1974-75 Topps Hockey Scratch-Off Game card
If a lottery ticket and a hockey card had a lovechild together, this would be the result: the 1974-75 Topps Hockey Scratch-Off Game card.
Never heard of it? Apparently, neither has Beckett, who does not list it in their printed hockey card annual or their Online Price Guide. But The Charlton Standard Catalog of Hockey Cards notes that “some packs [of 1974-75 Topps] also contained a scratch-off game card.”
1970s hockey card sets gave us some great inserts, from mini comic books and sticker stamps to press-out team logo rings and glossy mini photos. So it is easy to understand why a game card – that you played with once and then threw out – would be overlooked.
Game play is simple. You and a friend each have a card, and take turns scratching off boxes, each revealing a different message. “GOAL” gives you a point, while “SHOOT AGAIN,” “BREAK-AWAY” and “POWER PLAY” allow you to scratch off 2 or 3 boxes in succession. Revealing “PENALTY” on your card lets your foe scratch off 2 boxes on his card. But most boxes say “SAVE,” which ends your turn and gives your opponent a chance. The game is over when one player’s card is completely used up.
Much like a scratch-and-win lottery ticket, winning this game is really more about luck than skill. But while a lottery ticket could merit you money, the only prize you can win here is bragging rights – and getting your fingers full of that scratch-off black powder.
I could kill an afternoon with a stack of those, a friend and some cold beer!
Those things were great. We had a lot of fun with the football scratch cards in the mid 70s