Stick 'Em

Stick 'Em

Card Game
Players
3-8
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
4 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
60 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
10+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
1.9 / 5
Year
1993

About the game

Stick 'Em, originally published as Sticheln, is a classic trick-taking card game for three to eight players where each player secretly chooses a color they want to avoid collecting each hand. Cards of that 'pain' color count as negative points if won, while other colors score positively, and the highest card of an off-lead color acts as a trump. Players lead tricks in turn, and whoever plays the strongest qualifying card each round collects it. The game plays out over as many hands as there are players.

Hobbli's Notes

Hobbli's editors regard this as a genuine trick-taking classic, with the choose-your-own-poison mechanic still feeling clever decades after its original release. Its ability to comfortably seat up to eight players is rare among card games this sharp. Deciding which color to avoid each hand is a small but meaningful puzzle every round. A great pick for larger casual card-game groups.

What we like

  • Unique choose-your-poison pain-color mechanic.
  • Supports large groups of up to eight players.
  • Quick-to-learn twist on traditional trick-taking.
  • Decades-proven classic design with lasting appeal.

Keep in mind

  • Negative scoring can feel punishing for new players.
  • Moderate downtime builds up with larger groups.
  • Abstract presentation offers little narrative flavor.

Who it's for

Good for larger groups of three to eight who enjoy classic trick-taking games with a clever twist, casual and hobby gamers alike.

Mechanics

Hand ManagementTake ThatTrick-taking

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