Nyet!

Nyet!

AnimalsCard Game
Players
2-5
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
1997

About the game

Nyet! is a clever trick-taking card game for 2-5 players that starts with a negotiation phase, not a hand of cards. Before a single trick is played, everyone takes turns crossing off options on a shared grid to determine the starting player, trump suit, number of discards, and scoring values. Once the rules of the round are locked in, the starting player picks a partner and teams battle it out in a fast, tactical trick-taking round. Designed by Stefan Dorra, it turns the usual trick-taking formula on its head by making the rules themselves part of the game.

Hobbli's Notes

We love how Nyet! makes you negotiate the very rules you'll be playing under, which adds a layer of push-and-pull strategy you don't see in typical trick-takers. The shifting partnerships keep things fresh from round to round, since your ally this game may be your rival next. It rewards players who can think a step ahead about how the grid choices will play out. A great pick for groups who already enjoy trick-taking games and want something with more table talk.

What we like

  • The rule-setting grid phase adds a unique layer of strategy before tricks even begin.
  • Shifting team partnerships keep every round feeling different.
  • Quick to teach relative to its strategic depth.
  • Rewards clever anticipation of how the round's rules will unfold.

Keep in mind

  • The upfront negotiation phase can slow down the start of each round.
  • Works best at higher player counts; less interesting with only two.
  • New trick-taking players may find the combined negotiation and play a bit much at first.

Who it's for

Best for card game fans aged 10 and up who enjoy trick-taking with a negotiation twist, ideally in groups of 4.

Mechanics

Hand ManagementDraftingTeam-Based GameTrick-taking

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