CalvinCards

The QR Code probably brought you here

My Fiance Alder and I play a game at home we lovingly call Calvin Cards. Have you read Calvin & Hobbes? This is Calvinball in card form.

Draw cards. Invent powers. Make up rules, change them midgame, or invent a whole new game.

We developed our version independently, then learned from a friend that 1000 Blank White Cards has existed since at least 1996!

I was too small back then to claim credit :P

This page is here as a hopefully more accessible and readable version of the physical booklet included in my kits.

There are no official rules. You're making the game! Hope you have fun :D

Quick Play

HOW TO PLAY:

Make a card. Invent what it does (if anything). Play, trade, gift, or keep it.

Make another card that engages with someone else’s. Repeat whenever inspired. No official rules. Make your own fun!

NEED A GAME? TRY THESE!

THE WORLD'S WORST SANDWICH

Take turns adding “ingredients.” Make the tastiest—or most cursed—sandwich imaginable.

FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!

Make characters duel! Add equipment, spells, buffs/debuffs, absurd counters.

PASS IT ON

Draw something. Pass it to someone to add to. Watch it evolve.

OR JUST MAKE SOMETHING NICE.

Draw a gift, write a compliment, or make a tiny piece of art.

Make Something!

Draw, write, doodle, invent a character, power, quest, rule, joke, or entire game.Make something beautiful, ridiculous, or incomprehensible.

Examples:

50 MILLION WONDER POINTS

Worth 50 million Wonder Points. Whatever those are.

BUT I DON’T WANT TO CURE CANCER, I WANT TO TURN PEOPLE INTO DINOSAURS

Play on top of a card to make it a dinosaur. Most dinosaur cards wins.

METEOR

Put all Dinosaur cards back in the box.

HAT COLLECTOR

Draw another hat on my head and pass me on.

KEEP THE DOCTOR AWAY

Be the first to find an apple

THANK YOU

I had a nice conversation/workshop/chat with you, thanks!

Art, gifts, challenges, game mechanics, compliments—all count.

You can make something just for yourself, too. You are somebody worth making happy. <3

Play Irresponsibly. Treat People Responsibly.

Participation is always optional.

Nobody has to play, trade, gift, or accept a challenge. Keep what you want; give only what you freely wish to give.

Gifted cards may find new lives in new hands. Ask before changing someone else's cards.

Be considerate of workshops and other activities. Embrace others' creativity, but respect their boundaries.

A card can change the rules of the game, but not someone else's boundaries.

Spread joy. Drink water. Thank a fellow attendee. Make someone smile. Make something just for yourself. Take time to yourself. All choices are valid.

Secret Features Unlocked!

If you have a physical booklet with your kit, the inside of the booklet is intentionally blank.

Draw a playmat, map, game board, or keep "score." Invent rules. Doodle. Take notes.

BONUS BOOKLET FEATURE:

Draw a card on the left side blank page, then fold the stamped page back behind it.

Congratulations! Your booklet is now a playable card.

It's no more special than any other card.

(Unless you decide it is.)

Impress your peers by flexing your reading comprehension!