Instinct

Wizards of the Coast · Board game · 1998
3–6 · best 6 20 min Weight 1.4/5
rating Ludopedia
5.8 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
5.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy card games that make you think and bet with precision, Instinct might be your new obsession! It's a souped-up version of trick-taking classics.

Highlights
  • Accurate bids score points
  • Wild cards create twists
  • Fast and strategic
  • Captivating fantasy theme
Keep in mind
  • Full focus on hitting bid
  • Can be frustrating to miss
  • Requires attention to detail
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Get ready for a card duel reminiscent of the good old "Oh Hell!" days, but with a fantasy twist that will transport you to another realm! In Instinct, you'll be dealing with a special deck: five themed suits, each with cards numbered 1 to 12, plus six wild cards that can change the game's course at any moment. Each round, you'll receive 11 cards and need to use your cunning to guess how many "tricks" you'll manage to win. Precision is key: if you hit the exact number of tricks you bid, congratulations, you score 10 points! But if you miss, the points go out the window. The goal is to be the first to reach 100 points and prove you're the master of intuition and strategy. The highest card of the suit that led the trick usually wins it, but beware of the wild cards – they have the power to turn the game around! If more than one wild card is played in the same trick, the last one played is the champion. It's a fast-paced game, ideal for those who enjoy thinking about the cards in their hand and their opponents' plays, all within about 20 minutes. Perfect for livening up any gathering with friends who appreciate a good card game with a challenge.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 OK
4 OK
5 REC
6 BEST
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Game details

Categories

Families

Game: Magic The Gathering
Publisher Wizards of the Coast
Designer Bill Rose, Mike Elliott
Artist Ron Spears, Sonia Telesco
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can participate in a game of Instinct?
Instinct is for 3 to 6 players, making it great for various group sizes!
How long does a game usually take?
Games are quite fast, typically lasting only about 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick play session!
How complex is Instinct?
With a weight of 1.36/5, Instinct is quite light. The rules are easy to grasp, but the strategy can be challenging.
Do I need to know how to play Magic: The Gathering to understand Instinct?
No! Although it shares a family with Magic, Instinct is a standalone game and doesn't require prior knowledge of the other game.
Who would you recommend Instinct for?
It's ideal for fans of "Oh Hell!" or other trick-taking card games that involve bidding and hand management, with a light fantasy theme.
What happens if I bid incorrectly?
If you don't make exactly the number of tricks you bid, you score zero points for that round. Precision is everything!
Are the wild cards very powerful?
Wild cards are quite important! They beat any card of the normal suit, and if multiple wilds are played in a trick, the last one played wins. They add an extra layer of strategy and surprise.