Let’s play our DANS data game!

DANS has developed a game especially for researchers: the DANS Data Game. The game gives an impression of the research data landscape and was specially produced for the 15th anniversary of DANS. In advance of the 20th anniversary of DANS, we present here the 2024 updated version (DANS Data Game v2.0).

More details on the website, including how to order your own copy.

Rules of the game

Goal

The idea is to play smart and collect as many sets of four cards as possible, by asking alternately between players. By paying close attention to other turns you can find out who has which cards. The one with the most quartets wins after all the sets have been collected.

Preparation

All cards are dealt among the players. It is possible that some players have more cards than others. You take the cards in your hand and do not show them to the other players.

The game

A random player starts. When it’s your turn, ask one of the other players for a card. This must be a card from one of the sets of four of which you have at least one card in your hand. Name the name of the set and ask for the specific card you want. If the player has that card, he musthand it over to you and you may continue to ask for cards until you fail to get one. You may ask all players every time. If you have a set of four cards, you call “SET!” and place the four matching cards on the table in front of you. If the player does not have the requested card, your turn is over and the player to whom you last asked a card is next. The game is over when all sets are complete.

DANS Data Game with two players

When distributing the cards, you can share cards in a blind stack. The game proceeds as described above, but if someone asks for a card that cannot be given, he will receive a card from the blind stack to end his turn. This variant can also be played by two players.

Attribution for images

We have tried to contact all stakeholders regarding the images used. All logos are owned by the organisation it represents. The map data is from Google. Those who believe they have rights can contact us.

License

This DANS Data Game v2.0 (2024) is CC-BY-SA 4.0 licensed.