- rank: 3,518
- rating: 6.7
- published: 1998
- designer: Uwe Rosenberg
Print Status
- out of print but relatively easy to find
Why It's On The List
- This three-handed trick-taking game resets trump on each and every trick - and yet the unique scoring system (with bargain piles and junk piles) is surprisingly easy to understand. It's just difficult to play well!
Tips & Tricks:
- There is a memory element to the game - but you can refresh your memory between hands.
- The game will play with four players - but three is the number you really want.
- Don't be ashamed of a low score - it took me 2-3 games to get a positive score.
Extras
- This game just ended up on Chris Wray's 20 Favorite Trick-Taking Games list for 2024 over on the Opinionated Gamers site. "If I could pick one game that is undervalued by those newer to the trick-taking obsession, it is Bargain Hunter. The game is a masterpiece!"
You call this a three-player game, and it is certainly best with three. However, it also works well with four players.
ReplyDeleteTwo things:
ReplyDelete1) While I agree that Schnäppchen Jagd is better than Flaschenteufel, it's not by a huge amount - of all the games which are my second favorite for some player count, Flaschenteufel is closest to #1 for me.
2) If you don't like the memory element, you can allow players to look through their junk pile _after_ they lead to the next trick. This doesn't slow down the game by much at all, and may improve the experience for those who are bothered by memory elements.
And Dave, while I agree that SJ is fine with four, I'd rather play Bridge or Die Steven Seagal - or Flaschenteufel, for that matter - when there are four players.