Even if you are not familiar with the term, you have probably played a variety of trick taking games without realising. These games are played using cards and take place over several rounds as players play and receive these cards.
Trick refers to the pot of played cards in the middle, with the player who plays the highest valued card winning the trick. The best trick taking board games take this basic mechanic and innovate on it, creating memorable experiences you can’t help but keep coming back to.
If you’re searching for those board games and collectibles you just can’t find anywhere else, visit More Than Meeples. Browse our storefront online or reach out through our contact page if you have any questions or enquiries.
The Best Trick Taking Games
The Fox in the Forest
Designed for two players, The Fox in the Forest follows traditional trick taking mechanics while adding special cards into the mix. These cards, represented by fairy characters such as the Fox and the Witch, each have special abilities that shake up every game. Along with this fun gameplay mechanic, The Fox in the Forest also features gorgeous illustrations on each card.
Average Playtime: 30 minutes
Recommended Age: 10+
Number of Players: 2
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.57/5
Diamonds
Diamonds is a follow-up to Hearts and Spades, games that helped pioneer the trick taking genre. Rather than collecting the suite of cards, Diamonds tasks players with collecting “diamond crystals”. Whoever has the most “diamond crystals” at the end wins, with special abilities called “suit actions” available to help players cultivate these victory points.
Average Playtime: 20-30 minutes
Recommended Age: 8+
Number of Players: 2-6
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.54/5
Buy the Diamonds 2nd Edition Board Game
Buy the Wizard Card Game
Wizard
Wizard uses a traditional card deck but throws four Wizards and four Jesters into the mix to make things interesting. The game runs for several rounds as players play their cards based on the assigned trump. Jesters and Wizards are used to change the suit, giving players a chance to steer themselves towards victory. Players state how many tricks they think they’ll win each round to earn bonus points.
Average Playtime: 45 minutes
Recommended Age: 10+
Number of Players: 3 – 6
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.72/5
Cat in the Box
Cat in the Box is perfect for those who love trick taking games and our feline friends. This game is unique in that your card’s colour isn’t defined until you play it, allowing you to choose the colour and number of your card each time. This results in an extra layer of strategy, as the same colour/number combination cannot be played twice, unless you want to cause a CATastrophic paradox!
Average Playtime: 20 – 40 minutes
Recommended Age: 13+
Number of Players: 2 – 5
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.01/5
Buy the Cat in The Box Board Game
Buy the Skull King Board Game
Skull King
Trick taking meets pirates in Skull King, as players compete for victory on the high seas. Like plenty of other games in the genre, players must state how many tricks they think they will win each round. Skull King puts a unique spin on this mechanic by having this bidding take place simultaneously, resulting in plenty of over and under bidding. The cards themselves are beautifully designed and provide plenty of pirate-themed shenanigans.
Average Playtime: 30 minutes
Recommended Age: 8+
Number of Players: 2 – 8
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.71/5
The Bottle Imp
The Bottle Imp is a unique take on the trick taking genre. While it mostly follows traditional trick taking rules, the addition of the “bottle imp” card massively shakes things up. This card changes hands during rounds based on who played the winning trump card. The player stuck with the “bottle imp” at the end of a round earns negative points instead of positive ones, resulting in a fun game where players are constantly attempting to avoid and pass off the titular card.
Average Playtime: 30 minutes
Recommended Age: 10+
Number of Players: 2 – 4
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 1.87/5
Buy the Bottle Imp Card Game
Buy the Sail Board Game
Sail
Those seeking a cooperative trick taking game should look no further than Sail. This pirate themed game tasks two players with navigating their ship through turbulent waters. They do this by playing cards and tricks, which activate a variety of unique character skills. The end goal is to sail your ship into the final token before the Kraken claims your souls.
Average Playtime: 20 minutes
Recommended Age: 11+
Number of Players: 2
Difficulty (BGG Weight): 2.21/5
Play Your Cards Right with the Best Trick Taking Board Games
At More Than Meeples, we make it easier than ever to buy board games online. Whether you are searching for board games, graphic novels, or collectibles, our extensive collection has it all. Browse our range online or use our contact page if you are looking for something in particular or would like some recommendations for your next game night.
