Turn the Tide
- Designer Stefan Dorra
- Publisher 999 Games , AMIGO , Arclight Games , Berliner Spielkarten , Dal Negro
- Illustration Vanessa Gale Ambata , Oliver Freudenreich , Sandra Freudenreich , Franz Vohwinkel
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Turn the Tide, players receive a hand of cards and simultaneously select one to play. The highest card wins the lowest scoring card, which affects their markers. After scoring, hands are passed clockwise, so you play with your neighbor’s cards next round. This score-and-reset mechanic repeats until all hands have been played. The player with the highest score wins.
Who Is This Game For?
Turn the Tide suits gamers looking for a light to medium-weight card game with tactical depth. With a 30-minute playtime, it fits well into short gaming sessions. Suitable for ages 10 and up, it requires some strategic thinking but no advanced experience.
How It Works
Players get 12 cards from a deck of 60 and simultaneously choose one card to play in a sealed bid auction. The highest card wins the lowest value scoring card and flips a marker that affects scoring. Then hands are passed clockwise, meaning each round you play with your neighbor’s previous cards. This cycle continues until all hands are played, blending auction, hand management, and score-and-reset mechanics.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Stefan Dorra, Turn the Tide was recommended for the Spiel des Jahres in 2001. It combines Auction: Sealed Bid, Hand Management, and Player Elimination in a nautical-themed card game set in the North Sea region. Its rotating hands and score-reset system distinguish it from other auction games.
Awards
2007
2002
2001
- 2001 Fairplay À la carte Runner-up — Nominated
- 1997 Fairplay À la carte Runner-up — Nominated
- 1996 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Quick 30-minute playtime for fast sessions
- Unique blend of Auction: Sealed Bid and Hand Management
- Accessible rules, suitable for ages 10+
- Player elimination adds tension
Contra
- Only for 3-5 players, no solo mode
- Player elimination may frustrate some
- Short playtime might feel brief for heavy gamers
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in the North Sea region of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, featuring nautical themes such as lighthouses and lifesavers. It is part of the NSV Middys series with regional ties.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on reading opponents’ cards and strategically managing your hand during auctions.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Turn the Tide is designed for 3 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 30 minutes, making it suitable for short sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
It's a medium-weight game requiring tactical thinking but no advanced experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
Turn the Tide stands out with its score-and-reset mechanic and hands passed between players each round.
Is this suitable for families?
Recommended for ages 10 and up, it fits families with older children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Auction: Sealed Bid, Hand Management, and Score-and-Reset is unique.
Fazit
Turn the Tide is a fast and strategic card game ideal for groups of 3-5 players. Fans of auction and hand management mechanics will find it rewarding.
