# Foppen ## General Info - **Year Published**: 1995 - **BGG Rating**: 6.6 - **BGG Rank**: #7056 - **Players**: 3-6 (Best with: 5) - **Duration**: 20 min - **Weight**: 1.63 / 5 - **Designers**: Friedemann Friese - **Artists**: Anja Jores, Kazutoshi Hina - **Publishers**: 2F-Spiele, Arclight Games - **Categories**: Card Game - **Mechanics**: Hand Management, Trick-taking ## Verdict Foppen is the perfect choice for those looking for a fast, fun card game with a dash of friendly sabotage. The mechanic of penalizing the player who plays the lowest card creates constant, hilarious tension around the table. It is ideal for groups who enjoy trick-taking games with simple rules that still require careful attention. The experience is dynamic and guaranteed to bring laughs to any gathering.Fun and clever punishment mechanicFast and easy to learnGreat for larger groupsHighly interactive and competitiveSitting out can be frustratingRelies on card draw luckRECOMMENDED ## Description If you enjoy card games that blend strategy with a healthy dose of friendly sabotage, Foppen is a title that deserves a spot in your collection. Released in the 90s, it is a classic example of how simple trick-taking mechanics can create hilarious tension around the table. The goal is straightforward: you want to empty your hand before anyone else. But don't be fooled into thinking it's just about playing any card; the real hook of Foppen is its unique punishment system. In each round, players play their cards to win the trick. However, there is a golden rule: the player who plays the lowest card in the trick gets the short end of the stick. Instead of just losing the trick, that player is penalized and has to sit out the next round. This creates a constant tug-of-war dynamic where you need to carefully manage your hand. Sometimes you'll want to waste a high card just to ensure you aren't the 'unlucky one,' while at other times, you'll be praying that your opponents play even lower cards than yours. The gameplay experience is fast-paced and highly interactive. Since the game supports 3 to 6 players, it scales perfectly for game nights with friends. The game's light weight makes it accessible for casual players, but the cunning required to avoid sitting out keeps veterans engaged as well. It’s the kind of game that sparks laughter, friendly banter, and, of course, a strong desire for an immediate rematch. If you like shedding games where timing is everything, Foppen offers a classic, no-nonsense experience. It’s one of those hidden gems that proves that with just a deck of cards and a clever rule, fun is guaranteed for hours. Get ready to try and dump your hand while hoping your friends play even lower cards than you do! ## FAQ ### How long does a game of Foppen last? Matches are quite fast, usually taking around 20 minutes. ### How many players can join? The game works great with 3 to 6 players. ### Is it hard to learn? Not at all! It's very light and intuitive, perfect for anyone looking to play something new without reading massive rulebooks. ### What is the main goal? The goal is to be the first to get rid of all the cards in your hand. ### What happens if I play the lowest card? You get penalized and have to sit out the next round, which can really mess up your strategy! ### Is Foppen suitable for kids? Yes, the rules are simple enough for children to play with adults, as long as they grasp the basic logic of trick-taking.