I never played this game as a kid, but did watch others play it.  We're an avid card playing family so I thought I'd get it to see what it was all about. And it's a great game that the whole family can enjoy.  While you do have to score 1000 points to win, the play is so different form other card games that you certainly won't feel as though you're playing a rehash of another game.  In fact, you'll want to play this game over and over.  In the educational arena, if stategy isn't enough, you also use mental addition to add 25s, 50s, 75s, and 100s.  The first time you read the directions and play it can be a bit confusing, but get through the first game, you'll catch on quickly and soon become a fan.