WIZARD CAMELOT

The exciting new "Wizard Camelot" version is scheduled to be released on May 1, 2021.
The 4 new cards that replace the set of deuces are: Merlin, Excalibur, Grail, and Morgan le Fay.

Bidding Rule: When more than four cards are dealt to each player, the total number of tricks bid may not equal the total number of tricks available unless the last bidder does so by bidding zero.

Bidding Zero If more than 4 cards are dealt to each player a correct bid of zero scores 25 points.
Bidding Zero on the last hand A correct  bid of zero scores as follows: 
If 3 players: 20 + 20 = 40 points
If 4 players: 20 + 15 = 35 points
If 5 players: 20 + 12 = 32 points
If 6 players: 20 + 10 = 30 points

Merlin Can be played as either a Wizard or as a Jester. (Declared when played)

Excalibur Always loses. Nullifies the trick (not counted as a trick won).

Holy Grail  If played from an Even Position (2nd, 4th, or 6th) it wins the trick.
If played from an Odd Position (1st, 3rd, or 5th position) it is a null card and ALWAYS loses the trick.
* The player who wins the trick containing the Holy Grail is awarded an extra 20 points on the condition that the player also makes his/her bid.

Morgan le Fay  The most powerful card that typically wins the trick. Exception: 'Morgan le Fay' loses when the 'Holy Grail' card is played from an Even Player’s Position.

Comments: (a) Unlike regular Wizard, players cannot count on a 'Wizard' card as a sure trick. Even "Morgan le Fay", the most powerful card, is vulnerable to the 'Holy Grail' card. (b) A come-from-behind victory is enhanced by the extra points for a zero bid on the last hand in a game. (c) A player must take care when playing the "Holy Grail" lest he/she be forced to play it from an unfavorable position. (d) Even bids are allowed for hands 1-4 so that players are never forced to make an impossible bid. (e) To be in step with the times the most powerful card is a woman. (f) The quest for the "Grail" is open to all players who can receive an extra 20 points if the card is won in a correctly bid hand.(g) Both bidding and play require more skill and strategy than in regular 'Wizard'.

The die is cast for the retail game. Public reception will determine if 'Wizard Camelot' is to be programmed for online play. Based on the reaction to the retail game adjustments could be made for the online version.