My most played mechanics of 2025: why trick-taking and climbing stole the show

In 2025, my journey through the world of tabletop gaming was defined by a deep dive into two specific mechanics: trick-taking and climbing. Looking back at the hundreds of hands played, these genres provided the most tension, strategy, and pure excitement at my table. There is an undeniable elegance in how these games use a simple deck of cards to create complex social dynamics and tactical puzzles, making them my most-played styles of the year.



My fascination with trick-taking reached new heights through titles that pushed the boundaries of the traditional formula. Sáng Dèn stood out for its incredible atmosphere and the way it forced me to rethink how I managed my hand, while Salty provided a sharper, more competitive edge that kept my gaming group coming back for "just one more round." Perhaps the most experimental highlight was Match-fixer’s High, a game that brilliantly subverted the goal of winning tricks, turning every lead into a psychological battle of manipulation and calculated risks. These games proved that even within a centuries-old mechanic, there is still so much room for innovation.

On the other side of the coin, climbing and shedding games offered a completely different kind of rush. The feeling of jumping over an opponent's play with a stronger combination is unmatched, and Odin was undoubtedly the king of this experience for me in 2025. Its clever system of incorporating played cards back into your hand transformed the math of the game into a fluid, evolving strategy. I also found myself captivated by the high-stakes combinations in Haggis (excellent for two players, by the way), which remains a masterclass in card play, and the chaotic, inventive energy of Inchiki Daifugo. Whether I was trying to master a lead in a trick-taking game or aiming to be the first to empty my hand in a climbing match, these titles defined my year in gaming and solidified these mechanics as my absolute favorites.

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