Blink
- Designer Reinhard Staupe
- Publisher Adlung-Spiele , Out of the Box Publishing , Cactus Game Design , Educa Korea , FoxMind
- Illustration Oliver Freudenreich , John Kovalic , Ariel Laden , Jürgen Martens
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Blink, two to three players race simultaneously to empty their hand and draw pile by matching cards based on color, shape, or number. There are no turns; players place cards as quickly as possible on one of two discard piles. The game demands quick reflexes and concentration, lasting about 10 minutes per round. A special three-player variant uses discard piles in front of each player.
Who Is This Game For?
Blink is a family game with simple rules ideal for children aged 7 and up. It suits players who enjoy fast, casual card games without complex strategy. No prior experience is needed, and the short playtime makes it great for quick sessions.
How It Works
Blink uses mechanics such as Hand Management, Pattern Recognition, and Speed Matching. Players simultaneously play cards matching either color, shape, or number on discard piles. After placing a card, they draw up to a hand size of three cards. If no one can play, all players draw cards onto the discard piles to resume play. The first to empty hand and deck wins.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Reinhard Staupe, Blink was recommended for Spiel des Jahres 1996 and placed second at the Fairplay À la carte award. It is known as one of the fastest card games with a real-time, no-turn mechanic. It belongs to the shedding card game family and stands out for its simplicity and speed.
Awards
1997
1996
- 1996 Fairplay À la carte Runner-up — Nominated
Pro
- Very short playtime around 10 minutes
- Encourages fast reflexes and concentration
- Simple rules accessible to children aged 7 and up
- Supports 2-3 players with a special three-player variant
Contra
- Very short game length might be too brief for some
- No solo mode available
- Limited strategic depth with focus on speed
Setting & Atmosphäre
Blink is an abstract card game focused on speed and reaction without a thematic setting. It fits in the action/dexterity and card game categories.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on recognizing patterns quickly and stay calm while observing discard piles carefully.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Blink is designed for 2 to 3 players and does not support solo play.
How long does a game really take?
A game of Blink lasts about 10 minutes, making it very quick to play.
What prior experience do I need?
Blink has simple rules and is suitable for players with no prior experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
Blink stands out with its real-time, turnless play and fast-paced speed matching mechanic.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, Blink is well suited for families and children aged 7 and older due to its simple rules and short duration.
What mechanic makes it special?
Speed Matching and Pattern Recognition in real-time are the core mechanics of Blink.
Fazit
Blink is recommended for players looking for a quick, easy-to-learn card game emphasizing speed. It may not appeal to those seeking deeper strategic gameplay.
