7.8
rating
Ludopedia
7.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Perfect for those who love fast-paced card games and want something fresh with an engaging prediction mechanic.
Highlights
- Innovative color and number matching
- Quick and dynamic gameplay
- Exciting tension in predictive bidding
- Easy to teach and learn
Keep in mind
- Missing a bid can be frustrating
- Requires a minimum player count
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Imagine a day when the teacher is absent, and the students decide to cause some chaos. In Shut The Books, that's exactly what happens, but with a twist of forbidden magic. Without the master's supervision, you and your classmates decide to open books that were meant to stay shut. The trouble is, the magic in these grimoires is unstable, and once things spiral out of control, the only solution is to use more forbidden magic to close everything before someone finds out. It's magical chaos in game form!
At the heart of the experience is a trick-taking system with a very interesting twist. Unlike traditional card games where you simply want the highest card, the strategy here revolves around matching colors or numbers. To win the trick, you must play a card that matches the color or number of the card you previously played. This creates a constant mental puzzle: you aren't just fighting your opponents, but trying to synchronize your own plays to hit your target.
Additionally, the game introduces predictive bidding. You don't just play to win as much as possible; you must predict exactly how many tricks you will capture. Overestimating or underestimating can be costly, turning each round into a game of risk and calculation. The dynamics shift depending on the number of cards played, making the experience fluid and unpredictable. It's the kind of game that is quick to learn but requires a strategic 'click' to master. If you enjoy card games that break the mold and add a layer of betting on your own performance, Shut The Books is the perfect choice for your next game night.
At the heart of the experience is a trick-taking system with a very interesting twist. Unlike traditional card games where you simply want the highest card, the strategy here revolves around matching colors or numbers. To win the trick, you must play a card that matches the color or number of the card you previously played. This creates a constant mental puzzle: you aren't just fighting your opponents, but trying to synchronize your own plays to hit your target.
Additionally, the game introduces predictive bidding. You don't just play to win as much as possible; you must predict exactly how many tricks you will capture. Overestimating or underestimating can be costly, turning each round into a game of risk and calculation. The dynamics shift depending on the number of cards played, making the experience fluid and unpredictable. It's the kind of game that is quick to learn but requires a strategic 'click' to master. If you enjoy card games that break the mold and add a layer of betting on your own performance, Shut The Books is the perfect choice for your next game night.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Publisher
倦怠期 (Kentaiki)
Designer
新澤 大樹 (Taiki Shinzawa)
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Is the game complex to learn?
Not at all! The rules are very straightforward, but the strategy of predicting tricks is where the real challenge lies.
How long does a game last?
It's quite fast, around 40 minutes, making it ideal for those who want to play several rounds in a row.
How many people can play?
The game is designed for groups of 3 to 4 players.
Do I need prior knowledge of trick-taking games?
It helps, but it's not mandatory. The color/number system is intuitive enough for beginners.
Does the theme influence the mechanics?
The 'forbidden books' theme sets a fun and chaotic tone, but the card mechanics are the main engine.
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