Null & Nichtig (2006) Board Game

Null & Nichtig is a card game designed by Reiner Stockhausen and published by 999 Games in in 2006. The game falls under the category of trick-taking games, where players try to win tricks based on the cards they play. The name “Null & Nichtig” translates to “Null and Void” in English, hinting at the unpredictable nature of the game.

Game Components of Null & Nichtig

Deck with five suits

Special multicolored zero card that acts as a joker

Cards are divided into piles by color during the game

How To Setup Null & Nichtig

To set up the game, players start by placing one or more cards in front of them, forming piles. These piles can consist of one or multiple cards, and players can choose to place additional cards on top of existing ones. The game supports 3 to 5 players, and each player begins with a hand of cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Trick Taking: Players collect cards by winning tricks.

No Suit Following: Players do not need to follow suit during gameplay.

Card Piles: Cards are sorted into piles by color.

Joker Card: The multicolored zero card can be used as a joker to change the color of a pile.

Objective: The goal is to score as many points as possible by collecting the right cards and managing the piles effectively.

Player Experience

Null & Nichtig is a game that appeals to both young and adult players. It is easy to learn and can be played quickly, with each game lasting about 30 minutes. The game requires observation and strategic thinking, as players need to manage their card piles carefully to maximize their score. The inclusion of the joker card adds a layer of complexity and strategy, allowing players to influence the game in creative ways.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple and straightforward rules.

Family Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Quick Games: Each game lasts about 30 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Requires observation and strategic thinking.

Interactive: Players can influence each other’s scores with the joker card.

Cons

Limited Availability: The game may be hard to find due to its lesser-known status.

Simple Mechanics: Some players might find the game too simple or repetitive.

Personal Thoughts on Null & Nichtig

Null & Nichtig is a great game for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a quick, fun card game. It is particularly suitable for players who enjoy trick-taking games but want something simpler than more complex card games like belote or tarot. The game’s accessibility and the strategic element provided by the joker card make it an enjoyable experience for a wide range of players.

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