Renfield

What to Expect

In Renfield, players engage in a unique trick-taking game played over six rounds. Each card has four traits, including rank, suit, bugs, and dollar cost. Players bid to set the suit hierarchy, then play cards following suit. Winning tricks requires paying the pot based on dollar values, and players try to have the fewest bugs after all rounds. The game continues until all players decide to quit.

Who Is This Game For?

Designed for 4 to 7 players aged 10 and up, Renfield is a medium-complexity game lasting about 60 minutes. It suits players familiar with bluffing and trick-taking, offering a social experience for groups rather than solo play.

How It Works

Each hand deals six cards to players, each with rank, suit, bugs, and dollar cost. Players bid to determine the order of suits, with the highest bidder paying into the pot and setting the hierarchy. Then, players play cards following suit rules. The winner of each trick pays the pot according to the dollar value on the cards won. Players can fold if they've won at least one trick with bugs but then forfeit the chance to win the hand.

What Makes It Special

Designed by James Ernest, Renfield uniquely blends betting and bluffing with trick-taking. It has no fixed end and resembles poker in its betting structure. Available as Print & Play, it stands out due to its multi-trait cards and open-ended gameplay.

Setting & Atmosphäre

The game has a horror theme but mainly focuses on gameplay mechanics without a detailed narrative setting. The atmosphere is shaped by the bug-collecting and betting elements.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus on setting the suit order strategically and manage your bug count to avoid penalties.

Häufige Fragen

Fazit

Renfield suits groups looking for an unconventional trick-taking game with bluff elements, requiring at least four players. It demands tactical thinking and offers varied rounds without a fixed endpoint.