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If you are not quite sure what a game
system is, let me give you a quick definition with an example. A game
system is a set of components with which you can play multiple
different games. A standard deck of 52 playing cards is a great
example. You can play many different games with a standard deck of cards,
including Poker, Rummy, Go Fish and Crazy Eights.
The Alpha Word Game System is a game system that is
based on the original Alpha Playing Cards which was created in 1997. It consists of a deck of Alpha Playing Cards,
a set of Alpha Tiles and a double set of Alpha Dice. The three
components (the cards, tiles and dice) of the game system are by
them-self a game system that can be used separately to play a variety
games or combined to play more game. You can say it's a game system made up of
game systems. If you would like to know more about the Alpha Word Game
System you should go to to the community wiki for the Alpha Word Game System at alphagames.org.
There you will find the rules for all the current games, more information
about the game system and downloadable artwork so you can make your own set of
cards, tiles and dice. There is also info on where to buy the Alpha Word Game
System; if you prefer someone else to make one for you. And if you are the
creative type and decide to make a game or two that uses the Alpha Word Game
System you can add the game there so others may enjoy it.
My home-made Alpha Word Game System
The Original Alpha Playing Cards
Picture of the original Alpha Playing Cards
The
original Alpha Playing Cards were first conceived in 1994 and
self-published in 1997 by tjgames (me).
The current deck of Alpha Playing Cards is the same as the original
deck, except for the addition of two things:
- The new Alpha Playing Cards have the marked vowels, the original
Alpha Playing Cards only had the semi-wild vowels; the idea for
the marked vowels didn't come till several years after the first
publication and wasn't added to the deck until the 2011 release of
the Alpha Word Game System.
- The new Alpha Playing Cards has the addition of the 9x9 grid on
the backs of the cards, so that the cards can be used to create
boards for the tiles and dice.
There will not be a reprint of the original Alpha Playing Cards,
but there are still a few left. If you are interested in buying a deck
you can purchase them via PayPal.
You
can still purchase the original Alpha Playing Cards for 5.95
The
original deck of Alpha Playing Cards has won three awards
Learning Magazine 2001 Teachers' Choice Award
Parent to Parent 2006 Adding Wisdom Award
Creative Child Magazine 2006 Game of the Year Award.
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