Devil Take the Hindmost

About this board game

Devil Take the Hindmost is a card-driven racing game for 3–6 players that takes about 30 minutes to play. Cars compete around a 30-space track, with the numbers 1 through 10 appearing three times in sequence.

The track’s repeating numbers are central to the action. Cards have different powers depending on the number currently occupied by your car. A card might move you 8 spaces when you are sitting on an 8, but provide only 3 spaces otherwise, making your position an important part of every decision.

Cards move rapidly in and out of your hand as players race, discard, and work through a series of short contests. Card management can make the difference between a useful burst of speed and a disappointing move, especially when the right number on the track creates a stronger card effect.

• A 30-space track numbered 1–10 three times
• Cards whose powers depend on your car’s current space
• A series of quick races rather than one standalone contest
• Elimination of the last-place car after each race

At the end of each race, the car that finishes last is removed from the game. The next race begins with one fewer starter, continuing until only two cars remain for the final race and the ultimate victory. With the full complement of three cars each for four players or two cars each for six, the series lasts 11 races.

Originally released as Devil takes the Hindmost, the same mechanics were presented as a cycling-racing game. In its car-racing form, Devil Take the Hindmost combines quick races, changing card value, and escalating elimination into a compact competition.