A push-your-luck game that rewards nerve and a little luck

Let's Dig for Treasure is a fast-paced card game for 2–5 players, ages 12 and up, playable in 10–20 minutes. It's part of Steven Rhodes Games Vol. 1, featuring the artist's retro, darkly humorous art. The game is easy to learn with very little setup, but it hides enough depth to satisfy hardcore gamers.

Your goal is simple: dig up cards worth points, stop before you hit a Skeleton or a second Worms card, and end up with the most valuable haul when the Dig Stacks run out.

Setup: three stacks and you're ready

Setup takes less than a minute. Follow these steps:

  1. Shuffle the deck: Take the 120-card deck and shuffle it thoroughly.
  2. Divide into three Dig Stacks: Deal the deck into three roughly equal face-down stacks. These are the Dig Stacks you'll draw from during the game.
  3. Choose a starting player: Pick the first player by any method you like. Play then proceeds clockwise.

How a turn works: dig, stop, or bust

On your turn, you'll dig cards one at a time from any Dig Stack. The tension comes from deciding when to stop.

  1. Dig a card: Choose any of the three Dig Stacks and take the top card. Place it face up in front of you. You can keep digging from any stack, as long as you haven't busted.
  2. Watch for danger: If you dig up a second Worms card, or even a single Skeleton card, your turn ends immediately and you lose everything you dug up this turn. Those cards go to the discard pile.
  3. Stop and keep your loot: At any point before busting, you can stop digging. All cards you've dug up this turn go into your personal score pile, face down.
  4. Pass the turn: After you stop or bust, the next player takes their turn.

What you'll find in the dirt

The deck contains all kinds of zany stuff. Some cards are worth a lot of points, while others trigger powerful effects. For example, Loyal Dogs protect you from a Skeleton, and Sewer Lines are worth negative points—give them to your least favorite opponent! There are also bonus point effects: if you dig up Milk to go with your Cookies, you'll score extra.

The game ends once an entire Dig Stack is empty. Players then add up the total point values on the cards in their score piles, applying any bonus point effects. The player with the highest total wins.

First-play tips: when to push and when to stop

The push-your-luck decision is the heart of the game. Keep these guidelines in mind:

  • Count the danger cards: There's only one Skeleton in the deck, and multiple Worms cards. As cards are revealed, track how many Worms have appeared. If you've already seen one Worms card this turn, digging again risks busting on the next Worms.
  • Know when to walk away: If you've already dug up a high-value card or a powerful effect, consider stopping to lock in your gains. The more cards you dig, the more you stand to gain—but also the more you risk losing everything.
  • Use effects wisely: Cards like Loyal Dogs can save you from a Skeleton. If you have one, you can afford to dig deeper. Cards that steal from opponents or give negative points to others can swing the game.
  • Watch the stacks: The game ends when any Dig Stack is empty. Keep an eye on stack sizes; if one is running low, you might want to push your luck to maximize points before the game ends.

Game details at a glance

What to expect on your first play

The first game will likely be quick and full of laughter as players bust on a Skeleton or a second Worms card. Don't worry about strategy too much at first—just get a feel for the risk-reward balance. After one or two plays, you'll start to recognize when to push and when to play it safe.

The game's hidden depth comes from card effects and the timing of when to stop. Experienced gamers will enjoy finding combos and manipulating the odds. But even casual players can enjoy the simple thrill of digging for treasure.