What is a trick-taking game? At first glance, it seems simple: players take turns playing cards in rounds, aiming to win tricks by having the highest card. Traditionally, the challenge is that the cards you are dealt can heavily influence your success, making luck a dominant factor. For someone new to this genre, the mechanics can feel confusing and even frustrating. I didn’t grow up playing trick-taking games, so understanding the flow of leading suits, following cards, and counting points was a steep learning curve.
The unpredictability of luck in these games often caused anxiety. There’s nothing more discouraging than being dealt a weak hand and watching as others accumulate points while you struggle to stay in the game. Over time, many designers introduced complex rules to mitigate this issue, but these additions often made the game feel bloated and less accessible to casual players. This was the starting point for me: I wanted to create a trick-taking game that reduced frustration and gave players more control over their outcomes.
The Core Idea of Tricky Kids
This frustration led to the central concept behind Tricky Kids. Instead of leaving theirr success to chance, players could write their numbers on their cards. By doing this, you alone were responsible for your hand, removing the randomness that often made traditional trick-taking games stressful. This simple twist would allow players to strategize, take risks, and experiment without the fear of being stuck with a poor hand.
However, as a non-trick-taker, I knew I needed guidance from someone experienced in the genre. Collaborating with a seasoned co-designer was crucial to making sure the game was balanced and engaging for players familiar with traditional mechanics.
Inspiration Strikes in Malaysia
The idea for Tricky Kids came to me while walking through the Penang Botanic Gardens in Malaysia. The long-tailed macaques roaming freely in the park were both charming and mischievous, a perfect metaphor for the playful chaos I wanted in the game. At the time, I was visiting family and taking a much-needed mental health reset after a challenging winter alone. Being in a new environment immediately sparked creativity and provided the clarity I needed to focus on game design.
Coincidentally, Eric Lang was also visiting the area, allowing me to discuss my design ambitions and what kind of games I wanted to create. The combination of travel, nature, and conversations with fellow designers fueled my excitement. I quickly reached out to potential collaborators, including Scott Brady, though he was busy with another project at the time. Eventually, I connected with Steven Ungaro, who had deep experience with trick-taking games and shared my design sensibilities.
Collaboration with Steven Ungaro
Steven and I first met in 2019 through a Chicago-based game design group. This community was incredibly welcoming to new designers, and I attended nearly every meetup. Over time, Steven became a trusted playtesting partner and co-designer. He brought a development-focused mindset that balanced my creative bursts, helping refine ideas without overcomplicating the game.
When I returned from Malaysia, I shared the Tricky Kids concept with Steven. Our discussions quickly evolved into brainstorming sessions where we imagined kids inventing games on the playground. The game would feature three suits—originally pet rock, yo-yo, and candy—with seven cards per hand and 21 points to distribute across those cards. This setup encouraged strategic thinking while keeping gameplay simple and approachable.
Prototyping and Early Playtests
Despite a packed schedule with back-to-back conventions, I was determined to create a prototype. I improvised by sleeving cards so they could be written on with dry-erase markers and created point tokens from spreadsheets, taped to make them reusable. Even while traveling, including a 6:00 a.m. flight, I stayed up late perfecting the prototype. Some of my most productive design work happens when I’m trapped on a plane, isolated from distractions.
The first playtest happened at SaltCON with my friend Ryan Bruns and his local group. The game was played repeatedly, with each session revealing ways to improve mechanics and balance. By the end of the convention, Tricky Kids had been played around fifty times by groups of 2-6 players, and the rules had become well-established.
Gameplay Mechanics
Tricky Kids is played in three rounds, with each round consisting of seven tricks. Players lead tricks by playing cards they have numbers written, following the suit if possible. The highest number in the leading suit wins the trick, and the winner selects which point value on a token to claim. Points range from 0-5, allowing for strategic deception and risk-taking. Players could intentionally lead others into low-value points, adding layers of strategy beyond simply playing the highest card.
Through playtesting, we discovered important accessibility adjustments, such as accommodating left-handed players. We added writable spaces on both the upper right and upper left corners of the cards, ensuring everyone could comfortably interact with the game.
Expanding and Refining the Prototype
After early conventions like SaltCON, the game continued to evolve. We incorporated feedback from additional playtesting sessions at Unpub, PAX East, and The Gathering. Each session highlighted different ways players approached strategy, demonstrating how flexible and engaging the game could be.
An important insight was that repeated play with the same group revealed patterns and strategies that made gameplay predictable. To address this, we created “Tricky Rule” cards, introducing variability and enhancing replayability. Steven also suggested spinning the marker after writing cards to determine who leads the first trick, preventing players from manipulating the order to dominate the game.
Connecting with Publishers
Through continued playtesting, Tricky Kids began attracting attention from publishers. The first offer came during Unpub, where Nathan McNair, co-owner of Pandasaurus Games, enjoyed the game so much that he extended an offer through a friend. For Steven and me, Pandasaurus was an ideal partner, given their reputation for high-quality artwork and materials, as well as professional development and marketing support.
Signing with Pandasaurus allowed us to refine the game further while preparing for a wider release. Minor adjustments were made, such as handling ties, point token restrictions, and starting hands. These tweaks ensured that the game maintained strategic depth while staying accessible to new players.
Lessons Learned
The journey of designing Tricky Kids taught me several key lessons. First, collaboration with experienced designers can transform a concept into a polished, balanced game. Second, accessibility and adaptability are crucial—small design choices, like card placement for left-handed players, make a big difference in user experience. Finally, playtesting in diverse settings revealed how players interpret rules differently, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and replayability in game design.
Creating Tricky Kids was as much about personal growth as game development. The project combined travel, inspiration from nature, strategic thinking, and collaboration to create a game that is playful, accessible, and challenging in equal measure. By allowing players to write their numbers, we shifted the focus from luck to strategy, giving players a sense of control and creativity that many trick-taking games lack.
Refining the Core Mechanic
After the initial excitement of the idea in Malaysia, it was clear that the central concept of Tricky Kids—a trick-taking game where players write their numbers—needed careful refinement. The goal was to create a system where luck had minimal influence, giving players full control over their strategies. Unlike traditional trick-taking games, where a poor hand could ruin the round, Tricky Kids empowered players to decide their fate, making each round both strategic and personal. This approach meant focusing heavily on balance: how many points each player could allocate across their hand, how suits would interact, and how the number of choices could create tension during play.
Steven Ungaro’s experience with the genre was invaluable at this stage. He helped shape the rules to ensure that while players had freedom, there were still meaningful decisions to make. One challenge we faced was avoiding overcomplication. Many trick-taking games include numerous rules to counteract luck, but we wanted Tricky Kids to remain accessible to younger audiences and casual players. The dry-erase card concept was perfect because it allowed for immediate adjustments, experimentation, and iteration during playtests, which was crucial for refining the balance.
Early Prototypes and Playtesting
The prototype stage began as soon as I returned from Malaysia. Using simple sleeved cards and dry-erase markers, we could experiment with point allocations, suit interactions, and round progression. The prototypes were rough, but they quickly revealed the strengths and weaknesses of the game. Each playtest highlighted different strategies and approaches players took when deciding how to allocate points. Watching players struggle or succeed based on their own choices reinforced the importance of giving agency to the player rather than relying on random hands.
At SaltCON, I was able to observe the game being played in a more public environment. Players were immediately engaged by the idea of writing their numbers, and the feedback we received was critical for improvement. We noticed, for instance, that some players hoarded high numbers for certain suits, while others spread points evenly. These observations led to adjustments in the scoring and the number of cards dealt per round.
Accessibility was another consideration that emerged during early testing. Left-handed players needed space to comfortably write their numbers without awkward hand positioning. This insight led to design changes in the card layout, ensuring that everyone could participate without physical constraints interfering with gameplay. Every small adjustment like this helped the game feel more polished and user-friendly.
Expanding the Game’s Theme
While the core mechanic was solid, we also wanted Tricky Kids to have a fun and relatable theme. The idea of kids making things up on the playground naturally lent itself to the three suits concept—pet rock, yo-yo, and candy. These whimsical choices resonated with the sense of creativity and freedom that the game encourages. Unlike traditional trick-taking games that often use generic suits like hearts or spades, our theme reinforced the playful nature of the game while still supporting strategic depth.
Point tokens also became a key component in reinforcing the theme. Players could visually track their progress, which made the competition feel more tangible. The range of 0 to 5 points per token introduced subtle strategic choices, where players could intentionally lead others into low-point tricks or aim to capture high-value tokens. This interplay created layers of decision-making without overcomplicating the rules.
Incorporating Co-Designer Insights
Working closely with Steven Ungaro allowed us to incorporate his deep understanding of trick-taking games into a beginner-friendly format. He encouraged streamlining certain aspects, removing unnecessary mechanics, and focusing on the tension of player decision-making. We debated every rule, card layout, and scoring element to ensure clarity and engagement. For instance, the idea that identical numbers would cancel each other out emerged from observing playtests where certain strategies felt too dominant. This simple rule introduced a new level of mind games, keeping players guessing and adding replayability.
We also explored additional twists to keep the game fresh, such as Tricky Rule cards. These cards added variability to each session, allowing groups to customize the gameplay experience and create new challenges. The spin-the-marker mechanic to determine the first lead trick was another development-driven solution to prevent strategic exploitation. Each innovation was rooted in playtesting and feedback, ensuring that every element had a purpose and contributed to the overall experience.
From Prototype to Publisher Interest
After refining the prototype through numerous playtests, the next step was sharing the game with a wider audience. Conventions such as GAMA Expo, Unpub, PAX East, and The Gathering provided opportunities to see how players reacted to Tricky Kids outside our immediate circle. These events were crucial in testing accessibility, engagement, and replayability. Watching strangers pick up the game, quickly understand the rules, and enjoy themselves validated the design choices we had made.
The exposure also attracted publisher attention. At Unpub, a key moment occurred when Nathan McNair, co-owner of Pandasaurus Games, experienced the game firsthand. His enthusiasm for Tricky Kids highlighted its potential in the broader market and eventually led to an offer. This milestone was a testament not only to the game’s design but also to the rigorous iterative process that had refined it from an idea in Malaysia into a playable, engaging product.
The Role of Playtesting in Game Evolution
Playtesting remained the backbone of Tricky Kids’ development. Every session revealed insights about player behavior, strategy, and enjoyment. We observed how groups adapted their approaches over time, which highlighted the need for variability in gameplay. The introduction of Tricky Rule cards and adjustments to scoring and card allocation directly resulted from these observations. The game became a dynamic puzzle, where players needed to anticipate others’ choices and adapt their strategies in real-time.
Another critical insight from playtesting was the importance of clarity in rules. Early versions had ambiguities that caused confusion, so we refined explanations, added visual cues, and simplified language. The goal was to make the game intuitive while preserving strategic depth. Each change enhanced the flow of the game and minimized frustration, which was especially important for players unfamiliar with trick-taking mechanics.
Preparing for Market Release
With a polished prototype, successful convention demos, and publisher interest, the focus shifted to preparing Tricky Kids for market release. Graphic design, artwork, and production quality became priorities. Cards needed to be visually appealing and durable while maintaining the dry-erase functionality. Tokens and other components were redesigned for clarity and usability. Every visual element had to support the playful, strategic nature of the game.
Marketing strategies were also considered early on. The theme of children inventing their own rules on the playground, combined with the unique twist of writing your numbers, made for compelling storytelling. Demos at conventions and social media promotion were planned to emphasize the game’s creativity, accessibility, and strategic depth. The goal was to attract both casual players and enthusiasts who appreciate clever twists on classic trick-taking mechanics.
Lessons Learned in Game Design
Designing Tricky Kids taught valuable lessons about creativity, iteration, and collaboration. First, a strong core mechanic is essential, but it must be tested, refined, and balanced repeatedly. Second, co-designers with complementary skills can enhance the final product, ensuring both depth and accessibility. Third, player feedback through playtesting is invaluable and should guide every design decision. Lastly, a unique theme that resonates with players can make a game memorable and enjoyable while supporting strategic gameplay.
Through this process, I discovered the importance of blending personal inspiration with collaborative expertise. The trip to Malaysia provided the initial spark, but working with experienced designers and observing real players transformed the idea into a fully realized game. Tricky Kids became a product of both creativity and meticulous design, demonstrating how iterative development, careful testing, and strategic innovation can produce a game that is both fun and fair.
The Psychological Appeal of Player-Controlled Numbers
One of the most compelling aspects of Tricky Kids is the psychological element of controlling your numbers. In traditional trick-taking games, players often experience frustration when dealt weak hands. By allowing players to write their numbers, the game reduces reliance on luck and increases personal responsibility. This mechanism encourages thoughtful decision-making, risk assessment, and anticipation of opponents’ strategies. Each round becomes a mini psychological battle, where understanding other players’ behavior is as important as managing your cards.
This approach also fosters creativity and experimentation. Players can test different point distributions, explore unconventional strategies, and adapt based on the outcomes of previous rounds. The flexibility inherent in the design keeps the gameplay fresh, even after multiple sessions. Tricky Kids effectively combines the intellectual engagement of traditional trick-taking games with the playful freedom of a sandbox-style mechanic.
Accessibility and Inclusivity Considerations
Ensuring Tricky Kids was accessible to a wide audience was a priority throughout development. Card layout adjustments for left-handed players, clear visual cues, and simple scoring mechanics all contributed to a more inclusive experience. The dry-erase component also allows for easy corrections and experimentation, lowering the barrier for new players to participate confidently.
By addressing these factors early in the design process, the game is approachable for children, casual gamers, and experienced players alike. Accessibility does not mean simplifying strategy; instead, it ensures that all players can engage fully with the game without unnecessary obstacles. This balance between challenge and inclusivity is a hallmark of thoughtful game design.
The journey from a simple idea in the Penang Botanic Gardens to a playable, publishable game was driven by creativity, collaboration, and rigorous testing. Tricky Kids demonstrates how innovative twists on traditional mechanics can create fresh, engaging experiences. The combination of writing your numbers, strategic decision-making, and playful themes makes the game unique in the trick-taking genre. Each round is a blend of skill, psychology, and adaptability, offering players an experience where their choices truly matter.
Tricky Kids’ development illustrates that the path to a successful game is iterative and collaborative. Inspiration alone is not enough; it requires detailed refinement, attentive playtesting, and thoughtful integration of feedback. The result is a game that is not only fun and fair but also accessible, inclusive, and deeply engaging. Players can enjoy
Understanding Strategy in Board Games
When exploring modern board games, strategy often becomes the defining element that separates casual play from deeply engaging experiences. Players are drawn to games that challenge their decision-making skills, forcing them to plan several steps. Strategic gameplay requires a balance of foresight, adaptability, and resource management. Unlike games based purely on luck, these games reward players for understanding underlying mechanics and anticipating opponents’ moves. This level of planning can range from managing limited resources efficiently to positioning characters on a game board in a way that maximizes advantages while minimizing risks. The appeal of strategy lies in its complexity and the satisfaction derived from executing a well-thought-out plan successfully.
In many strategic board games, the initial stages are crucial for setting up long-term advantages. Players must carefully evaluate their options, weighing potential risks against rewards. Early decisions often influence how the game develops, and mistakes can compound as the play progresses. For example, allocating resources inefficiently at the beginning may leave a player vulnerable later, while strong initial moves can create momentum that is difficult for opponents to counter. This creates a dynamic environment where careful planning and adaptability go hand in hand. The challenge is not only in making optimal moves but also in predicting how other players might respond, which adds layers of complexity to the experience.
Player Interaction and Social Dynamics
One of the most fascinating aspects of modern board games is the interaction between players. Unlike solitary games or those dominated by chance, interactive board games emphasize negotiation, collaboration, and competition. Players must communicate, form temporary alliances, and sometimes bluff to gain advantages. This social dimension enhances engagement and provides an experience that goes beyond mechanics alone. Negotiation, for instance, can be a game in itself, requiring emotional intelligence and timing. Players who understand when to cooperate and when to compete often gain a strategic edge.
Social dynamics in board games also create opportunities for conflict and cooperation simultaneously. Some games encourage confrontation, where players compete for limited resources or control of territories. Others emphasize teamwork, where collective goals can benefit all participants if executed effectively. Primarily competitive games often include elements of temporary collaboration, forcing players to form alliances or make deals. This interplay of social dynamics not only affects the outcome of the game but also enriches the overall experience, making each session unique.
Resource Management and Tactical Planning
Resource management is a core component in many strategy-focused board games. Players must allocate limited assets such as currency, materials, or units to achieve objectives. Effective management requires careful planning, foresight, and sometimes risk-taking. Poor resource allocation can result in missed opportunities, while optimal decisions can lead to exponential growth and strategic dominance. Resource management is not only about acquisition but also about timing, ensuring that resources are used efficiently at critical moments in the game.
Tactical planning complements resource management by focusing on immediate actions rather than long-term strategy. While strategy sets the overarching goals, tactics deal with how to execute them turn by turn. Players must constantly adapt to changing circumstances, such as opponents’ moves or unexpected events within the game. This combination of strategic foresight and tactical flexibility creates a dynamic and challenging environment, keeping players engaged and invested in their decisions.
Balancing Luck and Skill
While strategy is essential, many board games incorporate elements of luck to maintain excitement and unpredictability. Dice rolls, card draws, or random events can influence outcomes and introduce uncertainty. The key is balancing luck and skill so that games remain competitive without being entirely deterministic. A well-designed game allows skillful players to leverage their abilities while still leaving room for surprises that can shift the balance unexpectedly.
Luck also serves to level the playing field for new players. Beginners can benefit from fortunate events that allow them to stay competitive against experienced opponents. This balance ensures that games are accessible while still rewarding mastery over time. Experienced players learn to mitigate the impact of luck through careful planning, risk assessment, and adaptability, turning uncertainty into another layer of strategic depth.
Theme and Immersion
Thematic elements play a crucial role in enhancing player engagement. A compelling theme can transform abstract mechanics into an immersive experience, making players feel like they are part of the narrative. Themes can range from historical settings to fantasy worlds, science fiction, or modern-day scenarios. The theme often dictates the game’s visual design, storytelling elements, and even strategic considerations. When integrated effectively, theme and mechanics create a cohesive experience that resonates with players on multiple levels.
Immersion is further enhanced through game components such as detailed boards, miniatures, or cards with rich artwork. These physical elements not only add aesthetic appeal but also provide tactile feedback, reinforcing the narrative and strategic elements of the game. When players feel connected to the world of the game, their investment in decision-making and long-term planning increases, resulting in more engaging and memorable experiences.
Replayability and Game Design
Replayability is a critical factor in evaluating the long-term appeal of a board game. Games that offer multiple strategies, variable setups, or different paths to victory tend to maintain player interest over time. High replayability ensures that each session feels fresh, with new challenges and opportunities emerging as players explore different approaches. Designers often incorporate modular boards, randomized elements, or asymmetric roles to enhance replay value, providing a unique experience every time the game is played.
The quality of game design is reflected in the balance between complexity and accessibility. Games that are too simple may lack depth, while overly complex games can overwhelm new players. Successful designs strike a balance, offering layers of strategy that can be gradually mastered without alienating beginners. Clear rules, intuitive mechanics, and thoughtful pacing are essential to create a satisfying experience that encourages repeated play.
Cognitive Benefits of Strategic Games
Playing strategy-oriented board games offers cognitive benefits beyond entertainment. These games enhance critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and memory. Players develop the ability to analyze complex situations, anticipate consequences, and make informed decisions under pressure. Strategic games also improve patience and perseverance, as long-term planning and careful execution are often required to achieve success.
Furthermore, interactive games promote social intelligence, teaching players to read opponents, negotiate effectively, and manage conflicts. They provide a safe environment to experiment with decision-making, risk assessment, and collaboration. Regular engagement with such games can strengthen mental agility and improve overall cognitive flexibility, making them valuable tools for personal development as well as entertainment.
Evolution of Strategy Games
The landscape of strategic board games has evolved significantly over the years. Early designs focused on abstract mechanics or simple victory conditions, but modern games integrate narrative, diverse mechanics, and complex interactions. Innovations in game design have expanded possibilities, offering richer experiences that cater to a wide range of preferences and skill levels. Cooperative mechanics, asymmetric roles, and legacy systems are examples of how contemporary games challenge traditional expectations and provide deeper engagement.
Technology has also influenced strategy games, with digital adaptations and hybrid formats allowing players to access global communities, track complex game states, and explore new mechanics. These advancements have broadened the appeal of strategy games, connecting traditional enthusiasts with new audiences and providing tools for more sophisticated gameplay experiences.
Conclusion
Strategic gameplay, player interaction, and thoughtful resource management define the appeal of modern board games. The blend of skill, luck, and social dynamics creates a captivating experience that challenges the mind and fosters meaningful engagement. Immersive themes, replayability, and well-designed mechanics further enhance the experience, making these games both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. By understanding and appreciating the intricacies of strategy, players can fully enjoy the depth and richness that modern board games offer, creating memorable experiences that extend beyond the game table.
This part explored the core aspects of strategic gameplay, from planning and resource management to player interaction and cognitive benefits. The following part will focus on advanced game mechanics, innovative design trends, and how these elements continue to shape the future of board gaming.