I really enjoy a card game that has a smart way to keep score, and Absolute caught my attention for that very reason. At first glance, it looks mathematical, clever, and interesting. It seemed like a game I could play with my friends and family for both entertainment and learning. While it is excellent for teaching children some math skills, adults can certainly benefit from the mental exercise too. Now that I have a copy, I have played it many times in a short period. Is it actually fun? Let’s set it up and find out together.
How To Set Up Absolute
Getting started is very simple. First, shuffle the deck and deal five cards to each player. Place the remaining deck face down in the middle of the table. Take the top card from the deck and flip it over to start a discard pile. Once you have done this, you are ready to begin playing.
How To Play Absolute
Players take turns trying to build three sets of cards. On your turn, you draw one card from the deck. Then, you use the cards in your hand to create sets. Each set must have at least three cards, and the numbers on the cards must add up to zero. The deck contains cards numbered one through ten, with both positive and negative versions. For example, you could combine a positive five and a positive two with a negative seven. These three cards total zero, making a valid set. Does that make sense?
The goal is to create three sets and get rid of all your cards. You can use cards with a zero value as wild cards, which helps you complete many sums. However, you can also take cards from other players’ sets, provided they haven’t won yet. You can replace a zero that another player used with a matching card from your own hand. For instance, if a rival used a zero to act as a seven, you could swap it with a seven from your hand to use for your own purposes.
The game finishes when the first player discards their final card after playing at least three sets. Everyone else gets one final turn to equalize the number of turns. Then, the final scoring happens. You score points based on the highest card in each set. You also get an extra point for every card beyond the minimum of three. For example, a set of five cards gives you two bonus points. Additionally, you gain a bonus for any run of three or more consecutive numbers. A set containing a two, three, and four would earn three extra points. Finally, you double the score for any set made of four identical numbers or four cards of the same suit.
Consider this example: You have a set where seven is the highest card. You score seven points for that. Then, you add one extra point because you have one more card than the minimum of three, bringing the total to eight. Since every card in the set is the same, you double the score, resulting in 16 points for that single set.
It is important to note how open the game is regarding building sets. You can make sets using any combination of suits. On your turn, you may lay down as many sets as you can create. Suits do not restrict play during the game; they only matter during scoring, where they can increase a set’s value. This keeps the gameplay flexible and tactical, allowing players to focus on smart card use and timing rather than strict rules.
Is It Fun? Absolute Card Game Review
Absolute will really appeal to players who enjoy small card games with clever scoring and moments of satisfaction. If you like spotting patterns and nudging numbers into place, there is plenty here to enjoy. It is also a great fit for families. The math is simple enough to grasp but rewarding enough to stay interesting. I would suggest ages 8 to 13 as the sweet spot for learning, but it is fun for all ages. It feels like a game that can be enjoyed on a casual evening but also serves as quiet education for kids who like numbers and problem-solving.
That said, Absolute will not be for everyone. Players who prefer high interaction, constant drama, or big swings might find it a little too calm and thoughtful. While there is some interaction by upgrading other players’ sets, most of the game is spent focusing on your own hand. If mental arithmetic or careful planning puts you off, this may not be the game for you.
What makes Absolute stand out is how open and flexible it feels. Sets can be built freely, and turns can be explosive when everything lines up. The scoring system constantly tempts you to push a little further. Do you lock in a safe set, or add one more card to chase bonus points? The way runs, extra cards, and matching numbers layer together gives the game a satisfying puzzle-like feel that rewards smart play without becoming overwhelming.
Pros
- Clever, layered scoring system
- Flexible set building with meaningful choices
- Easy to teach but rewarding to master
- Works well for families and mixed-age groups
Cons
- Limited player interaction during most turns
- Can feel quite maths-focused for some players
- Less exciting for those who prefer high-chaos card games
In the end, Absolute is a small card game with a big brain and a gentle charm. It looks mathy, clever, intriguing, and fun, and it delivers on all four. It is the sort of game that invites repeat plays, encourages improvement, and quietly rewards smart thinking. If you enjoy compact card games with elegant rules and satisfying decisions, Absolute is well worth getting to the table.
