Card-based game system and associated method of play

A card-based game system, comprising:

• a package;
• a first set of cards and a second set of cards contained in the package;
• the first set of cards configured as prize cards having a potential prize associated therewith, each prize card comprising prize indicia indicating a prize award assigned to the prize card, the prize indicia covered by a removable covering;
• the second set of cards configured as command cards, each command card comprising instructions to players to perform an act that results in a gain or loss of one or more of the prize cards;
• the package containing a sufficient number of the prize cards and the command cards for play of a game wherein a plurality of the prize cards are distributed to each of a plurality of players and a plurality of the prize cards remain as common cards in the game;
• and
• wherein upon completion of the game, each of the players in possession of a prize card removes the covering to reveal the prize award assigned to the prize card.