In this rummy-based card game, individuals begin with 10 cards and work cooperatively and competitively in order to catch 7 bandits. The goal of the game is to be the first to reach $25,000.

After placing $1000 on each bandit, players take turns in trying to make sets/melds of cards and by doing so, raise the reward money for each bandit. If you’re not careful though – you may raise the reward only to see the bandit get away after another player goes out – if you haven’t accrued enough capture points, the bandit escapes and no one gets the cash. If you can muster enough capture points and have 5 more on any given bandit that they other players, you take the whole pot…otherwise the money is distributed evenly, with a bit more cash going to the player with the most capture points.

This is a great fast-paced game that plays decent with two players, but is best when playing with three or four. In a two-player game, players simply draw cards and try to rack up the most points as quickly as possibly with little regard to defensive play. However, when adding an additional player, if you start to run away on points the others will quickly gang up on you.

The game takes anywhere from 25-60 minutes and is easy to learn. My wife and I found that it was a decent game to play with new gamers before introducing them to a more traditional, longer boardgame.

The presentation is nice – while waiting for your turn, players and read short bios on each of the bandits. The Wanted Posters are thick stock and durable and the artwork is consistent with the era.

* A quirky side note: the packaging on this game was very well thought out – Rio Grande did a superb job of using space and making this an excellent travel game.