Magic Trick (2023) Board Game

Magic Trick is a card game designed by Megan Russell that was released in in 2023. It is a trick-taking game that is suitable for 3-5 players, with the best experience being with 4 players. The game has a runtime of 25-40 minutes and is recommended for players aged 13 and above. The game is self-published and falls under the category of card games.

Game Components of Magic Trick

Cards: Players are dealt cards that must be placed in numerical order.

Player Hands: Each player’s hand is passed to the player on their left, but once passed, the cards cannot be looked at again.

Tableau: Players have a face-down tableau from which they draw and play cards.

Bidding Mechanism: Players bid on the number of tricks they think they will win.

How To Setup Magic Trick

To set up *Magic Trick*, players are first dealt a hand of cards, which they arrange in numerical order. These hands are then passed to the player on their left. Each player must manage their new, unseen hand carefully, as the cards cannot be rearranged or looked at after the pass.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Passing: Hands are passed to the left, and players must play without knowing the exact cards in their hand.

Numerical Order: Cards must be played in the order they were received.

Trick Taking: Players must follow suit if possible, and the highest card of the suit led wins the trick.

Bidding: Players can peek at two adjacent face-down cards and bid on the number of tricks they think they will win. A correct bid earns a five-point prestige bonus.

Objective: The goal is to win tricks and accurately predict the number of tricks you will win to earn the prestige bonus.

Player Experience

Playing *Magic Trick* is an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience. The game requires a delicate balance between memory, strategy, and risk management. Players need to make educated guesses about their unseen cards and the cards held by their opponents. The in-round bidding mechanic adds an exciting layer of unpredictability and strategy, keeping players on their toes as they try to fulfill their bids.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: The combination of card passing and in-round bidding creates a fresh and challenging gameplay experience.

Strategic Depth: The game demands strategic thinking and memory, making it appealing to fans of complex card games.

Forgiving Bidding: Unlike some other games, *Magic Trick* does not penalize players for missing their bid, making it more accessible.

High Replayability: The unpredictable nature of the card pass and bidding ensures that each game feels unique.

Cons

Complexity: The game may be overwhelming for new players due to its intricate rules and mechanisms.

Table Space: The game requires a significant amount of table space, especially with more players.

Card Shuffling: The narrower cards can be slightly harder to shuffle.

Personal Thoughts on Magic Trick

*Magic Trick* is ideal for seasoned gamers who enjoy trick-taking games and are looking for a new challenge. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate strategic depth and are comfortable with complex game mechanics. While it may not be the best fit for casual or new players due to its complexity, it offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy puzzles and strategic gameplay. If you’re looking to sharpen your card game skills and enjoy a game that keeps you guessing, *Magic Trick* is definitely worth a try.

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