Zero to Hero

Wallace Designs · Board game · 2024
3–5 · best 4 30–45 min Weight 1.8/5
7.1 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Buy
7.1 rating Ludopedia
6.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS

If you enjoy card games with crazy twists and a dash of deduction, Zero to Hero might become your new obsession! It's the kind of game that makes you go 'how did I win/lose that?!'

Highlights
  • Unexpected scoring twists
  • Creative trick-taking mechanic
  • Easy to learn
  • Quick and fun games
Keep in mind
  • Can be chaotic
  • Luck-dependent
  • Little strategic depth
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a card game that flips the score upside down! In Zero to Hero, you and your friends (3 to 5 players) will face off in a trick-taking duel where winning isn't always the best deal. The twist here is that you can both gain and lose points for winning a trick, and believe it or not, coming in second can also earn you points (or cost you!).

The gameplay is a show in itself: the trick winner isn't determined by the highest card played, but rather by who has the highest card in the strongest suit, which is decided by summing the values of each played suit. Sounds complicated? Don't worry, there's more! Sometimes, a low-value card, like a 2, can secure the win if you're the only one to play that suit. It's a game that demands attention to detail and a good dose of bluffing and deduction to anticipate your opponents' moves.

And the cherry on top? If you're on a losing streak and finish a round with zero points, a spectacular turnaround in the next round, where you score five or more points, can lead to an instant victory. It's the true 'zero to hero' moment! With quick games lasting 30 to 45 minutes and a light complexity (1.8/5), Zero to Hero is perfect for those who enjoy a card game with unexpected twists, testing your adaptability and table reading skills. It's a great choice to liven up any game night with a touch of unpredictability and strategy.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–5 players
3 REC
4 BEST
5 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Crowdfunding: Gamefound
Publisher Wallace Designs
Designer Martin Wallace
Artist Leith Walton

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players can participate in Zero to Hero?
The game is for 3 to 5 players, so gather your friends!
How long does a game typically last?
Games are quite fast, usually lasting between 30 and 45 minutes.
Is Zero to Hero a difficult game to learn?
No, the complexity is considered light (1.8/5), ideal for those who want something fun without complications.
What is the main objective of the game?
The goal is to accumulate points, but in a surprising way, as winning tricks doesn't always guarantee positive points, and there's a special win condition for players starting with zero.
Do I need to know English to play?
There is no language dependency; the rules and components are universal.
Is this game more about luck or strategy?
It's a mix of both! There's strategy in card selection and deduction, but luck and unexpected twists also play a role.

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