Seven Merry Monsters

About this board game

Seven Merry Monsters is a 2024 card game for 3–6 players, with a playing time of about 40 minutes. In each trick, the numerical value of a card determines its strength, while the colors of the cards become important later.

Players compete to play the highest card in the trick. The player who does so wins all the cards played and adds them to their display. However, if a second player plays another card with the same highest number, that player immediately decides which of the two tied players receives the trick.

The tie rule creates another opportunity for cards to reach displays. After a second player matches the highest number, any player who has not yet played a card in the trick may place a card from their hand directly into their own display.

• Trick play: The highest numerical value wins the cards in the trick.
• Ties: A second player matching the highest number chooses who takes the trick.
• Displays: Won cards, and certain cards placed from hand, go into personal displays.
• Scoring: At the end, only the colors of cards in each display count.

When the game ends, players score the cards in their displays. Collecting as many different monsters as possible is beneficial, while collecting as few monsters of the same type or color as possible is also important.

That contrast makes Seven Merry Monsters a game of changing priorities: card numbers matter while tricks are being played, but color variety determines the value of what you have collected.