Sequence is a game of strategy that can be played by individuals or teams. The idea is to try to connect five spaces horizontally, vertically or diagonally and prevent your opponent from doing the same.
Divide into two or three teams. (If you have only two or three players, skip to Step 2). To make the teams even, the total number of players should be divisible by two or three (e.g., four, six, eight, nine, 10 or 12). Seat yourselves so that team members are not sitting next to each other. If you have two teams, alternate 1-2-1-2, and so on. If you have three teams alternate 1-2-3-1-2-3, and so on.
Cut the deck and have everyone choose a card. The person with the lowest card (aces are high) is the dealer and gives everyone the same number of cards as follows: for two players, seven cards each; for three or four players, six cards each; for six players, five cards each; for eight or nine players, four cards each; and for 10 or 12 players, three cards each. The rest of the cards form a deck to draw from. Give each team or individual a pile of colored chips — blue, green or red.
Start play with the person to the left of the dealer. Take one card and place it face up on your own discard pile. Place a colored chip on the same “card” on the board. Pick up a new card from the draw pile before the next person takes a turn. The goal is to make a sequence, or connecting series, of five chips either horizontally, vertically or diagonally. The four corners are considered “free” spots and count as one of the five needed to make a sequence.
Use Jacks as wild cards. There are no Jacks on the playing board. Use a two-eyed Jack as any card you want. Call the card as you place the Jack on the discard pile and place a colored chip on the corresponding card on the board. Use a one-eyed Jack to remove another team’s colored chip. You cannot place one of your colored chips in its spot; you must leave it blank. You cannot remove a chip from a completed sequence.
Call out “dead card” when you hold a card that does not have a corresponding open card on the board. Place the card on the discard pile and choose another one. Then take your regular turn.
Continue play in this manner until one person or team gets the required number of sequences. If you are playing with two people or teams, you must get two sequences of five to win. If you are playing with three people or teams, you must get one sequence to win.
Tip
Use your wild card Jacks wisely. They can help you score a sequence or prevent your opponent from doing so.
When the draw deck starts running low, take all the discard piles, shuffle them together and add them to the draw deck.
Warnings:
- Don’t forget to pick up a card before the next player takes a turn. If you have not picked up a card by the time the next person puts a chip on the board, you will have to play the rest of the game one card short. Don’t warn your teammates about a bad move or tell them where to place a chip. If you do, you’re your whole team must forfeit one card.
References
- "Sequence Game Instructions"; Jax, Ltd., Inc., 1999
Tips
- Use your wild card Jacks wisely. They can help you score a sequence or prevent your opponent from doing so.
- When the draw deck starts running low, take all the discard piles, shuffle them together and add them to the draw deck.
Warnings
- Don't forget to pick up a card before the next player takes a turn. If you have not picked up a card by the time the next person puts a chip on the board, you will have to play the rest of the game one card short.
- Don't warn your teammates about a bad move or tell them where to place a chip. If you do, you're your whole team must forfeit one card.
Writer Bio
Formerly an eighth grade English teacher, Sedona Ray launched her freelance writing career in 2004. She has published on an eclectic array of topics, including economic systems, living with cancer, online banking and battles of the Civil War. Ray holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California-Los Angeles.
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