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INTRODUCTION
Center Court is a two-player card game that simulates a tennis match. It is
inspired by Reiner Knizia's fencing card game, En Garde.
THE COMPONENTS
A deck of 36 cards - 6 each of the values 1 - 6.
A special Service Die (6-sided -- values 1,1,2,5,6,6)
PLAY SUMMARY
Like En Garde, each player takes turns playing cards, but instead of attacking or advancing, the play of cards simulates serving or volleying. The game starts with the server playing one card, then the opponent can play one or more cards to successfully return the ball, and so on. Whoever is unable to return the ball loses the point. Standard tennis rules apply as the game continues (point system, server, etc.)
PLAYING THE GAME
Play begins by shuffling the deck. Deal eight cards to each player.
The player who is serving first will play one card from his hand. This is his serve and constitutes his Volley Value. The Volley Value is always a single digit from 1-6 and is the number the opponent must consider when returning a serve or volley.
If the server plays a 1,2,5 or 6 as his serve, then he must roll the Service Die. If the number rolled is the same value as his serve, it is a fault, and the serve must be done over. A card must be drawn before this happens.
The player may play any card for his second serve, but a DOUBLE FAULT will result in a point for the opposing player.
A serve with no fault must be returned by the opposing player. To return a ball in play, you must consider the Volley Value. The returning player must play one of the following combinations:
(a) The exact same card as the Volley Value.
(b) Two or more cards of the same value. The # of cards needed is 1+ the
difference between their value and the Volley Value. Use the following
table to understand this more clearly. If/when these cards are
successfully played, their value becomes the new Volley Value:
Volley Value is: To return you must play one of the following:
1 (a) 1
(b) 2-2
(b) 3-3-3
(b) 4-4-4-4
(b) 5-5-5-5-5
(b) 6-6-6-6-6-6
2 (b) 1-1
(a) 2
(b) 3-3
(b) 4-4-4
(b) 5-5-5-5
(b) 6-6-6-6-6
3 (b) 1-1-1
(b) 2-2
(a) 3
(b) 4-4
(b) 5-5-5
(b) 6-6-6-6
4 (b) 1-1-1-1
(b) 2-2-2
(b) 3-3
(a) 4
(b) 6-6-6
5 (b) 1-1-1-1-1
(b) 2-2-2-2
(b) 3-3-3
(b) 4-4
(a) 5
(b) 6-6
6 (b) 1-1-1-1-1-1
(b) 2-2-2-2-2
(b) 3-3-3-3
(b) 2-2-2
(b) 5-5
(a) 6
After returning a volley or serve, replenish your hand back to eight cards.
END OF GAME AND SCORING
The point is earned by a player when his opponent is unable to return the ball.
Play using regular tennis rules/regulations.
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