The Touring card game is one of the earliest and most beloved travel-themed card games, offering players a chance to race across scenic routes while navigating road hazards and strategic plays. Originally launched in the early 1900s, Touring paved the way for many modern racing and travel card games — including the later, more internationally famous game, Mille Bornes.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover the history of the Touring card game, how to play it, the rules, variations, and why it still holds a nostalgic charm for classic card game lovers today.
The History of the Touring Card Game
The Touring card game was first introduced by Parker Brothers in 1906. It was inspired by the rise of automobiles and America’s growing love affair with road trips and racing.
Fun Fact:
Touring is considered the first-ever automobile-themed card game published in the United States.
Over the years, multiple editions were released, evolving in design but keeping the same general gameplay centered on racing and overcoming obstacles.
Touring’s popularity eventually inspired Mille Bornes, a French card game that became globally famous and shares many mechanics with Touring.
Objective of the Touring Card Game
The goal of Touring is simple:
Be the first player to travel a designated number of miles by playing “Mileage” cards while overcoming road hazards and strategic blocks from opponents.
Each player manages hazards like flat tires, accidents, and out-of-gas situations while trying to speed down the road to victory.
Touring Card Game Components
A classic Touring deck typically includes:
| Card Type | Purpose |
| Mileage Cards | Represent distances traveled (25, 50, 75, 100 miles) |
| Hazard Cards | Create roadblocks for opponents (Accident, Flat Tire, Out of Gas, Speed Limit) |
| Remedy Cards | Remove hazards affecting your car (Repairs, Gasoline, Spare Tire, End of Speed Limit) |
| Safety Cards (optional in later editions) | Provide immunity from specific hazards |
How to Play Touring (Rules Overview)
Setup
- Shuffle the deck and deal six cards to each player.
- Place the remaining deck in the center.
Game Play
Players take turns performing one of the following actions:
- Play a Mileage Card (only if “Go” is active)
- Play a Hazard Card on an opponent
- Play a Remedy Card on yourself
- Play a Safety Card (if using safety cards)
- Draw a Card if no valid move is available
Starting Movement
- A player must first play a “GO” card to start traveling.
Mileage Progress
- Mileage cards accumulate toward a target number of miles, often 590 miles in the original game.
Winning the Game
- The first player to reach the target mileage exactly wins.
- If you exceed the mileage, you must wait to play the exact card needed to hit the goal.
Hazard Cards Explained
Hazard cards add a fun sabotage element to the game:
| Hazard | Effect |
| Accident | Stops travel until “Repairs” is played |
| Out of Gas | Stops travel until “Gasoline” is played |
| Flat Tire | Stops travel until “Spare Tire” is played |
| Speed Limit | Restricts mileage to 25 miles until lifted |
Dealing hazards to opponents is key to slowing them down and gaining a strategic advantage!
Safety Cards (Later Versions)
Later editions introduced Safety Cards, offering immunities:
- Puncture Proof: No flat tires.
- Extra Tank: No running out of gas.
- Driving Ace: No accidents.
- Right of Way: Ignore stop and speed limits.
Playing a Safety Card not only protects you but often earns bonus points in tournament play.
Touring vs. Mille Bornes
Touring and Mille Bornes are often compared:
| Aspect | Touring | Mille Bornes |
| Origin | United States, 1906 | France, 1954 |
| Card Design | Simpler, traditional | More colorful, thematic |
| Safety Cards | Optional, added later | Core gameplay mechanic |
| Gameplay Pace | Straightforward, beginner-friendly | Slightly more complex strategies |
If you’re looking for pure classic simplicity, Touring is a charming choice. If you want a slightly richer, international twist, Mille Bornes may appeal more.
Collecting Touring Card Games
Because Touring has been out of regular production for decades, vintage editions are highly sought after by collectors.
Popular collectible editions include:
- 1906 First Edition
- 1920s Red Cover Edition
- 1937 Automobile Tour Special Edition
Tip for Collectors:
Condition matters! Original cards in good condition with complete sets and boxes can fetch significant prices among collectors.
Why Touring Is Still Loved Today
| Reason | Details |
| Nostalgia | Reminds players of simpler gaming days |
| Easy to Learn | Accessible for all ages, including children |
| Portable Fun | Perfect for travel or quick game nights |
| Strategic Play | Balances luck and strategy with hazard management |
Touring remains a fantastic choice for introducing new players to classic card games or enjoying a lighthearted, competitive game night.
Conclusion
The Touring card game stands as a delightful testament to the early days of board and card gaming, combining simple mechanics, strategic thinking, and plenty of fun sabotage. Its legacy lives on not only through collectors and nostalgic players but also through the generations of racing-themed card games it helped inspire.
Whether you’re a veteran card game enthusiast or someone discovering classics for the first time, Touring offers a timeless gaming experience — reminding us that sometimes, the journey really is as important as the destination.
FAQs
1. What is the Touring card game?
Touring is a classic automobile-themed card game where players race to complete a set mileage while managing hazards like accidents and flat tires.
2. When was the Touring card game created?
Touring was first published by Parker Brothers in 1906, making it one of the oldest automobile-related card games.
3. How do you win the Touring card game?
The first player to exactly reach the target mileage (often 590 miles) by playing mileage cards wins the game.
4. Is Touring the same as Mille Bornes?
Touring inspired Mille Bornes, but Mille Bornes adds more complexity with Safety Cards and a few different rules.
5. Can you still buy the Touring card game today?
Original editions can sometimes be found in vintage game shops, on auction sites like eBay, or in collector’s markets.
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