Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a fighting card game with hidden items is provided for. A method and apparatus of playing a related fighting game that does not hide the items is also provided for. The apparatus includes a game board having a plurality of slots for placing fighter cards, where each slot has an attack zone indicator and a defense zone indicator. Battles are won by which fighting card has a higher designated battle value, which is a function of the fighter cards initial value, modified by one or more item cards, and/or the special abilities of fighter cards.