5.0
rating
Ludopedia
6.4
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
Fans of fast competition and chocolate will love Junkie!
Highlights
- Fun trick‑taking
- Chocolate theme
- Short, intense playtime
Keep in mind
- Not for long‑form gamers
- Requires focus on card values
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Junkie is a 25‑card card game designed for three players who enjoy a quick 3‑20 minute burst of pure action. The deck contains 24 cards numbered 1‑24, each marked with either dark or white chocolate, and a score card that tracks who has ‘died’. Each game starts by dealing eight cards to each player, leaving room for strategy and surprise.
The trick‑taking mechanic is simple yet nuanced: in each round, the three players play a card; the one who plays the middle‑ranked card (the second highest) takes the trick and leads the next. This forces players to think not just about the highest value, but about what will be useful for winning the next trick. After eight tricks, the difference between the dark and white chocolate collected determines each player’s happiness points.
The goal is to avoid dying: the player who accumulates more than eight happiness points ‘dies’ and is out of the round. The game continues until only one player remains alive, and the one with the highest happiness score among the survivors wins. In a tie, the most boisterous player takes the win, adding a humorous and unpredictable twist.
Junkie blends speed, card‑control strategy, and a delicious chocolate theme, making it perfect for those who enjoy trick‑taking games with a touch of humor and fierce competition. The small deck and trick‑taking mechanic make it easy to learn, while the ‘death’ dynamic adds tension to every play. Ideal for groups looking for a short, intense experience with a theme that pleases everyone.
If you love card games that require attention to card values and enjoy seeing who stays calm while the competition heats up, Junkie is a fun and accessible choice. Grab the deck, gather three friends, and let chocolate decide who stays in the game!
The trick‑taking mechanic is simple yet nuanced: in each round, the three players play a card; the one who plays the middle‑ranked card (the second highest) takes the trick and leads the next. This forces players to think not just about the highest value, but about what will be useful for winning the next trick. After eight tricks, the difference between the dark and white chocolate collected determines each player’s happiness points.
The goal is to avoid dying: the player who accumulates more than eight happiness points ‘dies’ and is out of the round. The game continues until only one player remains alive, and the one with the highest happiness score among the survivors wins. In a tie, the most boisterous player takes the win, adding a humorous and unpredictable twist.
Junkie blends speed, card‑control strategy, and a delicious chocolate theme, making it perfect for those who enjoy trick‑taking games with a touch of humor and fierce competition. The small deck and trick‑taking mechanic make it easy to learn, while the ‘death’ dynamic adds tension to every play. Ideal for groups looking for a short, intense experience with a theme that pleases everyone.
If you love card games that require attention to card values and enjoy seeing who stays calm while the competition heats up, Junkie is a fun and accessible choice. Grab the deck, gather three friends, and let chocolate decide who stays in the game!
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Best player count
BGG community vote
3
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Qlios Inc.
Designer
Daikichi (ダイキチ)
Artist
Daikichi (ダイキチ)
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can play Junkie?
Junkie is specifically designed for three players. Trying to play with more or fewer can upset the balance.
What is the average game time?
A round lasts between 3 and 20 minutes, depending on the players’ pace. Most games finish in 5 to 8 minutes.
What is the game’s complexity?
Low. The trick‑taking mechanic is simple and the small deck makes angle learning quick.
What are the components?
A deck of 25 cards (24 with chocolate and 1 score card) and a score marker. Everything fits in a backpack.
Who is Junkie recommended for?
Those who enjoy quick card games, trick‑taking, and a fun theme. It’s great for groups wanting a short, competitive experience.
Does Junkie have expansions?
No official expansions exist, but the mechanic allows for homemade variations if you want to experiment.
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