Because one thing remains the same: the highest card at the respective spot wins the trick – at least, that’s the rule. There are two exceptions: a card with the value 1 beats an 11 at the same location, and a 2 beats a 10. Of course, this only applies if the corresponding card has also been played into the same trick. There is also a card that can be used to remove an opponent’s card from the location where it was played, so there are several ways to influence the tricks.

But when is a trick scored? Quite simply: as soon as the fourth card has been played to one of the three possible spots. At that moment, the trick is scored immediately. After that, this trick is removed and the next card played to that spot then determines the new suit for the trick.

This mechanism creates a lot of dynamics and an exciting element of timing – do I play another card into a trick right now, or do I focus on another trick, hoping that I can still play a card to the other trick in the next round? It is important to note that a single player can play multiple cards into a trick, and all of those cards count towards the maximum of 4 cards in one spot that triggers the scoring.

Following the suits on the spots is therefore mandatory, but you can also play unsuitable cards into a trick; however, these cards are then played face down and result in negative points when the trick is scored.

To keep track of which player played which card across all these cards in different spots, the cards in each spot are placed facing the same direction as the player currently taking their turn. This makes it possible to trace who played which card during scoring.

Overall, the rules are pleasantly straightforward and can be explained quickly, even if the concept of multiple simultaneous tricks feels unfamiliar at first. After the first few tricks have been scored, however, even less experienced players quickly get to grips with the game.

In terms of gameplay, Quantum Tricks relies heavily on observation and timing. The parallel tricks result in many small tactical decisions and surprising twists. In larger rounds, the game deliberately becomes a little more chaotic, which nevertheless suits its fast-paced and relaxed nature.

By the way: all cards feature original photos from space taken by Nasa, Esa and Jasa; the suits represents planets, solar systems and the like, and each card is a unique one.

To sum up, what we`ve got here is a creative approach to the trick-taking genre: multiple parallel tricks and flexible scoring times ensure dynamism and variety. Together with the easily accessible 15th Stamp, Kickstarter currently offers two interesting trick-taking games that are easy to learn and will certainly open up the eyes for the one or other player to the growing number of trick-taking games.

Here you can find the current Kickstarter campaign (ending on 20th of May)