Action / Dexterity · American West

Mads and Cowboys

Mads and Cowboys is a brilliant pocket-sized mental arithmetic multi-game comprising 24 cards and 11 games.

1–10 players30 minages 6

About the game

What is Mads and Cowboys

Mads and Cowboys is a brilliant pocket-sized mental arithmetic multi-game comprising 24 cards and 11 games.

It is first and foremost a game of intuitive calculation with a Western theme suitable for all ages, but it is also an educational game for school (it works wonders on children aged 6 to 12). It is also ideal for anyone who wants to give their brain a workout and show off their skills in public. In fact, each game rewards the winner by letting them put on a show in front of the other players: plenty of laughs guaranteed!

The preliminary version of this game (which has since been revised and expanded) was awarded the bronze medal at the Lépine International Competition in Paris in 2025.

THE MADS (The Grand Expert Game / Level 5/5 – 2 to 10 players): the player whose turn it is (the Leader) asks for 1 to 5 Number cards based on the Hero card visible at the top of the Hero deck. They must then place this Hero card to the left or right of the deck to form a two-digit target number. Everyone tries to reach this target using the available numbers, and must use them all. However, the Leader can get within one of the target, whilst the Horde (the other players) must hit the exact number. If any players in the Horde think this is impossible for them, they must shout “Impossible!” to force the leader to take one of the four available jokers (Joker: add a card, Joker: remove a card, Joker: x3, Joker: x3, Joker: ÷ 2 or ÷ 3). The leader is allowed to take two of the four jokers, but the Horde can force them to take them.

Specs