Theme: Trick Taking, Anger Inducing, Game of Fun!
Company: Amigo
Type: Card
# of Players: 2 - 10
Avg. Game Time: 45 minutes +/-
Rating: 

   Ken Says: One of the best card games to come along,  Rage makes it's reappearance to the gaming scene in grand fashion.  Basically, it's very similar to "Oh, Hell!" with a few added twists.
   Each player is delt a hand of cards (first round 10, decending to 1 card for the final round).  Afterwards, the top card of the deck is turned over.  That suit is the trump suit.  Then, the players bid on how many tricks they think they can take.
   The deck consists of six suits with values ranging from zero to fifteen.  Also, there are five types of special cards.  The +5 and -5 cards will add or subract points to whomever takes the trick.  The Joker can be any suit and value you want.  The Wild Rage card replaces the trump card with another from the deck.  And finally, there is a card that nullifies the trump for the rest of the hand.

Pros: If you like trick taking games, this one is for you.  It's also very easy to teach, so non-gamers and reluctant family members can easily be brought in.

Cons: None beyond what the game is suppose to be.

Tips
For those who need some help taking tricks...the card kind that is;

- Needless to say, making an accurate bid is the most important aspect of "Rage".  A good rule of thumb for those who are not sure is to bid one more than you think you might get.  Oftentimes, a weak lead will take a trick that you're not expecting.

- The grey cards (+5, -5, etc.) can be very valuable when you're round consists of one or two cards.  I.E., guessing the bid is easy.

Addendum: Our group plays a round from ten to one, then back to ten.  This allows those who have fallen behind a better chance to catch up.
 

Ken Says: