Blindside (1998) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Blindside is a card game released in 1998 by Hangman Games. It is a trick-taking game that can be played with up to 4 players. The game is known for its unique gameplay mechanics and strategic depth.

Game Components of Blindside

Deck: An odd deck containing four regular suits, each with 2 Kings, 2 Queens, 3 Jacks, 3 ’10’s, and 3 ‘9’s.

Jokers: Four jokers, which count as the highest trump.

Cards for Bidding: Each player uses one face-down card as a bid for the trump suit.

How To Setup Blindside

To set up Blindside, the entire deck is dealt out to the players. Each player selects one face-down card as a bid for the trump suit. The suit with the most cards bid becomes the trump suit for the hand; if no suit has more cards than any other, the hand is played as No Trumps.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bidding: Each player, starting to the left of the dealer, states how many tricks they expect to take.

Trick-taking: Players take turns playing cards, with the goal of making as many tricks as they bid.

Scoring: Players score a point for each trick made, with bonuses for exactly matching their bid (10 points) or bidding zero and making no tricks (20 points).

Game End: The game ends when any player reaches 77 points.

Player Experience

Blindside offers a complex and strategic gameplay experience, particularly due to its unique bidding and trick-taking mechanics. The game requires a balance between bidding aggressively to secure the trump suit and managing the risk of overbidding. The dealer has an interesting advantage, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Blindside combines elements of bidding and trick-taking, offering a rich and challenging experience.

High Replayability: The game’s mechanics ensure that each hand is different, providing numerous opportunities for strategic play.

Social Interaction: Designed for four players, it fosters a competitive and engaging social environment.

Cons

Complex Rules: The unique bidding and scoring system can be confusing for new players.

Lengthy Games: Since the entire deck is dealt out each hand, games can be lengthy.

Luck Element: The random distribution of cards can sometimes overshadow strategic play.

Personal Thoughts on Blindside

Blindside is ideal for those who enjoy complex card games and are willing to invest time in learning the rules. It’s a great choice for experienced card game players looking for a challenge and a game that requires strategic thinking. However, it may not be the best fit for casual or new card game enthusiasts due to its intricate mechanics.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.