The Icarus Club

(Self-Published), New Mill Industries · Board game · 2021
3–5 · best 4 10–25 min Weight 1.7/5
7.5 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Buy
7.5 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you love card games with a dash of bribery, The Icarus Club is your next stop.

Highlights
  • Strategic bribery
  • Dynamic trick‑taking
  • Underworld casino theme
  • Fast and fun
Keep in mind
  • Short playtime, 10‑25 min
  • Light complexity
  • Not for long sessions
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
The Icarus Club brings the high‑stakes thrill of underground casinos straight to the table, but with a strategic twist that will make you second‑guess every move. Instead of the player who earns the most money winning, it’s the one who lands the second‑highest score that takes the crown—after all, the police won’t tolerate excess wealth. The game opens with a line of cards that dictates the lead suit for each trick, but the real excitement kicks in when players pay bribes to alter that line and flip the game in their favor. The bribery mechanic lets you trade cash for control over the flow, creating unexpected twists and keeping everyone on edge. Fast‑paced at 10‑25 minutes and best played with three to five players, this card game delivers a fun, challenging experience for fans of economic strategy and crime‑themed gameplay, though it may not suit those seeking longer, more complex sessions.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
3 REC
4 BEST
5 REC
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Mechanics

Categories

Publisher (Self-Published), New Mill Industries
Designer Hugame (符亀) / Crocotile
Artist Daniel Newman, Kuroko-tile (黒子洋瓦) / Crocotile
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play?
The game works best with 3 to 5 players, but can accommodate 2 or 6 depending on the desired dynamics.
How long does a game last?
Each session lasts between 10 and 25 minutes, perfect for a quick, intense play.
What’s the game’s complexity?
The Icarus Club has light complexity; rules are simple, but strategic decisions demand focus.
What are the main components?
A 54‑card deck, money tokens, and a line‑card board that sets the lead suit.
Who is it recommended for?
Fans of card games with economics, bribery, and crime themes, but not for those seeking long or very complex sessions.
How does bribery work?
Players pay money tokens to swap the order of the line cards, thereby changing the lead suit of upcoming tricks.
What happens if I win the most money?
Winning the highest amount means you lose the game, as the police will arrest the richest player.