Ghosts of Christmas
- Players
- 3-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 40 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 8+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.3 / 5
- Year
- 2019
About the game
Ghosts of Christmas reimagines trick-taking with a festive twist: players bid on how many tricks they'll win, then play cards to three simultaneous time periods, past, present, and future, in any order they choose. The trick's leader isn't fixed in advance, so cunning players can manipulate who ends up leading each round to set themselves up for success. Over four rounds of three tricks each, players collect wreaths and points for accurately predicting their trick count. It's a clever puzzle for trick-taking fans who enjoy a bit of misdirection, wrapped in a wintry ghost-story theme.
Hobbli's Notes
The three-space trick mechanic is a genuinely inventive twist on trick-taking, rewarding players who can read the table and manipulate the lead. It's a lesser-known title, so we'd recommend it mainly to trick-taking enthusiasts already comfortable with the genre's quirks rather than as a first trick-taker. A nice seasonal pick for holiday game nights.
What we like
- Clever twist where trick order and leadership are dynamic.
- Thematic tie-in to a classic winter ghost story.
- Quick 40-minute playtime suits regular game nights.
- Bidding mechanic adds a bluffing layer to trick-taking.
Keep in mind
- Three simultaneous tricks may confuse newcomers at first.
- Niche release limits component and copy availability.
- Fixed 3-4 player range limits group flexibility.
Who it's for
Best for trick-taking fans ages 12 and up playing in groups of 3-4, especially around the holidays.
