Education In Board Games: Dead Man's Draw
One of our family’s most played games is Dead Man’s Draw. This got me thinking a little deeper of what are we learning in playing this game. Before I get to what we’re learning, here’s a little bit about Dead Man’s Draw.
“Dead Man’s Draw is played by 2-4 pirates in about 10-15 minutes. Players draw cards one at a time trying to collect the most loot, comprised of ten suits with six cards each. Draw different suits and your treasure grows, but get two of the same suit, you bust and your turn is over. What will it be, Matey?”
Here a few things Dead Man’s Draw (DMD) teaches:
Risk/Reward
DMD is all about pressing your luck and knowing when to stop. It’s tempting to draw more cards, activate more abilities and score more points. However, if you get too greedy you could lose it all. This is a great way to teach risk and reward. Sometimes a risk will work out and other times you’re left with nothing.
Observation/Statistics
As you look around to see what cards other players have in front of them, that can inform your decision on whether or not to reveal another card. There are only six cards of each suit in the deck. If you have one of those cards, the other players have three of that suit, you have already revealed one, and there’s roughly half the deck left, you have a decent chance of not revealing another one. However, you could press your luck and lose it all. Thus is the fun of the game.
Basic Addition
At the end of the game you add up the highest number of each suit in front of you, and the person with the most booty wins. This is a great way to learn basic addition.
Here are some discussion starters after you finish a game or two:
What influenced your decision to risk revealing another card?
How would you describe the play styles of the other players?
How would you describe your play style?
What seemed like the best play style?
When in your life have you risked something and its paid off?
When in your life have you risked something and lose it all?
DMD is simple, fun, fast, cheap and portable. We love it! Give it a shot. Have fun reclaiming relationships around the table!
