I’ve been fascinated with The Tarot Game ever since I got my hands on a copy. I just posted my review of the game and thought it would be fun to introduce my readers to the creator of this unique game. Jude Alexander took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions. Learn all about the wonderful, whimsical woman behind The Tarot Game:
1. Where did you come up with the idea for a tarot game?
Jude: It may be that my passion for play, teaching and love of the cards prepared me to receive an idea that came from the tarot itself.
As a young girl, I played card and board games with my family and my favorite after school activity was playing Teacher. I’d prepare lessons for my friends and even assign homework! When the tarot entered my life, I devoured every exercise given in Mary K. Greer’s “Tarot for Yourself.” Years later, during a weekly Tarot study group, the teacher asked, “What new thing can you bring us to do with the tarot?” This sparked my curiosity. I immediately thought, “play a game.” From there, and for quite some time, I applied my efforts and attention in that direction; playing other board games; thinking about pieces and parts; considering how to ensure random selection; and many other points of play.
2. How long did it take you to develop the game?
Jude: Just about 13 years to the completion of this published version by Schiffer. For many years, friends, family, clients and I played the game using a well-loved, handcrafted cloth board. Each play of the game brought new insights that helped to refine it.
3. What was your vision for The Tarot Game?
Jude: In the beginning, I just desired to get together with other enthusiasts and play the game for entertainment. Soon after, when I began teaching intuitive card reading, it became a part of the curriculum. I had even imagined a cottage industry spun from students crafting their own game boards.
4. How has that vision evolved as the game came together?
Jude: The change began when my best friend, Diane, suggested that we put on a Tea & Tarot Party. She invited 5 women to play the game, whom had little or no knowledge of the tarot. During the game, I witnessed the bravery it took for them to keep time with others in sacred space. Even the forming of a question for the tarot, which is otherwise common to tarot enthusiasts, proved to awaken in them a desire to address current issues.
It suddenly seemed possible that The Tarot Game was destined for a higher purpose. People of all ages and backgrounds crave meaning and connection for their lives. The game provides one venue for that process to happen.
5. How do you think The Tarot Game could help people who wish to learn tarot?
Jude: The game asks players to look at the images on the cards and to tell stories. In this way, students can practice intuitive card reading and learn various aspects of the Major Arcana. At game’s end, students can gain experience in weaving the cards together into a reading.
6. What are the different ways that people could play with the Tarot Game?
Jude: Many variations are inherent in the game. It changes by what decks are used, what level of tarot skill the players have, what cards are drawn, and which reading spread is used.
The game plays as pure entertainment and a social experience where players bond with one another; or as a learning tool in a study group or meet up; or as a family game, where children and young adults have a safe and sacred space to share their stories.
I’ve included variations of game play in the instructions. However, I imagine with who’s out there in our creative tribe, many will put their own twist to it!
7. What is your next venture?
Jude: I’m full of ideas! The one that captures my imagination at the present moment is a companion book for The Tarot Game, with bonus material and new “off the board” games to play.
8. Where can people get their copy?
Jude: From the publisher, at Schifferbooks.com and wherever tarot decks are sold. Let me encourage all to patronize their favorite independent booksellers, on line or near home. (If they don’t carry the game, put a buzz in their ear!) For signed copies, contact me directly via my website TheTarotGame.com
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A big hug and thank you to Jude for chatting with me! She’s a real delight!
I encourage everyone to get their copy of The Tarot Game today! It rocks!
Blessings!
Theresa
I’m Theresa Reed (aka, The Tarot Lady). I’ve been a full-time tarot reader for 30+ years — which, in my industry, makes me pretty badass.
I’m definitely not your average Tarot expert — I drop the F-bomb, I quote rappers, and I’m obsessed with pop culture + reality TV. Folks come to me for straight-talk + tough-love — without the woo-woo fluff. 
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