I'm looking for a simple hand management mechanic that has players playing cards in front of them in order from 1-10. Whoever reaches 10 first (or highest value) wins. Everyone starts with a 1 in front of them. Everyone draws three cards to start.
As it standing now, you can play one or two cards at a time. Always draw one card from face down draw pile for a replacement. Or you may discard 1, 2, or 3 cards and draw one more than discarded. Not sure of hand limit but perhaps 5.
The cards will be consist of these numbers on them (no suits).
1
2
3a
3
4
5
6
7a
7
8
9
10
-You need to play two 3a's to reach 3.
-You need to play one 7a before playing a 7, two 7a's before playing an 8, three 7a's to before playing a 9 and four 7a's to before playing a 10.
-Once you reach a higher number, you discard the previous card in front of you back into the deck.
Example 1: I have a 4 in front of me and play a 5. The 4 is discarded. Example 2: I have an 8 and three 7a's in front of me and play a 9. The 8 and three 7a's are discarded into the deck.
Does this sound like a complete luckfest? I don't mind a healthy amount but I want there to be some meaningful decision making.
One more element I was think of was allowing players to play some high cards early (3 & 7-10) but they are "tapped" until the prerequisite card is played.
Are there any games like there where you need to build up to high cards in order? Thanks for thoughts in advance.
Thanks for the excellent feedback, and I think you're right, the luck and frustration factor will be too high. Instead of tweaking the system above, I am going to shift to trick-taking that should work well with what I have in mind.