Tricky Twist
Price range: €11.57 through €14.17
To win, you have to lose. In Tricky Twist, losing tricks is often more important than winning them. If you manage to retrieve the card you played, it comes back to you face-up as a “false trick.” To maximize your victory points, you must not only balance the number of tricks and false tricks you have but also optimize the cards you’ve turned into false tricks so that, for example, all your false tricks form a perfect sequence of values. Simply diabolical…
- Designer: Taylor Reiner
- Artist: Marie Ooms
Download Rules
Tricky Twist is the new version of the game Short Zoot Suit, which was originally reviewed by Dice Tower.
Tricky Twist is a modern trick-taking card game that turns classic expectations upside down. Designed for 3 to 4 players, it challenges you to rethink every card you play, because sometimes the smartest move is to lose on purpose.
Each round follows familiar trick-taking rules, but with a twist: if you fail to follow suit, you reclaim your card as a face-up “false trick.” These false tricks are not a penalty—in fact, they are the heart of the game. Victory comes from carefully balancing regular tricks and false tricks, while shaping the values, suits, and sequences that score best for the current round.
Dynamic scoring cards change priorities from round to round, forcing players to constantly adapt. One round may reward long number sequences, while another favors suit diversity or odd and even values. Bonus cards, earned by collecting special cards during play, add subtle powers that let you bend the rules at just the right moment.
The result is a fast, interactive game filled with clever timing, hand management, and psychological play. Every decision matters, and even a single card can dramatically shift your scoring potential.
Key features:
- Innovative twist on classic trick-taking
- False tricks that turn losses into opportunities
- Variable scoring objectives each round
- 3–4 players
- Around 25 minutes per game
- Accessible rules with strategic depth
- High replayability through changing bonuses and scoring cards
Tricky Twist is perfect for players who enjoy card games with a sharp edge—whether you’re a fan of traditional trick-taking or looking for something fresh and surprising.
Lose wisely, twist the rules, and outsmart your opponents round after round.
Additional information
| Weight | 0.13 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.3 × 6.3 × 4 cm |
| Designer(s) |
Taylor Reiner |
| Artist(s) |
Marie Ooms |
| Number of players |
3—4 |
| Suggested age to play |
10 |
| Language |
DE, EN (US ONLY), EN+FR+NL |
| Duration (minutes) |
25 |
| Mechanism(s) |
Competitive, Tricks |
| Collection |
Hobbyist |
| Production location |
China |
