The Vision
- Simple Concept, Complex Strategies
- Beautiful, Educational, and Gratifying Game Pieces and Cards
While vacationing on the Oregon Coast, I had a vision for a game that would contain what I thought would be the right balance of luck and strategy. The idea came to me in the transitional state between sleep and wakefulness, and I built on it throughout the remainder of the trip.
Being someone who loves poker, I wanted to create a game that is straightforward, yet filled with frequent hard decisions involving calculation, risk, and reward. Within weeks of returning home, most of the concept was complete — including the name FOURBID. “FOUR” reflects how the number four plays a central role in the mechanics, and “BID” highlights the tension and gamesmanship of its unique bidding system.
The first edition adopted an ocean-life theme inspired by the trip. Card sets group marine plants and animals into scientific classifications, adding an educational element. Prototypes emphasized tactile quality, featuring colorful pieces on a magnetic scoreboard with a satisfying "snap" when placed. Versions range from portable editions to a deluxe 3D‑printed set.
Years of testing refined the rules and scoring to account for the wide variety of strategies players attempt. The current prototype has been patented and unchanged since 2022, and is now ready to be pitched to a publisher.
The Game
- Familiar and Easy to Learn / Difficult to Master
- Competitive and Fun for All
FOURBID plays like a classic card game, so learning feels natural. Players spend and earn points with the goal of finishing with the highest net score. While bidding and scoring take a moment to grasp, most players understand after just a practice hand.
The game rewards long‑term mastery. Multiple strategic paths, psychological play, and calculated risk create depth that appeals to serious competitors — while still being accessible enough for relaxed family play.
FOURBID blends set collection, drawing, and tactical decision‑making with educational exposure to ocean ecosystems. Kids and adults alike practice math, observation, and planning while enjoying the social experience.
The Pitch
- Balance: Opening, mid‑game, and end‑game all matter.
- Blend of Skill and Luck: Strategy drives outcomes, but the draw keeps it exciting.
- Simplicity: Clear objectives without unnecessary complexity.
- Engagement: Continuous decision‑making keeps players involved.
- Replay Value: Every hand and game feels different.
- Mental Stimulation: Encourages planning, observation, and calculation.
- Social Interaction: Laughter, tension, and table dynamics shape play.
- Psychology: Player tendencies influence strategy.
- Flexible Play Time: Quick games, extended sessions, or tournaments.
- Wide Appeal: Great for families, enthusiasts, classrooms, and social venues.
- Adaptable Theme: Ocean Life is just the beginning — many themes possible.
- Production Friendly: Attractive components with minimal manufacturing cost.
- Marketable: The concept can be explained in seconds.
- Players: 3–5 players (4 ideal for tournament play), Ages 8+.