Pickpockets

Button Shy · Board game · 2016
3–4 · best 3, 4 15–30 min Weight 1.0/5
rating Ludopedia
5.7 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
5.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love quick bluffing and a dash of mystery, Pickpockets will put you on the front line of the street. The highlight: the tension of figuring out who’s in front of you while trying not to get caught.

Highlights
  • Discovery tension
  • Fast bluff mechanic
  • Quick and fun
  • Calculated risk strategy
  • Street thief theme
Keep in mind
  • Card limit
  • Deduction mechanic
  • Short time
  • Bluff competition
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Pickpockets is a card game that puts you in the shoes of a street thief, trying to pull bills out of a wallet full of cash. The twist? One of you might be a undercover cop ready to catch you at the worst moment. Each turn you can draw a card or shuffle the existing cards in the wallet, trying to figure out who’s who. When the cop decides to reveal, everyone shows their cards and the game unfolds: if any thief has two or more marked bills, the cop wins. If not, the thief with the most money in their pocket takes the victory. Plus, anyone who racks up unmarked cash can choose to “skip town” before the end, earning bonus points. The game is quick, with 15‑30 minute sessions, and works well for 3‑4 players. The deduction and hand‑management mechanics create constant tension, while the risk element makes every decision count. If you enjoy bluffing, mystery, and fast‑paced strategy, Pickpockets is a great pick to test your brain while having fun with friends. The simplicity of components – just money cards – means you can set it up at home thanks to its Print & Play format. The street vibe and humorous interactions between thieves and cops make the game memorable and easy to learn, but hard to master.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 BEST
4 BEST
WHERE TO BUY
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Game details

Families

Containers: Wallets Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Series: Wallet & Box Micro Games (Button Shy)
Publisher Button Shy
Designer Isaac Shalev, Matt Loomis
Artist Fabrice Weiss
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play Pickpockets?
The game is designed for 3 to 4 players, but it can accommodate 2 or up to 5 depending on group dynamics.
What is the typical game duration?
Between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on how fast players draw and how many cards are in play.
What is the complexity level?
Low complexity. Rules are simple, but deduction and risk strategies add depth.
What are the game components?
Money cards (marked and unmarked), a cop marker, and a small score sheet for tracking bets.
Who is the game recommended for?
Those who enjoy bluffing, quick deduction, and have a taste for street‑themed, thief gameplay.
How does the undercover cop role work?
One player may be the undercover cop; when they reveal, they win if any thief has two or more marked bills. Otherwise, the thief with the most money wins.