# Honeycrisp

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2026
- **BGG Rating**: —
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2
- **Duration**: 25 min
- **Weight**: —
- **Designers**: Jacob Landrum
- **Publishers**: (Web published)
- **Categories**: Card Game
- **Mechanics**: Push Your Luck, Trick-taking

## Verdict
If you love card duels where every choice can flip the outcome, Honeycrisp will grab you fast.Unique blend of risk and tricksFast, tense decisionsShort play timeRequires constant focusTrick‑taking learning curveCard luck dependencyHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Honeycrisp is a two‑player card duel that blends the thrill of push‑your‑luck with the elegance of trick‑taking. Each round starts with a standard deck (or Sean Ross’s Trifle deck) and after every trick the winner decides whether to leave the card that sets the trump suit where it lies or add it to their hand. That choice can dramatically shift who controls the trump in the next plays. After each trick both players draw from the stock of undealt cards, keeping the game flowing and full of decisions. If they wish, they can close the stock early, scoring extra points but risking being left with only the cards in hand. The goal is straightforward: be the first to reach 30 or more trick points, which is half the points available in the deck. Doing so earns at least one "Apple" and up to three if the player is bold enough. The must‑follow‑suit, mandatory trump, and stock‑closing rules are borrowed from the classic trick‑taking game Schnapsen, giving a familiar feel to fans of traditional card games. In about 25 minutes, Honeycrisp delivers a tense experience where every card exchange can flip the outcome, and the courage to close the stock can mean the difference between winning one or three apples. Ideal for players who love quick decisions, calculated risk, and pure strategic duels.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
It is designed strictly for 2 players.

### How long does a game take?
Around 25 minutes, depending on player familiarity.

### What is the game's complexity?
Medium: basic trick‑taking rules are easy, but risk management and stock‑closing add depth.

### Do I need the Trifle deck?
No. Honeycrisp works fine with a standard 52‑card deck, though the Trifle deck is the designer’s original recommendation.

### Who is this game for?
Fans of strategic card duels, calculated risk, and quick two‑player battles.