# Shihou Dealer

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2023
- **BGG Rating**: 7.2
- **BGG Rank**: #17256
- **Players**: 3-4
- **Duration**: 40 min
- **Weight**: —
- **Designers**: 新澤 大樹 (Taiki Shinzawa)
- **Publishers**: 倦怠期 (Kentaiki)
- **Categories**: Card Game
- **Mechanics**: Trick-taking

## Verdict
An unconventional trick-taking game that will rewire your scoring logic!Unique scoring mechanicFast-paced gameplayConstant mental challengeHigh replayabilityRequires math focusSteep initial learning curveRECOMMENDED

## Description
Ever played a card game that looks straightforward on the surface but leaves your brain smoking by the end? That's Shihou Dealer. If you're a trick-taking enthusiast who feels the genre is getting a bit too predictable, this is the mental shake-up you've been looking for. The game breaks the mold with a variable distribution of suits and ranks, meaning you can't just rely on memorized patterns—you have to actually think on your feet.

The scoring system is where things get truly wild. While winning a trick is determined by the highest rank regardless of the suit, the way you actually score points is a fascinating mathematical puzzle. You're looking at the lowest score card stacked for each suit, but here's the kicker: you only count the units digit of the lowest number of each color. It's a unique twist that forces you to rethink your entire approach to card play.

Because ranks are divided by color in a non-traditional way, you'll need to develop a completely different way of thinking. It's not just about playing the high card to win; it's about managing the stack and understanding how those low-value cards will impact your final tally. It's a fast-paced experience, perfect for a 40-minute session, but it offers a depth that will keep you analyzing your moves long after the game is over. If you love games that challenge your intuition and demand lateral thinking, Shihou Dealer is a must-play.

## FAQ
### How long does a game take?
It's quite snappy! You'll usually wrap up in about 40 minutes.

### How many players is it best for?
It's designed for 3 to 4 players.

### Is it a hard game?
The rules are easy to grasp, but the scoring strategy requires much more mental effort than your average card game.

### Do I need to know English?
Not at all! The game relies on icons and numbers, so there's no language barrier.

### Who should play this?
Perfect for card game fans looking for something fresh and intellectually stimulating.