SYN City Card Club Unites Community with Friendship and Support Initiatives

On June 29, 2024, players from the SYN Card Club gathered at Raceway Bar and Grill, ready to engage in a game of Screw Your Neighbor. Despite its name, the game’s purpose is far from adversarial, fostering community and camaraderie instead.

In a world increasingly dominated by digital distractions, this simple card game offers a refreshing antidote. Dwight Jackson, the SYN Master and organizer, moved to Maricopa last year and has since been the driving force behind these gatherings. “It’s designed to be a social mixer,” he says. “At the end of the day, it’s about people—meeting people and helping others.” The friendships that have developed are a testament to the game’s community-building power.

Jackson’s mantra, “We put the fun in fundraising!”, underscores the club’s charitable endeavors. Beneficiaries include local food banks, the Valley Humane Society in Casa Grande, and Masai’s Playhouse Gives Back in Maricopa. Kimber Webster, who co-runs Masai’s Playhouse childcare with her husband Ian, appreciates the support. “We try to help with meeting needs when families are struggling,” she explains, listing essentials like food, housing, and hygiene products.

While the nonprofit might receive $150 or more from a SYN play night, Webster values the people who participate. “We’re always looking for volunteers for our programs,” she says. Activities include sewing bags, building kits, or delivering essential items. “This is a great group of people with new participants each week.” Though she admits she’s not good at card games, Webster finds this one easy and enjoyable to play.

Jackson learned the game, known elsewhere as Chase the Ace or Ranter-Go-Round, about 20 years ago in Colorado. After moving to Maricopa, he started a group at his Province home. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, urging him to expand the initiative. Challenges like naming the club were resolved creatively, with the acronym SYN evolving to mean “Love Your Neighbor.”

To avoid any legal issues, all club donations are voluntary. The group’s membership has grown organically through word-of-mouth and social media. Regular meetings are held on Mondays at Native Grill & Wings, with occasional events at Raceway Bar and Grill and The Roost. “I consider it all a win-win-win,” Jackson says, highlighting the benefits of giving back, forming friendships, and engaging people offline.

The game setup is straightforward: three or more players and one deck of cards. Each player starts with three tokens and receives one card face down. The aim is to avoid having the lowest card by the round’s end. Players can trade their cards, but certain rules like “kings are stoppers” add complexity. The lowest card forfeits a token, and play continues until one person remains.

In the SYN Card Club’s version, multiple tables compete simultaneously, with winners advancing to a final round. A unique twist allows players to sacrifice a token to keep another player in the game, embodying the club’s ethos. Winners by the night’s end receive restaurant gift cards or other prizes.