Second thoughts about “Spooks”

For some reason this unassuming game grows on us. What was first perceived as a simple “Uno” variant now has evolved into a fun thinking man’s card game, if, and that is the important “if”, it is played with the FULL rules, meaning “additional abilities for the “Master cards” combined with the scoring rule that has the players play a series of games until one player score 200 negative points.
Suddenly the silly-sounding additional abilities of the Master cards make total sense, as generally avoiding high negative scores at the end of round plays very differently to trying to desperately win the round. It might even be a good strategy to not play for winning but for low scoring in general. Suddenly all sorts of tactical questions arise – should I get rid of the high card quickly to avoid negative score, or should I keep it until I really need it and it saves my butt? Some master cards work wonderful with a certain kind of hand, others should be “wasted” in a goblin round, as they are more dangerous for you when played. Counting the cards played (or not played) by the others works as well – you can learn a lot by watching the play of the others.
The game is still not luck free, but it entertains in the same way that “6 nimmt” can entertain – it is good to have a plan, but not all plans work, which ultimately creates a fun, relaxed game, and a game that we perceived as a very good and satisfying closer to an evening of gaming.
Give the game a second look if you own out – you might be surprised!

Moritz Eggert