The Astronaut Group 2023

In this rummy variant, players are astronaut recruiters trying to gather groups of similar astronauts for NASA. There are 10 sets of 12 astronauts represented by a unique color and symbol, each with a different theme. The cards are individually illustrated with the astronauts represented in a whimsical fashion (as the astronauts are also arts and crafts enthusiasts). There is also a set of 10 wild cards and a set of 10 cards with 2 symbols each.

Each player starts with a hand of three cards. On your turn, you draw a card from the deck or discard pile and either play a card to a group or discard a card. The first card of a group cannot be a wild or dual symbol card. Afterwards, card symbols must match. Players may not have more than three active groups, and a group may have no more than five astronauts. Five card groups are immediately set aside for later scoring. A player may otherwise forgo their turn in order to set aside an incomplete group. Once the deck is empty, players get one last turn and the game ends.

The winner is the person with the highest score. All groups are scored, both in play and out of play. Single card groups score nothing. 2-4 card groups score 2-4 points respectively. A five card "astronaut group" scores 10 points.