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Ladder-climbing games have been around for ages, offering simple yet satisfying mechanics that challenge players to outwit their opponents. But what if we threw a Viking twist into the mix? Enter Odin, a fast-paced card game that takes the classic ladder-climbing formula and spices it up with some unexpected tricks. Think of it as a Viking feast where you’re battling to play your cards right—without getting stuck with leftovers! Let’s dive into how this compact but surprisingly strategic game works.
👥 2-6 players, ages 7+
⌛ Playing time: 15 minutes
📝 Designers: Yohan Goh, Hope S. Hwang & Gary Kim
🎨 Artwork: Crocotame
🏢 Publisher: Helvetiq (review copy provided)
Gameplay Overview
In Odin, each round kicks off with everyone getting dealt nine cards. Your goal? Be the first to play all of yours and leave your opponents scrambling with a hand full of cards. Points are bad in this game, and at the end of each round, the other players score points equal to the number of cards left in their hand. The game continues until someone hits a predetermined score—often 15—but you can adjust that number to keep the game shorter or stretch it out.
Now that you know how to win, let’s talk strategy! The first player starts by playing a single card, and each subsequent player has to up the ante. They can do this by either playing the same number of cards or one more than what’s already on the table. Here’s the twist: if you’re laying down multiple cards, they all have to be the same color or value. Line them up from highest to lowest, toss them in the center, then—here’s where some tactics come into play—take one of the center cards back to your hand and discard the rest.
Eventually, someone won’t be able to raise the stakes and will have to pass. Once all players pass, the cards are cleared, and the next player starts again with a fresh single card. This continues until one player has no cards left, ending the round. If no one has reached the target score, shuffle up for the next round. Otherwise, the game wraps up, and the player with the fewest points walks away victorious—hopefully heading to Valhalla with pride!
Our Thoughts
Like most card games, you have to make the best of what you’re dealt, but Odin gives you a bit more control. By carefully selecting which card to take back from the center, you can set yourself up for some pretty satisfying plays. If you’re playing with two, you can even spice things up by removing two colors for a more intense, quicker game.
In our experience, Odin is the perfect way to wrap up a game night. It’s quick, fun, and flexible—you can control the game length by tweaking the point threshold. Plus, its compact size makes it a great game to throw in your bag for some on-the-go action. The rules are easy to learn, but there’s enough depth to keep you coming back for more. When you’re in the mood for something strategic or just want a fast-paced filler game, Odin is a solid pick for groups up to six players.
📝 We received a copy of the game from the publisher, Helvetiq.
