Quickdraw: SHOWDOWN
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Quickdraw: SHOWDOWN *
GAME ENGINE
CARDS!
PLATFORM
IRL
TEAM
Solo
CONTRIBUTIONS
Game Design, Playtesting,
YEAR
2021
GENRE
Card Game
Overview of Group Project
Quickdraw: Showdown! is a fast-paced Wild West–inspired dueling game for 2–4 players. Designed using a standard 52-card deck, the game combines the tension of a shootout with the chaos of Spoons and the flair of classic Westerns.
Concept & Design
The goal was to create an original card game using only a regular deck. I wanted something quick to learn, fun to yell during, and full of bluffing and snap decisions. Inspired by Western duels and party games, I designed Quickdraw: Showdown! to feel like a saloon standoff—with rules that encourage speed, drama, and a little bit of cheating.
How It Works
Each player draws 6 cards face down from their split of the full 52-card deck (evenly divided based on player count).
A countdown begins: "1… 2… 3… SHOWDOWN!"—but players can call it early to throw others off.
Once "SHOWDOWN!" is called, players flip cards, aiming for a total of 21 (instant win) or the highest hand possible.
When ready, players call out "FIRE!" and pick another player to duel. First to shout it starts the timer—others only get 20 seconds to finish drawing cards.
Duel Rules
Highest total wins the duel.
Ties lead to sudden death: draw one card at a time until someone wins.
Multiple players can challenge the same target—duels are handled one at a time.
Rounds & Winning
After each round, the full deck is reshuffled and redistributed. First to win 3 or 5 rounds earns the title of "Fastest Card in the West."
Optional rule: finger guns strongly encouraged when calling “FIRE!”