Preference
- Designer (Uncredited)
- Publisher Counter Clockwise , Piatnik
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Preference, players use a 32-card deck and bid to become the declarer who must win at least six tricks. The declarer picks up two cards from the talon and discards two before play. Opponents try to prevent the declarer from fulfilling their contract. Bids can include trump suits or special game types without trump. Kontra and Rekontra rules allow doubling stakes multiple times. The game requires strategic bidding, bluffing, and trick-playing with heavy player interaction.
Who Is This Game For?
Preference suits experienced card players who enjoy complex bidding and trick-taking games. It is a medium to heavy strategy game with a typical playtime of about 120 minutes. It is not designed for casual or family play and requires 3 to 4 players. No solo mode is included.
How It Works
The core mechanics are Auction / Bidding, Trick-taking, and Set Collection. Players bid on trump suits or special contracts; the highest bidder becomes declarer, picks up cards from the talon, discards, and tries to meet their bid by winning tricks. Opponents cooperate to block the declarer. Kontra mechanics allow doubling the stakes multiple times. The game continues until players’ points reach a predefined target.
What Makes It Special
Preference is a historic card game from 1802, with no credited designer, evolving from Austrian Préférence. The game’s complex bidding system, multiple regional variants, and the ability to repeatedly raise stakes via Kontra make it stand out in traditional card games.
Pro
- Complex bidding and trick-taking with strategic depth
- Historic game dating back to 1802
- Multiple regional variants (Croatian, Austrian, Russian)
- Interactive Kontra mechanic for doubling stakes
Contra
- No solo mode; requires 3 to 4 players
- Relatively long playtime around 120 minutes
- High complexity, not suitable for casual players
Setting & Atmosphäre
Preference uses a traditional 32-card deck common in Central and Eastern Europe. The game reflects a long-established card-playing tradition rather than a fictional theme.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Familiarize yourself with basic trick-taking and bidding games first, and play with experienced players to understand Preference’s complex rules.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Preference is designed for 3 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 120 minutes, depending on players and variant.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with trick-taking and bidding games helps due to Preference’s complexity.
How does this compare to similar games?
Preference is a complex variant of Austrian Préférence featuring detailed bidding and Kontra rules.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and length, Preference is less suited for family or casual play.
What mechanic makes it special?
Its combination of Auction / Bidding, Trick-taking, and Kontra doubling makes Preference unique.
Fazit
Recommended for players seeking a deep, strategic bidding and trick-taking experience with 3 to 4 players. Not suited for families or casual play due to complexity and length.
