The Bottle Imp
- Designer Günter Cornett
- Publisher Bambus Spieleverlag , Lautapelit.fi , Mandoo Games , Mont Tàber , Playagame Edizioni
- Illustration Tom Agnetti , Günter Cornett , Carsten Fuhrmann , Tuuli Hypén , Jere Kasanen , Rok Kim
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In The Bottle Imp, players compete in trick-taking rounds where the bottle’s price dynamically changes with each trick won. Cards below the current bottle price act as trump, and winning a trick means taking ownership of the bottle and lowering its price. The game challenges players to manage timing carefully, as one player will be stuck with the bottle at the end of each hand, which is disadvantageous.
Who Is This Game For?
The Bottle Imp is a medium-weight game for 2 to 4 players aged 10 and up. With a playing time of about 30 minutes, it suits those who enjoy quick but strategic trick-taking games. Some familiarity with trick-taking games helps to grasp the unique mechanics.
How It Works
Players play one card each per trick, following suit if possible. Cards with values lower than the current bottle price act as trump, with the highest such card winning the trick. The winner takes the bottle and adjusts its price to the value of the winning card. This mechanism causes the bottle to pass between players and the trump threshold to decrease over time, adding tactical depth.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Günter Cornett, The Bottle Imp was Fairplay À la carte Runner-up in 1996 and 2004. It uniquely combines trick-taking with Hot Potato and Score-and-Reset mechanics. It is part of the Small Box series from Lautapelit.fi and Mont Tàber, highlighting its compact design and quick play.
Awards
- 2004 Fairplay À la carte Runner-up — Nominated
- 1996 Fairplay À la carte Runner-up — Nominated
Pro
- Unique Hot Potato mechanic with dynamic bottle price
- Short playtime of about 30 minutes
- Suitable for 2 to 4 players
- Awarded Fairplay À la carte Runner-up in 1996 and 2004
Contra
- No solo mode available
- May be challenging for trick-taking beginners
- Limited to 4 players max
Setting & Atmosphäre
Based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s short story, The Bottle Imp uses an abstract card theme reflecting the narrative’s central bottle concept without a detailed historical or geographical setting.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on not holding the bottle at the end of the round and keep track of the current bottle price to use your trump cards effectively.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, The Bottle Imp is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 30 minutes, suitable for short gaming sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic knowledge of trick-taking games is helpful as the game involves tactical play and tracking the bottle price.
How does this compare to similar games?
The dynamic Hot Potato mechanic with a changing bottle price sets The Bottle Imp apart from other trick-taking games.
Is this suitable for families?
Recommended for ages 10 and up, it suits families with some gaming experience due to moderate complexity.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of trick-taking and Hot Potato mechanics, where the bottle price acts as a shifting trump threshold.
Fazit
The Bottle Imp offers an intriguing twist on traditional trick-taking games, recommended for players seeking tactical depth in a short playtime. Ideal for game nights with 2 to 4 players.
