Character RootsUse Your Cards

The published game rules

Three ways to play. One invitation to discover.

Start with a quick match, explore the table through capture, or challenge one another to build the longest chain.

Choose a way to use your cards
The rule that guides every mode

If you can explain a Bible-based connection, it counts. Suggested Connections are examples—not the only answers.

Separate the decks

Keep Character and Connection cards in their own groups.

Choose your players

Adjust the number of cards when ages or Bible familiarity differ.

Choose your time

Quick Match works for a short start; Chain invites a longer challenge.

01 · START

Quick Match

Fast · Beginner friendly

  1. Flip a Character.
  2. Find a matching Connection.
  3. Explain why the cards connect.

The first player to make 3 connections wins.

Quick Match example card 1Quick Match example card 2Quick Match example card 3Quick Match example card 4
02 · EXPLORE

Connection Capture

Tactical · Shared table

  1. Take turns playing one card.
  2. Spot a Character–Connection match.
  3. Capture both cards and every card between them.

The player who captures the most cards wins.

Connection Capture example card 1Connection Capture example card 2Connection Capture example card 3Connection Capture example card 4Connection Capture example card 5Connection Capture example card 6
03 · CHALLENGE

Connection Chain

Longer · Story building

  1. Start with a Character.
  2. Add a related Connection.
  3. Keep alternating and growing the chain.

The longest Bible connection chain wins.

Connection Chain example card 1Connection Chain example card 2Connection Chain example card 3Connection Chain example card 4Connection Chain example card 5

Make room for every player

Bible knowledge should help the story—not decide who gets to have fun.

Younger Player Boost

Give a younger or less experienced player a few more cards to choose from.

Story Helper

Let the child choose the connection while an adult helps complete the story.

Team Play

Pair different ages so observation, memory, and explanation all matter.

Cooperative Play

Build a shared target together when competition is not the right fit.

Common questions

Keep the conversation moving.

Does a connection have to appear in the printed guide?

No. The guide contains suggested connections. A player may offer another connection when they can explain it through a Bible story.

Must a child name the exact Scripture reference?

Not in ordinary family play. The story explanation is enough. Homeschool and classroom leaders may choose to look up a reference when going deeper.

What if the explanation is incomplete?

Ask what the player remembers and invite someone else to add a detail. The goal is shared discovery, not a memory test.

Can two Character cards connect directly?

The printed game is built around Character–Connection relationships. Use a shared Connection between Characters when building a chain or knowledge map.