Dog Tag Trick

About this board game

Dog Tag Trick is a trick-taking game for 3–5 players that takes about 30 minutes, inviting players to have their dogs compete in events at a dog show.

Each round begins with a deal of dog cards: 11 cards per player in a three-player game, 9 cards in a four-player game, or 7 cards in a five-player game. A lead player is determined, then play proceeds with each player taking a turn to play up to two cards.

The lead player’s choice shapes the competition. If the lead player plays two cards, later players must follow suit and play two cards of the same combination type to compete in the main event. A player can still enter the sub event by playing one card.

• In the main event, first place earns 3 points and second place earns 1 point.
• In the sub event, first place earns 1 point.
• The winner of each trick becomes the lead player for the next trick.

Tricks continue until one player has used all the cards in their hand, completing one round. The final trick of the round gives the main-event winner a special reward of 5 points instead of the usual 3, while first place in the sub event still earns 1 point.

The game lasts for a number of rounds equal to the number of players. After the final round, everyone totals their points, and the player with the highest score wins. With its changing lead, two-card combinations, and separate main and sub events, Dog Tag Trick turns every trick into another chance for a dog to perform at the show.