Clips^*

Clips is a cooperative deduction card game by Emanuele Briano, published by Piatnik, for ages 10 and up and about 20–30 minutes per game. You hold your cards facing the other players – everyone sees them except you – and give each other clues using clothespins. If you enjoy cooperative games built on limited communication, this one is worth a look.

What's it about?

You are makers of high-quality textiles. Freshly dyed fabrics hang on the clothesline to dry, and together you must process every order and deliver the right fabrics to your customers. But a few mistakes are enough to rip the line.

How it plays

1. On your turn, you first play one card from your hand onto one of the delivery piles.
2. Then you may give clues: pick a group of clothespins and clip them onto any number of the other players' cards, splitting them across several hands if needed.
3. To clear a level, you complete all its tasks by delivering the right fabric cards in the right order.

The game ends when the last delivery is complete, when a player can't draw because the deck is empty, or when the numbers in the danger area add up to more than the set limit.

What makes it special?

The clips are your only language. Since you can't see your own cards, you have to work out from the pins attached to them what you are holding and when it is needed. The level structure makes the tasks harder as you progress.

Who is it for?

Groups who like to puzzle things out together and enjoy limited-communication games – for example fans of Hanabi-style deduction looking for a fresh twist on giving clues.