Looking for fast, competitive entertainment? Test skills, smarts and speed via a worldwide popular card game that originated right in Bucks County.
Named Dutch Blitz, it started as a family-owned-and-operated business, and remains that today. It was created during the 1960s by the late Werner Ernst George Muller, a German immigrant and optometrist living in Bucks County. He reportedly made the game to help his children learn colors and numbers faster.
Today, Dutch Blitz fans can be found in every corner of the world. Current co-owners since 2010 are spouses and Erdenheim residents Mary and Mike Fisher, who relay that the game can be purchased at 200-plus locations in 11 different countries. It's also sold via Barnes & Noble, Target, Amazon and "mom and pop organizations."
Three generations of the Fisher family now are involved in the game's operations and enthusiasm. Mary, who at the time worked with a company associated with Werner, eventually got the chance to purchase the game. Now both retired, she and Mike run the operations full time. Mary says she still talks to Werner's son a couple times a year to maintain that connection.
"Now our grandchildren, with the oldest one 8, are starting to play the game, but our adult children (35-39 years old) are truly the champs of it," Mary confides.
Mike says they launched a Dutch Blitz mobile app during November 2024. "Currently, app users are playing with three computers, but we're working toward the program allowing people to play with friends located anywhere."
Mike adds that college students even play full-contact Dutch Blitz, with huge cards they've created, along with unique and modified rules. "People post or send us examples, and it's hilarious how much they get into it. During Greek Week, they set up tournaments and move Dutch Blitz armies around."
Regardless who wins, Mike says the fun is in the Dutch Blitz journey.