American Express

Trick-taking games are a classic and enduring genre of card games, and their core mechanics have been adapted into numerous engaging board game experiences. Here's a breakdown of what defines them and some notable examples:

Core Concepts of Trick-Taking Games:

Tricks:
- A "trick" is a round of play where each player plays a single card.
- Typically, the player who plays the highest-ranking card of the lead suit wins the trick.
Following Suit:
- A fundamental rule is that players must "follow suit" if possible, meaning they must play a card of the same suit as the first card played.
- If a player cannot follow suit, they may play any card, often including a "trump" card.
Trump Suits:
- Many trick-taking games feature a "trump" suit, which outranks all other suits.
- A trump card can win a trick even if it is a lower rank than a card of the lead suit.
Bidding:
- Some trick-taking games involve bidding, where players predict how many tricks they will win.
- Accurate bidding is crucial for scoring points.

Trick-Taking in Board Games:

While traditionally a card game mechanic, trick-taking principles are increasingly incorporated into modern board games, adding layers of strategy and player interaction. Some examples are:

The Crew: Mission Deep Sea:
- This cooperative trick-taking game tasks players with completing various missions by winning specific tricks.
- It emphasizes communication and teamwork.
The Fox in the Forest:
- A two-player trick-taking game with a fairy tale theme.
- It features special card abilities that add strategic depth.
Cat in the Box: Deluxe Edition:
- This trick taking game adds a quantum element to the genre. Where the color of the card is not determined until played.

Key Characteristics of Trick-Taking Board Games:

Strategic Depth:
- Trick-taking games require careful planning and anticipation of opponents' moves.
Player Interaction:
- The dynamic nature of trick-taking creates intense player interaction and competition.
Variable Gameplay:
- The randomness of card distribution ensures that each game is unique.