds a board to the game and goals that change with every hand! Made by Fundex, Phase 10 Twist is based on their best-selling card game, Phase 10.
Phase 10 Twist starts out like any other game of rummy where you are dealt a hand of cards and a draw and discard pile are established. But rather than just making sets, you must complete a custom set determined by the placement of your pawn on the board (eg. 1 run of 8).
As you progress along the track, the tasks become more and more difficult to complete. This allows for a close game, as those in the rear have an easier task. The first to complete their task and get rid of the rest of their cards wins the round and moves forward three spaces. Complete your task but have cards left? Move forward two spaces. Move only one space if you get completely skunked.
You’ll also notice a special space on the board called the “Twist” space. When you land here you have a decision to make after you draw your cards for the round. You can choose your challenge from the spaces on either side of the Twist space…or…if you’re really feeling daring, draw a Phase card and have it tell you what your challenge is.
If you are able to complete the task on the Phase card, you are awarded DOUBLE the number of moves from a regular round (go out and move 6, complete the challenge but someone else goes out moves 4). BUT, if you don’t complete it, you move backwards a space!
In this round, my opponent was able to complete a straight of 8 using two wild cards, which are one of the types of special cards in the deck. There are also “skip” cards that forces the player of your choice to forfeit their turn next time around. We found that this can quickly change the outcome of a round when someone is close to finishing and gets ‘skipped’.
Play continues with additional rounds until someone gets to the end of the board. Not as easy as it sounds, as you must either pass or complete the 10th Phase, which requires you to obtain “one set of 5 and one set of 3”. You do not get to move off of that space until you complete it successfully, so land there and you’re stuck while everyone else catches up!
Our version was issued by Fundex Games, which filed for bankruptcy in 2012. The Phase 10 line has since been picked up by Mattel, and you can find a copy of Phase 10 Twist on Amazon for around $13 shipped.
What Rummy-like games do you enjoy?
There is always a twist! I would be the one to land on it the most and probably make the wrong decision. Your Daughter sure looks like she is really concentrating.
That looks like such a fun game. My son said he actually played it with a friend.
Another one of your finds that I haven’t seen before. It looks fun, I think I’d like it!
I love going Thrifting. You never know what treasure you will find each time.
LOL, this looks pretty interesting!
The cards remind me of UNO a bit. I think my 7 yr old would like this one…….
This is definitely a game my husband and I would enjoy. You find the neatest games!
You must have some thrift store near you. I tried looking for good games at our thrift store recently and found stuff with missing pieces and games that didn’t seem very much fun. We own the regular Phase 10, I’d like to try this version sometime.
I need some new ideas for games! This one looks fun! We love family game nights!
I have never heard of this game but it looks fun. I love your idea of thrifting for family games.
This looks like so much fun! We love Phase 10 and this looks like it is even more fun! Our family does a lot of game nights and this will be on our list of new games to try.
I love games like this one. I love shopping at the thrift stores because you do find great treasures there sometimes. Thanks for sharing.
I think this is a game my oldest would really get into. Looks like it keeps things interesting.
Oh I love phase 10! This looks like a lot of fun and a great new game for Christmas! Thanks for sharing!
This looks like a lot of fun. My kids love card games for our family night, and I think they would really like this. Going to have to look into it for Christmas this year.
Thanks!
This is great! What cool stuff you can find at thrift stores. This looks like a fun game. I also like the pictures and demonstrations of how to play the game.