Tunnels & Tricks brings the adventure vibe of Tunnels & Trolls into the card game world, but with a twist of strategy that will delight fans of trick-taking and set-collection. The goal is simple: defeat goblins, trolls, and other monsters while collecting rewards along the way. But don’t assume that playing strong cards alone will win you the game – the trick is knowing when to play the right card. Each round follows the “must follow” rule, so you must pay attention to the suit or color the trick leader played. If you don’t have a matching card, you must play one that suits you, and that can completely change the game dynamics.

The game supports 2 to 6 players, lasts about 30 minutes, and is perfect for those who enjoy quick games with tactical decisions that require focus. The components are simple: a deck of 80 cards, including rated and unrated, plus a few special cards that change the trick flow. The deck comes ready to play, so there’s no need to confiscate and shuffle it before the game – just hand it out to each player.

Tunnels & Tricks works as a hybrid between trick-taking and set-collection: you collect reward cards by winning tricks, but you also need to build sets of cards that increase your attack or defense power. When you complete a set, you earn bonuses that can turn the game in your favor. The combination of mechanics gives the game a dynamic pace: quick tricks followed by moments of collection and planning.

For those already familiar with Tunnels & Trolls, the game brings references to characters and monsters that make the transition natural. If you love fantasy games with an RPG touch and want something that isn’t too complex, Tunnels & Tricks is a solid pick. It demands attention to “must follow,” but doesn’t have the learning curve of heavier board games. In short, it’s a light card game with trick-taking and set-collection mechanics that complement each other, ideal for those looking for a quick yet strategic challenge.