Scan

Parker Brothers, Piatnik · Board game · 1987
2–4 10 min Weight 2.0/5
rating Ludopedia
6.1 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
6.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Scan turns any gathering into a quick trick‑taking showdown, great for fans of fast, team‑based card play.

Highlights
  • Transparent, fast deck
  • Team trick‑taking game
  • Rule variations
Keep in mind
  • Standard deck required
  • Very short playtime
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Scan is the name of a deck of cards that looks ordinary at first glance, but hides a trick: the back of each card is color-coded to reveal the suit to all players. This adds a touch of transparency and speed, as no one needs to look at the card to know its suit. The standard set of 52 cards can be used for almost any classic card game, but the published edition of Scan includes several proprietary variations, focusing mainly on a four‑player partnership trick‑taking game. Each team tries to capture tricks that bring positive points – spades +10 and hearts +5 – while avoiding those with negative values – clubs -10 and diamonds -5. The team dynamic adds a layer of strategy: who plays the card, who should try to win the trick, and who should sacrifice to protect the team. The game lasts only 10 minutes, making it perfect for quick sessions or for those with limited time. Additionally, the Hit‑Serie version from Piatnik comes with an extra rule booklet featuring 10 games created by designers who are now well known. Scan is therefore a versatile deck that turns any gathering into a battle of tricks, scoring, and teamwork, all in a compact and fun package. If you enjoy quick card games, trick‑taking, or cooperative team play, Scan will surprise you with its simplicity and depth.
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 OK
3 OK
4 OK
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Game details

Categories

Publisher Parker Brothers, Piatnik
Designer Alex Randolph, David Parlett, Marco Fantini, Roland Siegers, Tom Schoeps, Wolfram Janich
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play Scan?
The main game is for 4 players in teams of 2, but variations allow 2 to 6 players.
What is the average playtime?
Each game lasts about 10 minutes, making it perfect for quick sessions.
What kind of cards are used?
A standard 52‑card deck, with color‑coded backs to show the suit.
Is the game easy to learn?
Yes, the rules are simple and can be picked up in a few minutes.
Are there any official expansions or variations?
The Hit‑Serie edition from Piatnik includes an extra rule booklet with 10 additional games.
Who is the game recommended for?
It’s ideal for fans of fast card games, trick‑taking, and team play.
Does the game have a time limit?
There’s no external time limit beyond the 10‑minute game itself.