Pirate Tricks (2019) Board Game

Pirate Tricks is a card game designed by JJ Ariosa and published in in 2019. It falls into the category of card games and offers players the opportunity to engage in hand management and trick-taking mechanics.

Game Components of Pirate Tricks

Main deck with three suits

Red suit always serves as trump

Adjustable suit length based on the number of players

Recruitment, Treasure, and Capture special card types

Victory points

How To Setup Pirate Tricks

To set up the game, players first receive an initial set of cards. The remaining cards are then laid out in rows equal to the number of players, with all but two cards in each row face up and two face down. Players then bid on these rows using victory points, aiming to secure the rows that best align with their strategies.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick Taking: Players participate in three successive hands, each with different rules.

Bidding: Players bid on rows of cards using victory points.

Special Cards: Recruitment cards for scoring outside trick-taking, Treasure cards setting hand goals, and Capture cards which can impose penalties.

Discarding: Players discard two cards after bidding to maintain some card secrecy.

Objective: The player with the most points after three hands wins.

Player Experience

Pirate Tricks offers a dynamic and variable experience with each hand presenting different challenges and opportunities. The game integrates elements like closed-fist auctions and strategic discarding, making it engaging for fans of trick-taking games. However, the scoring can be swingy, and there is no built-in catch-up mechanism, which can lead to significant point swings.

Pros

Variability: Each hand has different rules and goals.

Strategic Depth: Combines bidding, trick-taking, and special card effects.

Accessibility: Suitable for players new to Euros and trick-taking games.

Engaging: Especially good with five players.

Cons

Scoring Swing: Significant point swings can occur without a catch-up mechanism.

Polishing Needed: Some aspects, like certain scoring cards, could be refined.

Theme Integration: The pirate theme and art are not deeply integrated into the gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Pirate Tricks

Pirate Tricks is ideal for those who enjoy trick-taking games but are looking for something lighter and more accessible. It is particularly recommended for groups of five players seeking a game that requires strategy but does not overwhelm. If you like games such as Stichmeister or On the Cards but find them too complex, Pirate Tricks is a good alternative. However, players seeking a highly polished or deeply thematic game may find it slightly lacking.

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