Black Spy
- Designer Alan R. Moon
- Publisher ABACUSSPIELE , Ali Baba e.V. , The Avalon Hill Game Co , Hexagames (I) , Z-Man Games
- Illustration Philippe Guérin , Charles Kibler , Doris Matthäus , Chris Quilliams
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Black Spy, you play a film noir-themed variant of Hearts where you aim to collect the best spies while avoiding black spies that work against you. Players take turns playing cards following classic trick-taking rules, with the highest card in the led suit winning the trick. Black cards score points, with black spies worth significant penalty points. The game ends when a player reaches 200 points, and the player with the lowest score wins.
Who Is This Game For?
Black Spy is designed for 3 to 6 players aged 14 and up. It is a medium-complexity game lasting about 45 minutes. Prior experience with trick-taking games is helpful but not mandatory, making it suitable for enthusiasts who enjoy strategic card play with a twist.
How It Works
The game uses Closed Drafting and Trick-taking mechanics. Each round, players must follow suit or rank if possible when playing cards. The highest card in the led suit wins the trick and leads the next. Points come mainly from black cards, with black spies carrying heavy penalties. The game ends once a player reaches 200 or more points.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Alan R. Moon, Black Spy offers a unique spin on the classic Hearts game by combining Closed Drafting and Trick-taking with a film noir spy theme. It is part of the Deluxe card game series by Z-Man/Filosofia and ties into traditional trick-taking card games like Hearts.
Pro
- Combination of Closed Drafting and classic Trick-taking
- Film noir spy theme
- Playable with 3 to 6 players
- Moderate 45-minute playtime
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Requires some experience with trick-taking games
- Recommended for ages 14 and up
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a film noir world of spies and secret agents, Black Spy reimagines the classic Hearts game with a focus on espionage and betrayal.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Understand basic trick-taking rules and watch which cards have been played to improve your strategy.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Black Spy is designed for 3 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 45 minutes, depending on player experience.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic knowledge of trick-taking games helps, as Black Spy follows classic trick-taking rules.
How does this compare to similar games?
Black Spy blends classic Hearts gameplay with Closed Drafting and a film noir spy theme.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 14 and moderate complexity, it is better suited for teens and adults.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Closed Drafting and Trick-taking mechanics provides tactical variety.
Fazit
Black Spy is a solid choice for players looking for a fresh take on trick-taking games with moderate complexity. It works well for groups of 3 to 6 but lacks a solo mode.
