Pups

In Pups you become an aspiring dog trainer dreaming of the big canine show trophy. Each round you receive a hand of seven lovable pups divided into five suits – Lap dogs, Working dogs, Guard dogs, Family dogs and the special Mutts suit, which can pair with any other suit to boost its value. The core of the game is the bidding phase: you pick a bid card from the center, each double‑sided with a safer "At Least" side and a riskier "Exactly" side that pays more if you hit it. Then the pups face off in classic trick‑taking battles. Win exactly the number of tricks you bid and collect treats; miss and you earn poos as penalties. The goal is to gather the most treats by the end of the game.

Pups blends auction, betting, hand management and trick‑taking mechanics into a light, 15‑30 minute experience. The artwork is bright and adorable, making the game approachable for both trick‑taking veterans and newcomers. The Mutts suit acts like a wildcard, letting you adapt your hand to the round’s needs, adding a strategic twist. While the rules are simple, the predictive bidding creates tension and plenty of laughs, especially when someone goes for an "Exactly" bid and falls short. Perfect for 2‑5 players looking for a quick, fun showdown that still tests reading and calculation skills.

If you enjoy fast card games with a cute animal theme and a dash of bluff, Pups will win you over in just a few rounds.