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Stick 'Em

Stick 'Em

3-8
Players
60
Minutes
10+
Age
1993
Published

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What to Expect

In Stick 'Em, 3 to 8 players aim to collect points by winning most cards of all but one color, which they try to avoid. Each player picks a 'pain color' at the start of the hand, whose cards cause negative points. Players play cards in turns, with the highest card of a trump color (any color other than the lead) winning the trick. Points are tallied over multiple hands to determine the winner.

Who Is This Game For?

Stick 'Em suits players aged 10 and up who enjoy tactical card games with moderate complexity and player interaction. With about 60 minutes playtime, it fits well into a game night. Some familiarity with trick-taking games helps for a smooth experience.

How It Works

At the start of each hand, players simultaneously choose a card to set their pain color. Players then take turns playing cards. The highest card of a non-led color wins the trick. Cards of the pain color score negative points, others score positive. Hand Management and Take That mechanics create strategic and interactive gameplay.

Hand Management Take That Trick-taking

What Makes It Special

Designed by Klaus Palesch and winner of the 1993 Fairplay À la carte Award, Stick 'Em features a unique trump rule where non-led colors act as trumps. It belongs to the NSV Middys series and offers an innovative twist on classic trick-taking games.

Awards

  • 1993 Fairplay À la carte — Winner

Pro

  • Unique pain color mechanic adding negative points
  • Combination of Trick-taking, Hand Management, and Take That
  • Supports 3 to 8 players
  • Fairplay À la carte Award winner 1993

Contra

  • No solo mode available
  • 60-minute duration might feel long for casual players
  • Requires some experience with trick-taking games

Setting & Atmosphäre

Stick 'Em has an abstract card game theme focused on color collection and avoidance, without a specific narrative setting.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus on choosing your pain color wisely and manage your hand to avoid negative points while winning beneficial cards.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

No, Stick 'Em is designed for 3 to 8 players and has no solo variant.

How long does a game really take?

A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for game night sessions.

What prior experience do I need?

Some familiarity with trick-taking games is helpful due to moderate complexity.

How does this compare to similar games?

Stick 'Em stands out with its unique trump rule where non-led colors act as trumps and the pain color negative scoring.

Is this suitable for families?

With a minimum age of 10 and moderate complexity, it's better suited for families with older children or experienced players.

What mechanic makes it special?

The blend of Trick-taking, Hand Management, and Take That mechanics is what makes Stick 'Em special.

Fazit

Stick 'Em is recommended for groups seeking a trick-taking game with unique mechanics and strategic depth. Best played with 3 or more players who enjoy interactive card games.