The Wizard has too many cards

[IvenBach]

It's funny, my boy was really getting into games (he's 6 1/2), between 4-5 years old. Then he went to live with his mom (in another state), where reality TV not gaming, rules. Now he does not want to play anything anymore...*Sigh*... All rules, however simplified, frustrate him. Point being, if your daughter is losing focus or interest from having to much to keep up with, finding a solution that keeps her playing and engaged is probably pretty important. So, whatever you do to keep here at the table, well, success to you sir!

That's heartbreaking... Keep young minds stimulated and full of creativity!

As others mentioned simplify till the little one gets the hang of it, then add in more till the full complement's been added in.

[Sotiris]

Any good ideas? Apart from giving her only one Spell set?

What if you turn the cards face down and use only their elements?
With each element applying to 1 skill only, she will get 3 elements = 3 skills x3 times each.
3x when discarding a fire card, you inflict 2 B.P. of damage.
3x when discarding an earth card, you heal up to 2 B.P.
3x when discarding an air card, you and your companions may roll 1 extra die on your next move, attack or defense.
3x when discarding a water card, your target loses its next movement or action phase.

[slev]

Inspired partly by Anderas' spell system and partially by Talisman...

Divide Spells into Lesser and Greater. Greater Spells are you definitve one-shots (Heal Body, etc). Lesser Spells are the ones you can re-use.

When you cast any spell, you discard it.

At the start of your turn, draw a random lesser spell for each Spell you are "missing" due to having discarded Spells.

You then create a deck of varied "lesser" spells, shuffle it, and go.

Thus the Wizard always starts with the same number of Spells each turn, but they will change.

Edit: this allows the Wizard to have fewer carsd "on hand" at any point, but to always have a decent number available. This also means the ballencing of "lessers" needs be different than with otehr systems.

[The Admiral]

Any good ideas? Apart from giving her only one Spell set?

What if you turn the cards face down and use only their elements?
With each element applying to 1 skill only, she will get 3 elements = 3 skills x3 times each.
3x when discarding a fire card, you inflict 2 B.P. of damage.
3x when discarding an earth card, you heal up to 2 B.P.
3x when discarding an air card, you and your companions may roll 1 extra die on your next move, attack or defense.
3x when discarding a water card, your target loses its next movement or action phase.

I think this is a great idea having a generic spell for each element. that way only four effects need remembering. Much simpler for youngsters. No need to read aload of gibberish text.

[cynthialee]

I just came up with a hybrid idea from these posts:

Wizard gets his spells and 3 tokens. The Wizard may cast any spell with a token. When all three tokens are expended, then the wizard must sacrifice a spell card when they cast a spell.

[Big Bene]

You could use the spell deck as a sort of unbound spellbook - a list of what he can do, as well as a reference of the effects.
Your daughter doesn'T have to hold it in hand.
Give each spell a "mana" cost, according to it's usefulnes. This cost can be written on the card or represented by a number of dots. If you want to be more complex, you can differntiate water, fire, earth and air mana.
Give her a number of tokens to use up. You may depend this on the MP, but in any case, the wizard should get more than the elf.

[Goblin-King]

It's funny, my boy was really getting into games (he's 6 1/2), between 4-5 years old. Then he went to live with his mom (in another state), where reality TV not gaming, rules. Now he does not want to play anything anymore...*Sigh*... All rules, however simplified, frustrate him.

This made me sad on so many levels...

[Daedalus]

Something that was always annoying me.
The wizard has too many cards. 9 base cards, two artifacts, and then the same pile of potions like everyone.
If you add some house rule artifacts, it can be a lot more.

The others have three or four cards, not counting potions.

It is not about table space, it is about my daughter losing overview and I think she is right to complain.
That's with the original system, where the wizard cleans his hand quickly. In my own system where he keeps most of the cards, it's worse but I didn't try with her until now.

Any good ideas? Apart from giving her only one Spell set?

Maybe Count Mohawk's shortcut cards idea can be adapted for her use.