Harry's Grand Slam Baseball Game

Harry's Grand Slam Baseball Game won't ever be confused for a statistical baseball simulation, but it's not intended to be. It's a fast-playing, clever card game that does feel like a game of baseball -- and it's a lot of fun. Each player manages a baseball team, making sometimes very tough decisions on which card to play on each turn. Although it was originally published in 1962, Harry's Grand Slam has been reprinted and was #2 on my list of the Top 10 Card Games of 2005.

The cards in Harry's Grand Slam Baseball all feature things that happen in a baseball game -- strike out, ground out, walk, error, double play, single, double, home run, etc. Each player starts with a hand of three cards, and each turn is very simple: play a card and draw a card. The trick is playing them effectively.

Suppose you hold cards representing a single, a home run and a strike out. If your opponent is up to bat, it's pretty clear you should play the strike out. But if your team is batting, the options are more challenging: If there's already an out and a runner on base, you could try the single to set up a three-run home run. But if your opponent has a double play card, you'll have wasted a great opportunity.

Occasionally, your decision isn't a choice between good and better -- it's between bad and worse. It will happen that you're up to bat and all three of your cards represent outs, and that your opponent is up to bat and all three of your cards represent hits. In such situations, your goal is to limit the damage as much as possible.

Despite the simple rules and quick playing time, Harry's Grand Slam really does feel like a baseball game. It even includes pinch hitters and relief pitchers, along with sacrifice bunts, stolen bases, and more. Designer Harry Obst immigrated to the U.S. in 1957; he fell in love with baseball the next year, and by 1962 he was printing and selling this game. This new edition features the original artwork, adding to the experience.