"Wizard Camelot" Rationale

 The rationale for “Wizard Camelot”

Why is a new version needed?
The initiative originated with “U.S. Games Systems”. The market place will determine whether or not players welcome the introduction of a more nuanced version.

Why the “Camelot” Theme?
The 4 Wizard cards and 4 Jester cards added to the regular deck complemented the Jack, Queen, King cards. They all represent characters found in a royal court setting. The Camelot setting continues the concept of ‘court cards’.

Why are the deuces eliminated?
Ans. To keep the deck at 60 cards. This is cost-effective and also keeps the final hand as a No-Trump hand as all of the cards are dealt out.

Why does the “No Even Bids” feature not begin until hand number 5?
Ans. To avoid players being forced to make impossible and/or illogical bids.
e.g.  Player “A” bids zero. Player “B” bids zero. Player “C” holding a Wizard cannot bid ‘1’.

Why can a player continue to bid zero to make it an “Even Bid” even after hand number 4?
Ans. Again, it is to avoid a player being forced to make an illogical bid.
e.g. In a 6-player game, in hand number 5 the first 5 players have bid a total of 5 tricks with Clubs as the trump suit. Player 6 holds; Jester, 4 and 5 of Hearts, 7 of Spades and 3 of Diamonds. The only logical bid is Zero and that bid must be allowed even though it makes it an even bid.

Rationale for the 4 New Cards
Merlin (Magician) This card simply adds a further element of strategy. It can be played either as a Jester or as a Wizard.
Excalibur (Sword) This card also provides further opportunities for strategy. It can be used either to defend a position or to attack an opponent.
Morgan le Fay (Enchantress) This card makes the 4 Wizard cards vulnerable. It becomes the most powerful card in the game. Yet, it too is vulnerable.
Holy Grail (Chalice) The holder of this card must play it with care as its power is dependent on when it is played.
Bottom Line:  All 4 cards afford opportunities for strategic play.

Why are the 4 new special cards needed?
Ans. They are not needed if you enjoy the challenge of the regular game. However, many players have mastered the niceties of the regular name. The new cards provide a higher level of strategy and skill which will provide a challenge to even the best players. Each of the four Wizard cards are a guaranteed trick in the regular game. In “Wizard Camelot” there are no ‘sure tricks’ as even the most powerful card can fail to win a trick.

Will “Wizard Camelot” be available as another option for online play and tournaments?
Ans. Programming is expensive, especially on a website that generates no income.
Cost is an important factor but the determining factor will be the popularity of “Wizard Camelot”.
Significant retail sales combined with a positive online reception would result in an online version.

Rare but Possible Hands in "Camelot Wizard"

 Strange combinations can appear in the world of "Wizard Camelot" 

The rules state:
If only Jesters are played in a round, (including when Merlin is played as a Jester) the first jester played wins the trick.

Example: In a 6-player game, the cards are played as follows on the last trick of hand that is one underbid.
All players have made their bids and nobody wants this last trick. The cards are played as follows.

A. Holy Gail  B. Merlin (As Jester)  C. Jester  D. Morgan Le Fay  E. Excalibur   F. Jester
Who wins the trick?

A. Holy Grail is played in an odd position so it is a loser.
B. Merlin is played as a Jester so is an expected loser.
C. Jester is played as an expected loser.
D. Morgan Le Fay loses because the Holy Grail is played in the same trick.
E. Excalibur nullifies the trick.
F. Jester is again expected to lose.

So who wins the trick?
Answer. B wins the trick.
Why? The Merlin card was played as a Jester. The first Jester played wins the trick.

* However, because the Excalibur card nullifies the trick, every player makes his/her bid.
* Because "B" made his bid (the last trick won does not count) and he also took the "Holy Grail" card he is awarded an extra 20 points on the scorecard

Note. Regarding the rule: "If only Jesters are played in a round, (including when Merlin is played as a Jester) the first jester played wins the trick."
Although it is not stated in the "Rules Pamphlet" the rule implies that "other special cards" that do not impact the winner of the trick are to be ignored.

* Other special cards" include: Holy Grail in odd position, Excalibur, Morgan Le Fay when  Holy Grail is also played.

 Orders originating from the USA can purchase online at  US GAMES   https://www.usgamesinc.com/wizard-card-game-camelot-edition.html

When you go to the above site there is a notice beneath the picture of the Wizard Camelot box that says, "Booklet". Click on it and you will get the complete set of rules for the game

GO to the above website to order WIZARD CAMELOT Edition from USA addresses.

EXCALIBUR

HOLY GRAIL

MERLIN

MORGAN LE FAY

Wizard Camelot Box (Back)

 The printing on the back of the box reads:

Wizard Card Game Camelot Edition
introduces new strategic dimensions that make
gameplay more challenging for experts who have already
mastered the Ultimate Game of Trump. In classic Wizard, Jesters
and Wizards bring predictable advantages in both bidding and
playing. With Camelot's extra cards: Holy Grail, Excalibur, Merlin
and Morgan le fay, outcomes are less certain. The four new cards
add complexity and must be wisely played. More strategy means
extra excitement and fun!

Wizard Camelot Box (front)

 

NOTE: Each of the four new cards has instructions imprinted on the card indicating function.

EXCALBUR: Nullifies the trick

HOLY GRAIL: Holy Grail Wins Trick if played even, loses if played odd.

MERLIN: Can be laid as a Wizard or Jester.

MORGAN LE FAY: Can only lose when the Holy Grail is played even.