Scrimish

About this board game

Scrimish is a fast-moving card game for 2–4 players, built around strategy, memory, and misdirection. Each battle is described as lasting about 10 minutes, and the game can expand to large team or free-for-all games.

Each player creates five face-down piles containing five cards each. The Crown Card must be hidden at the bottom of one pile, while the remaining cards can be arranged in any order. Your setup matters: a poor arrangement can quickly give your opponent the advantage.

Players take turns attacking by selecting the top card from one of their piles and placing it face up in front of one of their opponent’s piles. The defending player reveals the top card of that pile, then the cards are compared.

• The card with the lower number is discarded.
• The winning card returns face down to the top of the pile it came from.
• If both cards have the same number, both are discarded.

Each card type adds a distinct tactical consideration. Archer Cards always win when attacking but always lose when attacked. Shield Cards cannot attack; when attacked, both the Shield and the attacking card are discarded. You may attack with your Crown Card, but attacking your opponent’s Crown wins the game, while attacking any other card with your Crown causes you to lose.

Play continues as players try to identify vulnerable piles, protect their own hidden Crown, and mislead their opponent about its location. In Scrimish, every game can unfold differently, encouraging repeated plays and new arrangements.