Pandasaurus GamesAurum Card Game - Competitive Trick-Taking Strategy Game for Kids and Adults, Ages 7+, 3-4 Players, 30-45 Minute Playtime, Made

Beautiful cards but a learning curve

Ok, this isn't a game you just pick up and learn as you go. You need to read the rules thoroughly.If you don't have time to read the whole review, then here is my summary:- Huge recommendation if you like strategy- Cards are high quality- Color blind people might struggle (symbols are far less prominent than colors)Ok, onto the in-depth details. I won't rehash all the rules, but what you need to know is this:- Highest card wins tricks, which are worth points- Lowest card wins Gold, which is worth points (but has limited quantities)- Ties go to the most recently played cardThose 3 basic premises really change the strategy of the game!Most trick-taking games, you either are going to win the trick, or you are going to sluff off unwanted cards, but in this game, there are NO unwanted cards, which is a real mind job, but also allows for some cool strategy.So, for example, if I lead with a 10 (the highest card) I'm not sure to take it, because anyone else can play a 10, and a tie will go in their favor. So if the next person plays a 3 (to try to secure some gold), then the remaining players will either need to play a 3 or lower, to get gold, or a 10 or trump to win the trick.As the gold runs out (usually 1s and 2s), then the "lowest card" isn't as valuable, except to block someone from taking a higher gold (the higher golds are worth more points).Lemme highlight just 1 more weird scenario, to highlight how good the strategy is in this game.Let's say there are 4 players, and I play last this turn. The first 3 all wanted the trick, so they all play 9s. Now I could play a low card, and get some gold, BUT since the high golds are worth more, then I really want to play a 7 or 8 and get the most valuable gold. *SO* the 3 people who went first are not only risking losing the trick and wasting a high card, but they are also risking leaving the door open for someone to score a valuable gold.This means that numbers up and down the spectrum are ALL valuable. There is no "sluffing" because you just can't know what will be super valuable to score you some points!Lastly, instead of leading a suit that everyone has to follow, this game is inverted. No one can play any color that has already been played that round. So while you can still block things a bit (especially if you somehow know someone like a certain color), you can only block it by playing that color. So the leader has far less control in that arena than most trick-taking games. This again makes for some highly unique strategies that I have not seen in other trick-taking games.I'm a huge fan! This game is one of our favorites now, and it works great for our family of 4, because then we can play partners, so each team gets 1 adult and 1 kid.

This is a really high quality game that is really fun to play and it involves a lot of brain power -it won't be good for a quick game among friends for a light evening - but it would be perfect for down time on a cruise or vacation where you actually have the time to put into playing a good game!The cards are really high quality and the pieces are well made. I like the compact box and presentation.

There was definitely a learning curve when I started learning this game, but it goes a lot faster if you look at product reviews or youtube "how to play" videos! The main reason I was getting confused was because the art looked so beautiful and detailed, I started equating that to the game's play mechanics and I made it a lot harder than it actually was. The cards are a little taller and a little thinner in the sides than normal "conventional" playing cards, but they're made of sturdy cardstock and they are SO SO beautiful. The game play is nicely paced and very fun, and it's definitely something you can have a conversation going on while playing. Highly recommend trying out this game, it looks so cool and it's fun to play!

This is basically spades but with different suites and some light rule changes. So, with that in mind, our group didn't have any issues learning the game. We've all played different trick taking games before so I'd say we are vaguely experienced when it comes to the genre. We played with 3 but are looking forward to try the team aspect of the 4 player rules.Suite colors could be difficult for people who have issues differentiating colors. The cards also have symbols on them but they're a bit more muddled compared to the colors. I would say that this game is not for young children (under 10) unless your child can play spades with no issues.

This is a good trick taking game. It's really well designed and good quality cards. But...it's really a gamer's game. If you can't find 3-4 hardcore gamers to play with, I don't think you'll play it much. The rules are just a bit too complex for this to be a casual family or friends kind of game. Which is a shame for such a nice game. Like I said, it's really well designed, but it takes too much brain power.

I have played other trick-taking games like Hearts, Beast, The Crew, and Wizard. Beast and Wizard, in particular, share the mechanic of bidding for the number of tricks you think you will win. Aurum takes that formula and adds some exciting twists.With four players, the game is played in two teams. Even if you cannot win the team's bid, you can assist your teammate and sabotage the other team. Moreover, losing a trick will give you the coveted gold cards. Gold cards trump other suits or, if not played, give you points at the end of the round. It is possible to win a game with gold card points even if you do not win your bid. Teams can also change their bids halfway through a round, allowing you to adapt as the game progresses.There is more strategic depth and less puzzliness here than in other trick-taking games. It is a difference that I like. It comes in a compact box with linen-finished cards and other components. Not all is perfect, however. The instructions could use some polishing, and we had to house-rule a few things that were not clear. We decided that the team's bid applies to each team member individually instead of summing tricks collectively won.We did not try the three-player variant, but this worked well for my family as a four-player game. My seven-year-old grasped it, and my wife and I appreciated the strategic depth. This one will make repeat appearances on our table.