UPSET® Blog

UPSET Sponsors the Newmarket Redmen Minor Bantam AE team 2010

2011-06-06T15:44:00.001-04:00

Last year UPSET sponsored the Newmarket Redmen, a Minor Bantam AE team, and they had a GREAT year!

Here's the update from a mother of one of the players via email:

I have been meaning to email you many times now, just to give you an update on my son's hockey team this year. You and your organization graciously sponsored the team this year.

Our boys have had a great year. They finished 1st overall in regular season play for York Simcoe Region, and they are currently playing in the York Simcoe semi-finals against Barrie. They made it as far as the OMHA Semi-finals last week, where they were defeated in 5 games (of 6) against Richmondhill. They also won the Uxbridge Early Bird Tournament this past fall. I've attached a team pic for you from this tournament (above).

It's with your help and the other companies that have sponsored this team that has allowed these boys to develop to this level of hockey, through extra ice time and tournaments. I just wanted to thank you again for your support, and I hope that as we look forward to next year (try outs are in April !) that you will consider sponsoring this team again.

Thanks again,

Chris

p.s. the team has made it to the York Simcoe Finals, with game #1 against Aurora tonight.

Just wanted to let you know that the Newmarket Redmen Minor Bantam AE team won the York Simcoe Championship last night, beating out Aurora in 3 games. They took it in overtime with 1:02 minutes left in o/t, with a score of 3-2.

Thanks again for your support this year in sponsoring the team, and hope we can count on you again next year!

Chris

We, here at p.s. PlayGames, want to thank Chris for the emails and for sharing the great news about the Newmarket Redmen! They had a great year and we hope this year is even better.

Congratulations Team!

Great Emails from an UPSET Game Fan

2010-12-14T12:59:00.001-05:00

We receive lots of great phone calls and emails from FANS of UPSET, but these ones were especially nice and we thought we would share them with everyone.

Email from Lori of Alberta:

We are HUGE FANS OF UPSET and I am hoping that your new game is released and ready to purchase. My hubby, Tim, has put it on his Christmas list. He is very hard to buy for and had to complicate even more by only having 2 items on his list. A heavy long sleeve shirt to keep him warm but not heavy or hot...???...that's all I'll say on that one! And of course the new game from the makers of UPSET. We live in Alberta if that helps. Am I in luck? Thanks, Lori

AND after I told her about our NEW Travel Game - UPSET Express, this was her response…

OMG...this is incredible....I will buy the travel game UPSET Express!!! Holy dina...thank you, you just made my day and Tim's Christmas…

… we feel [UPSET] should be "THE" top #1 selling game period!!!!!

AND after she received her UPSET Express Game…

Wanted to let you know that I received "the" greatest parcel of all...ooooh yeah! Thank you so much again for not only giving the gift of Christmas but the gift of your service is exceptional and a real honor to be on the receiving end. Will keep you informed. Merry Christmas!

We, here at p.s. PlayGames, would like to thank Lori for these nice emails.

We would also like to take this time to wish every UPSET Game fan a great holiday season and thank everyone for the great emails and phone calls. UPSET had a good year and hopefully next year will be even better!

Happy Holidays and a Happy and Healthy 2011!

Paul Thomas & Stuart Fairhurst

(UPSET Game Inventors)

Canada.com Selects UPSET as a Toy That Entertains and Educates!

2010-11-23T16:11:00.000-05:00

On November 16, 2010 we noticed a very high spike in visits to our website and then again on Sun. Nov. 21. It wasn't until Monday when we found out (by email) from someone in Ottawa looking for the game that Canada.com selected UPSET as a Toy That Entertains and Educates! We received increase phone calls and internet inquiries (especially from out west) wondering where they can buy UPSET. One women from Vancouver told us that she saw it in the Holiday Shopping Guide in the Vancouver Sun. Well after some research we discovered it in newspapers from Montreal to Vancouver. Isn't that FANTASTIC!!!

UPSET Game Joins 100 Mile Finds

2010-07-20T11:49:00.000-04:00

You can now find UPSET on the new 100 Mile Finds Website. It's a great place to search for unique gifts, original handmade items and specialty services right in your own backyard and it's the best resource for great local shopping. With great categories such as: 'Things to Do', 'For Her', 'For Kids and Pets, and "Seasonal', etc., it makes finding what you're looking for much easier. They have started their search in Toronto, the GTA and southern Ontario, but plan to cover the rest of the planet 100 miles at a time. They have even blogged about our game: UPSET at 100 Mile Finds. So drop by their web-site and find what you're looking for!

"UPSET Game Players of 2009" CONTEST WINNERS

2010-06-13T18:10:00.005-04:00

p.s. PlayGames is pleased to announce the WINNERS of the 'UPSET Game Players of 2009" Contest!
This year the title is not going to just one person. This year we have selected an enthusiastic group of six players from London, Ontario to share the title of 'UPSET Game Players of 2009'!!! Here is their winning entry:

From left to right: Anne, Mark, Jason, John, Tyler and Kate (not in photo)

History of this photo:

"We purchased the game [UPSET] as our family "Christmas gift" in 2009. We played all through the holidays with our friends and family and continue to do so regularly almost every weekend. Initially we started playing this game as a form of social, friendly fellowship amongst friends and family. This soon changed dramatically, and has now become a ritual where all players wear their favourite colours to each game. It has become a weekly passion with each game bringing on new strategies and a great test of your wit. We have entered this contest to share our story as well as hopefully be chosen as the winner and secure a trophy. The trophy would then serve as our weekly prize for those winners of our games who can walk away both with bragging rights and the trophy; the ultimate UPSET!"

"Our Interpretation of this game is as follows, based on testimonials of all our family and friends when playing UPSET:"

'U: - Ultimate, undaunted, undermining, unpredictable and unprecedented'

'P: - Principals, playful, painful, paranoid and phenomenal'

'S: - Superior, suspenseful, social and sleepless'

'E: - Extreme, entertaining, exciting, enjoyable, emotional, enduring and envious'

"T: - Tricky, tantrums, torturous, trying, tempting, testy and tremendous'

____________________________________________________________________________________

This amazing group of players have also provided us with ideas for new UPSET Cards and are spreading UPSET Fever to everyone who knows them. We certainly feel that these great people truly deserve the title and that they embody our company motto: "Inspiring Friends and Families to Connect Through Games".

Kate, Mark, Jason, Anne, John and Tyler, we were blown away with your entry and it means a great deal to us. Thank you for loving the game so much and we hope you enjoy your prizes (T-Shirts, trophy, and a NEW UPSET Express Game). We can't wait to get down to London, Ontario sometime soon to play a game or two with you all.

Bravo, Champions!
Paul Thomas & Stuart Fairhurst (UPSET Creators)

Introducing UPSET Express - The Travel Game

2010-06-13T17:05:00.002-04:00

THE NEW TRAVEL GAME!
UPSET® Express is the fun and fast paced dice game that’s NEW this year! Players must beat the set score or they lose their chips. Be the last player standing or the first player to roll U-P-S-E-T to win! A great travel game from the makers of UPSET®! 2-4 players.
Selected HOT Toy of the Summer 2010 (travel games) - Canadian Toy Association.
Contents: Dice Shaker, 5 Unique Dice, 4 sets of 5 Upcents (20 chips in total), Carry Bag and Rules.
On-line price: $10.99 CAD

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2010-04-28T08:26:00.001-04:00

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My Best UPSET Game Ever

2010-04-20T17:07:00.004-04:00

Is this the biggest UPSET on record...?!!

Picture it - My score was 9450 and another player gives me "It's an UPSET Birthday" card (a new expansion Keeper card) forcing me to draw the next card from the pack. Whaddya know - "Score Goes Back to 2000"! - a general hilarity everywhere else round the table. Little did they know that I had the Keeper Card "Go Back a Box" (a new expansion card).

My turn comes around, I play my Keeper Card and my score goes back to 9450. Now everyone is groaning as I take 7 upcents out of the pot (because my score went from 2000 - 9450) and proceed to my roll... And I throw 4, 4, 4, 1, and 5 - total 550! My scores goes to 10,000 and it's another fantastic... win with score going from 2000 to 10,000 in one turn!!

It was amazing and I loved it!

Stuart Fairhurst

UPSET Game Player of 2009 Contest

2010-04-20T16:50:00.005-04:00

p.s. PlayGames is looking for the UPSET Game Player of 2009! Go to: http://www.playupset.com/fyi.php for more information on how to enter. It's FREE and there are many great prizes... like an engraved trophy, T-shirts and expansion packs. Plus get your photo and story published on our web-site. Contest ends April 30, 2010.

UPSET Game Expansion Packs

2010-04-20T16:07:00.002-04:00

New UPSET Expansion Packs are now available on-line at http://playupset.com/buyupset//catalog/.12 new Upset Cards and extra score sheets are grouped in 4 different packages to suit every game player's needs.UPSET Expansion Packs give you 2 great products for one low price! All priced at $5.99 CAD.

Expansion Pack #1 includes 6 NEW UPSET cards (2 Keeper and 4 Player Cards) to add to your original deck of 52 cards. PLUS 50 extra score sheets! Each Expansion pack adds a great NEW element to every game! Expansion Pack #2 includes 50 extra score sheets and 6 NEW and DIFFERENT UPSET Cards, this is the final expansion pack to add to your UPSET Card deck and will give you a total of 64 Cards if both expansion packs are purchased. The Expansion cards will make for more GREAT play and interaction among the players. FUN and EXCITEMENT for all!

Expansion Pack#3 is for the UPSET Game owner who is looking to add more strategy and fun to their UPSET games but doesn't need the extra score sheets. Pack #3 includes 12 expansion cards (4 Keeper and 8 Player cards) to complete the original deck of UPSET cards. The complete set of 64 UPSET cards will give each game new elements with lots of strategy and great fun!

Extra Score Sheets also available for those who just need more score sheets and don't need the Expansion Cards. It consists of 2 Pads totaling 100 UPSET Score Sheets. All of the Expansion Packs and Extra Score Sheets are $5.99.

Comment to UPSET® Game Player 2008

2009-04-28T12:56:00.002-04:00

From:	"Jayne Donaldson"
Date:	Fri, April 24, 2009 9:55 am

Hi Paul and Stuart,

Jake was thrilled with the Game Player of 2008 title. Thanks! Jake wore his sweat shirt to school and another boy told Jake that he too had that game it made Jake feel special waring the sweatshirt. Small world considering there is only 400 kids at Jake's school. He still plays upset on a regular basis and beats us constantly... We are moving beginning of August to St. Maarten... We did buy an extra game and it is already packed ready to go. Original game stays here for when we do return periodically. we wish you guys all the luck in selling this great product.

Keep in touch.
Jayne

Comment from Game Designers:

"Thanks so much for the email Jayne. We shall miss you, your husband Ken and of course Jake at the craft and gift shows this year. We hope you guys have a wonderful life in St. Maarten and if we're ever visiting there we shall look you guys up."

All the best,
Paul & Stuart

UPSET® Game Player of 2008

2009-04-23T14:15:00.003-04:00

Of the many UPSET players we met and/or heard from last year, one player who made a lasting impression was Jake Donaldson. We first met Jake at a craft and gift show in Oshawa, Ontario and, when he approached us about playing the game, we were a little apprehensive because he was only 7 yrs old. UPSET’s age recommendation is 12 and up, but a smart 10 year old could play providing their mental math skills are good. We asked Jake if his math was good and in a very confident manner he informed us that he was a level ahead in school for math. So we sat down and proceeded to teach him the game. To our astonishment he wasn’t kidding about his math skills at all. Even his reading/comprehension skills were excellent.
Jake played many games that day and his parents, Jayne and Ken - of The Peddlar's Post, bought UPSET for him at the end of the show. Needless to say Jake has played many games since and when we saw him at other shows he was able to teach people how to play on his own. Jake quickly turned into our good luck mascot and we always liked having him around. He is certainly an UPSET Champ!
A couple months ago we heard from Jake after he got back from his trip to St. Maarten. He sent us this email and picture, here’s an excerpt:

Hi Guys,
It’s Jake. I Just Got Back From St. Maarten… I met two kids down in St. Maarten they were from the United States and they loved the game. Well Gotta Go.
Bye From Jake

Well, we hope to see Jake at some of the upcoming shows again soon and we wanted to say thanks for being such a GREAT UPSET FAN!

2009 Season for Craft and Gift Shows

2009-04-22T16:14:00.004-04:00

The new season is already off to a great start with 3 exciting shows even before Easter.

First was March 7th - 8th in CHATHAM, Ont.
It was a pleasure to meet again many of the vendors we had been running into at all the pre-Christmas shows we attended. It was also a pleasure to introduce UPSET to a whole new set of enthusiastic gamers including JACLYN, LUCILLE, LESLEY, JO-ANN and ELLEN. Great players all and great meeting you.

Next up (April 4th - 5th) was the annual London Arts and Crafts Spring Show and Sale held at the Western Fairgrounds in London, Ontario. It was our first visit to this huge and impressive facility and the show was very well attended and lots of fun for everyone.
This was our first meeting with Britney whose mother had a nearby glass-vending booth and we would run into her and her twin sister Arnell at subsequent events.
Also Joanne J. went home with a game and later in the week e-mailed us saying she was playing it every day but she had a couple of queries regarding play. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the game so much, Joanne, and hope our reply cleared things up for you.

Maybe the highlight of the show came on the second day when siblings Tristan, Matthew and Rachel (above) sat down to play with father (and later, also, mother) looking on. The three teens already knew and enjoyed playing a game they simply called “Dice” which uses the conventional scoring system of ones, fives and three of a kind just like UPSET so they were very quick learners.
They also delighted in the new and different twists that UPSET introduces to the basic formula, especially when Tristan rolled U-P-S-E-T and knocked his brother and sister off the board. He was merciless and Rachel and Matthew were then determined to beat him down. Unfortunately for them his lead was now too great and he needed only 150 for the game and was all ready to start counting his chickens before they had actually hatched. Matthew and Rachel persevered and Tristan’s chips dwindled inexorably down. Finally Tristan lost the last of his chips and once again failed to get that final 150 and was knocked out.
Then began the final race to the finish which Rachel won and it was agreed a great time and a great game had been had by all. The three young people were enthusiastic and energetic (even exhausting!) but they were great sports and, with parents sharing their play, it was a family event such as our company, p.s.PlayGames, hopes to generate and sponsor and support.

And so on to KITCHENER and the FROM OUR HANDS TO YOURS CRAFT AND COLLECTIBLE SHOW on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, April 10 and 11th. Another very pleasurable event with lots of games going on.
Holly beat Susie and then another Sue lost to her daughter Heather.
Donna and Michelle had an exciting game and a young guy named Chris had an excellent game with Paul.
Max may have been styled Master of the Universe but he didn’t manage a win at UPSET at the show this time around. He went home the proud possessor of a new game, however, and, no doubt, he has now added UPSET success to his title.
Britney and Arnell played several times again and Mary and Jacob enjoyed a game.

Background: Britney and Arnell
Foreground: Alex, Derek and Stuart (hat)

Best of all, Derek, whose grandparents were also exhibiting at the show, brought over what seemed like most of his family to have a try at the game. These included Grandpa and Grandma and also Pam and Alex. Pam and Alex played a game themselves while Grandma was only able to spare a few brief moments with us. Grandpa, on the other hand, spent a while watching on and getting the hang of the game. As he explained, he was pretty sure he would be the one Derek ended up playing with the most and he wanted to be prepared. We wish Good Luck, Grandpa, but as nearly everyone in the family got themselves a game, you may find yourself playing a bit more than you expected. Enjoy - it’s GREAT to get UPSET!

UPSET® Game Tips From the Game Designers

2009-04-20T20:47:00.000-04:00

Some important tips that will help you be an UPSET® Champ!

Tip #1
Be sure to collect Keeper Cards whenever possible - they will help you win the game.

Tip #2
Beware holding on to your Keeper Cards too long; one of the best parts of the game is stealing other Keeper Cards - unless it's your card being stolen!

Tip #3
Did you realize players can join in a game in progress if everyone is agreeable? You don't necessarily have to wait around if someone is late getting home from work/school/lectures etc. Start the game and let them join in when they arrive. True, they may be at a slight disadvantage to start with but a few good dice throws, a couple of lucky cards, and they could be up with the leaders before you know it. Just be sure to make them stake the pot with their 10 uPcentS before they start!

Tip# 4
Length of game - For 2, 3 or 4 players, the regular game to 10,000 points gives a great game experience although the short game to 5,000 is still loads of fun. With 5 or 6 players, the short game to 5,000 points is probably best. (Be advised that the roller-coaster play and the usual edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting finishes can leave you feeling quite drained and exhausted!)

Tip# 5
Don’t show your disappointment if you draw the Bluffer Card from the deck. It’s not completely useless; holding the Bluffer along with other Keeper Cards gives you a little bit of protection against Keeper Card stealers - they may steal the Bluffer instead of a card you really want to keep.

Tip# 6
Try not to leave yourself needing only 50 points to win. It can be surprisingly difficult to get just the ‘5’ to win and you can bust many times and lose many uPcentS trying!

Tip# 7
If you are looking to play a short game then start without having to roll at least 400 points to get 'on the board' or into the game. When we demonstrate the game we always by pass this rule to get people into the game as fast as possible.

Comment From Sue and Mark (Gravenhurst)

2008-10-29T21:32:00.003-04:00

We had a great time playing with you guys as we clebrated our 25th Anniversary in the Muskokas. We are still playing ( and I am still winning!) and have new converts too!

Thanks guys! Keep up the great work!

Sue (and Mark)

October 27, 2008 10:11 AM

Thanks Sue and Mark,

We hope you will enjoy the game together for another 25+ years!

Paul & Stuart

Bracebridge - Festival of the Falls - September 20th

2008-09-23T21:28:00.004-04:00

Applause - Give Your Kids a Hand
6 Manitoba St., Bracebridge, ON

It was a great fall day for the Bracebridge festival with the main downtown street blocked off to traffic and the stores all showing their best out on the sidewalk. And UPSET was there at JAKE and JENNY THOMAS’s great toy and game store APPLAUSE. The weather was perfect - sunny and warm enough to be comfortable but not too hot and not at all humid. A great day and lots of good gaming going on.

Early on EMILE and CATHI were interested enough to try out the game (Cathi won) and impressed enough to buy one. Their family is going to be getting UPSET for a long time to come if Emile and Cathi have their way!
Likewise, MATT and JUSTIN gave Paul a good game as did JESSICA and all left with great things to say about their new boardgame discovery.

The Bracebridge Idol stage immediately in front of the store was a mixed blessing for the UPSET/APPLAUSE team because, although it provided great entertainment and drew a lot of interest from the audience, no-one was then going in the shops and it was impossible to explain the rules of the game over the sound of the music! Paul shouted himself hoarse before admitting defeat and just sitting back to enjoy the concert.

Meanwhile Stuart, relocated by Jake in the back of the store, was able both to enjoy the music and demonstrate the game....
IRENE didn’t like it - she LOVED it and, although she didn’t win when she played in the store, she took one home determined to try it out with friends and family and get her revenge that way.
Idol prizewinner MEGAN and her friend HANNAH were happy to distract themselves from the tension of waiting for the results by playing a game of UPSET in the store. Megan resolved to buy a game if she won and she went home with a signed copy.
And finally ANTHONY and his mother JENNIFER (and her friend JEN)....
Anthony started out like many new, young players. He kept rolling when he should stick, kept chancing when he should be content to stay and Jennifer and Stuart had to let him learn his own way. And learn he did - and very quickly! And was he ever lucky?!! In a really fun game, Anthony beat Stuart and Jennifer was happy to treat him to a new game - after all it’s great for developing mental math skills! And, who knows, she may even introduce it to an adults games night as well?

All in all, a very satisfying day in Bracebridge and many thanks to Jake and staff members CRYSTAL and KARLEE for having us at Applause. We look forward to our next visit.

CABBAGETOWN FESTIVAL - September 5th-7th

2008-09-12T13:56:00.004-04:00

Cabbagetown really was once a town of cabbages. But those days are long gone and, today, this shaded community beside the Don Valley is one of Toronto's most interesting downtown neighbourhoods. Residents and fans of the area come together every September for the Cabbagetown Festival. A street festival, arts & crafts and other things sale, short film & video festival, pub crawls and tours of the stately homes, are just part of the 3 day event.

We have mixed feelings about this event this year but nothing to do with the organization or the event itself - just the weather! Big thanks to DOUG ROLANDS for all the info and support he was so generous with both before and during the festival.

Friday afternoon was damp and too windy for the canopy so we arrived early on Saturday for set up. The location - at the corner of Sumach and Winchester by the Necropolis and opposite the Park entrance - was just delightful and Saturday itself was a great fall day. All day long we had a constant stream of players who were unanimously enthusiastic about this new and exciting game they were discovering. WENDY and MATT had to dash off for a party after Matt had tried out a couple of times; lovely speech pathologist LAURIE couldn’t have been more full of praise, energy and enthusiasm and also stayed for two games. When all was said and done it had been a great fun and busy day with lots of games sold and hardly any time to dart across to the Park Cafe on the opposite corner for a bite to eat.

And then came Sunday! Just time to set up the booth before the rain started. And it rained and rained. Lots of time now to cross the street for a hamburger but, bit by bit, the stuff had to be packed away to stop it getting soaked (never mind us - we were soaked practically from the get-go!).

UPSET was designed partly with the outdoors in mind. Everything packs snugly so it doesn’t blow away in play and the glide clips included in each game allow you to connect the lid and the box to keep it all anchored on the table or beach-blanket or wherever. Breezy, yes, but it’s not designed for the rain and nobody wants to sit and play during the rain either. So, after over 4 hours with no-one even sitting down for a chat, we packed up and left. Of course, a couple of hours later the weather started to clear but by then it was too late to salvage the day. Too late even for photos!

Cabbagetown Festival then will be on our list of events to attend next year. It’s a great event, terrific location and wonderful people. We’ll be there - and hope for good weather!

One great bonus we got was this email from ALISA WING which we received on Monday Sept.8th

"My husband and I bought a copy of your game at the Cabbagetown Festival on Saturday. We’ve played at least 10 times since then and we love it.

Thanks!"

Alisa Wing

Hobbs & Co. Wine Merchants Inc.
736 Dundas St. E. Toronto Suite 607

For pictures of this year's festival click here.

Fan Expo Canada 2008

2008-09-12T13:20:00.003-04:00

Weekend of August 23/24 was a great weekend at the FANEXPO 2008 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the second year we have exhibited there. The FANEXPO is a unique event which assembles celebrities, creative talents, promoters and exhibitors from pop culture with their thousands of fans and UPSET was delighted to be a part of it again.

As well as Superman, WonderWoman, Dr. Spock and dozens of other movie/T.V./comicbook characters present in the variously costumed, 50,000+ fans, there were the likes of SEAN ASTIN (Lord of the Rings), EDWARD JAMES OLMOS (Battlestar Gallactica), ‘Captain’ KATE MULGREW (Star Trek: Voyager), HENRY ‘Fonzie’ WINKLER, BRENT SPINER (Star Trek, TNG), and director WES CRAVEN on hand to sign autographs.
And then there was UPSET at a table in the games area available for anyone to play.

The Games Expo was incorporated into the FanExpo in 2005 to showcase and provide a play venue for fans to sample and play out various new and traditional games. Although there were many RPG games around, fans seemed to enjoy the chance to sample a more traditional game like UPSET. Paul and I played many games all weekend at a standout event (over 45 people played) and handed out literally dozens of promotional games to winners at the table. Players included NICK (won), KAREN, DOUGLAS a.k.a. MEGAMAN (won), WALLY, PAT, SARAH (won), MIKE (won), LOGAN and many, many more.

Thanks, JUSTIN, for having us and we are already looking forward to next year.

(L-R, Douglas, Paul, Karen and Wally)

Applause - Gravenhurst

2008-09-09T17:53:00.016-04:00

Wednesday (Aug. 20th)

Really busy week this week.... Wednesday found us in Gravenhurst in Muskoka cottage country. It was Farmers’ Market Day and APPLAUSE toy store owners JAKE and JENN THOMAS had invited us to demo the game at their store close by the market area and in a lovely waterside location.

We had a great response early in the day from the visitors from Ohio in the U.S. and Sydney, Australia who purchased a couple of copies of the game and then DENISE, MATTHEW, and ALLAN (L-R below) also loved it well enough to take one home.

MARK and SUE checked us out, went away to think about it, came back and played a game (LOVED IT!) and then got one as a little gift to them selves for their wedding anniversary. Pleasure meeting you guys and Happy Anniversary.

AMANDA, KENDAL, REGAN and JOHNNIE had an “UPSET INTERUPTED” when they had to leave in mid-game. They sat down originally, I think, more for a rest than with any real curiosity or commitment but, as the game progressed, the interest level rose and the energy and interactions flowed and soon they were battling it out in earnest. Fireman Dad reminded them a couple of times they had to leave before they reluctantly did so but they were so determined to complete their match that they took one home to finish it there. We’d be interested hearing who won, guys and I’m sure it was just the first of many challenge games for you all!

And finally, the young lady from the clothing store next door (didn’t get your name - sorry!) came over after hearing about the game from customers coming in after they had tried it out. The word-of-mouth must have been favourable because she came over herself to try it to see if it would suit as a birthday gift for her aunt who, apparently, is a great games player. Turns out it would be just the thing and Paul and I were happy to sign the game with our best wishes. Again, we’d be really interested in how your aunt enjoyed her new game.

Comment... from Sue and Mark

October 27, 2008 10:11 AM

Hobbies & Beyond

2008-08-10T10:24:00.005-04:00

JULY 19, 2008
Another busy weekend....
Great UPSET demo session at the HOBBIES & BEYOND store in Lindsay in the Kawarthas. Owners JANET and GARY LAHEY welcomed us with a great window display on 46 Kent Street West (check it out) and GARY turned into an UPSET-PRO as he defeated Paul in his first game and went on to another close match with Stuart. Great games, Gary!

Another two-time player was CHAD who returned for a second game with SHELLEY. Excellent games, Chad and hope we get to play again sometime (maybe when we return in December?)

DAN was another cool player. He got sidetracked from his main shopping quest to have a game of UPSET with us but didn’t mind at all (he won!) and was happy to have learned a great new game.
Cousins SAM and BEN were likewise pleased to learn how to play and enjoyed their game while brother and Dad shopped around the store. Result? - Everyone was happy! Like I said.... great session at HOBBIES and BEYOND in Lindsay, a FANTASTIC store... Drop by they carry everything! While marketing in the Kawarthas we even managed to get in The Kawartha Lakes This Week, with a nice article written by Mary Riley. Here's the link:
http://www.mykawartha.com/news/article/31908

UPSET® in Cottage Country

2008-07-24T10:52:00.004-04:00

Great time up in Cottage Country....
The Cottage Country Craft Fair at Bala (Muskoka) on July 12th and 13th was a terrific event.
On Saturday the rain brought in great crowds and the UPSET booth was busy from open to close with lots of players and sales. Two young guys at different times on Saturday, DAVID and ZACH, were both keen players who enjoyed repeat games during the day.
Sunday was a really beautiful day so attendee numbers were down a little but BECKY and MAYA, who had played (and purchased) on Saturday, came back on the second day as well and played some more games with us. (They also admitted they had played 3 further games the night before and thought they might be a little bit ADDICTED to UPSET..... Becky, Maya, it happens!!).

LISA and DAVID also seemed to enjoy their game A LOT. I can’t even remember who won but it didn’t matter - it was all in the play. They picked it up in a flash and were really well matched and it looked like it would be the first of many, many games and all hotly contested. Good luck to you both!

Humber College Marketing Expo

2008-07-14T20:24:00.003-04:00

Overdue update!
The blog has remained undone for a while because there has been too MUCH activity since the start of summer. It began with the post-grad business students at Humber College and their Marketing Expo (See pictures from the event below and a fun time was had by all!)
Great ideas from SERKAN, COURTNEY, HENRI, BRIAN, KISHORE AND RYAN.
Great meeting you guys, thanks for all your ideas and insights and glad you enjoyed UPSET® so much. We look forward to continuing the close contacts with Humber College that you have established.

More TIPS and a Testimonial from Christmas 2007

2008-02-06T16:43:00.000-05:00

A Mother's Testimonial
A really nice message from Julie in Kingston, ON. (In fact, when you first e-mailed us, Julie, we couldn’t place you but when you mentioned Kingtson it reminded us of our chat about the downtown games store there. Great getting your positive feedback and enjoy the game.)

“I wanted to let you know that we have really enjoyed your new game UPSET this Christmas season.....We have a group of 10 year olds really enjoying the play!....My daughter brags that "she even met the creators of the game in person!"
Best in 2008!”

Thanks very much, Julie. We actually expected UPSET to appeal to teens and adults so your daughter and her 10-year old friends are quite exceptional which is exciting to hear. All the best - Stuart and Paul

MORE TIPS

Tip# 4- Length of game - For 2, 3 or 4 players, the regular game to 10,000 points gives a great game experience although the short game to 5,000 is still loads of fun. With 5 or 6 players, the short game to 5,000 points is probably best. (Be advised that the roller-coaster play and the usual edge-of-your-seat, nail-biting finishes can leave you feeling quite drained and exhausted!)

Tip# 5- Don’t show your disappointment if you draw the Bluffer Card from the deck. It’s not completely useless; holding the Bluffer along with other Keeper Cards gives you a little bit of protection against Keeper Card stealers - they may steal the Bluffer instead of a card you really want to keep.

Tip# 6- Try not to leave yourself needing only 50 points to win. It can be surprisingly difficult to get just the ‘5’ to win and you can bust many times and lose many uPcentS trying!

UPSET® at the Hobby Show 2007

2007-11-08T16:00:00.000-05:00

UPSET had its first exposure at the Canadian Hobby Show on November 2nd.-4th., 2007 and what a successful outing it was! Attendance at the exclusive UPSET booth was continuous, especially on Saturday and Sunday. Old and young alike filled the 3 gaming tables set up and learned to play and enjoy UPSET with several coming back later in the show to have another game - Erika claimed she was “already addicted to UPSET!”

Instructors Shawn, Stuart, Nicole and Paul (L- R) had their hands full coaching new players and even enlisted the aid of other participants - Erika again - thanks Erika! - to help instructing the gamers. The enjoyment and the excitement of the players themselves invariably communicated itself to the observers around the tables, ensuring a good time was had by all.

UPSET play only stopped at the tables when it was time for the regular raffle draws and the excitement of winning at playing the game was only equaled by the excitement of actually winning a free game!

Drawing for a FREE UPSET Game

Marilyn Fraser (Happy Winner)

Congratulations to all draw winners - Andrew, Marilyn, Alex, the other Andrew, Nicholas, Erika and the wonderful Spanish-speaking family who won a game right at the end of the show and whose name we did not get in the excitement.

All agree it truly is
GREAT to get UPSET!

UPSET® at Local4 Bar/Restaurant

2007-11-08T15:29:00.000-05:00

October 30th
Local 4 Bar/Restaurant on downtown Dundonald Street in Toronto hosts a regular euchre-playing group on alternate Tuesdays of the month and, on 30th October, the group invited Paul and Stuart to introduce the game to them on a special games night. Prompted by group member Allana who already owned and played UPSET regularly, the euchre players enjoyed an instructive and sociable UPSET evening with lots of good food and drink and even more fun and excitement playing UPSET. The host for the evening, Marie Josée, was lucky enough to win a draw for a free game of UPSET, as was Scott, and Paul and Stuart donated a game to Local 4’s collection of games which are played on the bar’s regular games nights on Sundays.
Drop by for a game.... it’s GREAT to get UPSET!

Tips

2007-09-05T13:57:00.000-04:00

Hi from co-creator of UPSET - Stuart Fairhurst. Here's a place you can put your own game tips as well as hearing some of ours....
Tip #1
Be sure to collect Keeper Cards whenever possible - they will help you win the game
Tip #2
Beware holding on to your Keeper Cards too long; one of the best parts of the game is stealing other Keeper Cards - unless it's your card being stolen!
Tip #3
Did you realize players can join in a game in progress if everyone is agreeable? You don't necessarily have to wait around if someone is late getting home from work/school/lectures etc. Start the game and let them join in when they arrive. True, they may be at a slight disadvantage to start with but a few good dice throws, a couple of lucky cards, and they could be up with the leaders before you know it. Just be sure to make them stake the pot with their 10 uPcentS before they start!

Welcome to UPSET's Blog

2007-08-31T16:01:00.001-04:00

From UPSET® creators Stuart Fairhurst and Paul Thomas, a warm welcome to the game's blog site. We encourage all fans of the game to communicate with us and other gamers throughout the world. If you have any questions on the rules or play of the game, please post them here and we will answer all your queries. Also, visit our blog for important game TIPS and news about game events past, present and future, that we'll be arranging or have taken part in.
Paul Thomas

p.s. PlayGames