The Exciting Card Game for Family and Friends

Objective

Be the player to win the most tricks by the end of the game.

Components

• Players: 3 or more

• Deck: Standard 52-card deck

• Boink Tokens: 2 or 3 tokens per player (agreed upon before the game starts)

Setup

1. Shuffle the Deck:

   • Thoroughly shuffle the 52-card deck.

2. Deal the Cards:

   • Deal all the cards evenly among the players.

   • If the number of players doesn't divide evenly into 52, some players may have one card more or less.

3. Distribute Boink Tokens:

   • Give each player 2 or 3 Boink tokens, as agreed upon.

4. Determine the First Leader:

   • Choose a player to lead the first trick (e.g., the player to the dealer's left or draw for high card).

Gameplay Overview

Boink is a trick-taking game where players aim to win tricks by playing the highest card of the suit led or by declaring "Boink!" under special conditions. Each player has a limited number of Boink tokens, adding strategic depth. Use your Boink tokens wisely, but beware—the highest card in the suit led can overtake your "Boink!" and cost you a token!

Game Rules

1. Turn Order

• Play proceeds clockwise.

• Each trick begins with the leader playing a card from their hand face-up on the table.

• Other players follow in turn.

2. Playing Cards and Following Suit

• Following Suit:

  • If you have a card in the suit led, you must follow suit unless you declare "Boink!" and surrender a Boink token.

• Boink Declaration Exception:

  • You may choose to declare "Boink!" by playing a card that matches the rank of the current highest card in the suit led, even if you have cards in the suit led.

3. Declaring "Boink!"

A. Boink on Highest Ranked Suit Card

• When to Declare:

  • On your turn, you may declare "Boink!" by playing a card that matches the rank of the current highest card in the suit led.

  • You must surrender a Boink token to do so.

• How to Declare:

  • Immediately after playing the matching rank card, shout "Boink!".

• Outcome:

  • You become the current winner of the trick unless overtaken by a higher card in the suit led.

B. Overtaking a "Boink!"

• Following Suit with a Higher Card:

  • If you follow suit and play a higher card in the suit led, you automatically overtake any previous "Boink!" declarations.

  • No Boink token is required, and you do not need to declare "Boink!".

• Penalty for the Previous "Boink!":

  • The player whose "Boink!" was overtaken must give one Boink token to the player who overtook them by playing the higher card in the suit led.

C. Boink on Another Boink

• When to Declare:

  • If a previous player has declared "Boink!", you can overtake their "Boink!" by:

    1. Playing a card of the same rank as the most recent "Boink!" but in a different suit, and declaring "Boink!".

    2. If you cannot follow suit, playing a higher-ranked card in the suit led and declaring "Boink!".

  • You must have a Boink token remaining to declare "Boink!".

• How to Declare:

  • Immediately after playing your card, shout "Boink!" and surrender a Boink token.

• Outcome:

  • You overtake the previous "Boink!" and become the new current winner of the trick.

4. Winning a Trick

• Priority of Winning:

  • Highest Card in the Suit Led:

    • The trick is won by the player who played the highest card in the suit led, regardless of any "Boink!" declarations.

  • Boink Declarations:

    • If no higher card in the suit led is played after a "Boink!", the last valid "Boink!" declared wins the trick.

• Penalty Transfer:

  • If a "Boink!" is overtaken by a higher card in the suit led, the player whose "Boink!" was overtaken must give one Boink token to the player who played the higher card.

• Card Rankings (High to Low):

  • Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2

5. Collecting Tricks

• The winner of the trick collects all the cards played in that trick.

• Keep your won tricks in a separate pile for scoring.

6. Leading the Next Trick

• The player who won the previous trick leads the next one by playing any card from their hand.

Ending the Game

• The game continues until all players have played all their cards.

• Once all tricks have been played, players count the number of tricks they have won.

Scoring

• Winning the Game:

  • The player with the most tricks at the end of the game is the winner.

• Tie:

  • If two or more players have the same highest number of tricks, they share the victory.

Example of Play

Trick 1

1. Alice Leads:

   • Plays 5♠.

2. Bob Plays:

   • Plays 9♠ (higher card in the suit led).

   • The current highest card in the suit led is 9♠.

3. Carol Plays:

   • Declares "Boink!" by playing 9♦ (matches the rank of the highest card in the suit led).

   • Surrenders one Boink token.

4. Dave Plays:

   • Has J♠ (higher card in the suit led).

   • Plays J♠, overtaking Carol's "Boink!" without needing to declare "Boink!" or use a token.

   • Carol must give one Boink token to Dave as a penalty.

Result: Dave wins the trick and gains an extra Boink token from Carol.

Trick 2

1. Dave Leads:

   • Plays K♥.

2. Alice Plays:

   • Declares "Boink!" by playing K♣.

   • Surrenders one Boink token.

3. Bob Plays:

   • Has A♥.

   • Plays A♥, overtaking Alice's "Boink!" without declaring "Boink!" or using a token.

   • Alice gives one Boink token to Bob as a penalty.

4. Carol Plays:

   • Follows suit with 7♥.

Result: Bob wins the trick and gains an extra Boink token from Alice.

Strategies and Tips

• Manage Your Boink Tokens:

  • Use your Boink tokens strategically, considering the risk of being overtaken and losing a token.

• Observe Other Players:

  • Keep track of high cards played and remaining in the suit led.

  • Anticipate opponents' potential to overtake your "Boink!" with higher cards.

• Timing Your "Boink!":

  • Use "Boink!" when it's less likely that remaining players can overtake you with higher cards in the suit led.

• Defensive Play:

  • If you suspect an opponent may declare "Boink!", consider leading or playing high cards in the suit to limit their success.

• Token Management:

  • Be cautious with your Boink tokens, as losing them through penalties can leave you at a disadvantage.

Clarifications

Q: Can I overtake a "Boink!" by simply following suit with a higher card?

A: Yes. Playing a higher card in the suit led automatically overtakes any previous "Boink!" declarations without needing to declare "Boink!" or use a token.

Q: What happens to the Boink token if my "Boink!" is overtaken?

A: You must give one Boink token to the player who overtook your "Boink!" by playing a higher card in the suit led.

Q: Can I declare "Boink!" if I have no Boink tokens left?

A: No. You must have at least one Boink token to declare "Boink!".

Q: Do I have to declare "Boink!" verbally?

A: Yes. You must declare "Boink!" immediately after playing your qualifying card and surrender a Boink token. Failure to do so means the "Boink!" does not count.

Enjoy the Game!

Boink combines classic trick-taking gameplay with exciting strategic twists. The ability to declare "Boink!" adds unpredictability, while the risk of being overtaken by higher cards in the suit led keeps players engaged and cautious. Use your Boink tokens wisely, anticipate your opponents' moves, and may the best strategist win!

Happy Playing!