BlackPoker is designed around a simple idea: create a deep, customizable card game experience using only standard playing cards.
The game is continuously refined according to the following principles.
If both players know the rules and have a standard deck of playing cards, they should be able to play together.
Players can use their favorite playing cards and shape their strategy through deck construction and game setup choices.
BlackPoker aims for matches that can be played in about 15 minutes.
Players should be able to keep using the playing cards they already own and enjoy, without needing to replace them as the game evolves.
Use as Few Components as Possible
BlackPoker is designed to require only standard playing cards. No proprietary cards, tokens, dice, or other game components are required.
The game aims to place greater emphasis on player skill than on luck or deck construction.
A rough design target is:
Skill : Luck : Deck Construction = 5 : 3 : 2
Build on Familiar TCG Ideas
BlackPoker is designed so that players familiar with trading card games can recognize many of its core concepts and interactions.
The core rules and additional rules are separated so that players can create different ways to play, similar to the local rules found in traditional card games.
BlackPoker continues to receive rule updates to improve unclear or problematic areas and to keep the game fresh over time.
Do Not Touch Your Opponent's Cards
The rules are designed so that players generally do not need to handle their opponent's cards. This helps protect personal decks and also supports online play.
