Card game catching on
It's a cinch!
Cinch (pronounced "sinch") is a fun and social game, a card game of taking a risk to make your bid.
Powell River resident Herb Daum has been spreading the word about cinch and introducing people to the game.
"Cinch is played in private homes and public facilities. It is now being played weekly at the Legion Mondays at 7 pm," says Daum.
Cinch is played with four players to a table, two partnerships. The object of Cinch is not taking tricks, but getting the high of trump, the low of trump, more "game points" than the other team, and hopefully keeping or capturing the jack of trump (which may not have been dealt). Each player gets one bid for the right to set trump in the suit of their choice. The first team to score 11 points wins the game. If the team does not make their bid their score is reduced by the full amount of the failed bid, says Daum.
A special "money" bid has nothing to do with money but is a do-or-die bid. Regardless of the score, make the bid and win, or fail the bid and lose the game. If the other team is nearly at the finish line a player might bid "money" in desperation.
Daum says cinch is fun. But don't just take his word for it, here's what others are saying.
"I love Cinch because it is a social game and lots of fun. It is never over until it is over—just go money! I play a lot of Bridge and Cinch. Bridge is very good for the mind but Cinch is much more social," says one player.
"Cinch offers some challenges—playing with a partner, strategy and the 'money' bid. The game is usually 'fast' and there is always the adrenaline rush for the finish with the possibility of a money bid. Definitely not as predictable—an excellent start does not mean an automatic win," says another.
"I like Cinch because it is easy to learn. I have Fibromyalgia and with that have a terrible time remembering, but I was able to pick this game up quickly. It sounds much more complicated than it actually is. I find that everyone is willing to help you and people are not serious," added a third player.
"I enjoy the quick pace, variety, challenge and especially that it is relatively easy to learn. Playing teams with a partner enhances the fun. Lots of laughs and quick turn-abouts," says another player.
To join the fun and for more information, call Herb Daum at 604 485-5504, or visit the www.cinchgame.net website where you will find the game rules and more event information.
