Objective of the Game
"Rage" is a trick-taking game where the goal is to correctly predict the number of tricks you will take in a round. It involves strategic thinking with phases that include playing action cards that can change the game's dynamics.
Game Components
- A special deck of 110 cards
- A scoreboard and writing tools to keep track of scores
Setting Up the Game
- Determine a dealer, who shuffles the whole deck and distributes the necessary number of cards to each player.
- In the first round, each player receives 10 cards, in the second round 9, and so on, until the last round where only one card is dealt.
Round Structure
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Trick Prediction: After receiving their cards, players secretly make a prediction of how many tricks they expect to take that round.
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Determine Trump Suit: The dealer turns over the top card of the remaining deck, which indicates the trump suit for the round.
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Playing Tricks: The player to the left of the dealer plays the first card.
- Other players must follow suit if possible, i.e., play a card of the same suit.
- If they cannot, they may play any other card.
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Trump cards beat all other suits.
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Action Cards: Besides the suit and trump cards, there are action cards (e.g., "Nullify Trump," "Take Two Extra Tricks," "Lose a Trick") that can change the gameplay or influence the round.
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Winning the Trick: The player with the highest card of the leading suit or highest trump card wins the trick and leads the next play.
Scoring
At the end of each round, scoring is as follows: - If the prediction was correct, the player receives 10 points plus the number of tricks won. - If incorrect, they lose points equal to the difference between their prediction and the actual number of tricks won.
Ending the Game
The game ends after the final round (1 card). The player with the highest points wins the game!
Strategy Tips
- Card Counting: Keep track of cards that have been played to better predict what cards are still in play.
- Prediction Realism: Be realistic with your predictions. Too optimistic or too pessimistic predictions can cost points.
- Using Action Cards Wisely: Look for opportunities to use action cards effectively to influence the game to your advantage.
