The Bottle Imp*

The Bottle Imp is a unique trick-taking card game inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson's short story. The game blends traditional trick-taking mechanics with a novel twist on how trump cards are determined, creating a dynamic and strategic experience. Played over several hands aiming for a set point total, usually 200 points, the game involves cards numbered 1-37 in three colors, representing different ranges of numerical value. The game's objective is to score the most points, but with the catch that the player left holding the "bottle" scores negative points for that hand.

Gameplay Overview

• Trick-Taking Core: Players follow suit and attempt to win tricks with high cards or trump cards.
• Dynamic Trump Mechanism: Cards lower than the current "price of the bottle" act as trump cards, with the potential to change the bottle's price and ownership throughout the game.
• Bottle Ownership: Winning a trick with a trump card transfers the bottle to the victor, altering the game's strategy as the bottle's price decreases.

Special Features

• Innovative Trump System: The unique trump mechanism, based on the "price of the bottle," introduces strategic depth and shifting dynamics.
• Scoring Nuance: Players score positive points for won tricks, except for the player with the bottle, who scores negative points for the cards played to the bottle at the hand's start.
• Thematic Components: The 2003 edition includes the complete Stevenson story and a wooden bottle piece, enhancing the game's thematic appeal.

Conclusion

The Bottle Imp offers a fresh twist on the trick-taking genre, challenging players to navigate its unique mechanics and strategic possibilities. The game's blend of traditional gameplay with the innovative bottle mechanic ensures a tense and engaging experience, where the pursuit of points must be balanced against the risk of being left holding the bottle.