# Tricks and the Phantom

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2017
- **BGG Rating**: 6.5
- **BGG Rank**: #7477
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 10-20 min
- **Weight**: 2.00 / 5
- **Designers**: Takashi Saito
- **Artists**: Jun Sasaki, Yog Akase (赤瀬 よぐ)
- **Publishers**: Oink Games, BrainBrainGames, Card Castle, Popcorn Games
- **Categories**: Bluffing, Card Game, Deduction

## Verdict
If you love fast card games that blend bluffing and deduction, this is your jam.Fast playFun bluffingEngaging deductionUnique mechanicsSocial experienceCard limitReading requiredShort durationMedium complexityHIGHLY RECOMMENDED

## Description
Tricks and the Phantom is a quick and clever card game that blends deduction and bluffing in a mystery setting. The board is almost non-existent: you have only ten or eleven cards, which are dealt into small hands of two or three cards for each of the 2 to 4 players. In each round, every participant places a face‑down card, announcing who they think will have the highest card – the "culprit." When the card is revealed, the player must show the corresponding suit, allowing the others to narrow down the possibilities of who might hold the highest card. However, the highest number does not always win: some suits have special effects that alter the card hierarchy. That is why the game requires not just luck, but psychological reading and strategic inference. At the end of each round, the player who played the highest card earns points, as does the one who guessed the winner correctly. The game may feature a “phantom” character who tries to confuse players, adding another layer of strategy. The experience usually lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, making it ideal for quick sessions or for breaking the ice in game nights. Despite its simplicity, the game challenges players to think in multiple possibilities, test bluff tactics, and read opponents’ reactions – all in a light, card‑based environment.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
The game supports 2 to 4 players, ideal for duos or small groups.

### What is the average game duration?
Each round lasts between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the players' pace.

### What are the game components?
A deck of ten or eleven cards, marked with colors and values, and score tokens.

### What is the difficulty level?
Medium: it requires psychological reading and deduction, but the rules are simple.

### Is the game suitable for kids?
Yes, but it is recommended for ages 12 and up due to the need for reading and strategy.

### Are there any rule variations?
Some editions allow a phantom character that adds layers of confusion.

## Price Comparison
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