Kabuki Tricks

Good Spirit Games, 25th Century Games · Board game · 2024
2–5 · best 4 20–30 min Weight 1.1/5
8.1 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
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8.1 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy card games with twists and a touch of Japanese humor, Kabuki Tricks might be your next addiction! It's fast, straightforward, and has some really creative mechanics.

Highlights
  • Fun trick-taking mechanics
  • Flexible rules by dealer
  • Risk/reward betting
  • Fast and strategic
Keep in mind
  • Can be chaotic at times
  • Dealer has much power
  • Initial learning curve
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About the game
Get ready for the spotlight in Kabuki Tricks, a game where you take on the role of a Kabuki performance producer! The fame and quality of your show depend directly on how many tricks you can win. The game unfolds over several rounds, with one player acting as the dealer each round. At the start of each round, every participant receives a hand with a joker and seven actor cards, divided into four suits. The dealer's task is to arrange the actor cards to determine the suit ranking and decide whether high or low cards will be the most powerful for that round. The first trick is led by the dealer, and all players must follow suit if possible. The twist comes when a player, who didn't lead the trick, chooses to play their joker instead of following suit. By doing so, they place a bet: they put one of their cards face down on an actor card, betting they will win 1, 2, or 3 tricks. This play is also a bet on the suit of the chosen actor for their final card. The dealer can also manipulate the game by flipping the card that determines if high or low is best, or by swapping the positions of two actor cards to change the suit hierarchy. Whoever plays the highest or lowest card in the highest-ranking suit wins the trick and leads the next. After seven tricks, bets are revealed and scoring occurs: one point per trick won, bonus points for correctly predicting the number of tricks bet, and an additional point if the player's final card matches the chosen actor. A special play grants 5 points if the last card is the joker and the player won no tricks. The producer with the most points at the end of all rounds is the big winner of this card show!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
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Game details

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Country: Japan
Publisher Good Spirit Games, 25th Century Games
Designer Geoffrey Chia
Artist Geoffrey Chia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime for Kabuki Tricks?
A game of Kabuki Tricks typically lasts between 20 and 30 minutes, making it perfect for quick gaming sessions.
How many players can participate in Kabuki Tricks?
The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, adapting well to different group sizes.
Is Kabuki Tricks a difficult game to learn?
The complexity is considered low (1.14 out of 5 on BGG), making it accessible to most players, including beginners.
What are the main components of the game?
The game consists of actor cards, joker cards, and scoring markers, all focused on the card game experience.
Who would you recommend Kabuki Tricks to?
It's ideal for those who enjoy trick-taking card games with betting elements and a light, fun theme.
Is there any language dependency to play?
No, Kabuki Tricks has no language dependency, allowing players of different languages to enjoy it together.