Thirteen The Card Game

Thirteen The Card Game is a game of bluffing, deduction and collecting pairs for 2–8 players, ages 7+, with games lasting around 10–20 minutes. Players collect cards that add to thirteen, using opponents’ requests and the cards already played to work out what everyone is holding. One deck supports 2–4 players; add a second for 5–8.

On your turn, ask another player for a card that pairs with one in your hand. If they have it, they must hand it over, and you lay down the pair and keep asking. Once per turn, however, you may lie by asking for a card whose partner you do not hold. This lets you fish for information, disguise your hand or take a card you know someone else is holding.

Ordinary pairs score one point, each 13 scores one point on its own, and the two 6½ cards together score three. As pairs leave play, the remaining cards become easier to track, but every unsuccessful request leaves a question: was it an honest attempt to complete a pair, or a lie?

Emptying your hand is not the aim. Pair away your last cards on your own turn and you knock yourself out; have your last card taken and you get a chance to lie your way back in. The highest score wins, not the last player standing, so even someone already out can still win the game.

—description from the designer