My knowledge of card
games is extremely limited. Having had a few good hands at “ 29 “ and “Bray” I
used to considered myself an expert at
cards, during my teen years. Well now I do know how complacent I was in my
youthful overconfidence. However one thing that still leaves a lingering smile
on my lips are the memories of relaxed, happy, enthusiastic fun times with
family and friends while enjoying a game of cards. Those memories resurfaced
when I stumbled upon this entirely new card game under the garb of good old time.
If you are someone who enjoys card games
and wants a the good old wine in new
bottle, you might want to check this out.
ROMANCE is always on the cards with Jane
Austen - and a new game takes that idea literally.
Jane Austen’s Sweethearts throws 108 characters from Austen’s
six novels into the mix, testing memories as to who married, coveted or lost
whom, and even offering enticing new pairings in your hand to ponder.
It
is designed to introduce newcomers to the world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr
Darcy, while challenging hardcore Janeites to remember whom Harriet Smith
eventually married (after falling in love four times) or which Musgrove sister
married Captain Benwick.
And
the idea has quickly grabbed attention in the right places. It will feature in
the November issue of Regency
World, the official magazine of the Jane Austen Centre in Bath,
England.
The
clever card game is the brainchild of retired teacher Joan Ting, who created it
to entertain her local Jane Austen Society in Adelaide, South Australia.
Everyone immediately saw its potential, but her dilemma as she refined it was deciding how much knowledge
people should need to play.
The
answer was to put both an introductory and an advanced version in the same box.
Each
of the 108 cards provides information and observations about the person and the
period. Beginners receive basic hints such as which book the character appeared in, but the
advanced game is a lot more challenging. Genuine “sweethearts” – those who
married for love not convenience – may earn you double points.
Joan worked with Adelaide designer Tricia Smith to research colours, fonts and designs
of the Regency Era to produce cards that would not have been out of place in a
drawing room in Sense and Sensibility.
She
also spent a lot of time researching and touring the UK to learn more about the
period and the issues of the time that are referenced in the novels, such as
education and slavery.
Jane Austen’s Sweethearts can be purchased online at www.janeaustenssweethearts.com.au
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