SET Card Game

Much as we love card games like poker and blackjack, there's still much to be said for ones involving a bit of raucous rivalry. The problem is, unless you're a pre-pubescent internet entrepreneur, you'd look a bit foolish playing Snap and Happy Families in the staff canteen.

And that's why SET is all...er, set to take the games-world by storm. Because although this ingenious little card game is just as nerve-jangling and addictive as the random no-brainers of this world, it requires some serious mental agility.

SET is a bit like a like a Mensa test mixed with a fast-paced kiddie's card game, and once you get the hang of it you'll be totally hooked. The object is to quickly identify 'sets' of three from the cards dealt out on the table. Allow us to explain. Every card contains one of three symbols (squiggles, diamonds, ovals) in varying numbers, colours and degrees of shading. The dealer arranges 12 cards, face up, and all the players frantically scrutinize the images for logical sets in which each feature is either the same on each card OR different on each card. For example, a trio of paired ovals with increasing levels of shading between cards, or three unrelated symbols in different colours which increase in number on each card. Points are awarded and deducted for correct/incorrect guesses.

Yes, we know it sounds confusing, but once you know what you're looking for the race to mentally match up shapes and colours and yell 'Set!' before opponents is unbearably tense. It's quite easy to get stuck and see no matches at all, but then the penny will suddenly drop and you'll see sets everywhere. And because there are no turns, it's always your go!

Trust us, despite the cerebral nature of the game, you don't need Stephen Hawking-style brainpower to enjoy SET - fast reactions and keen observational skills will suffice. Indeed, using your brain has never been such a hoot! So use it now and get ordering! Ready, SET, buy!

Examples:

	Symbols - All the same. Colours - All the same. Number  - All different. Shading - All the same.
	Symbols - All the same. Colours - All the same. Number  - All different. Shading - Mismatched.
	Symbols - All different. Colours - All different. Number  - All different. Shading - All different.
	Symbols - All different. Colours - All different. Number  - Mismatched. Shading - All different.
	Symbols - All the same. Colours - All different. Number  - All the same. Shading - All the same.
	Symbols - All the same. Colours - All different. Number  - All the same. Shading - Mismatched.