# Identity

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2025
- **BGG Rating**: 7.2
- **BGG Rank**: #12331
- **Players**: 3-6 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 10-15 min
- **Weight**: 1.80 / 5
- **Designers**: 笠置啓太 (Keita Kasagi)
- **Publishers**: Bamboo Games
- **Categories**: Card Game
- **Mechanics**: Trick-taking

## Verdict
A refreshing trick-taking experience for bluffers and math lovers!Innovative trick-taking twistFast-paced and engagingUnique bidding systemQuick to learn and playRequires high mental focusHigh variance can be trickyRECOMMENDED

## Description
Ever felt like everyone is playing the exact same way? In Identity, being just like everyone else is a one-way ticket to losing! This is a trick-taking game that flips the traditional script on its head. Instead of just trying to win as many tricks as possible, the real secret here is precision. Before the battle begins, you must secretly declare exactly how many tricks you aim to win. And get this: even negative numbers are valid! You make this bid using two cards from your hand, immediately setting your strategic path (or your risk level).

The real twist happens during the actual play. Identity employs a custom rule known as 'Must Not Follow.' When it's your turn to play, you must attempt to play a card face-up, but there's a catch: it cannot match the suit or the value of any card already on the table. If you can pull it off, great! However, if you can't find a valid card, you are allowed to play a card face-down. This introduces a layer of bluffing and unpredictability, as those face-down cards can completely shift the momentum of a trick.

Tricks are categorized into 'Plus Tricks,' awarded to the highest number played, and 'Minus Tricks,' for those who play face-down. At the end of the game, your score isn't determined by how many tricks you grabbed, but by how close you stayed to your initial declaration. If you predicted three and hit exactly three, you've mastered your identity! If you missed the mark, you'll be paying the price. It's a fast-paced, high-stakes experience perfect for players who love testing their luck and reading their opponents in bite-sized sessions.

## FAQ
### How long does a game take?
Very quick! Each session lasts about 10-15 minutes.

### How complex is the game?
It's light (1.8/5 weight), making it easy to learn, though predicting your score requires some smart thinking!

### How many players can play?
It's designed for 3 to 6 players.

### Do I need to know English?
Not really; the game relies heavily on icons and numbers, making it very accessible.

### Is it kid-friendly?
Older kids who can handle basic math (including negatives) and card logic will have a blast!