Award-Winning Games Bring Family to the Table

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"The quality of games today far exceeds those from when we were kids," says Mark Simmons, former executive director of the Game Manufacturers' Association. "They're also designed so adults and kids can play together and be equally entertained."

One such game that has garnered a good deal of attention from players of all ages is Ruckus Card Game from Funstreet, Inc. (www.funstreetgames.com). Ruckus is winner of seven toy industry awards, including 'Dr. Toy's 10 Best Games.'

"Our entire family had been playing Ruckus for a while, with the exception of my teenage grandson, who we can never tear away from his video games," says Karen Baxter of Richmond, Va. "Well, he finally sat down to play with us one night after seeing all the fun we were having. Now he loves the game and actually talks to us!"

Part of Ruckus' appeal stems from the quirky graphics players match up in order to form and steal sets (Monkey in a bottle, Happy Robot, Pig in the Attic, etc.). After being dealt seven cards each, players quickly place sets of matching cards from their hands face up on the table. Sets are worth points, but can be stolen repeatedly by players holding cards that match the set. The non-stop action will have players laughing out loud as they scramble to capture each other's sets.

The game's popularity is credited to its speed, simplicity, and the fact that younger players can compete evenly with older players, making it a game the entire family can enjoy. To find a list of stores that carry Ruckus, visit www.funstreetgames.com or call (800) 901-9820.