Alpine Tricks is a fast-paced, trick-taking card game based on Austria's national card game Schnapsen. While it keeps the tried and tested game rules and mechanics the same, the layout has been redone to ensure smoother gameplay and make the game easier to learn.
Both players try to be the first to reach 66 points to win a hand. Points can be earned by winning tricks or by presenting certain card combinations. Players may also block the draw pile or make strategic use of their cards to impede their opponents' ability to score points.
At the beginning of the game, each player is dealt 5 cards, an additional card is revealed and placed face up under the pile of remaining cards. This suit now has the advantage, cards of this color will now win tricks against any other color. In all other cases, the card with the higher number wins the trick if it matches the suit of the card that started the trick.
Whoever did not deal the cards, starts. They may play a card to start a trick, present a card to use its special function, or block the drawing pile. The latter carries a penalty if the player does not reach 66 points.
If there are cards available to draw, a card is drawn after each trick. If it is not possible to draw new cards, players are obliged to match the trick's first card's color. Only if they can not, they are allowed to win by advantage.
The game's mechanics are easy to learn, but mastering it takes time, because there are many tactical ways to back your opponent into a corner.
—description from the designer
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