Old Bill

Keymaster Games · Board game · 2022
— Ludopedia 6.4 BGG 3–4 · best 3 10–15 min Weight 1.0/5
Buy · from US$ 11.00
— rating Ludopedia
6.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

Old Bill is a quick and fun little game for those who enjoy bluffing and memory, perfect for the family!

Highlights
  • Fast and easy to learn
  • Great for bluffing and deduction
  • Versatile, plays Old Bill or Old Maid
  • Ideal for families
Keep in mind
  • Can be too simple for some
  • Luck plays a big role
  • Little strategic depth
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a fast-paced game of bluffing and deduction with Old Bill! The goal is to form as many pairs of thieves as you can, but beware of getting stuck with the dreaded Old Bill in your hand! If he ends up with you, one of your precious pairs will be lost. Here's how it works: you draw cards and try to match them to form pairs. If you can't make a match, you can try trading with other players to see if luck turns your way. The game continues until the last card is drawn, initiating a final round for one last chance to form pairs. At the end, the player with the most pairs wins. But be warned: if you're still holding Old Bill, you'll have to discard a pair you've already made. If there's a tie in the number of pairs, we sum the ranks of the thieves in each pair, and the player with the highest total wins! If there's still a tie, the victory is shared. This deck can also be used for a classic game of Old Maid or even Memory with the whole family. It's guaranteed fun for all ages!

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–4 players
3 BEST
4 BEST

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Traditional Card Games: Old Maid
Publisher Keymaster Games
Designer Mattox Shuler
Artist Josh Emrich

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

255owners
23wishlist
4want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
What is the average playtime for Old Bill?
Games are super quick, usually between 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how fast everyone plays.
How many people can play Old Bill?
The game is designed for 3 to 4 players, the ideal number for trading and bluffing to happen smoothly.
Is Old Bill a difficult game to learn?
Not at all! The rules are very simple, and you'll learn quickly. It's a light and accessible game.
What comes in the Old Bill box?
Basically, a themed deck of cards featuring thieves and, of course, Old Bill. Everything you need for the games!
Who would you recommend Old Bill to?
It's perfect for families, groups of friends looking for something quick and casual, or for those new to the world of board games.
What's the difference between playing Old Bill and Old Maid?
Old Bill focuses on making thief pairs and avoiding Old Bill to not lose points. Old Maid is the classic game where the goal is to get rid of the 'Old Maid' card.
Is there any advanced strategy in Old Bill?
The main strategy involves memory to remember where cards might be and bluffing to trick opponents about what you hold. It's not a deep strategy game, but more about mental agility and observation.

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