We Need To Talk: A Trick-Taking and Shedding Game About Letting Go

Skeptical Otter Games · Board game · 2024
7.3 Ludopedia 7.4 BGG 3–4 · best 4 30–45 min Weight 2.0/5
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7.3 rating Ludopedia
7.4 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy fast trick‑taking with a bittersweet theme, this one will click, and it fits nicely on your shelf.

Highlights
  • Unique blend of trick‑taking and shedding
  • Simple yet deep hand management
  • Quick and easy to learn
Keep in mind
  • Thematic may not suit everyone
  • Only supports 3‑4 players
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About the game

What you do in a play session

We Need To Talk is a 3‑4 player card game that blends trick‑taking and shedding mechanics into a story about a doomed relationship. Each match is split into two halves: in the first, players compete to win tricks, collecting cards that represent memories and adding them to their hand. In the second half, the goal flips – you must discard those memories as quickly as possible, managing your hand to get rid of cards efficiently. The game uses closed drafting to deal the initial cards, meaning everyone picks without seeing what others take, creating tension in every decision. Hand management is key: you must balance what you keep to win tricks and what you want to shed later. As rounds progress, a ladder‑climbing score track rewards the player who moves their marker highest, adding a light race element. Playtime ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, making it ideal for a casual meetup or a quick game night. The card art depicts moments from a relationship, reinforcing the "letting go" theme. Despite the romantic storyline, the mechanics are straightforward and accessible, with a BGG weight of 2/5, perfect for newcomers to trick‑taking or seasoned players looking for a light, thematic experience. The game comes in a compact box with an 80‑card deck, scoring markers, and a clear, illustrated rulebook. In short, We Need To Talk delivers a short, strategic, and slightly bittersweet card game, perfect for fans of easy‑to‑learn trick‑taking with a narrative twist.

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–4 players
3 OK
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Series: PGC Presents
Publisher Skeptical Otter Games
Designer Brendon Fong

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

166owners
43wishlist
15want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions
How many players can play?
It supports 3 to 4 players.
How long does a game take?
Typically 30–45 minutes, depending on player familiarity.
What is the complexity level?
BGG weight 2/5 – easy to learn with some strategic depth.
What components are included?
An 80‑card deck, scoring markers, a ladder track piece, and an illustrated rulebook.
Do I need prior trick‑taking experience?
No, the rules introduce trick‑taking basics quickly.
Is the relationship theme off‑putting?
Some may find it bittersweet, but the light humor balances it out.
Can I play with fewer than 3 players?
No, the game is designed for a minimum of 3 players.

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