Official Game of Pure Strategy (GOPS) Rules

Last Updated on February 26, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Game of Pure Strategy (also referred to as GOPS) is a card game that emphasizes strategic planning and calculated moves to outmaneuver opponents. This page provides a clear breakdown of the rules, guiding you through the card interactions, resource management, and strategic decision-making that define this game. With its focus on careful planning and anticipating opponent actions, Game of Pure Strategy offers an engaging experience for those who enjoy tactical card play. Get ready to plan your moves, manage your resources, and execute your strategy to achieve victory.

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Objective

The goal of GOPS is to win cards with the highest numerical value by strategically bidding your own cards.

Setup

1. Players: GOPS can be played with 2 to 6 players.

2. Deck Division: Separate the deck into two halves:

• Prize Deck: Contains one suit (13 cards).
• Bid Deck: Contains the remaining three suits (39    cards).

3. Distribute Cards: Shuffle the prize deck and place it face down in a stack. Each player receives a complete suit (13 cards) from the bid deck.

Gameplay

1. Revealing the Prize Card:
   • Draw the top card from the prize deck and place it face up in the center of the table. This is the card that players will be bidding on.
2. Bidding:
   • Each player selects one card from their hand and places it face down in front of them.
   • Once all players have selected their cards, reveal the bids simultaneously.
3. Winning the Prize Card:
   • The player who bid the highest card wins the prize card and places it in front of them.
   • In the case of a tie (two or more players bid the same highest card), the prize card is discarded and no one wins it.
4. Discarding Bids:
   • All players discard their bid cards face down in a separate pile. These cards are out of play for the remainder of the game.
5. Next Round:
   • Repeat the process: draw a new prize card, bid, and determine the winner.

Scoring

• Card Values: At the end of the game, each player sums the values of their won prize cards. Aces are worth 1 point, numbered cards are worth their face value (2-10), and face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 11, 12, and 13 points respectively.
• Highest Score: The player with the highest total score wins the game.

Strategy

• Card Management: Use high-value cards strategically to win key prize cards.
• Bluffing: Try to predict your opponents’ bids and use lower cards when you think they will play high.
• Timing: Save your highest cards for the most valuable prize cards.

Game of Pure Strategy (GOPS) is a game of anticipation and strategic bidding. Enjoy the challenge of outthinking your opponents and winning the most valuable cards!