Chasing Shadows

(Self-Published) · Board game · 2025
3–5 · best 4 30–40 min Weight 1.8/5
rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
7.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you love card games with tactical twists, *Chasing Shadows* will keep you in the dark.

Highlights
  • Point‑avoidance strategy
  • Dynamic suit drafting
  • Fast‑play rounds
Keep in mind
  • Needs constant focus
  • Limited player count
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In the secret underworld of espionage, every operative walks a tightrope between perfect disguise and total exposure. *Chasing Shadows* flips the usual trick‑taking formula on its head: you don’t want to win tricks, you want to avoid them. The game spans three rounds; at the start of each round players draft cards from a dwindling pool, deciding which suit they must follow. Then, in turn order, everyone plays a card of the chosen suit, and the player who takes the trick scores points – and points are bad. The clever part is that by forcing an opponent to win a trick you can also pick up cards that erase previously earned points, effectively cleaning your score. Limiting the next player’s options becomes a potent weapon. The game is quick (30‑40 minutes), light (weight 1.75), and supports 3‑5 players, making it perfect for small groups that enjoy tactical play without heavy rules. The artwork evokes a shadowy world of secret agents, while the cards are simple enough to learn in minutes yet deep enough for forward‑thinking players. After three rounds, the agent with the lowest total score emerges as the master of the shadows. *Chasing Shadows* blends the tension of a trick‑taking game with the fun of point avoidance, delivering an accessible yet twist‑filled espionage experience.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–5 players
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Mechanics

Families

Misc: Lowest Score Wins
Publisher (Self-Published)
Designer David Spalinski
Artist David Spalinski

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play?
3 to 5 players.
How long does a game take?
About 30‑40 minutes, depending on player count.
What is the game’s complexity?
Light – BGG weight 1.75, easy to learn and play.
What components are included?
A deck of cards in several suits, score markers, and a concise rulebook.
Who is the game best suited for?
Fans of tactical card games, espionage themes, and groups looking for quick, strategic rounds.

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