# Even Odds

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2025
- **BGG Rating**: 6.0
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 3-6
- **Duration**: 25 min
- **Weight**: —
- **Designers**: Ênyo Saldanha, Eurico Cunha Neto
- **Artists**: Gil Martimiano
- **Publishers**: Four Fun Games LLC
- **Categories**: Abstract Strategy
- **Mechanics**: Score-and-Reset Game, Trick-taking

## Verdict
A frantic, inverted trick-taking game perfect for those who love laughing at their own bad luck!Brilliant asymmetric information mechanicFast and dynamic gameplayHigh replayability and laughsVery easy to pick upMight frustrate players who dislike luckRequires constant focus on opponentsRECOMMENDED

## Description
You know that moment when you play an amazing card and, instead of celebrating, you feel pure panic? Welcome to Even Odds! If you're a fan of trick-taking games but are tired of the same old patterns, get ready for a twist. Here, the logic is flipped: the goal isn't to rack up points, but to do everything in your power to finish with the lowest score possible after three rounds. It's controlled chaos in board game form!

The mechanics are easy to grasp, but the tension is sky-high. Using tiles instead of traditional cards, the game introduces a brilliant twist: asymmetric information. While you can clearly see exactly what your opponents are holding, you can only see the back of your own tiles! You'll know the color and whether the tile is even or odd, but the exact numerical value remains a mystery until the moment of truth.

This turns every round into a high-stakes exercise in deduction and nerves. You'll try to play tiles to avoid winning the trick, but what if the tile is much higher than you thought? What if your friend is bluffing about their hand? Supporting 3 to 6 players, the game moves incredibly fast, making it perfect for a social gathering where everyone wants to laugh at each other's blunders. It's a game of risk, where deciding not to play can be just as dangerous as playing your highest number. If you're looking for something light, fast-paced, and guaranteed to trigger laughs (and some friendly arguments about what you just played), Even Odds is the perfect addition to your game night!

## How to Play
Objective of the Game  
The objective of Even Odds is to finish the game with the lowest score after three rounds. Players compete in disputes by playing numbered tiles, where the highest-value tile wins—but winning means scoring points (which is bad!). You can only see the backs of your own tiles (showing their color), while opponents see the fronts (showing numbers).  

Preparation (Setup)  
  
  Place all 50 tiles (numbered 1–10, in 5 colors) into the velvet bag and mix them.  
  Distribute tiles per player count:  
      
      3 players: 12 tiles each (remove all tiles of one color first).  
      4 players: 12 tiles each.  
      5 players: 10 tiles each.  
      6 players: 8 tiles each.  
      
    
  Players organize their tiles by color, flip them backside up, then pass them to the player on their left.  
  Set tiles upright so you see only the backs of your own tiles (opponents see the fronts).  
  The last winner of an odds/evens game goes first.  
  

Flow of the Game  
The game has 3 rounds, each consisting of multiple disputes:  
  
  Dispute Phase: Players take turns playing one tile per dispute, matching the current color (unless a 10 tile is played).  
  Winning a Dispute: The highest-value tile wins. The winner takes the lowest-value tile from the dispute to score its points.  
  Round End: When all tiles are played, tally partial scores. Reshuffle tiles and start a new round.  
  

Actions and How to Play  
The Dispute  
  
  The first player plays any tile (only seeing its back/color), placing it frontside up.  
  Next players must play a tile of the same color (unless the last tile was a 10—see below). If unable, they may change the color.  
  10 Tile Rule: Playing a 10 lets you choose the next color. If it’s the last tile in a dispute, this effect is ignored.  
  

Winning a Dispute  
  
  The highest-numbered tile wins. Ties go to the last player who played the highest value.  
  The winner takes the lowest-value tile from the dispute (their score). Discard other tiles facedown.  
  

End of Game and Scoring  
  
  The game ends after 3 rounds. Add each player’s scored tiles across all rounds.  
  The lowest total score wins. Ties are broken by the lowest score in the last round. If still tied, players share the victory.  
  

Tips to Win  
  
  Avoid winning disputes early: Winning means taking low-value tiles (points), so strategize when to play high numbers.  
  Use the 10 tile wisely: Force color changes to disrupt opponents’ plans.  
  Track visible tiles: Since opponents’ tiles are face-up, note which high/low numbers are already played.

## FAQ
### How long does a game last?
Super quick! Each game takes about 25-30 minutes, making it perfect for multiple rounds.

### What is the recommended age?
While not strictly specified, the mechanics are simple enough for older kids and adults to enjoy immensely.

### Is it hard to learn?
Not at all! The core rule is simple: try not to win the tricks. You'll pick up the rest as you play.

### What is the best player count?
It works well with 3 to 6 players, but the deduction dynamic gets really interesting with 4 or 5.

### Do I need to know English to play?
Nope! The game is completely language-independent, so anyone can jump right in.

### Is it very competitive?
It's competitive in terms of scoring, but the vibe is party-like and fun, with plenty of twists to keep things even.

## Price Comparison
### Best Offers in Brazil
- **Amazon**: R$ 129,90 (https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B0FHSQDB6W?tag=bgbot26-20)
  - See all on Compara Jogos: https://www.comparajogos.com.br/item/even-odds